Dolphin-like dinosaurs suffered from decompression sickness or “the bends” as a result of their deep dives, Melbourne researchers have discovered. The study by University of Melbourne pathologist Associate Professor John Hayman, published in the journal Naturwissenschaften: Science of Nature, found ...
More »Finding the skeleton keys
Synthetic bone technology, developed here in Australia, could herald a major medical breakthrough that revolutionises the treatment of bone defects. We all tend to think of our bones as if they are scaffolding – rigid and fixed, solid, hard and ...
More »Sound medical advice: wear a stethoscope
A new study shows that one of a GP’s most trusty tools can do more to ease your pain than a pill. A Curtin University study has shown doctors should wear a stethoscope and surround themselves with “iconic” medical symbols ...
More »Study throws doubt over legality of circumcision
Tasmania’s Law Reform Institute has recommended a legal ban on the circumcision of baby boys in the state. It advises the practice of male circumcision on “incapable minors” be deemed illegal unless it is performed for religious or cultural purposes. ...
More »Tobacco decision welcomed as deterrent
Plain packaging won’t stop those already addicted from lighting up, but will help stop people from picking up the habit, says a leading health academic. The dean of medicine and health sciences at the Australian National University, Professor Nicholas Glasgow, ...
More »Rise in suicides linked to hard times
Australian researchers have found a 15 per cent rise in the relative risk of suicide for rural men aged 30 to 49 in dry seasons. The team from the Australian National University and other research institutions looked at data in ...
More »Look, no hands!
The concept of driverless cars may sound like science fiction, but researchers say autonomous vehicles may soon hit our roads. Imagine a world, in which your car would drive you from point A to B. You wouldn’t have to fret ...
More »A look at the shark social whirl
The networking behaviour of sharks is being examined to discover the mysteries of their society. Lead researcher Nathan Bass is conducting the study as part of his honours project, in conjunction with Taronga Zoo to determine why and when the ...
More »The great sugar debate
Remember economist Rory Robertson who bet Doomsday forecaster Steve Keen a walk to Mt Kosciuszko over house prices not crashing during the GFC? Well he’s at it again and this time he’s taking on University of Sydney nutritionists Jennie Brand-Miller ...
More »Choc shock – Fat gets juiced
A team of scientists working at the A team of scientists working at the University of Warwick in England have announced a new form of chocolate that is almost completely fat free. Chemists at the university have discovered a method ...
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