Science and research news from Australia. Covers Indigenous language teaching, menopause information, conservation, and open-access agreements.
A survey of 1,590 Australian IVF patients found that 82% have used fertility add-ons despite limited evidence supporting their effectiveness. The most commonly used add-ons were acupuncture and preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy, with significant costs associated with these treatments.
A study by the University of South Australia suggests that public resistance to inheritance and estate taxes has declined in Australia. Researchers found that two-thirds of young adults and senior Australians are in favor of taxing estates worth more than $3m, which could help address social inequalities and increase government revenue.
A newly detected alien aphid, Aphis lugentis, poses a significant threat to Kangaroo Island's threatened plant species, including the scented groundsel. The discovery highlights concerns over invasive species' spread across Australia, with potential economic losses estimated at A$13.6 billion.
A world-first AI study will map genetic and physical risks of ovarian cancer based on UK Biobank data. The project aims to identify biomarkers for early detection and improve survival rates.
Scientists have detected black holes eating neutron stars for the first time, shedding light on the Universe's most extreme objects. The Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) and Virgo observatories captured the event, providing valuable insights into space and time.
A study of extinct Australian rodents reveals that European colonization drastically impacted native species diversity. Genetic data shows that reduced genetic diversity did not guarantee protection from extinction in the face of rapid population decline.
Researchers have successfully resurrected the extinct Gould's mouse, a significant finding given the high rate of native rodent extinction in Australia. The study revealed that the species' genetic diversity did not guarantee its survival, underscoring the rapid decline of populations in the face of invasive species, habitat destructio...
During COVID-19 lockdowns, high-energy density foods like sweets and salty treats saw increased intake among some adults, with a heightened risk of weight gain. Researchers warn that those struggling to control food cravings are most at risk, highlighting the need for strategies to manage snacking.
A new online database, TOPOGRAPH, has been developed to streamline the process of recommending therapeutic treatments in precision cancer medicine for Australian patients. The platform catalogues oncology research and provides personalized treatment recommendations based on genomic variations and biomarkers.
A two-year study will explore the health benefits of older people adhering to a Mediterranean diet and undertaking daily walking. Early pilots show improved memory and thinking in participants who followed the MedWalk intervention.
A Curtin University-led study of ancient bones on Kangaroo Island has provided new insights into the island's past fauna and potential species reintroduction. The research identified 33 species, including extinct ones, and shed light on the impact of European arrival on biodiversity.
Researchers warn that biological controls have failed to stop the spread of coconut rhinoceros beetles in Pacific islands, putting Australian gardens and industry at risk. The beetles' population genetics reveal multiple virus variations, complicating control efforts and highlighting the need for urgent research.
Research reveals liver cancer incidence is 2.6 times higher in Indigenous Australians compared to non-Indigenous patients. Mobile liver clinics and regular ultrasound surveillance can help prevent the disease, according to expert calls for action.
A novel PET radiotracer detects increases in brain tau, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease, up to 12 months before symptoms emerge. This allows for effective selection of patients for clinical trials, potentially speeding the development of treatments.
Researchers at the University of Queensland have identified a new species of large prehistoric crocodile in south-east Queensland's waterways, estimated to be around seven metres in length. The ancient creature, named Gunggamarandu maunala, belonged to a group of tomistomines and lived between two and five million years ago.
Children with documented child protection concerns are four times as likely to die before their 16th birthday due to family abuse and neglect. The study found a significant excess risk of death among boys and girls with the most serious child protection concerns, highlighting the need for improved services.
A Southern Cross University study reveals global coral reef ecosystem calcification is declining at a rate of 4.3% yr-1, with consequences for ecosystem survival. The decline may be linked to stress events and reduced coral cover, potentially impacting food and habitat production.
A study published in Atherosclerosis has found that the build-up of calcium in major blood vessels is linked to a 39% higher risk of serious falls in older women. The research used bone density scans to identify abdominal aortic calcification, which can be detected early on, and may help health professionals to prevent future falls.
A new study found that middle-aged women in Australia and the UK stockpiled alcohol during COVID-19 lockdowns due to anxiety and depression. The research suggests an urgent need to address mental health issues associated with the pandemic.
New research highlights the importance of coastal seaweed for migratory shorebirds, providing shelter and microclimates that regulate their body temperatures. Removing beach-cast sea wrack can have devastating impacts on bird populations.
Australotitan, the southern titan, is Australia's largest dinosaur, reaching heights of 5-6.5 meters and lengths of 25-30 meters. The fossilised skeleton was discovered in Eromanga, southwest Queensland, and its scientific description marks a 17-year-long collaboration between Queensland Museum and Eromanga Natural History Museum.
A new study from the University of South Australia found that regular milk consumption is associated with a lower risk of heart disease. The research, which analyzed genetic biomarkers in over 400,000 people, suggests that milk's calcium content may contribute to improved cholesterol levels and reduced cardiovascular risk.
A new study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that consuming two servings of whole fruits per day significantly lowers the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The research, which analyzed data from over 7,700 participants, suggests that a healthy diet and lifestyle, including frui...
Researchers have identified 'pocket factors' as new therapeutic targets for flaviviruses, including dengue virus. The chimeric viruses mimic infectious particles with unprecedented detail, providing a universal path to structure determination and potential vaccines or diagnostic tools.
Scientists have discovered that the process of freeze-drying destroys paralytic neurotoxic activity in stonefish venom, which may impact the effectiveness of current antivenom formulations. The study also reveals how the venom disrupts heart function and can block nerve receptors, leading to altered heart rhythms.
A reevaluation of the Edaphodon eyrensis fossil tooth plate has led to a revised classification as Ptyktoptychion eyrensis. The discovery was made possible by Evgeny Popov's study of the fossil in various Australian locations.
A new species of bacteria, Candidatus Phytoplasma dypsidis, has been found to cause a fatal disease in palms in Queensland, Australia. The bacterium is thought to be spread by insects and poses a significant threat to Australia's ornamental palm industry.
A Flinders University study found participants with an automatic bias towards soft drinks were more responsive to TV ads than those without these tendencies. The researchers suggest targeting people who show cognitive vulnerabilities to reduce consumption of sugary drinks.
Researchers used synchrotron X-ray techniques to study how gypsum dehydrates under pressure, revealing a small nudge that can have big consequences for geological processes. The findings suggest that increased tectonic stress can speed up dehydration and promote earthquakes.
A five-year study found that Australia's Closing the Gap program has not improved disparities in Indigenous health, income, employment, child removal, and incarceration. Researchers suggest that 'Western' cultural beliefs over Indigenous cultures hinder policy change.
Scientists have discovered that plutonium particles from nuclear testing in Australia are more complex and varied than previously thought. The particles, which were dispersed after nine atomic bombs were detonated in remote areas of South Australia, persist in soils to this day, posing a risk to wildlife and the environment.
A new analysis of over 7,300 Australian users of dating websites found that men and women prioritize similar traits in their sexual attraction, but to varying degrees. Physical build, attractiveness, and personality are highly important across both sexes, with women placing greater emphasis on age, education, and emotional connection.
Research from QUT found that while both men and women prioritize attractiveness and physical build, women rate age, education, intelligence, income, trust, and emotion connection higher. As men and women age, their preferences come closer together, with both sexes placing greater importance on openness and trust.
The discovery of plutonium-244 and iron-60 in ocean crust suggests violent cosmic events occurred near Earth millions of years ago. The study's findings imply that supernovae can produce these heavy elements, complicating our understanding of their origins.
A study published in PLOS One found that an ancient Australian Aboriginal memory technique significantly improved retention of facts among medical students compared to the 'memory palace' method. The Aboriginal technique, which used narrative and locations to facilitate recall, was also found to be more enjoyable for students.
A team of scientists identified a critical checkpoint mechanism that fine-tunes gene transcription and is implicated in cancer. By targeting this mechanism, researchers found promising results in preclinical models of solid and hematopoietic malignancies.
Researchers at the University of Adelaide found Cypriot grape varieties Maratheftiko and Xynisteri are well-suited for hot climates and deliver desirable flavor compounds. The study revealed comparable concentration of flavor compounds in Cypriot wines to popular Australian wines.
A new study from Monash University finds that some Victoria water catchments still behave like they're in a drought even after nearly eight years without rain. The research, published in Science, challenges the common view that rivers and underground water supplies eventually replenish following periods of severe drought or flood.
A new study found that over a third of Australian watersheds had not recovered from the Millennium Drought seven years later. The findings suggest that hydrological droughts can persist indefinitely, highlighting challenges to sustainable water use under climate change.
A study of over 8,600 Australians found that those who ate at least 470g of fruit and veg daily had 10% lower stress levels. The research suggests diet plays a key role in mental wellbeing and highlights the benefits of a healthy diet in reducing stress.
A new COVID-19 vaccine developed using the Sementis Copenhagen Vector (SCV) platform is being accelerated for human clinical trials within 18 months. The vaccine aims to provide long-term and broad-ranging immunity against SARS-CoV-2, including mutant strains.
Researchers analyzed registry data to examine the characteristics and outcomes of patients with severe sunburns in Australia and New Zealand. The study found a higher risk of complications and mortality among these patients, highlighting the need for improved prevention and treatment strategies.
A study of 55 hospitals in Queensland, Australia found that implementing a minimum ratio of one nurse to four patients resulted in a 7% drop in death and readmission rates, and a 3% reduction in length of stay. The policy also generated significant cost savings, with estimated annual savings of $69 million.
A new study has found Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in endangered Australian sea lions and fur seals, with high concentrations detected in newborns. The presence of PFAS poses a threat to the species' survival, as well as potential risks to humans through contaminated seafood and water.
New research on coral reef growth rates reveals a window of opportunity to save the world's coral reefs, but time is running out. The study shows that unless carbon dioxide emissions are drastically reduced, the growth of coral reefs will be stunted due to climate change.
International media focused on wildlife, habitat destruction, and climate change, while Australian outlets prioritized human impact, firefighters, and politicians. This disparity in coverage highlights the distinct visual news values of domestic versus international media.
Researchers created detailed maps of prehistoric human migration to Australia, identifying 'superhighways' that aligned with earliest known archaeological sites. The approach could help forecast modern-day human migration and inform the search for undiscovered archaeological sites.
A team of experts used advanced modelling techniques to recreate the journey of Australia's indigenous people, who navigated the continent tens of thousands of years ago. The study reveals that prominent landscape features and water sources played a crucial role in their survival and growth.
Researchers mapped probable superhighways that led to first peopling of Australia, using simulated physiology and decisions of early way-finders. The study identified distinct ring-shaped roads, western roads, and transecting roads that converged at archaeological sites with early rock art and tools.
A new study found that while man-made noise dominates in some Australian waters, the vast majority of regions remain unpolluted by ship noise. The research highlights the need to protect Australia's pristine oceans and set out proactive measures to manage marine environments.
Researchers at RMIT University have developed a new bioreactor technology to create artificial super stool for treating chronic gut infections. The innovation aims to overcome the limitations of donor-derived faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), an established life-saving therapy.
The study highlights the importance of creating and managing habitat oases to protect remaining species in threatened habitats. The research reveals that a diverse array of habitat types is critical for the survival and thrival of birds and other animals, such as the endangered Australian numbat.
A study by RMIT University found that Australian government-owned airports could produce up to 10 times more electricity than residential panels in Bendigo, offsetting greenhouse gas emissions annually. The research suggests that installing large-scale rooftop solar systems at airports could power 136,000 homes and contribute towards a...
New research using Synthetic Aperture Radar data from Sentinel-1 satellites shows improved ability to detect, monitor, prepare for and withstand natural disasters like bushfires and floods. SAR data provides valuable insights for hazard mitigation and complementing existing Earth observation programs.
Professor Amro M. Farid, a Dartmouth associate professor, has been awarded the 2021 Fulbright Future Scholar award in Australia. He will work on the 'Architecting Australia's Nexus Infrastructure of Energy, Water & Hydrogen' project to contribute to the country's national hydrogen strategy.
WeHI researchers used monobodies to 'freeze' MLKL at different stages of its activation, mapping how its three-dimensional structure changed. This revealed potential target sites for drugs that could block necroptosis, a key contributor to inflammatory diseases.
The Atlas of Living Australia (ALA) is a national biodiversity database that provides reliable data for scientists, policy-makers, and environmental planners. It contains nearly 95 million occurrence records of over 111,000 species, showcasing its potential to support the development of science and decision-making.
A new study found that Aboriginal families with children suffering severe burns often struggle to pay healthcare costs and travel expenses, exacerbating existing economic hardship. The research also highlighted the importance of family networks in mitigating financial burdens, but called for improved access to government initiatives ai...
Astronomers have discovered a pulsar, a dense and rapidly spinning neutron star sending radio waves into the cosmos. The finding is significant as it hints at a large population of pulsars awaiting discovery in the Southern Hemisphere, with the potential to be detected by the Square Kilometre Array telescope.
Researchers argue that zoonotic risk predictions are limited in value and instead propose focusing on the human-animal interface for intensive viral surveillance to detect novel viruses early. This approach may help prevent future pandemics like COVID-19.