Science and research news from Australia. Covers Indigenous language teaching, menopause information, conservation, and open-access agreements.
A University of Melbourne-led team has reached a broad agreement on the ages of Lake Mungo remains, painting a new picture of human and climatic history in Australia. The research boosts the age of Mungo Lady's cremation by 10,000 years, placing both at 40,000 years old.
Researchers studying the common Australian gecko Christinus marmoratus have found a protein growth factor that contributes to its ability to quickly regenerate its tail after losing it. This discovery is encouraging for treating human lymphoedema, but more research is needed.
Geologist Dr Nick Hoffman claims that recent gully development on Mars was caused by frozen carbon dioxide, contradicting the majority scientific opinion that it was carved by liquid water. This raises concerns about the possibility of life existing on Mars.
A recent study published in Psychosomatic Medicine found that depression is more deadly for men over 70 than women, despite occurring less frequently. Depression was associated with increased mortality rates in men after accounting for other factors, while chronic and remitted depression had no significant impact on mortality rates.
Scientists have identified a new mammal species in Australia, the short-eared possum, which is morphologically and genetically distinct from the mountain brushtail possum. The discovery highlights the importance of conservation efforts for these two species, which require old-growth forests to survive.
The US Navy is funding a diverse range of international science programs to address key security challenges. These programs focus on developing advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, underwater swimmer detectors, and blast-resistant structures to support anti-terrorism and force protection efforts.
A recent study found that Australians now spend significantly more on unproven therapies compared to prescribed pharmaceuticals, with a notable increase in the use of alternative treatments and consultations. This trend is concerning, as many alternative medicines have not been rigorously tested or proven safe.
A study of Vietnamese refugees in Australia found that most are not at risk of long-term mental illness, but those exposed to high levels of trauma have a higher risk. The research highlights the need for specialized services for this high-risk group.
A study has identified genetic markers that can help guide clinical trials for anti-Alzheimer drugs, potentially leading to the development of a more manageable pool of individuals at high risk. These markers may allow researchers to winnow down the general population and focus on those with relatively higher risk for Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers discover four distinct hemoglobin types in newborn Tammar wallabies, which persist for several days after birth. These embryonic-type hemoglobins have low oxygen affinity and do not function as tetrameric molecules.
A study published in Molecular Psychiatry found a genetic link between the NET protein, which regulates norepinephrine levels, and an increased risk of restrictive anorexia nervosa. The discovery could lead to new treatments for this devastating illness, which has the highest death rate among psychiatric disorders.
Researchers David Merritt and Ron Ekers developed a mathematical model suggesting that supermassive black holes merge when their host galaxies collide. The model demonstrates the realignment of larger black holes, resulting in sudden changes in jet direction, which can be observed as X-shaped patterns in galaxy images.
The Darwin Site, established in 2002, is the fifth ARM site and first with an international partner. It features state-of-the-art instruments to measure cloud properties and atmospheric conditions, contributing to more accurate climate models. The research aims to improve predictions of global warming and climate change.
A study by Dr. Eileen Trauth found that women in IT face unique challenges depending on their cultural background, family support, and personal experiences. The researcher suggests that respecting individual differences and providing tailored encouragement can help women resist social shaping and succeed in the field.
Scientists tested the founder effect model in a natural population of Silvereye birds, finding that speciation occurs gradually, not suddenly. The study challenges long-held assumptions about genetic diversity in island bird populations.
Researchers have discovered that Australian poison frogs produce their own toxin-rich alkaloids, rather than obtaining them from food sources. This groundbreaking finding challenges the long-held assumption that vertebrates obtain these complex chemicals solely through diet.
Researchers found that snakes relying on ambush foraging are more likely to be threatened due to habitat destruction and prey scarcity. The study identified six species not listed as threatened but with similar ecological traits, highlighting the need for closer management.
The use of biased conservation lists is exacerbating the rate of species extinctions, according to Associate Professor Mark Burgman. The lists focus on large, spectacular species, neglecting lesser-studied groups that are more vulnerable to extinction.
A population-based study in Western Australia suggests that folate and iron supplementation during pregnancy may reduce the risk of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia by up to 60%. The protective effect was found to vary little with time of first use or duration of supplementation.
Arjun Heimsath, a Dartmouth College researcher, measures dynamic land movement by calculating erosion rates in different parts of the world. Using cosmic isotopes extracted from rock and sediment samples, he determines how long material has been there and how fast it's eroding or breaking down.
A new study by Cardillo and Bromham found that medium-sized mammals were not at greater risk of extinction, contrary to the widely accepted theory. Instead, small mammal species are the least vulnerable to extinction due to high population densities and reproductive rates.
A koala scoliosis study reveals that the condition takes different forms in marsupials compared to humans. The research, conducted by Emily Milbourne, aims to describe the normal anatomy of koalas and investigate the causes of scoliotic animals.
US children perform worse in math and science compared to those from single-parent households in countries with strong family policies. Financial and support benefits compensate for economic and time constraints. The US lags behind other industrialized countries in providing aid to poor and single-parent households.
CSIRO scientists have discovered a long line of viruses emerging from the Hendra virus family, including 15 new paramyxoviruses in animal hosts worldwide. The Australian Animal Health Laboratory holds a collection of all major newly discovered paramyxoviruses.
Dr Vute Sirivivatnanon has won the Mohan Malhotra Award for his work in turning industrial waste into a useful component of concrete. His research resulted in the development of High Slag cement concrete, High Volume Fly Ash concrete and Silica Fume concrete being used in high-profile construction projects.
A team of astronomers has confirmed a key aspect of Einstein's general theory of relativity by measuring the precise orbit of a pulsar. The study used sophisticated instruments to record over 50,000 Gigabytes of data and demonstrated the predicted delay in radio pulses traveling through curved space-time.
Researchers developed a predictive model using MRI scans to estimate stroke recovery likelihood based on NIHSS score, time to scan, and ischaemic brain tissue volume. The model was validated in an independent dataset, identifying low, medium, and high recovery levels.
Global e-commerce growth is expected to significantly impact the transport industry, leading to a 50-100% increase in intercity freight trips and air travel by 2005. This shift is driven by increasing customer expectations for 'right now' deliveries and the need for more flexible, fragmented, and on-demand transport services.
A University of Michigan study finds that ancient human fossils from Australia and Europe show distinctive characteristics to an older African population, contradicting the 'Eve theory'. The research suggests that multiple groups of humans survived and thrived globally, rather than a single ancestral group replacing others.
A new study of emu eggshells reveals that the arrival of grazing mammals and rabbits in Australia led to a significant reduction in plant biomass, with grasslands disappearing around 300 years ago. The research suggests that Australian ecosystems are fragile and may take a long time to recover even if exotic animals were removed.
Researchers at Monash University developed a noninvasive technique to predict the usable lifetime of rubber products using nuclear magnetic resonance. An Australian research team also created high-tech methods to detect insecticides and fungicides in wine and grapes, potentially leading to improved wine quality.
The Arid Zone Recovery Project successfully re-introduced Greater Bilbies to a 14 square kilometre exclosure, with estimates suggesting around 20 bilbies now living in the site. The project also reintroduced other species, such as Burrowing Bettongs and birds like the Bush Thick-knee and Plains Wanderer.
Researchers propose a multi-million dollar observing system to identify climate signals in the Indian Ocean, potentially predicting regional rainfall months in advance. The network could help sustain crop development and influence winter rainfall across southern Australia.
The hospital won a national award for its innovative communication techniques, including posters, email, website, and media publicity. The Young Investigator Award program stressed the importance of communicating research to the public, recognizing the achievements of younger researchers.
An Australian-led team has captured the first picture of the sky in which the Milky Way no longer blocks our view of the Universe beyond. The new survey, HIPASS, used CSIRO's Parkes radio telescope to detect large numbers of small and faint galaxies, as well as giant clouds of gas that give off no light.
The Cangaroo II telescope detects gamma rays emitted by black holes and their surrounding electric and magnetic fields. Researchers aim to study the enormous effect of black holes on galaxy energy and evolution.
A team of Australian National University scientists has developed a type of semiconductor laser with world-leading performance, which can speed up information transport through optical fibers and improve real-time communication. The technology has attracted international commercial interest, including a Taiwanese company investing $50 ...
Prof Hugh Possingham, a renowned population ecologist, has been awarded the inaugural Fenner Medal for his groundbreaking work in applied and pure theoretical ecology. His research has significantly impacted environmental conservation efforts in Australia and globally.
A recent study by Nigel Rawson found that the time taken to approve new drugs in Canada is significantly longer than in countries like Sweden and Australia. The median drug approval time in Canada was 518 days, compared to 371 days in Sweden.
Scientists studying amphibian decline are exploring the role of pathogens like iridovirus and chytrid fungus in causing mass extinctions. The project, funded by a $3 million grant, aims to develop an integrative approach combining expertise from various fields.
A new dating method, uranium-helium thermochronology, has shed light on the mystery of missing copper ore at the giant Chuquicamata mine in Chile. The study suggests that part of the rich deposit may have been displaced millions of years ago by tectonic movement along a fault.
Researchers analyzed fossilized eggshell samples to determine the impact of human activity on Australian ecology. They found that environmental factors other than climate have significantly influenced the continent over the past 65,000 years.
Researchers analyzed fossilized emu eggshells to create a continuous vegetation record from the Australian interior extending back 65,000 years. The evidence suggests human activity led to dramatic changes in vegetation and rainfall patterns, supporting the burning hypothesis.
An international team led by the University of Colorado at Boulder is studying the South Asian summer monsoon, a region that affects 65% of the world's population. The six-week expedition aims to understand the basic physics behind these variations and predict them, enabling drought or flood warnings for affected regions.
An Australian-led team of astronomers has discovered a significant number of stray stars, potentially altering our understanding of the universe's composition. These findings suggest that there may be as many stars living in intergalactic space as those within galaxy clusters.
Researchers used eggshells from an enormous flightless bird to determine the timing and cause of Australia's megafaunal extinction event. The study suggests human activities, such as burning, disrupted ecological balance, leading to the demise of over 85% of large animals.
A recent study suggests that early human activity in Australia may have contributed to the extinction of most large animal species. The research team used dating techniques to determine that an ostrich-sized bird called Genyornis newtoni went extinct around 50,000 years ago.
A CSIRO Australia study using a world-first technique found aluminium from alum-treated drinking water is not bioavailable and contributes less than 1% to the body burden. The results confirm the safety of using alum for treating drinking water, contradicting earlier conflicting evidence.
A study of 1235 adults found that obesity was associated with reduced breathing capacity, but only when fat mass was present. Handgrip strength and muscular fitness were also linked to improved lung function, suggesting a mediating role in the relationship between body composition and respiratory function.
Human factors researchers from Georgia Tech's Electronics Systems Laboratory are helping Kaman and Litton develop a new flight system for the Royal Australian Navy's SH-2 Seasprite helicopters. The team is focusing on creating an intuitive interface that enables two-person crews to fly the aircraft safely and efficiently.
A new fungal disease has been identified as a potential cause of mass frog deaths in Australia and Panama, with similar declines observed in pristine rainforests. The fungus is thought to disrupt frogs' skin mechanisms, leading to fatal infections.
A University of Colorado researcher proposes that ancient Aboriginals' systematic burning of vegetation may have altered the Australian monsoon, leading to the continent's arid interior desertification. The study suggests that human activity had a significant impact on the climate and ecosystems.
Researchers have successfully cloned a key gene responsible for pea stem growth, which codes for an enzyme that converts gibberellic acid into the compound promoting stem elongation. This discovery sheds light on why some plants are tall and others short, illustrating fundamental principles of genetics.
Scientists from the National Science Foundation and IRIS have ruled out cult activities and nuclear detonations as causes of a 1993 Australian seismic event. They now believe that an iron meteorite of about two meters in diameter could have created the tremors, but no crater has been found.
Researchers analyzed seismic data to determine cause of 1993 event in Australian outback. An iron meteorite over 3 meters in diameter is suggested as possible cause.
A new study suggests that dramatic temperature drops associated with glaciations at the poles and in the Northern Hemisphere reached around the globe. The research team analyzed fossil eggshells of large birds, finding a significant temperature shift in Australia's sub-tropical interior.