AUSTRALIAN RESEARCH COUNCIL

Apr 28 2026HEALTH

Can apps help people with mental health issues manage their weight better?

Research shows people with conditions like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder often struggle with obesity at higher rates than the general public. Medications they take and daily habits can lead to weight gain over time. Experts believe this issue needs more attention, especially since mental health

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Apr 27 2026ENVIRONMENT

Biodiversity Protection: What the Numbers Really Show

Research into how well protected areas stop wildlife loss has grown a lot since 2000, but the picture is still unclear. Most studies use matching techniques to compare places with and without protection, focusing mainly on forest loss as the main measure. Only a single paper even used the Biod

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Apr 27 2026HEALTH

Small changes in sleep, diet, and exercise can greatly improve heart health

Research shows that tiny tweaks to your daily routine can add up to big benefits for your heart. Instead of drastic life overhauls, scientists suggest focusing on three simple habits: sleep a bit longer, move more often, and eat a little healthier. The surprising part? These small improvements work

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Apr 27 2026HEALTH

Birth Control Pills and Shoulder Injuries: What Women Should Know

Researchers have found a link between hormonal birth control and higher chances of shoulder problems in women. The study focused on three types of birth control: estrogen-only, progestin-only, and combined pills. It looked at women of childbearing age and matched them carefully to compare risks fair

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Apr 26 2026HEALTH

New Insights on N-acetyl Cysteine and Pesticide Toxicity

Researchers recently examined how a common supplement might protect lungs from damage caused by a widely used pesticide. The study focused on alpha-cypermethrin, a chemical found in many insect sprays. When male rats were exposed to this pesticide, their lung tissue showed signs of stress and damage

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Apr 23 2026HEALTH

Do Insurance Plans Affect Knee Injury Recovery?

Research shows that young patients with Medicaid often face longer waits before getting help for knee injuries compared to those with private insurance. A new study looked at how quickly people see doctors after a meniscus tear and how that affects their healing. The findings suggest delays in care

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Apr 22 2026HEALTH

Alcohol and Domestic Violence in Africa: What’s Really Going On?

Research shows that alcohol often plays a role in conflicts within relationships. Most of these findings come from wealthier nations, leaving questions about other parts of the world. Sub-Saharan Africa struggles with high rates of violence against women in homes, but few studies have explored wheth

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Apr 22 2026TECHNOLOGY

How kids mix up AI and human-made things online

Researchers tested how well kids tell AI-created content apart from human-made stuff. They worked with 37 children aged 6 to 10 who listened to a story about a fictional AI robot called SmartBot. The robot could write stories, generate pictures, and produce artwork. After the story, the kids looked

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Apr 22 2026HEALTH

When Radiation Hits Weak Muscles: New Findings in a Rare Childhood Disorder

Researchers have uncovered fresh clues about how muscle cells react when exposed to radiation in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Unlike typical muscle loss seen in the disorder, these cells show an unusual sensitivity to radiation that may speed up damage. Boys with DMD, who make up almost all ca

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Apr 21 2026HEALTH

Easy Habits That Could Protect Your Brain as You Age

Research shows that small daily choices can make a big difference in lowering dementia risk. One major study looked at nearly 70 research papers covering millions of people over 35. It found that regular movement and proper sleep stand out as two of the most powerful tools we have. Walking briskly,

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