Monash University Launches First Community-Based Dance Trial for Autistic Children in Victoria
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🌟 THIS WEEK'S HIGHLIGHT
Japanese Scientists Develop Revolutionary Plastic That Dissolves in Seawater Within Hours
Researchers from the RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science and the University of Tokyo have developed a groundbreaking biodegradable plastic that completely dissolves in seawater within 2-3 hours, offering a potential solution to ocean plastic pollution.
The innovative material, created using two ionic monomers that form salt bonds, maintains the strength and flexibility of traditional petroleum-based plastics while being highly vulnerable to salt water. Unlike conventional plastics that persist in marine environments for decades, this new polymer breaks down into nutritious compounds that ocean bacteria can safely consume, addressing environmental concerns without creating harmful microplastics or chemical leaching.
The nontoxic, non-flammable plastic has already attracted significant interest from the packaging industry, though the research team has not yet announced detailed commercialisation plans. Led by researcher Takuzo Aida, the development represents a major advancement in sustainable materials science, as the plastic also biodegrades in soil containing trace amounts of sodium within weeks of burial.
The breakthrough comes at a crucial time when scientists have determined that levels of plastic waste in the ocean, while still concerning, are actually 3,000% lower than previously estimated, making comprehensive solutions more achievable. Aida emphasised the researchers' environmental responsibility, stating that scientists have a duty to ensure future generations inherit the best possible planet.
🌍 MUST READS
Fahrenheit Global Fire Engineers Win 2025 Fire Protection Project of the Year for Cootamundra Plant Innovation.
Australian Universities Develop AI System That Detects Contaminated Construction Wood with 91% Accuracy
Australia Achieves Nationwide Container Return Coverage as Tasmania Joins, Recycling 13+ Billion Bottles
🏠 IN OUR COMMUNITY
Monash University Launches First Community-Based Dance Trial for Autistic Children in Victoria
Monash University researchers have launched Australia's first community-based dance intervention trial specifically designed for autistic children, which is a major departure from traditional clinical treatment models.
The AllPlay Dance program, co-created by Professor Nicole Rinehart from Monash's School of Psychological Sciences and Dr Olivia Millard from Deakin University's School of Communication and Creative Arts, is actively recruiting children aged 7-12 with formal autism diagnoses across Victoria.
The trial addresses a critical gap in autism support, recognising that up to 80 percent of autistic children experience significant mobility difficulties that create barriers to participation in everyday activities like catching balls or maintaining balance.
The innovative study aims to demonstrate whether community-based dance classes can significantly improve motor functioning while simultaneously enhancing cognitive, social, and emotional outcomes for participants.
Conducted at Monash's state-of-the-art Brain Park facility and Deakin University dance studios, the programme represents a departure from expensive, time-consuming clinical interventions to accessible community-based solutions.
Built on a sustainable 10-year funding model involving industry, government, and philanthropic partners, AllPlay Dance aligns with NDIS objectives to help children with disabilities live ordinary lives within their communities. The research team will evaluate not only developmental improvements but also program acceptability and long-term family engagement in community dance activities.
🔬 BREAKTHROUGH MOMENT
Sydney Scientists Discover Hidden Cause of COVID-19 Organ Damage in World-First Breakthrough
Australian researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery that fundamentally changes our understanding of why COVID-19, heart attacks, and strokes cause devastating organ damage. Published in the prestigious journal Nature, this world-first study by Sydney scientists reveals that red blood cells—not traditional blood clots—are the hidden culprits behind organ failure in critically ill patients.
In low-oxygen situations, the inner layer of blood vessels dies in a process called necroptosis, which causes nearby red blood cells to burst and release sticky pieces that act like glue, blocking the smallest blood vessels and cutting off oxygen to important organs.
This discovery, led by Professor Shaun Jackson at ThromBio Sydney, explains why many COVID-19 patients and intensive care patients worldwide continue to suffer multi-organ failure even when traditional blood-thinning treatments are used.
The research examined autopsy tissues from COVID-19 patients in New York and found this "RBC Endo-seal" mechanism was widespread not only in COVID cases but also in patients who died from heart attacks and strokes. The findings open the door to revolutionising care and pave the way for revolutionary new treatments that could target red blood cell damage instead of traditional clotting pathways, potentially transforming long-term outcomes for intensive care patients globally.
💡 HUMAN OF THE WEEK
Indigenous Artist Hayley Coulthard Showcases Western Aranda Culture Through Clay at Alice Springs Exhibition
Celebrated Western Aranda artist and Charles Darwin University Visual Arts student Hayley Panangka Coulthard will showcase her cultural heritage through traditional ceramics in a new Alice Springs exhibition opening this weekend.
The exhibition, titled "Kaltjinthama – Kaltjerrama [Teaching – Learning]," features new works created during her formal university studies, demonstrating how art serves as a powerful vehicle for storytelling and cultural knowledge transmission. A member of the acclaimed Hermannsburg Potters since 2009, Coulthard has developed her craft under the mentorship of senior artists and has emerged as a two-time Wynne Prize finalist (2022, 2023).
The exhibition represents more than artistic achievement—it embodies cultural preservation and education in action. Coulthard, who recently graduated with CDU's Edgar Dunis Award for Outstanding Achievement by a First Nations Student in Arts, is now pursuing her Certificate IV in Visual Arts while using locally harvested clay from her Country around Ntaria.
Her work exemplifies the collaborative approach between CDU's Alice Springs campus and established Indigenous arts organizations, with the university providing a supportive environment for experienced artists to explore new techniques while maintaining their cultural connections. The exhibition opens Sunday, June 8th from 6-8pm at Watch This Space in Alice Springs, offering the community an opportunity to experience authentic Indigenous artistry and cultural expression.
⚡ QUICK WINS
Beach Safety Study Shows Surfers Save Lives at 95% of Unpatrolled Australian Beaches. A groundbreaking La Trobe University study found that Australian surfers provide over 70,000 water rescues and 25,000 first aid assists annually, making them crucial unpaid lifesavers at the 95% of beaches without professional supervision.
Australian GPs Launch Crazy Socks for Docs Day to Combat Mental Health Stigma Among Medical Professionals. Australian general practitioners participated in Crazy Socks for Docs Day on June 6, 2025, to raise awareness about the mental health stigma affecting both doctors and patients, while calling for reforms to mandatory reporting laws that discourage medical professionals from seeking mental health treatment.
University Electrification Milestone: UNSW Ditches Gas for Renewable Energy Across All Sydney Colleges. UNSW Sydney has become the first Australian university to fully transition from gas to renewable electric energy across all Sydney campus facilities, preventing 700 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually while improving operational efficiency and air quality as part of its 2050 net zero commitment.
📷 PHOTO OF THE WEEK
Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee President, Andrew Liveris (centre) is seen participating in the school “war cry” with students at The Southport School on the Gold Coast, Thursday, June 5, 2025. The Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee met with local Gold Coast school students from The Southport School and St Hilda’s School.
💭 QUOTE OF THE WEEK
It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop. - Confucius
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