University of Sydney

Increasing daily steps to around 10,000 reduces sedentary lifestyle health risks, including mortality and cardiovascular disease, emphasizing the value of movement for health improvement.Higher step counts are associated with reduced risk, irrespective of sedentary time.A recent study from the University of Sydney’s Charles Perkins Centre in Australia brings encouraging news for office workers, revealing that raising daily step counts can help mitigate the health risks associated with prolonged periods of sitting.The…

Researchers at the University of Sydney have discovered that adding molybdenum to steel, combined with metal carbides, significantly improves its ability to trap hydrogen, potentially solving the issue of hydrogen embrittlement. This breakthrough, using advanced cryogenic atom probe tomography, could pave the way for large-scale hydrogen transport and storage solutions, essential for transitioning to a hydrogen economy.Solving embrittlement is a multi-billion-dollar question.Why hydrogen causes steels to become brittle…

Australian geologists have identified low volcanic CO2 emissions and rock weathering in Canada as key factors behind an extreme ice age 700 million years ago. Their research, informed by plate tectonic modeling and geological evidence from South Australia, sheds light on Earth’s climate sensitivity and its natural thermostat mechanisms, contrasting the slow pace of geological climate change with the rapid changes driven by human activities. Credit: NASAVolcanic carbon emissions reached an all-time low, triggering a global…

Researchers at the University of Sydney have developed a method to protect plants from herbivorous mammals by using artificial odors that mimic the smell of plants these animals avoid. This strategy, proven to reduce the likelihood of plant consumption by 20 times, offers a humane and cost-effective alternative to traditional protective measures, with potential applications in conservation and agriculture worldwide. Credit: SciTechDaily.comA novel approach by the University of Sydney utilizes artificial scents to deter…

A University of Sydney-led study challenges the prevailing view of opioids as the most effective pain relievers for cancer, revealing significant evidence gaps and suggesting NSAIDs as a potential alternative. This research advocates for more informed choices in cancer pain management, emphasizing patient empowerment and the consideration of non-opioid options.Our understanding of the role of opioid medicines in cancer pain is challenged by a new review.Researchers studying opioid data for cancer-related pain discovered…

Scientists have innovated a compact semiconductor chip integrating electronics with photonics, drastically enhancing RF bandwidth and control. This breakthrough, pivotal for advanced telecommunications and radar systems, marks a significant step in semiconductor technology, boosting Australia’s potential in semiconductor research and manufacturing (Artist’s concept). Credit: SciTechDaily.comIntegrating photons into electronic chips enhances bandwidth and improves filter control.Researchers at the University of Sydney Nano…

A new technique using liquid metals as catalysts promises to revolutionize the chemical industry by enabling low-temperature, energy-efficient chemical reactions, potentially reducing greenhouse gas emissions and energy use. Above is liquid gallium in a Petri dish. Credit: University of Sydney/Philip RitchieThe chemical industry is presented with an “unparalleled possibility” to alter the future of chemical processes.Liquid metals could be the long-awaited solution to “greening” the chemical industry, according to…

Recent research highlights a significant link between Earth’s geological activities, like plate tectonics and river movements, and the evolution of biodiversity, offering a comprehensive view of how life has been influenced over 500 million years by Earth’s physical evolution. Recent research reveals a striking correlation to how life evolved over 500 million years. The movement of rivers, mountains, oceans, and sediment nutrients at the geological timescale are central drivers of Earth’s biodiversity, new research…

A study by the University of Sydney and UCL demonstrates that substituting a few minutes of sitting with moderate exercise each day significantly enhances heart health. Analyzing data from over 15,000 participants, the research found that even small changes in daily activity patterns can lead to substantial health benefits, emphasizing the importance of incorporating physical activity into everyday life.Exploring the link between daily patterns of movement and heart health.Replacing sitting with as little as a few minutes…

The Tarantula Nebula taken by the Super Pressure Balloon Imaging Telescope (SuperBIT). Credit: NASA/SuperBITAnd the recovery journey involving a smashed telescope, a cougar scare, and police.Data from a NASA mission to map dark matter around galaxy clusters has been saved by a new recovery system designed by scientists at the University of Sydney. The system allowed the retrieval of gigabytes of information, even after communication failed and the balloon-based telescope was damaged in the landing process.Mission…