Research

Research has revealed that up to one in four military recruits would seek medical assistance for injury in one training period.

The Dementia and Social Care for Diverse Communities Research Forum at Edith Cowan University (ECU) will bring together a range of experts from diverse disciplinary backgrounds to present the latest research addressing the needs of migrants living with dementia from CALD backgrounds.

One in six older Australians living in their own homes experience abuse, often from their adult children and other family members.

ECU's Dr Joanna Pearce is part of a project that will seek to tackle how equity in resource management can be achieved with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Funding for the first ever Elder-led intervention to support young Aboriginal LGBTQA+ people brings new hope for the youth group most at risk of suicide in the nation.

CEOs from more than 15 neurological not-for-profit organisations have united to help improve the health and research landscape for Western Australians living with neurological conditions.

The State Government has announced more than half a million dollars will be awarded to some of ECU's leading medical and health innovators through its Innovation Fellowships program.

A trip to Specsavers is rarely a life-changing event, but for one Perth family, it was. Father of four Rhys James was diagnosed with ocular melanoma, and now he has turned to ECU scientists who have developed a world-first blood test to diagnose the disease earlier.

On National Threatened Species Day 2023, the Australian Government declared the Empodisma peatlands of southwestern Australia endangered. ECU research shows the peatlands face extinction from climate change, feral animals and fire.

Treatment can bring with it significant side effects - but research has shown there is a way to combat one aspect of battling the disease.

ECU has received a federal government grant worth almost half a million dollars for a project to determine the impact of Australia's net zero commitment on First Nations peoples.

Too hot? Too bright? Too loud? A new study is investigating if remote workers get enough rest on site - and whether they catch up once they get home.

ECU researchers have welcomed generous funding from The Stan Perron Charitable Foundation to support a world-leading child development program aimed at giving Aboriginal children a better start in life.

New ECU research shows batteries built from zinc and air could be the future of powering electric vehicles. The project tested zinc-air batteries using a combination of cheaper, safer and sustainably sourced materials, which allowed for improved lifespan and performance.

There is a growing momentum for the creation of community-based safe spaces for people experiencing emotional distress or suicidal crises, as an alternative to visiting hospitals and emergency departments. But what should and shouldn't they offer?

Researchers from ECU and the Security Research Institute (SRI) are developing a digital cyber security licence for Australian students and teachers. The licence would be like a swimming certificate, where each student moves up in levels based on their evidence of achievement.

Edith Cowan University has been selected as the host university to lead innovative research into strategic and health priorities, including brain injury rehabilitation and using nutrition to modulate the immune system.

New technology will be used in an innovative research project giving hope and help to more than 250,000 Australians living with Chronic Fatigue.

The first study investigating what Australian news editors think about journalism education shows they believe universities are still the best place for future journalists to learn contemporary news media, however, they would like more input into the curriculum.

New study sheds light on how often you have exercise to make it worth your while.

Though it's just as likely to be worn while lounging on the couch as in the gym, a large driver of activewear's popularity among women is its association with a dynamic lifestyle, positive wellbeing and overall good health. However, two new Edith Cowan University (ECU) studies suggest online shopping for activewear may in fact be harmful to women’s body image.

Edith Cowan University (ECU) medical and health researcher Dr Marc Sim has been selected as one of the outstanding early career researchers to receive a Western Australia 2023 Young Tall Poppy Science Award.

Research on Immunotherapy and Melanoma and facilitating early identification of osteoporosis are among the winning ideas granted funding for further development by the 2023 WA Near-miss Awards (WANMA).

Thanks to artificial intelligence, we will soon be able to predict our risk of developing serious health conditions later in life, at the press of a button. ECU's School of Science and School of Medical and Health Sciences have collaborated to develop software which can analyse roughly 60,000 scans in a single day.

Perth photographer and Edith Cowan University (ECU) PhD candidate, DeeDee Noon, is set to captivate audiences with her Toying with Photography: F-Stop Troop exhibition.

ECU researchers have been testing a common species of seagrass to see how much burial under sediment they can withstand. The research, part of the WAMSI Westport Marine Science Program, is looking at the resilience of the ocean’s only flowering plant, to dredging.

Osteoporosis may be associated with old age, but our lifestyles when we are young can play a big part in preventing the disease later in life — and video games could prove a surprising tool in getting teens to be more active.

ECU PhD candidate Matt Bray is researching how to reduce latency in live internet performance, enabling musicians from anywhere in the world to perform together in unison, in real-time.

To mark World Oceans Day, researchers from across the globe have published new insights reinforcing how human health depends on thriving oceans.  ECU's Dr Aaron Jenkins, who co-authored the paper, is calling for urgent action.

ECU horticultural scientists, who have been compiling research from around the world over the past 12 months, believe melatonin is the key to helping fruit and vegetables stay fresh in the fridge. The breakthrough could help address the global food security crisis.

ECU scientists are conducting a major aerial operation to save declining native trees at Kings Park. Using drone technology, the team of geospatial scientists have discovered a cause and potential method to save the natural environment in the heart of Perth.

Nitrate in our diet has been viewed warily for decades, however recent research has revealed it also has cardiovascular health benefits. So, is it good for us or not?

ECU researchers have used brain scanners to test the mental stress cyber security analysts are placed under while working to detect hackers. The study is one of the first around the world to take testing from the airline industry to cyber security.

ECU Engineers have partnered with Bunbury scrap metal merchants, Connop Metal, to develop a world-first method of analysing the chemical compositions of PVC to make it recyclable, right here in Australia.

We may not associate it with being good for our brains, however boxing could be a valuable tool for people living with PD to improve their quality of life.

An increasing number of parents are managing their kids as paid social media influencers despite the risk of child exploitation, new Edith Cowan University (ECU) research has found.

It’s generally accepted we will lose muscle strength and slow down as we age, but new ECU research indicates this could also be a signal for another sinister health concern of ageing.

Labour and skills shortages have prompted the Australian government to raise the permanent migration cap, leading to a boom in new immigrants. But will they receive a warm welcome? And what obstacles will they face settling into Australian life?

Key teaching and learning academics from Edith Cowan University (ECU) have been swift to apply a critical lens to the new phenomenon of ChatGPT.

Ensuring everyone has access to healthy, affordable food, is essential for good health. It is known as 'food security' - which unfortunately can be challenging for many people to achieve, particularly those in regional areas.

New research from ECU's School of Education has found standardised testing of Australian students is having a detrimental effect on the way pre-school children are learning and engaging.

ECU Engineering Lecturer Dr Masoumeh Zargar has discovered a ground-breaking method which can remove harmful plastics from water. It has the potential to change the way drinking water is treated around the world, and stop the harmful effects on human health.

Edith Cowan University (ECU) has been awarded more than $1.4M in funding to improve social connections and access to services for people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) backgrounds living with dementia, and their caregivers.

A five-year collaborative research project into WA's critical peatland ecosystems involving ECU scientists has received a $1.3 million funding boost from The Ian Potter Foundation, one of Australia’s major philanthropic organisations.

A new Edith Cowan University (ECU) study, the first of its kind, has shown that when it comes to pursuing personal goals and protecting your mental wellbeing it pays to understand your underlying motives.

Loss of muscle strength can be one of the most damaging outcomes when someone is unable to move a part of their body for a long period of time — but a new ECU study may have found a way to offset or even protect against this — and it doesn’t even involve moving the affected body part at all.

New findings from a three year study led by ECU has found a direct link between furniture, student learning and teaching. Children said they learn better when they choose what they learn on, and that includes fitballs and ottomans.

A new Edith Cowan University (ECU) study has found that for people living with chronic pain it’s not necessarily how intense their pain is, but the extent to which it interferes with their daily life that can pose the biggest threat to their mental health.

This overlooked group of health professionals can do a lot more than work in ambulances and bring a unique skillset into primary healthcare settings.

Two global studies which asked school students to draw their perception of mathematics have revealed children commonly associate maths teachers with women, and working mathematicians with men. However, the results revealed more females want to work in STEM industries.

Around 20 per cent of the world's population suffer from chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, or mental disorders, which significantly impacts them and the travel sector as a whole.

ECU researcher Dr Joanna Nicholas is among an international group of researchers who have created the first standardised framework for injury reporting in circus artists.

We've long known education is important for many aspects of life, but now a new benefit has been discovered: it can look after your gut health.

A new ECU study has shown when it comes to sticking to our new year's exercise routine it may all boil down to your reasons for wanting to exercise.

ECU has been awarded more than $900,000 in grant funding to improve human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination rates among young Aboriginal people.

Even a single bout of exercise can produce anti-cancer proteins called myokines, which can significantly suppress tumour growth.

A Lotterywest grant will enable ECU to develop a toolkit that provides practical information and support for community service organisations and their staff around climate change and the social justice issues it raises.

Parents have been encouraged to keep checking their mobile phones by school teachers in a bid to help them better support children's learning in readiness for school. Known as Kindytxt, text messages have been sent to parents three times a week providing them with home activities to encourage children's learning.

New research led by ECU surveyed 722 children between the ages of six and 12 to assess what values they held and how it impacted their opinions of themselves. It's the first research of its kind around the world.

Though spuds may not have all of the same benefits as other vegies, they can still be part of a healthy diet - so long as they're prepared the right way.

Breaking bones can be life changing events, especially as we age — but research from ECU's Nutrition and Health Innovation Research Institute has revealed there may be something you can do to help reduce your risk of fractures later in life.

Thanks to flavonoids, a daily cuppa could help you to enjoy better cardiovascular health late in life — however if you're not a tea drinker, there are other things you can add to your diet.

Radiotherapy has emerged as an important component of breast cancer treatment, but can lead to cancer-related fatigue and negatively impact patients' health-related quality of life. ECU research has revealed exercise may make life more tolerable for patients.

Good news for all: you may be able to cut your weights routine in half and still see the same results, if you know how to efficiently work your muscles.

A new Edith Cowan University (ECU) study investigating why young people commit burglary has found most stole from need rather than greed and they often learned the tricks of the trade from peers or family members.

More children than ever are using the internet, and they're using it younger than ever before. Now, a new report led by ECU has recommended additional consultation around cybersecurity curriculum needs to occur, starting with five year old students.

In commemoration of International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day, an upcoming community event in Margaret River, supported by Edith Cowan University (ECU), aims to spark a community conversation about the experience of being bereaved by suicide.

ECU Senior Lecturer Dr Mohi Ahmed is leading a new charge to beat online hackers at their own game by developing RansomCoin dataset. The technology could allow tracing of ransomware-related bitcoin transactions.

A live performance at ECU is set to show how sports science and yoga can help prevent injury in saxophonists and keep them in peak mental and physical condition.

More than half a century since Britain conducted the first nuclear tests in Australia, at the Montebello Islands in WA's north, marine scientists have discovered there remains a radiation risk to marine life and tourists.

An innovative new project is using human hair dye on Australian sea lions at Carnac and Seal Islands off the coast of Perth to track and learn about the local population.
Researchers hope the findings will allow them more insight to better protect the endangered species.

The type of person studying nursing has changed - and we need to make sure they make it into the workforce.

ECU marine science researchers will lead three research topics which will play a vital role in improving one of Perth's most important marine ecosystems. The projects are part of a three-year, $13.5 million research partnership between the WA Government and Western Australian Marine Science Institution (WAMSI) focussing on Cockburn Sound as part of the Westport Program.

While sales of electric vehicles continue to rise each year across Australia, the push towards renewable power in the local trucking sector has been lagging behind due to a lack of charging infrastructure. However, new research out of ECU shows electric power may be viable for industry in the very near future.

New ECU research has shined a light on the critical role parent values and assumptions play in influencing, or discouraging, high-achieving students to pursue a career in music.

An emerging technology could greatly help those with learning difficulties and other neurological conditions.

In an Australian first, scientists from ECU have determined how long it takes for seagrass to recover after grazing by swans. The regrowth was tracked weekly to fortnightly over a three-month period, leading to the first official recordings of seagrass recovery times.

A new art exhibition at Edith Cowan University (ECU) features videogame-inspired paintings that explore the complexities of Western Australia's intersecting cultural perspectives, practices and histories during the pandemic.

The State Government has awarded Edith Cowan University (ECU) scientists a $150,000 grant to work alongside leading Artificial Intelligence (AI) companies to design technology that teaches defence force robots to read hand gestures.

A new study monitoring a community-led pill-testing service at a music festival has found the vast majority of attendees would discard drugs found to contain unexpected substances — which could have a big impact on preventing overdoses and drug-related deaths.

A new ECU report has evaluated an innovative solution to expanding subject options for year 11 and 12 students to help maximise their potential.

The sheer amount of clinical knowledge required by remote nurses means extra education and on the job support are needed.

Should we do a little bit every day, or a few longer sessions per week? It appears one approach is far more beneficial than the other.

Edith Cowan University (ECU) has received national recognition for its contribution in delivering support to Australia's neighbours and helping stop the spread of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) following an outbreak in Indonesia in July.

It's a source of conflict in many households and there needs to be official guidelines to help parents over their kids' digital media use.

A world-first ECU study has confirmed the link between AD and gut health, which could lead to earlier detection and new potential treatments.

The first national survey to investigate how writing is taught in primary school has raised concerns about the frequency and nature of writing instruction in Australian classrooms. Edith Cowan University (ECU) has led a national team of researchers who recruited 310 teachers to participate in the study.

Treatment for the condition has improved in recent years — and a new Edith Cowan University study has found how to make it even more effective for all patients.

A recent study out of ECU has revealed Australian households are not getting the maximum savings from their solar panels, because they are not installing systems containing their own energy storage. Researcher Aakash Hassan's findings could save Australian households up to $800 a year if implemented.

An important research discovery could lead to more effective treatments for the world's 262 million asthma sufferers.

Common bone density scans can also reveal plaque build up in the abdominal aorta - which researchers have found is a reliable marker for developing dementia.

A new cross-disciplinary ECU paper proposes tourism could be an industry that can provide real health benefits, even for conditions as serious and complex as dementia or depression.

How an archive of photos spanning 30 years is helping researchers revive a whale birthing ground rocked by the whaling industry.

A new Edith Cowan University (ECU) study shows Australians are self-assessing many potentially life-threatening situations as not worthy of a 000 call or trip to the Emergency Department (ED).

New research has painted a grim picture for the future of Australia's seagrass meadows, with some areas under threat of decimation from coastal development, marine sediments and climate change.

Ground-breaking new research from Edith Cowan University published in Nature has decoded the genome of oats and explained why the popular cereal could be suitable for most people with coeliac disease and gluten intolerance.

People struggling with their weight who are unable to do aerobic exercise can hit the gym instead and still see positive results.

Poor sleep, difficulty moving and injuries from hitting something accidentally are just some of the challenges faced by suffers of often-painful involuntary muscle spasms - but an ECU study has revealed two methods can make our spinal cords less “excitable” and could potentially be used as new therapies.

An Australian-first study is delving into the contentious issue of what older people think about voluntary assisted death (VAD), regardless of any health condition.

Knowing the number and type of injuries experienced by academy recruits whilst training is an important step towards police of the future meeting physical standards without getting injured.

An interactive online game designed and created for Australian high school students aims to revolutionise the way young people are taught about alcohol and drugs.

ECU research shows many people prefer to speak about their negative experiences with an avatar, rather than a person.

New research using machine learning on images of everyday items is improving the accuracy and speed of detecting respiratory diseases, reducing the need for specialist medical expertise.