News archive
Articles published in 2016
Are growing pains real?
Growing pains are the most common childhood musculoskeletal condition resulting in frequent visits to healthcare professionals. For two centuries, its incidence, cause and treatment have baffled the health and medical community writes Professor Joshua Burns.
Legalising medicinal cannabis would create $100 million industry
Analysis from the University of Sydney Business School has found that legalising medicinal cannabis in Australia could create a new industry worth more than $100 million per year.
Reflecting on keepsakes helps seniors stave off loneliness
Socially isolated seniors in regional New South Wales will explore the meaning of the precious objects in their lives as part of a new project run by the University of Sydney Node of the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for the History of Emotions (CHE).
Paid parental leave increases fertility intentions
More than five years after Australia's PPL scheme was introduced a new study suggests it has a 'bonus effect' on fertility intentions.
Why US elections are ranked worst among Western democracies
America is not a shining example for developing democracies, writes Professor Pippa Norris.
Physical and mental exercises protect memory by rewiring the brain
For the first time, researchers have revealed that progressive resistance exercise (high intensity strength training) and computerised cognitive training (brain training) produce unique changes in the brain that help explain their therapeutic value.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Fellows launch academic careers
A unique accelerator program aimed at kick-starting the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander academics at the University of Sydney is now underway, with five inaugural fellows embarking on cutting-edge research.
High Court unlikely to strike down voting laws
The new Senate voting laws allow people to vote in a manner that reflects their genuine choices, writes Professor Anne Twomey.
Biological factors predict which viruses will cause human epidemics
The identification of biological factors that predict which viruses are most likely to spread among humans could help prevent and contain outbreaks, a study in today’s Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reports.
University of Sydney excels in latest QS Rankings
The University of Sydney has cemented its position as a global leader in research and educational excellence in the 2016 QS World University Rankings by Subject.
Breakthrough technology to improve cyber security
An international team of researchers has made a breakthrough in generating single photons – the single quanta of light particles – as carriers of quantum information in security systems. The findings are set to revolutionise cybersecurity, along with advancing quantum computing.
Sugar sweetened Aussies
More than half of us are exceeding the World Health Organization’s recommended daily intake of added sugars according to a new University of Sydney study examining Australia’s sugar intake.
Could a sugary drinks tax improve Australian diets?
Soft drink consumption increases the risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease and tooth decay. Does Australia need a sugar tax too, asks Dr Belinda Reeve.
Health professionals lack knowledge about female genital mutilation
Health practitioners need more resources and expert guidelines to provide appropriate medical and psychological treatment for women and girls that have had female genital mutilation or cutting, says a new review of the evidence by University of Sydney scholars.
Tinder users find love at second swipe
New research from the School of Psychology published in Science Reports reveals people using online dating apps are more likely to rate a face as attractive if the preceding face is also attractive.
Why being fat is an advantage for ants
Lean forager ants suffer malnutrition faster and die earlier than their fatter nest-based worker ant counterparts, according to new research co-authored by a University of Sydney researcher.
Do you really need to go to hospital? Time to recentre the health system
Hospitals dominate our health-care system and account for more than one-third of Australia’s AUD$150 billion-plus health budget. Pressure is growing on hospital services and costs are spiralling.
University of Sydney experts comment on the UK's sugar levy
University of Sydney experts have commented on the UK Government’s decision to put a levy on sugar-containing beverages in a bid to reduce childhood obesity.
The 24/7 city, creativity and the lockout laws
The city is the perfect place for clubbers to share a coffee with early-rising suits. They should have an equal right to see the sunrise, writes Sydney College of the Arts' Dr Oliver Watts.
University welcomes new 10-year plan for mathematics
A new ten-year plan for mathematics in Australia, launched today by federal education minister Simon Birmingham, has called for compulsory mid-level mathematics for university entry, just one month after the University of Sydney announced its own mathematics prerequisites.