KEY POINTS:People with early-onset dementia are often mistaken for having depression and now Australian research has discovered the cause: a profound loss of ability to experience pleasure - for example a delicious meal or beautiful sunset - related to degeneration of 'hedonic hotspots' in the brain where pleasure mechanisms are concentrated.The University of Sydney-led research revealed marked degeneration, or atrophy, in frontal and striatal areas of the brain related to diminished reward-seeking, in patients with frontotemporal dementia (FTD).The researchers believe it is the first study...…KEY POINTS:People with early-onset dementia are often mistaken for having depression and now Australian research has discovered the cause: a profound loss of ability to experience pleasure - for example a delicious meal or beautiful sunset - related to degeneration of 'hedonic hotspots' in the brain where pleasure mechanisms are concentrated.The University of Sydney-led research revealed marked degeneration, or atrophy, in frontal and striatal areas of the brain related to diminished reward-seeking, in patients with frontotemporal dementia (FTD).The researchers believe it is the first study...WW…

Australian scientists have developed a new type of sensor to measure and correct the distortion of starlight caused by viewing through the Earth's atmosphere, which should make it easier to study the possibility of life on distant planets.Using artificial intelligence and machine learning, University of Sydney optical scientists have developed a sensor that can neutralise a star's 'twinkle' caused by heat variations in the Earth's atmosphere. This will make the discovery and study of planets in distant solar systems easier from optical telescopes on Earth."The main way we identify planets...…Australian scientists have developed a new type of sensor to measure and correct the distortion of starlight caused by viewing through the Earth's atmosphere, which should make it easier to study the possibility of life on distant planets.Using artificial intelligence and machine learning, University of Sydney optical scientists have developed a sensor that can neutralise a star's 'twinkle' caused by heat variations in the Earth's atmosphere. This will make the discovery and study of planets in distant solar systems easier from optical telescopes on Earth."The main way we identify planets...WW…

Knee replacements are a huge burden on society and individuals from all walks of life. A major global systematic review has identified the common jobs - paid and unpaid - that may be putting people unknowingly at risk.A study by the Universities of Sydney, Oxford and Southampton reveals there is a need for targeted work health and safety practices to extend beyond physically burdensome jobs; regulators and insurance companies should take account of the high number of medium-risk occupations and that unpaid roles also rate highly.It is the biggest meta-analysis and systematic review of the...…Knee replacements are a huge burden on society and individuals from all walks of life. A major global systematic review has identified the common jobs - paid and unpaid - that may be putting people unknowingly at risk.A study by the Universities of Sydney, Oxford and Southampton reveals there is a need for targeted work health and safety practices to extend beyond physically burdensome jobs; regulators and insurance companies should take account of the high number of medium-risk occupations and that unpaid roles also rate highly.It is the biggest meta-analysis and systematic review of the...WW…

Estuaries on the south-east coast of Australia are warming at twice the rate of oceans and the atmosphere, a new study has found.Researchers say the apparent accelerated impact from climate change on estuaries could adversely affect economic activity and ecological biodiversity in rivers and lakes worldwide.from the University of Sydney said: "Our research shows that estuaries are particularly vulnerable to a warming environment. This is a concern not only for the marine and bird life that rely on them but the millions of people who depend on rivers, lakes and lagoons for their livelihoods...…Estuaries on the south-east coast of Australia are warming at twice the rate of oceans and the atmosphere, a new study has found.Researchers say the apparent accelerated impact from climate change on estuaries could adversely affect economic activity and ecological biodiversity in rivers and lakes worldwide.from the University of Sydney said: "Our research shows that estuaries are particularly vulnerable to a warming environment. This is a concern not only for the marine and bird life that rely on them but the millions of people who depend on rivers, lakes and lagoons for their livelihoods...WW…