University of Sydney

Researchers have discovered how intermittent fasting influences metabolic pathways in the liver, offering insights into how fasting can confer certain health benefits and hypothesizing specific drugs could mimic these effects without needing to fast.

The light from stars usually pulsates uniformly across the whole surface, but now astronomers have discovered a star that only pulses on one side. That’s thanks to its teardrop shape, as a close binary companion pulls it out of whack.

A meta-study has reviewed over 50 trials from the last 20 years testing herbal medicines for weight loss, revealing herbal supplements are largely ineffective in aiding weight loss, and one researcher on the project says they are a “waste of money.”

Scientists in Australia are reporting an exciting breakthrough in the realm of pain-relief, demonstrating the viability of a new type of pain-blocking neuron derived from human stem cells for the first time.

Even if one survives a heart attack, the formation of thick scar tissue can increase the chance of heart failure. Now researchers have found a way to improve the quality of scar tissue in animal models, resulting in improved heart function.

A new report declaring a climate emergency has been signed by thousands of scientists. But it remains hopeful, outlining six steps we can take to mitigate the worst effects of climate change – provided we act sooner rather than later.

Australian researchers have discovered a fungus in Tasmania that produces novel molecules with similar activity to opioids. These never-before-seen molecules may have similar analgesic properties to morphine but without its dangerous side effects.

Tuberculosis is a difficult disease to treat, and help may now be coming from an unexpected source – a sea sponge.

Nowadays, the Milky Way is a pretty quiet galaxy – but just a few million years ago its central black hole sent off huge flares of radiation.

By studying the way pain works in injured fruit flies, scientists have for the first time uncovered evidence that its effects can be long-lasting, something they say opens up new opportunities for more effective treatments for chronic pain in humans.

​The box jellyfish is the world's most venomous creature, with a sting from its trailing tentacles causing intense pain, necrosis of the skin, and in some cases death by cardiac arrest. Now, however, scientists have found an antidote for such stings – and it's an existing cholesterol-lowering drug.

Normally, animals reproduce by either laying eggs or giving birth to live young, but an Australian species of lizard can apparently do both in the same pregnancy. Scientists witnessed a three-toed skink lay three eggs before giving birth to a live baby, which has never been observed before.