World-first study links belly fat to chronic pain

In the first study of its kind, excess abdominal fat has been associated with chronic pain, but the good news is that losing weight that can reduce waistlines could help relieve widespread musculoskeletal conditions.Continue ReadingCategory: Medical, S… Continue reading World-first study links belly fat to chronic pain

Watch: Giant multibody wave energy converter flaps its way toward launch

If you find yourself in the Australian port city of Albany and spot a humongous yellow machine bobbing in the waves of King George Sound, don’t be alarmed. It’s just a generator prototype making a case for renewable wave energy.Continue ReadingCategory… Continue reading Watch: Giant multibody wave energy converter flaps its way toward launch

Freaky ‘Leptanilla voldemort’ ant earns its name in the darkness

A newly discovered ant has been aptly named after the creepiest of all Harry Potter villains, Lord Voldemort. Like the lord, the ant is pale, slender, and it lives in the dark – unlike Mr. Voldemort, however, the ant did not give young Harry his lightn… Continue reading Freaky ‘Leptanilla voldemort’ ant earns its name in the darkness

Prenatal opioid use linked to greater risk of immune-related conditions

A new study has found that exposing babies to prescription opioids, such as oxycodone, methadone and codeine, while they’re in the womb can increase their risk of developing immune-related conditions – particularly infections, eczema and asthma – in ea… Continue reading Prenatal opioid use linked to greater risk of immune-related conditions

World’s largest plant: 112-mile-long seagrass found off Australian coast

A section of the seagrass meadow that's now been found to be the largest plant in the world

Researchers have discovered what seems to be the largest plant in the world – a meadow of seagrass off the coast of Western Australia that covers a total of 200 km2 (77 miles2). The entire expanse has grown from just one seedling, spreading by cloning itself.

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Robo-bass used to protect native tadpoles from invasive mosquitofish

The mosquitofish is a harmful invasive species in much of the world, outcompeting and overwhelming native fish and other aquatic life. Scientists are now working on a solution to the problem, in the form of a robotic bass.Continue ReadingCategory: Scie… Continue reading Robo-bass used to protect native tadpoles from invasive mosquitofish

Never-before-detected gravitational waves hint at dark matter

A new type of gravitational wave detector running in Western Australia has recorded two rare events that might be signals of dark matter or primordial black holes. These high-frequency gravitational waves are beyond the range of most detectors and have… Continue reading Never-before-detected gravitational waves hint at dark matter

Sustainable learning hub keeps cool with math-inspired petal facade

With several of its staff having graduated from the University of Western Australia (UWA), Hassell was well-suited to design its new Faculty of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences building. The project is defined by a shading screen of metal “petals…. Continue reading Sustainable learning hub keeps cool with math-inspired petal facade

New recyclable rubber material repairs itself on demand

Imagine getting a flat tire, but instead of swapping it out for a new one you just smear on a chemical that makes the rubber meld seamlessly back together. That’s the kind of breakthrough researchers at Australia’s Flinders University are now reporting… Continue reading New recyclable rubber material repairs itself on demand

Positive data from 1st clinical trial into cannabis for chronic insomnia

Australian researchers are reporting the initial results from the world’s first placebo-controlled clinical trial testing the efficacy of medicinal cannabis in treating chronic insomnia. The results reveal statistically significant, and dose responsive… Continue reading Positive data from 1st clinical trial into cannabis for chronic insomnia