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What is successor dog syndrome and how do you overcome it? -  31 August 2023
To better understand successor dog syndrome (SDS), a phenomenon where owners struggle to bond with their new dog, and help reduce the rate of dogs being returned, Australian researchers have studied the relationships between dogs and their handlers or owners. "We want to maximise how often we have a successful bond," said Dr Jessica Oliva, a psychology researcher at James Cook University.  >>more

Engaging Science Grant Success - 22 August 2023
Congratulations to Dr Liza Van Eijk JCU: Psychology, Dr Alexandra Trollope JCU: College of Medicine and Dentistry, Prof Zoltan Sarnyai JCU: College of Public Health, Medical & Veterinary Sciences and A/Prof Mostafa Rahimiazghadi JCU: College of Science and Engineering who were awarded $20,000 for a Neuroscience and stress workshop for Townsville high school students.  >>more

What 'Communicating for Life' means to us - 21 August 2023
Celebrating Speech Pathology Week, for JCU Speech Pathology Class of 2023 students, it means the start of our next big adventure after a massive four years of spectacular learning at university, growing, and communicating. >>more

Fixing the new dog blues - 16 August 2023 
A study on why owners of new dogs often have trouble connecting with their new companion has found a set of factors that may help prevent the phenomenon and has highlighted the need to be aware of ‘successor dog syndrome’. Dr Jessica Oliva, Senior Lecturer in Psychology, took part in a study interviewing a group of owners who had acquired companion dogs or assistance dogs to replace an old dog - but had trouble bonding with the new dog.  >>more

Healthcare in the air - 15 August 2023
Recently 4th-year JCU Nursing and Midwifery Student Makayla Killick took to the skies completing a 2-week placement with the NSW Air Ambulance. Makayla was able to learn all about aeromedical nursing which fuelled her passion to one day end up working in the sky. >>more

Training like a Cowboy - 10 August 2023
This week high school students from across Queensland had the chance to go behind the scenes at JCU and the Cowboys Community, Training and High-Performance Centre as part of the JCU Heroes in Sport Program, giving students the chance to learn from industry experts in Physiotherapy, Biomechanics and Sports and Exercise Science before hitting the field for a high-performance training session.  >>more

Why can watching your favourite sports team feel like you’re taking an emotional rollercoaster ride? - 8 August 2023
According to Professor of Health Psychology, James Dimmock, the answer is because many people do go an emotional rollercoaster ride. This psychological attachment in sport is called “fan identification” or “team identification”, and typically, we attach to teams that represent other aspects of ourselves.  >>more

Townsville joins world-first stroke rehabilitation trial - 13 July 2023
JCU has secured Townsville a place in a national stroke rehabilitation trial – the first of its kind in the world. The North Queensland city is the only regional centre in Australia participating in the $993,000 study, which is testing a new approach to restoring communication and hand and arm function in stroke survivors. “Our participation will help give a voice to regional and rural areas in terms of research and what our communities need,” said JCU Senior Lecturer in Physiotherapy, Dr Moira Smith, the Townsville coordinator of the trial. >>more

Radio remains top of the pops - 5 July 2023 
It may be a technology developed in the 19th century, but James Cook University researchers have found radio still offers a surprising range and depth of experience to listeners today. JCU psychology lecturer Dr Amanda Krause led a study investigating how radio personnel and listeners regard the purpose of radio and how radio can influence the wellbeing of older listeners.  >>more

Psychedelics and Psychedelic-assisted Therapy - 27 June 2023
New approaches to mental health treatment. Members of the public are invited to take part in a  JCU: College of Healthcare Sciences, Clinical Psychedelic Research Lab project exploring the perceptions and current knowledge about psychedelics and psychedelic-assisted therapy among Australians.  >>more

First Nations women don’t always access health care after head injuries from family violence - 15 June 2023
In a new article for The Conversation, JCU: College of Healthcare Sciences Adjunct A/Prof Jennifer Cullen and Western Sydney University ARC DECRA Fellow Michelle Fitts found fear of child removal, poverty, coercive control and low awareness of traumatic brain injury related to family violence can all impact on when and how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women access health care and support services.  >>more

Mindfulness program gets a new workout - 8 June 2023
Demand has soared for JCU’s Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MBSR) study, the next phase of which will be hosted by 1 Million Strong gym at Mt Louisa. The brainchild of JCU A/Prof Wendy Li and Dr Timothy Leow of TUH, the first eight-week study had promising results with participants exposed to several different types of meditations aimed at increasing attention to feelings of well-being and reducing stress and worry.  >>more

Stroke recovery research: help needed - 30 May 2023
James Cook University researchers are testing a new way to help stroke survivors regain arm movement and learn to speak well again, and they are looking for volunteers in Townsville and Cairns to help out. Dr Ruth Barker, Associate Professor of Rehabilitation at JCU, is chief investigator. >>more

How can exercise improve your mental health? - 29 May 2023
Ask an expert: How can exercise improve your mental health - with JCU: College of Healthcare Sciences Lecturer Brian Heilbronn. Exercise is well-known for its physical health benefits, but it can also have a positive impact on mental health.  >>more

Communication and well-being in the modern age - 24 May 2023
JCU Psychology researchers presented at the Pint of Science Festival Townsville on how music can influence our lives, how an app can help perinatal mums, and the challenges scientists face when communicating to people outside their fields.  >>more

Meet the Townsville lecturer plotting NSW’s Origin downfall - 19 May 2023
Billy Slater, Cameron Smith, Johnathan Thurston, Josh Hannay... Wade Sinclair. You might not have heard of the latter, but the JCU Sport and Exercise Science Senior Lecturer could play a major part in the success or failure of the Queensland Maroons this year.  >>more

Abuse and neglect put kids on fast track to crime - 17 May 2023
Researchers examining the effect bad childhoods have on youth criminals say some types of experience have a greater effect on criminality than others. Dr Wendy Li is an Associate Professor of Psychology at James Cook University. She was part of a team that examined research into the link between adverse childhood experiences and youth crime. >>more

A commitment to care across careers - 12 May 2023
Shannon Wellings thought teaching was the career for her, having worked as a special needs teacher aide for 10 years, and studying an education degree. But after realising that providing her students with health care truly sparked her passion, Shannon turned to nursing. Now in her third year of study at JCU, Shannon is proving that it’s never too late to start something new.  >>more

Role of Sports Coaches in Singapore - 10 May 2023
Resilience and determination aren't just important in sports, they're essential in life. JCU Singapore Psychology alumnus Tan Xiang Tian shares his story in the latest issue of the Singapore Psychologist magazine, on how coaches play a huge role in nurturing these two qualities in young athletes by prioritising relationships, autonomy, and competence.  >>more

The mental health obstacle - 5 May 2023
The Autumn 2023 edition of Soldier On magazine features Associate Lecturer in Exercise Physiology, Brian Heilbronn, who heads JCU's Veterans Physical Activity and Sports Performance Program, offering general health and performance testing, individualised training programs, one-on-one training sessions, and access to state-of-the-art training facilities and equipment to veterans at our Performance Science Hub in Townsville.  >>more

Midwifery graduate goes for gold standard of care - 3 May 2023
After enrolling in JCU’s Bachelor of Nursing Science – Bachelor of Midwifery at the last minute and feeling unsure of what the degree had in store for her, Graduate Kira Teare says she feels lucky to have found her true passion in being a midwife and providing perinatal care.  >>more

JCU program delivers its first Invictus Games competitor - 27 April
A JCU program helping veterans thrive physically and mentally has had a big win, with one of its participants selected for the prestigious Invictus Games. The brainchild of JCU Lecturer in Exercise Physiology and Army Veteran Brian Heilbronn, the Program offers general health and performance testing, individualised training programs, one-on-one training sessions, and access to state-of-the-art training facilities at the University’s Performance Science Hub in Townsville.   >>more

How does loneliness impact well-being among youth? - 14 April 2023
Research explores the experience of loneliness influencing well-being among youths.  In a systematic scoping review carried out by Dr Jagdeep Kaur Sabharwal, Senior Lecturer of Psychology at James Cook University in Singapore, and Nuryn Aqidah Binte Mohammad Adib, Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) graduate, significant contributors to the experience of loneliness among youth were uncovered. >>more

Mindfulness can help diabetes sufferers - 21 March 2023  
James Cook University researchers have found practising mindfulness techniques can have positive effects for diabetes sufferers. Dr Wendy Li is an Associate Professor of Psychology and Associate Dean for Research in the College of Healthcare Sciences at JCU. She is one of the authors of a paper that analysed studies tracking the effects of mindfulness on people with diabetes.  >>more

Lifelong dream realised for Mt Isa nurse - 15 March 2023  
Edwina Shepherd always wanted to be a nurse. But for a long time, decades in fact, the timing just wasn’t right.  It wasn’t until Edwina, her husband and their two children moved to Mount Isa seven years ago that the stars aligned, and she was able to become a full-time university student at the JCU Mount Isa, Murtupuni campus — aged 49.  >>more

Isla’s battle is a warning about how little we know about concussion - 3 March 2023
James Cook University PhD candidate, Catherine (Aggie) De Hollander has designed Australian-first research into the impact of concussion in women athletes. She is collecting data from specially designed mouth guards worn by women playing rugby and AFL football. They measure player movements including acceleration, velocity and direction of impact. >>more

From research to action: He's using findings to back actionable ways to improve your well-being - 2 March 2023
Graduating with first class honours in psychology from JCU Singapore in 2017, Jonathan Kuek went on to achieve many milestones. Today, he leads social enterprise Total Wellness Initiative Singapore, seeking to change mindsets and behaviours towards wellness. >>more

Hikikomori risk factors linked to social withdrawal tendencies among young adults in Singapore - 2 March 2023
Individuals who feel like they do not fit in — because of depression, supressing emotions, or more — may be more likely to withdraw from society. Describing the rising occurrence of emerging adults voluntarily going into seclusion, hikikomori is a social phenomenon that started with young Japanese men around the mid-1980s to 1990s.  Dr Patrick Lin, Senior Lecturer of Psychology at James Cook University in Singapore sought to explore the hikikomori phenomenon in Singapore.  >>more

Giving kids communication confidence - 28 February 2023  
Communication is a key part of life. Teaching kids how to communicate effectively can support them to not only express themselves but to positively impact the world. JCU Speech Pathology Lecturer, Jacqueline Lim, explains how to give kids the confidence to communicate.  >>more

Commentary: Could AI like ChatGPT replace human counsellors and therapists? - 20 February 2023
Companies and government agencies have rolled out AI chatbots to address employees’ mental health concerns, but such initiatives might miss the bigger picture, writes James Cook University Singapore Associate Professor Clinical Psychology Maria Hennessy for CNA.  >>more

World Radio Day celebrates unstoppable radio - 13 February 2023
A James Cook University researcher is celebrating World Radio Day today – Monday February 13. Dr Amanda Krause is a music psychology researcher at James Cook University, studying how people experience music and the radio in everyday life. She said research increasingly highlights how music and the arts are beneficial to our well-being, and this includes engaging with radio.  >>more

Study adds more brains to the brawn - 8 February 2023
Walking the high-performance tightrope between data and drills is the focus of a new study on how experts can get the best out of a team in elite level rugby league. James Cook University Sports and Exercise Science PhD graduate Dr Corey Wedding examined the first 10 rounds of the 2021 National Rugby League (NRL) season while also reviewing existing literature on high performance sport from some of the top sports codes around the world.  >>more

Soldiers ‘use the force’ to stay fighting fit - 2 February 2023
James Cook University researchers have given soldiers a potential new way to work out based on assessments from force plates - special mechanical sensing systems. JCU Sport and Exercise Science Associate Professor Anthony Leicht said the plates, which measure the forces generated by an individual during activities, showed potential to support individualised training. >>more

Fear of death may motivate us to play games excessively - 18 January 2022
A new study examines our fear of death as an unconscious motivation for gaming. Dr Peter Chew, Senior Lecturer of Psychology at James Cook University in Singapore, believes that an increase in mortality salience (in other words, the conscious awareness of death) is linked to a simultaneous increase in gaming activity, due to the ways gaming allow individuals to cope with both psychological distress and the problem of death. >>more

Travel industry faces post-pandemic choices - 17 January 2022 
Global tourism is at a crossroads as the Covid 19 virus, spread by mass travel, forces the industry to make choices on its future, according to a JCU researcher. Dr Irmgard Bauer, Adjunct Senior Lecturer at JCU’s College of Healthcare Sciences, said since the World Health Organisation declared COVID-19 a global pandemic in March 2020 the economic losses have been massive. >>more

Collingwood swoop on NQ top footy star - 17 January 2022
Congratulations to JCU Bachelor of Exercise Physiology alumnus Alyssa Whiley, who has been swooped up by the Collingwood VFLW  team on a one year deal. Alyssa was crowned AFL Townsville’s best and fairest female player in 2022. We wish Alyssa all the best!  >>more

Pioneering a pregnancy decision-making tool for women - 10 January 2023
For the past 15 years, Professor of Nursing Cate Nagle has been pioneering a pregnancy decision-making tool for women. Named YourChoice, the decision aid was first created as a paper-based document as part of Cate’s PhD project in 2008. Cate said turning YourChoice into a phone app was done to ensure as many women as possible had access to the aid. Funding for the app was secured thanks to James Cook University and the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute.  >>more

JCU OT student takes out ultimate student leadership challenge - 18 December 2022
Congratulations to Isabelle Merchant, JCU Occupational Therapy student, who recently attended the Indigenous Allied Health Associations ultimate student leadership challenge with a sponsorship from JCU, and won the overall challenge with her team. >>more

Two new PhDs in health awarded at JCU Cairns graduation - 13 December 2022
Dr Mary O’Loughlin explored the experiences of adults living with chronic conditions, and Dr Vanessa Sparke investigated the influence of social, cultural and spiritual beliefs in the practice of infection control in the Pacific.  >>more

Australian Sports Medicine Federation welcomes newly inducted Fellows - 9 December 2022
The Australian Sports Medicine Federation (ASMF) welcomes to the Fellowship, Associate Professor Anthony Leicht. The newly inducted Fellows were announced at the ASMF Fellows Dinner at the 2022 SMA Conference.  >>more

Health students broaden horizons through hands-on learning in remote QLD - 7 December 2022
Allied health students on clinical placements in rural and remote North West Queensland get to experience a sense of community and unlimited learning opportunities, according to third year Bachelor of Occupational Therapy student Hope. She said completing her seven-week placement with the Queensland Department of Education in Mount Isa had encouraged her to consider choosing a career path in rural and remote areas. >>more

How do you condition your body to be more resilient in hot and humid conditions? - 5 December 2022
Wade Sinclair, Senior Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Science, explains how exercising in general causes an increase in body temperature as the chemical processes within the body go to work and utilise the fuel that powers the exercise. When exercising in hot environments, there is an additional increase in body temperature due to the environment, with high humidity making conditions feel even hotter. >>more

Exercise Physiology Expert Lends Support to SINIS - 25 November 2022
Dr Glen Deakin, an adjunct Senior Lecturer from JCU: James Cook University, Australia is in Honiara for 3 weeks supervising Sport & Exercise Science students at the Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport - SINIS. Dr Deakin and his JCU colleague Associate Professor Anthony Leicht have been leading groups to Solomon Islands for almost a decade. They have now connected with SINIS to expand opportunities in a High Performance environment.  >>more

JCU Nursing Alumnus receives Queensland's Local Hero Award - 16 November 2022
Congratulations to JCU Nursing alumnus Melissa Redsell, who has received Queensland's Local Hero Award in the Australian of the Year Awards.  Working in healthcare, Melissa recognised the need for better support for teenage and young mothers and started gifting newborn essentials to young mums who were struggling. Within 12 months, she’d started A Brave Life. The charity supports young mothers dealing with domestic violence, poverty, trauma, relationship breakdowns, unplanned pregnancy and homelessness.  >>more

Bionics Challenge 2022 Major Prize Winner - 11 November 2022
Major Prize Winner - Dr Shou-Han Zhou.  Congratulations to Dr Shou-Han Zhou and his team. A North Queensland team of bionics innovators at James Cook University has won $25k in Bionics Challenge 2022 delivered by Bionics Qld in partnership with MAIC. Dr Shou-Han Zhou and his team are developing a new-to-the-world device to objectively and comprehensively measure apathy which adversely affects the physical rehabilitation of individuals with traumatic brain injuries. Together with physical exercise and VR/AR therapy, this new apathy measurement device is set to dramatically improve the long term recovery of road accident survivors. See the pitch video here.  >>more

Game-changing tool to help rehab patients - 11 November 2022
A James Cook University team developing a world-first device which keeps trauma patients focused on their recovery is a step closer to starting patient trials after being awarded a major prize. The Bionics Challenge 2022 awarded $25,000 to the JCU: College of Healthcare Sciences and JCU: College of Science and Engineering collaborative team that’s developing a tool which uses an exoskeleton and virtual reality (VR) games to measure and increase a patient’s engagement and motivation during their rehabilitation. The device is expected to dramatically improve the take-up and sustained use of rehabilitation technologies by road accident survivors suffering traumatic brain injuries.  >>more

First Nations women are 69 times more likely to have a head injury after being assaulted - 10 November 2022
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women are 69 times more likely than non-First Nations women to go to hospital with a head injury because of an assault. But not all First Nations women get the support they need. A new study by JCU: College of Healthcare Sciences Adjunct Associate Professor Jennifer Cullen and Western Sydney University's Professor Karen Soldatic and Michelle Fitts show how health and support services working in remote areas are not equipped with the tools to identify the potential of a head injury for women who experience violence. >>more

Hit song secrets unveiled - 9 November 2022
Psychologists have revealed some of the secrets of scoring a chart-topping, hit song. JCU psychology lecturer Dr Amanda Krause was a co-author of the new paper. She said several studies show that a concept or object is more popular when it’s easier to process.  >>more

American nursing students opportunity of a lifetime - 8 November 2022
A group of American nursing students has experienced the “opportunity of a lifetime” during a recent placement at Townsville University Hospital (TUH). The six nurses from Fairfield University in Connecticut have been based at JCU: College of Healthcare Sciences since July as part of a study abroad program.  >>more

Bush tucker proves nourishing for pregnant First Nations mums - 3 November 2022
‘You are what you eat’. It's an often-used catchcry aimed at encouraging healthy eating. But what if you're eating for two or more? And what if you're a First Nations pregnant woman living on country? The nutritional habits of pregnant Indigenous women are being examined by JCU Researcher Dr Janelle James-McAlpine as part of a broader body of work.  >>more

Veterans tap into mindfulness with new program - 1 November 2022
A new James Cook University study will use techniques such as mindfulness meditation to try to improve the mental health of Townsville’s military veterans. To begin in February 2023, the pilot study into the effectiveness of Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MBSR) will take 50 veterans through an eight week course at veteran facility The Oasis Townsville. Lead researcher and JCU Associate Professor of Psychology Wendy Li said little was known about the effectiveness of using MBSR on Australian veterans, a therapy which has been shown to increase attention to and feelings of well-being and reduce stress and worry.  >>more

New online tool for prenatal testing decisions - 28 October 2022
A new online tool has been launched to support expectant parents in their choices around prenatal testing for chromosome conditions in their unborn baby. It’s YourChoice, created by the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute and James Cook University, aims to guide pregnant women through the prenatal testing options and which tests may be best suited for them. James Cook University Professor Cate Nagle said the decision aid was not a stand-alone tool and worked alongside clinical support. >>more

Radio in the golden age - 19 October 2022
A James Cook University researcher says music brings much comfort and joy to older people, and she wants older Australians to join a research project examining why they love listening to the radio. Dr Amanda Krause is a music psychology researcher at James Cook University. Her research looks at how people experience music and the radio in everyday life. She is currently investigating how radio impacts the lives of older listeners.  >>more

A special connection: Humans and their pets - 18 October 2022
Dr Jessica Oliva, Senior Lecturer in Psychology at JCU, tells us how cat and dog owners have weathered the COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020, and how pets coped when their owners could suddenly go out again after the lockdowns eased. >>more

Aspiring Health Professionals key to successful Mount Isa Rehab Service - 18 October 2022
Aspiring occupational therapists and physiotherapists are gaining important on-the-ground experience in the North West Community Rehabilitation Centre in Mount Isa. Under the supervision of experienced clinical leads, more than 30 university students completed clinical placements during the past 12 months.  >>more

Building a tactical athlete - 17 October 2022
JCU Sport and Exercise Science researchers are targeting a new approach to military training techniques that may result in Australian soldiers suffering fewer injuries in the field. The researchers reviewed previous studies and compared traditional vs non-traditional military physical training methods and their documented impact on occupational performance and musculoskeletal injury risk. >>more

An accidental occupational therapist - 12 October 2022
A career crossroad inspires a leap into the unknown. Turning 28 and worn out after a decade working long, unpredictable hours in the hospitality industry, former chef Matthew Ganly found himself in a career conundrum. The Townsville local decided to pursue a degree in physiotherapy but was advised to study occupational therapy initially as the physiotherapy course was full at the time.  >>more

Receiving the energy to go further - 5 October 2022
For JCU Student Jodie Mottram, receiving the Arrow Energy Scholarship was the key to unlocking the opportunity to achieve her personal, educational and professional goals. Jodie is a proud Indigenous woman and a single mother raising three children while studying a Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) and a Bachelor of Arts with a double major in Criminology and Indigenous Studies.  >>more

Our future health in Tyeena's caring hands - 30 September 2022
With young aspiring nurses like Tyeena Pang, our future health services are in good hands. A James Cook University Mount Isa Campus first year nursing student, Tyeena has had her eyes set on a nursing career since she was a youngster. Her mother, a local Community Liaison Officer, took her to communities where she witnessed first-hand health risks and issues faced by Indigenous Australians. >>more

Great Handiwork - 27 September 2022
JCU Alumni Mignon Prinsloo tells us about her journey to become an Occupational Therapist (OT) working in Hand Therapy, and why OT and Physiotherapy both have their place in a good rehabilitation program. >>more

A guide to procrastination and how to overcome it - 19 September 2022
The truth is, you are not born as a procrastinator. Dr Alla Demutska, Lecturer of Clinical Psychology at James Cook University in Singapore, shares, “Your family and life history play a role in the development of procrastination. For example, a harsh controlling family environment is often linked to the development of procrastination. Procrastination is a learned response, which means you can unlearn it. First, you need to understand why and how you use procrastination, and then learn how to change this habit.”  >>more

Putting the ‘fun’ in functional training - 13 September 2022
JCU Sport and Exercise Science researchers have been analysing an increasingly popular workout technique and have found it reduces blood pressure and cheers people up. Associate Professor Anthony Leicht of James Cook University’s College of Healthcare Sciences was part of an international team that studied a group of people who took part in ‘functional training’ (FT).  >>more

Fighting fit - 12 September 2022
In a new paper for Military Medicine journal, JCU Sport and Exercise Science's Chelsea Smith, Dr Kenji Doma, Brian Heilbronn and Associate Professor Anthony Leicht reviewed the effects of exercise training on various fitness domains (i.e., aerobic fitness, flexibility, muscular endurance, muscular power, muscular strength, and occupationally specific physical performance) that contribute to occupational performance and musculoskeletal injury risk in military personnel.  >>more

Grandmother inspires award winner to follow a career in nursing - 9 September 2022
A mother of three young children with a strong commitment to the Mount Isa Aboriginal community, Lauren Ah-One, has received the Murtupuni Centre for Rural and Remote Health award at the James Cook University Annual Indigenous Student Awards. >>more

Outstanding Alumni honoured - 9 September 2022
Congratulations to our JCU: College of Healthcare Sciences Outstanding Early Career Alumni Award winner, Dr Lewan Parker, NHMRC/National Heart Foundation Early Career Fellow, Deakin University; and Outstanding Alumni Award winner, Ms Andrea Mann, Director of Nursing, Clinical Coordinator TCHHS COVID-19, Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service.  >>more

Indigenous students shine at awards - 8 September 2022
JCU Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students have been recognised for their outstanding academic and personal achievements at a major awards ceremony last night. Congratulations to our JCU: College of Healthcare Sciences Indigenous Student Awards recipients: Myles McKenzie (Psychology); Isabelle Merchant (Occupational Therapy); Tara-Lee Player (Nursing); Fenella Hartley (Nursing); Dylan Spencer (Psychology); Jamie Yule (Nursing), Lauren Ah-One (Nursing).  >>more

Guiding and providing diabetes care - 6 September 2022
JCU College of Healthcare Sciences alumni and dietitian Annabel Johnston says that after studying JCU Graduate Certificate of Diabetes Education, it gave her the boost in professional skills to launch into a new avenue of dietetics. Annabel now has her own practice, Nutrition for Living, which caters to a variety of clients including people with gut issues and diabetes.  >>more

An app for that: Prenatal education & support - 2 September 2022
A pregnancy journey requires many important decisions to be made along the way. JCU Professor Cate Nagle has developed an informative app, YourChoice, that aims to support pregnant women to make confident, informed decisions. The app is the result of over a decade of work within Professor Nagle’s long career in midwifery and women’s health. >>more

Indigenous perspectives improve Indigenous health outcomes - 31 August 2022
Two recent JCU Speech Pathology graduates, Jasmine Kennell and Morgan Appleby, are using their skills as well as their Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds to make a difference to the health services they are now working in.  >>more

Study to tackle concussion head on - 30 August 2022
Understanding more about the effects of concussion in women’s contact sports is set to be the focus of a new study by James Cook University. JCU PhD candidate Catherine de Hollander has put the call out for female athletes who compete in rugby league, rugby union or Australian rules football in Townsville, ahead of the 2023 season. The study will measure the of impact of collisions on short-term and long-term health.  >>more

Achieving meaningful movement - 24 August 2022
JCU student Kady Delle Baite has always found her happiness in helping others. Now in her fourth year of studying Occupational Therapy, Kady has been able to do just that. Although Kady knew early on that she wanted a career providing empathetic and accessible healthcare, she says the variety and volume of her placement experiences at JCU have inspired a sense of certainty about what area of Occupational Therapy she wants to specialise in after graduation. >>more

JCU Speech Pathology class of 2022 - 18 August 2022
During Speech Pathology Week some of JCU's final year Speech Pathology students who are currently undertaking their final placement created this excellent video and considered what speech pathology means to them and what excites them about their future in speech pathology. >>more

Sing like there's nobody comparing - 18 August 2022
New research reveals the exceptional singing skills of contestants on reality TV shows may be stopping people from singing in public. James Cook University psychology lecturer Dr Amanda Krause said the finding has important implications for singing participation, which is proven to have significant health and well-being benefits in adults.  >>more

From sporty kid to sport specialist - 17 August 2022
As a sporty kid with a dedication to the books, a career in exercise physiology is a perfect fit for Samantha Beringen. But it took a post-high school gap year working with cardiac specialists for her to figure that out. Now 23, the recent JCU Sport and Exercise graduate has just landed a full-time job at Physio North in Townsville, and she can’t wait to embark on her career. >>more

Placed on a path to occupational therapy - 11 August 2022
After deciding to study Occupational Therapy, JCU Alumni Dominique Di Marzio says that her placements set her up for success in her career. Now two years since graduating, Dominique says that she loves working as a paediatrics OT in the small town of Bowen and bringing smiles to the children and families that she helps. >>more

Riding into a career as an equine-assisted therapist - 10 August 2022
Not all psychology graduates work indoors. James Cook University Singapore alumna Lavannya Sivanandan discovered the world of equine therapy through an internship that would change her life. >>more

A path to practicing psychology -  9 August 2022
As a child, JCU Alumni Lauren Cavati says she was always the person who enjoyed providing her friends with support and lending an ear to those in need. But it was later in life that Lauren moved to Townsville to study psychology and decided to forge her own path by opening her own practice, Deep Speak. >>more

Humble colleagues or competent colleagues, which do you prefer? - 29 July 2022
New research explores whether people value humble colleagues more than competent colleagues. Managing social interactions with colleagues at work can make the difference between success or failure in your career. Dr Ai Ni Teoh, Academic Head of the School of Social and Health Sciences at James Cook University in Singapore, and Ms Livia Kriwangko, Graduate Diploma of Psychology student, set out to examine how humility and competence affect interactions, and in turn better understand when each trait should be valued in organisational settings.  >>more

Pursuing psychology for player support - 21 July 2022
Working with the North Queensland Cowboys since 1994, Kevin Marty wanted to develop the skills to support players’ wellbeing both on and off the field. After studying Psychology at JCU, Kevin became the club’s Wellbeing and Education Manager. >>more

Giving Cairns kids first dibs on speech pathology - 18 July 2022
Having seen the benefits first-hand of early intervention speech pathology therapies on young children, JCU Speech Pathology Alumni Grace Munro and Rachael Di Bella decided it was time to take the plunge and set up their own paediatric speech therapy clinic in Cairns, specifically for children aged 0 to 12 years old.  >>more

‘Dog people’ may do better in lockdown - 18 July 2022 
Researchers examining why dog owners living alone during Covid restrictions were less lonely think it may have to do with the type of person who owns dogs rather than having a dog itself. Dr Jessica Oliva is a lecturer in psychology at James Cook University. She said a previous study found Australian dog owners living alone were less likely to be lonely than non-dog owners living alone during the first COVID-19 lockdown.  >>more

Online mental health fine-tuned - 14 July 2022
James Cook University researchers working on fine-tuning online mental health programs for young people say parental involvement is key – and they have some ideas on how to maximise it. JCU Psychology PhD candidate Jessica Muller said mental health problems in children and adolescents are recognised as an ongoing and worldwide health concern.  >>more

Innovative stroke recovery research - 5 July 2022
James Cook University researchers are testing an innovative new way to help stroke survivors regain arm movement and learn to speak again, and they are looking for volunteers for the research project. Ruth Barker, Associate Professor of Rehabilitation at JCU, is chief investigator at the trial site in Townsville. She said losing arm, hand, and language functions after a stroke affects 1 in 6 survivors three-months after a stroke.  >>more

Future cricket stars to take skills to next level - 28 June 2022
James Cook University and Queensland Cricket have joined forces to give North Queensland’s best junior cricketers every chance of success at the highest level in a new training program set to start next month. About 20 junior cricketers between the ages of 14 and 16 from Townsville, Ingham, Charters Towers and Home Hill will take part in the 10-week High Performance Development and Education Pilot Program, to be run out of JCU’s Performance Science Hub in Townsville. The program is the brainchild of JCU Sport and Exercise Science Lecturer Dr Jonathan Connor and Queensland Cricket Coaching and Talent Specialist Tony Hampson, who both saw a need to level the playing field for the region’s junior cricketers by offering the same high performance training and skills their southern counterparts already receive.  >>more

How a Q&A could be career-defining - 24 June 2022
The time it takes for a candidate to respond to questions during a job interview could determine their future career path, according to new research by James Cook University involving more than 5100 participants from the UK, US, Singapore, and Australia. In a series of experiments, JCU Singapore social psychologist Dr Deming (Adam) Wang and his team found that prompt responses during a range of conversational scenarios, including everyday small talk and mock job interviews, were seen as relaxed and proactive, while responses after a slight pause were considered to signal nervousness and social passivity.  >>more

The mating game -  2 June 2022
A James Cook University study has found men who want to be fathers are more attractive to women – but with a catch. Dr Ryan Anderson led the study, which presented more than 260 heterosexual women under 40-years-old with a short, fictional bio of potential mates, including their intentions toward fatherhood.  >>more

New program to boost veterans’ health - 31 May 2022
A new program designed to help Townsville veterans thrive physically and mentally is set to be rolled out by James Cook University. Program co-ordinator and JCU Associate Lecturer in Exercise Physiology Brian Heilbronn said JCU’s program was modelled on a similar program at the University of South Australia, which offers pathways for veterans to prepare to compete in the Invictus Games - an international sporting event for wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women. >>more

Terror Management Theory: Thinking about death can bring out the worst in us - 17 May 2022
A new study makes use of big data analysis to examine terror management theory’s effects amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. There is a terrifying event that no one can escape — death. When was the last time you thought about it?  Dr Peter Chew, Senior Lecturer of Psychology at James Cook University in Singapore, decided to tap on the COVID-19 pandemic to better understand Terror Management Theory and how people would react in a real-world situation.  >>more

Pepper the vaccine prepper - 29 April 2022 
A humanoid robot called Pepper has proven an effective way to overcome vaccine hesitancy and spread health information, according to researchers. James Cook University’s Professor Cate Nagle was part of a study which placed Pepper – a 1.4 metre tall, 28 kg robot with human-like features – inside a Queensland hospital and invited patients and staff to interact with it. Professor Nagle said the use of humanoid robot technologies within healthcare settings is rapidly evolving; but the potential of robots in health promotion and health education had not been well established.  >>more

Overwhelmed by the crisis in Ukraine? Here's how you can deal with the stress - 26 April 2022
Dr Alla Demutska, originally from Ukraine, shares her thoughts on the crisis in Ukraine and how we can deal with the accompanying stress. The sheer impact of this war also stretches beyond those who have relatives and friends in Ukraine; keeping up with the Russian invasion is taking a toll on our mental health. “Humans are empathic beings, and it is very difficult to observe suffering that our other fellow beings are going through, see the ruins of once beautiful cities, and try to comprehend the devastation and impact,” says Dr Alla Demutska — who is originally from Ukraine — Lecturer of Clinical Psychology at James Cook University in Singapore.  >>more

Confronting pre-COVID mental health demons - 20 April 2022
The hidden personal demons faced by people prior to the COVID-19 pandemic must be confronted as Australia begins to socially reconnect, according to a JCU researcher. James Cook University PhD candidate and TV psychologist Sandy Rea said the isolation and social disconnection experienced by many people during the pandemic has highlighted the importance of mental health conditions that have not been addressed previously. >>more

Looking to exercise more? Focus and plan out your actions - 12 April 2022
A new JCU Singapore study examines how different types of planning could help increase physical exercise behaviour and overcome a lack of action. Dr Denise Dillon, together with Psychology Honours graduate Clement Wee, set out to examine how two types of planning could bridge the intention-behaviour gap and increase physical exercise behaviours.  >>more

Exploring the link between psychological science and well-being - 4 April 2022
James Cook University (JCU), Singapore’s first-ever Psychological Science and Well-Being Conference took place 4–5 March 2022. The two-day event was held in a hybrid format to provide participants with the option of joining virtually or in person. This marked the University’s first hybrid public event since the COVID-19 pandemic, with international presenters gracing the event in person. Overall, approximately 70 participants attended the event. >>more

JCU Hub works to build ultimate athletes - 21 March 2022
A band of elite super athletes could soon be leading their teams to victory with help from James Cook University’s Performance Science Hub. JCU Senior Lecturer and Elite Athlete Program Manager Wade Sinclair said the Hub has been in high demand from local teams and athletes eager to get a winning edge on the playing field. “We’ve got two regular programs up and running at the moment and we’re in discussions with another three groups as well,” Mr Sinclair said. “It’s going gangbusters at the moment. >>more

Is 'Going Troppo' an actual condition? - 11 March 2022
Ask an expert - with Carolyn Clark, Lecturer, Clinical Psychology, JCU: College of Healthcare Sciences. According to the Australian National Dictionary, ‘Going Troppo’ is to be “mentally disturbed due to too much time spent in the tropics (and heat)”. It is believed the term dates back to the 1940s and Australian troops using it widely while serving in the Pacific...but is it an actual condition? Let’s start by looking at what we actually know about heat and mental impacts. >>more

Turn on and tune out for free - 10 March 2022
Psychologists are offering free access to an innovative music project described as ‘a soundtracked therapy session’ as part of a James Cook University study. JCU Psychology lecturer Dr Amanda Krause said the Listen Up event is run by the progressive online therapy practice, The Indigo Project. “I’ve done in-depth research on the Listen Up event previously and found the experience improved the wellbeing of attendees, left them feeling less stressed and allowed them to process emotions,” said Dr Krause. She said the research is being further expanded upon in this new study.  >>more

A hookup may not make you feel better - 2 March 2022
A new study by James Cook University researchers has found satisfaction with casual sex depends on the motivation behind it. Psychologists Dr Ryan Anderson and Billie McKeen, current JCU Master of Psychology (Clinical) candidate, said research supports the idea that women generally experience worse psychological outcomes following casual sex than men.  >>more

New mothers and their parents: How past parenting affects new mothers - 16 February 2022
Research from James Cook University in Singapore explores how past parenting affects new mothers. Becoming a parent for the first time can be both exciting and daunting. First-time parents frequently grapple with mixed emotions and a changing identity, as they think about what kind of parent they will be and whether they might repeat mistakes made by their own parents. “We wanted to understand how past parenting affects new mothers, particularly their mental health, in the first year of motherhood. We were interested to consider the impact of specific types of interactions they had with their own parents, both positive and negative,” said Dr Joanna Barlas, Senior Lecturer in Clinical Psychology at James Cook University (JCU) in Singapore.  >>More

Stop me if you’ve heard this one before: nostalgia’s impact on the Hottest 100 - 24 January 2022
There is an enormous amount going on in your brain when you listen to your favourite tunes. “That’s the period of our lives where we’re the most, what we call ‘open eared’, most likely to take in new music and find and develop those new preferences,” says Dr Amanda Krause, psychologist and lecturer at James Cook university. “So the music that we like at that stage of life stays with us, even as we get older.”  >>more

The relationship between your personality and gaming addiction - 13 January 2022
A new study explores the link between an addiction to video gaming and well-known personality traits. Video games are immensely popular, propelling the video games industry to become a multi-billion-dollar industry that is larger than the film and music industry combined. While games can be very entertaining, it can be easy to get absorbed in the competition, resulting in negative symptoms associated with excessive gaming. “Most gamers have little or no negative consequences from their pastime, but Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) is a recognised phenomenon which affects a small number of gamers,” said Dr Peter Chew, Senior Lecturer in Psychology at James Cook University (JCU) in Singapore.  >>more

Game addiction linked to personality - 12 January 2022
A new study by James Cook University has found an addiction to video gaming is linked to well-known personality traits – and some, including people who display neurotic tendencies and are introverted are more likely to suffer the disorder. Dr Peter Chew is a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at JCU. He said gaming is larger than the film and music industry combined, with an estimated 2.7 billion gamers spending a total of $US 159 billion on games last year.  >>more

Same-sex couples find their own way - 23 December 2021
A James Cook University study of how gay men maintain their long-term relationships in countries where homosexual practices are illegal has uncovered how couples overcome the obstacles to their love. JCU PhD candidate Muhamad Alif Bin Ibrahim led the study in conjunction with Senior Lecturer in Clinical Psychology, Dr Joanna Barlas. >>more

International Postgraduate Student of the Year - 14 December 2021
What does it take to be JCU’s International Postgraduate Student of the Year? Nnamdi Mgbemena is an international student from Nigeria who makes moving halfway across the world to complete a PhD in cardiopulmonary physiotherapy look easy. “It was at a conference that I met a couple of Australians who were friendly and encouraged me to apply for a PhD in Australia. And fortunately, I ended up being accepted by JCU and having Associate Professor Anne Jones who is the head of the physiotherapy program, along with Associate Professor Anthony Leicht from exercise and sports science, as my supervisors.  >>more

JCU honours Outstanding Alumni - 6 December 2021
James Cook University graduates who have excelled in their chosen careers have been honoured at this morning’s Outstanding Alumni Awards. Congratulations to our College of Healthcare Sciences Outstanding Early Career Alumni Award winner Mr Ryan Wynch, Global Head of Occupational Health, Novartis; and Outstanding Alumni Award winner and Chancellor's Award Recipient, Professor Roianne West, CEO, Congress of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nurses and Midwives, and Foundation Chair and Professor of First Peoples Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffith University. >>more

Gala celebrates international students - 22 November 2021
The invaluable contribution made by James Cook University’s international students has been celebrated at an inaugural ball held in Townsville. JCU College of Healthcare Sciences  PhD student Nnamdi Chidiebere Mgbemena, from Nigeria, said it was surreal to win the International Postgraduate Student of the Year award, as he prepares to finish his studies after three-and-a-half years. >>more

Exploring interventions for youth crime - 18 November 2021
Youth crime is a serious issue and there is no simple solution. However, research into the underlying factors involved can lead to a breakthrough. JCU Master’s Student Belinda Astridge is aiming to provide new insights into how childhood experiences may help to inform our understanding of juvenile offenders. >>more

No joke – male humour helps groups reach goals - 22 October 2021
Researchers have found robust humour has a role in helping men in support groups achieve their goals – but it has to be used carefully. James Dimmock is a Professor of Health Psychology at James Cook University. He was part of an international team – led by The University of Western Australia’s Dr Timothy Budden – that questioned men involved in a weight loss support group on the role of humour in their progress. >>more

The hidden social cost of wearing face masks - 18 October 2021
Senior Lecturer of Psychology at JCU Singapore, Dr Chan Kai Qin, explores how face masks inhibit social interactions by pondering what the Mona Lisa would look like during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Mona Lisa — arguably the most famous painting in the world — involved a combination of art, science, optics, and more for Leonardo da Vinci to create her iconic smile. Mona Lisa’s smile incorporates the science of how our eyes process detail and perceptions, resulting in an elusive smile rich with inner emotion.  >>more

Online book helps explain devastating dementia condition - 23 September 2021
A unique variant of dementia that affected the late comedian Robin Williams will be highlighted in a new interactive teaching resource produced by James Cook University, with contributions by College of Healthcare Sciences researchers Dr Michael Inskip, A/Prof David Lindsay and Marie Bodak . “A long goodbye: Ed and Mary’s Journey with Lewy body dementia” is centred around the touching journal of a husband, Ed, documenting his wife Mary’s rapid mental and physical decline after being diagnosed with Lewy body dementia (LBD). >>more

Music trumps video during lockdown - 22 September 2021
New research shows people who listen to music during lockdown are happier than those who depend on their screens for distraction. James Cook University psychology lecturer Dr Amanda Krause, along with colleagues from Central Queensland University and the  University of Western Australia, surveyed people about their media habits before and during pandemic lockdowns.  >>more

The complex nexus of life, beliefs and disease: how we achieve true balance - 27 August 2021
Congratulations to JCU Nursing & Midwifery Senior Lecturer, Vanessa Sparke, for taking out the College of Healthcare Sciences 3-Minute-Thesis competition. Vanessa will now be put forward as a finalist in the JCU 3MT competition.  >>more

Chilled vibes ease work stress - 27 August 2021
A James Cook University researcher has found many people use music to help deal with work and social stress – but less often to cope with life’s other unpleasantries. JCU psychology lecturer Dr Amanda Krause, along with colleagues from JCU, Curtin University and Edith Cowan University, surveyed more than 550 people in Australia, Malaysia and the USA about their use of music as a coping mechanism.  >>more

Dark tourism can lead to dark places - 26 August 2021
A James Cook University researcher has been studying ‘dark tourism’ – the phenomenon in which tourists visit sites of death and disaster – and is warning of its psychological dangers. Travel medicine specialist Dr Irmgard Bauer, from JCU’s College of Healthcare Sciences, said the term dark tourism covered a range of destinations of varying danger and horror, from historic dungeons and prisons to old and current battlegrounds, to sites of the Inquisition, Holocaust or Rwandan genocide.  >>more

Healing voices on the radio - Studying senior adults' radio use -  25 August 2021
Does listening to the radio make you happier and healthier? JCU Psychology lecturer Dr Amanda Krause researches the benefits of listening to the radio especially for older adults.  >>more

A dog's life - they're not all equal - 18 August 2021
New research from James Cook University has found people support the use of assistance dogs – such as those used by visually and hearing-impaired people – and believe the dogs are happy serving humans. JCU psychology lecturer Dr Jessica Oliva said public perceptions of working animal welfare are highly influential, as human attitudes can influence industry regulations and standards – as seen in greyhound and horse racing, live animal exports, and sheep and dairy farming - as well as the lives of the owners and their dogs. >>more

Brain structure differences unlikely to be a major source of sex differences in behaviour - 3 August 2021
New research suggests brain structure differences in men and women aren’t strongly linked to behavioural differences.  James Cook University psychology lecturer Dr Liza van Eijk was the lead author of the study, in collaboration with A/Prof Brendan Zietsch and A/Prof Margie Wright at the University of Queensland, among others.  >>more

Eating disorders: Discovering how it impacts our bodies and mental health - 19 July 2021
JCU in Singapore tackles eating disorders in its Master of Psychology (Clinical), as Dr Alla Demutska shares insights on the important issue.  >>more

Music listening habits give insight into human nature - 8 July 2021
New research has shown how important music is in people’s lives – and how it leads them to be their own personal DJs. JCU psychology lecturer Dr Amanda Krause conducted a study on people’s relationship to music with Dr Solange Glasser and Dr Margaret Osborne from the University of Melbourne.  >>more

New study shows dogs may be more beneficial than cats for mental health - 7NEWS - 7 July 2021
It's no surprise owning a pet can help improve mental health, but a new study by JCU Psychology lecturer Dr Jessica Oliva shows dogs may be more beneficial than cats. A survey of 400 Australians during lockdown found dogs chased away loneliness and encouraged their owners to be active. >>more

Dogs vs cats in lockdown - 7 July 2021
New research reveals there are differences in how dogs and cats help people deal with the loneliness of COVID lockdowns. Dr Jessica Oliva is a lecturer in psychology at James Cook University. She led a study that surveyed nearly four hundred people living alone in lockdown, with or without a dog or cat.  >>more

Congratulations to Tim McNabb on receiving a SERTA Grant Fellowship at TUH - 26 June 2021
Congratulations to Tim McNabb, and his HDR Supervisors Dr Kristin Wicking and Assistant Dean Trina Myers on receiving a Study Education Research Trust Account (SERTA) Grant Fellowship at the Townsville University Hospital.  The one-year fellowship allows time to complete Tim’s PhD in his multi-disciplinary field of research combining Healthcare Sciences, Computer Science and Architecture.  >>more

‘Be a sponge’: Tips to nail clinical placement - 24 June 2021
Registered nurse, Dr Tanya Langtree is a lecturer in Nursing and Midwifery at James Cook University, and Academic Lead: Practice Integration, providing on the ground support for students undertaking clinical placement in the Townsville region. Clinical placements give undergraduate nursing and midwifery students the opportunity to transfer theory into practice and consolidate their knowledge and skills. >>more

Congratulations to Dr Leesa Grier, recipient of the Dean's Awards for Excellence 2021 -  21 June 2021
Dr Grier Pearce studied the performance characteristics of Queensland Rugby League players within the talent development pathway. Significant differences were identified between the combined Under-18/Under-20 players, and those in the open-age level. Queensland Rugby League will use this evidence to support their talent development pathway and enhance young athlete transition.  >>more

New fathers: Under pressure and overlooked - 18 June 2021
JCU Psychology PhD candidate Dr Jasleen Chhabra has dedicated her research degree bringing light to an under-researched area of parenthood – the mental health of new fathers. Her findings highlight the unique challenges new fathers face, and how the right support can give their new family the best possible start.  >>more

More focus needed on female travellers’ needs - 17 June 2021
A James Cook University researcher has called for travel medicine organisations to focus more on the needs of women, who face a particular range of challenges when they travel. Travel medicine specialist Dr Irmgard Bauer is from JCU’s College of Healthcare Sciences. She said half of all travellers are women, but there is a distinct lack of detailed travel health knowledge on topics of unique relevance to women.  >>more

Is Autism linked to a more 'male' brain? - 16 June 2021
Researchers have been investigating an intriguing theory that links autism to having an ‘extreme male brain’ – but have found it is not that simple. James Cook University Psychology researcher Dr Liza van Eijk conducted the study, in collaboration with Associate Professor Brendan Zietsch at The University of Queensland. Dr van Eijk said autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is four times more common in males than females and has been linked to male-typical behaviour.  >>more

How the coronavirus pandemic impacts irritable bowel syndrome - 2 June 2021
New research studies the impact of COVID‐19 on respondents with self‐reported irritable bowel syndrome.  Dr Alla Demutska, Lecturer in Clinical Psychology at James Cook University in Singapore, collaborated with a team to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on the seriousness of symptoms in patients with IBS and on development of new IBS cases.  >>more

Tech can help with lockdown blues - 2 June 2021
JCU Psychology researchers, Professor James Dimmock and Dr Amanda Krause, have found technology such as video conferencing is effective in helping people cope psychologically with COVID-19 restrictions, but face-to-face meetings also have an important part to play.  >>more

Social Psychological and Cultural Factors in Maintaining Mental Health in the Time of the COVID-19 - 26 May 2021
Invited by the 14th AASP Biennial Conference, co-organized by the Asian Association of Social Psychology (AASP) and the Korean Social and Personality Psychological Association (KSPPA), JCU Psychology's AMHRG team present a featured symposium entitled “Social Psychological and Cultural Factors in Maintaining Mental Health in the Time of the COVID-19”. >>more

Why do we feel less lonely in loud environments? - 25 May 2021
New JCU Psychology research conducted by Dr Adam Wang explores how louder sounds make people feel closer and more connected to others, while quietness evokes a sense of loneliness.  >>more

Busting the Florence Nightingale myth - 25 May 2021
Contrary to popular belief, the fundamentals of professional nursing did not start with Florence Nightingale and its history is older than many realise, according to research from Dr Tanya Langtree, JCU Nursing and Midwifery Lecturer.  >>more

Nurses leading beyond times of crisis - 12 May 2021
Nurses have always played a vital role in our health systems. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of that role to our global societies. While the media heralds our nurses as heroes and angels for the work they have performed during the epidemic, JCU Academic Head of Nursing and Midwifery, Professor Caryn West, tells us why nurses are much more than we may think.  >>more

Investing in our midwives - 5 May 2021
Midwives play an incredibly important role in our societies, communities, and families. To our mothers and infants, the care and education that midwives bring is invaluable. JCU’s Head of Midwifery, Dr Marie McAuliffe, gives us insight into the difference that midwives make to the health of mothers and infants and how investing in the midwife can lead to healthier futures for our current and future generations.  >>more

Exploring the inner mind from the outer world - 4 May 2021
As an alumni, researcher, and lecturer in the discipline, Dr Hollie Baxter is an expert on what JCU Psychology is all about. From the importance of critical thinking to the interconnection of social theories and experiences, Hollie gives us a look into what it’s like to explore the inner mind from the outer world.  >>more

How to train your diet - 16 April 2021
Do you find it difficult to develop healthy eating habits? Is regular exercise hard for you to maintain? Many people face these struggles, but discoveries in health and psychological research may hold the answer to your fitness breakthrough. A PhD student at the University of Western Australia (UWA), under the supervision of JCU Psychology's Professor James Dimmock, sought to tackle this problem by answering a key question: can different exercises help us choose healthier foods?  >>more

Why can't I stop thinking about my ex? - 14 April 2021
When trying to stop thinking about an ex, individuals often engage in thought suppression. JCU Psychology researcher, Dr Adam Wang, explains that unfortunately, research has shown that thought suppression is often futile and can often make people ironically more preoccupied with the thought.  >>more

Everyday life during the COVID19 pandemic - 6 April 2021
This research project concerned how COVID-19 preparations (e.g., social distancing, quarantine) impact the everyday lives and well-being of adult students. The study was conducted by JCU Psychology's Dr Amanda Krause and Professor James Dimmock. A second phase of the research is currently being conducted by Psychology students as part of their 4th year course requirements at James Cook University.  >>more

How boredom affects bedtime procrastination and sleep quality - 3 April 2021
New research suggests that the inability to be mindfully attentive to the present plays a role in compromised sleep quality. “Bedtime procrastination is a relatively young area of study. It has started receiving the attention of psychology researchers, including myself, as it is an issue that bothers many people especially young adults,” said study author Dr Ai Ni Teoh, Senior Lecturer in Psychology at James Cook University Singapore.  >>more

Which cyclone prepper are you? - 11 March 2021
A JCU Psychology PhD student wants to use artificial intelligence to improve the way authorities communicate with people about disasters. Elizabeth Forest is investigating ways to simplify the process of grouping people according to their disaster preparation behaviour and beliefs, so that communications can be better targeted.  >>more

Sacking a football coach can yield short-term results - 8 March 2021
In what will be music to the ears of Cowboys supporters, research from JCU Sport and Exercise Science academic, Associate Professor Anthony Leicht, claims sacking the coach can produce a turnaround in results for a struggling football team – for a short time anyway.   >>more

International Women's Day 2021 - 8 March 2021
On 8 March, the world celebrates women for all that they are and all that they do. This year’s theme, #WomenLead, emphasises the diverse leadership positions of women across the globe. Discover the stories of seven researchers, including JCU Nursing and Midwifery Senior Lecturer, Dr Ylona Chun Tie, that showcase the difference that women lead research makes to communities on social, environmental and economic levels.  >>more

'Sack the manager' call supported by science - 26 February 2021
Firing the manager or coach when things go wrong is a common tactic for soccer teams looking to improve, and new research from James Cook University shows it works – for a while. Associate Professor Anthony Leicht from JCU’s Sport and Exercise Science said the aim of the study was to compare a team’s performance under the new and old coaches, and investigate the impact of a coaching change on a team’s performance, considering factors such as coach experience and team budget.  >>more

Slow lies: sincerity is in the timing - 17 February 2021 
When you ask someone a question, do you believe them more or less if they took a few seconds before replying? New research shows how we perceive someone’s sincerity – or insincerity – is influenced by response time. Study co-author Dr Adam Wang, Senior Lecturer in Psychology from James Cook University Singapore said people form impressions of others based on how many seconds it takes them to respond to a question.  >>more

How do top cricketers stay mentally sharp? - 31 January 2021
Tens of thousands of fans watching on. The weight of a country's hopes on your shoulders. And a leather ball speeding towards you at 140 kilometres per hour. Dr Jonathon Connor, Lecturer, JCU Sport and Exercise Science, tells us how cricket's top batsmen keep it together, mentally, under the weight of all this pressure.  >>more

Deep diving into mental health - 4 January 2021
James Cook University has been grooming a generation of psychologists to battle growing mental health issues in Singapore and the region. “There is no substitute for being taught by someone conducting cutting-edge research and pushing the boundaries of knowledge in that particular field,” says Dr Jonathan Ramsay, Associate Professor of Psychology at JCU’s Singapore campus.

2020 Award for Excellence - Leadership category - 2 January 2021
Congratulations to the JCU Nursing and Midwifery team, recipients of the 2020 Award for Excellence in the Leadership category, for their response to COVID-19.  Team members: Prof Melanie Birks, Dr Helena Harrison, Dr Tanya Langtree, Prof Caryn West, Vanessa Sparke, Dr Ylona Chun Tie, Dr Maude Chapman. >>more

Resilience in the face of disaster - 10 December 2020
Drawing upon her knowledge of disaster management, Professor Caryn West, Dean of Research, JCU Singapore, shared about the nature of various natural and man-made disasters, learning from lessons of past disasters, and much more.  >>more

Elite sport experience for JCU students - 7 December 2020
Fourteen James Cook University students have been getting the ultimate real-world experience working with elite basketballers as part of the JCU Recovery Hub established for the 2020 Chemist Warehouse WNBL season. The students from Sport and Exercise Science and Physiotherapy have been providing recovery massages, compression units and self-massaging resources for teams and referees competing in Townsville throughout the entire six weeks of the 2020 WNBL season. JCU Sport & Exercise Science's Associate Professor Anthony Leicht said the hub has been an amazing experience for the students.  >>more

Victoria's hotel quarantine overhaul is a step in the right direction, but issues remain - 4 December 2020
"From an infection prevention and control standpoint, the new system definitely has some improvements. But there are still issues yet to be resolved, and some unknowns that haven’t been made clear to the public." Vanessa Sparke from JCU Nursing and Midwifery discusses Victoria's new quarantine measures.  >>more

How to prepare for the next pandemic - 1 December 2020
JCU Singapore Psychology academics, Dr Denise Dillon and Dr Jonathan Ramsay, contribute to a book on pandemic preparedness for practitioners and policymakers. In a shockingly short span of time, the COVID-19 pandemic spread across the globe and introduced an unprecedented new way of life – as countries close their borders and implement strict quarantine orders to mitigate transmission of the virus.   >>more

Giving kids communication confidence - 22 November 2020
Communication is a key part of life. Teaching kids how to communicate effectively can support them to not only express themselves but to positively impact the world. JCU Speech Pathology Lecturer, Jacqueline Lim, explains how to give kids the confidence to communicate.  >>more

Mummy buddies beat baby blues - 19 November 2020
James Cook University researchers have trialled a new program in which experienced mothers mentor new mums – and have found it is an effective and economical way to avoid the pitfalls some new mothers face. JCU Psychology’s Professor James Dimmock said while motherhood is a joyous time, it can be stressful and the availability of professional postpartum support for mothers is often limited.  >>more

International nurses struggling to fit in -  12 November 2020 
Adjusting to life Down Under is not easy for everyone, as JCU Nursing and Midwifery's Dr Ylona Chun Tie discovered while doing her PhD on international nurses who are working in Australia. Dr Chun Tie has dedicated her PhD thesis to understanding how local and international nurses can work together to provide safe and appropriate health care.  >>more

Cultivating a deeper understanding of traumatic brain injury - 11 November 2020 
Professor Nigel V. Marsh, Professor of Clinical Psychology and Director of Professional Programs at James Cook University in Singapore, shared in his Professorial Lecture about his research and observations of patients who have suffered traumatic brain injury, noting that “For me, and for other rehabilitation professionals like me, it’s important that we work in these areas because we want to alleviate the suffering.”   >>more

Women's refs have it tough - 3 November 2020
James Cook University researchers have new data suggesting referees of women’s basketball have a harder time than when they officiate the men’s game. Associate Professor Anthony Leicht from JCU’s Sport and Exercise Science led a study that monitored referees of 25 basketball matches in the Queensland State League with microsensors to measure their physical output.  >>more

Want to improve your wellbeing? Give nature a chance - 20 October 2020
Being immersed in nature is a great way to improve your mood, and new research from James Cook University shows you don’t need to join an organised program to see the benefits. Bachelor of Psychological Science Honours graduate, Pei Yi Lim and Dr Denise Dillon compared the psychological and physiological benefits of guided and unguided nature immersion activities, such as going for a walk in a park, and found no difference in participants’ moods, heart rate, or feeling of being connected to nature between the two experiences.  >>more

Traumatic brain injury: Prediction of survival and patterns of recovery - 15 October 2020
In industrialised countries, traumatic brain injury is the most common cause of disability for young adults. JCU Psychology Professor Nigel V. Marsh shares his insights on the prediction of survival and patterns of recovery following significant traumatic brain injury – including the long term pattern of improvement in cognitive functioning over the first five years following injury, psychosocial outcome for the survivors, and the needs of family members who provide the majority of the long term care for survivors.  >>more

Drop the mic: could karaoke be bad for you? - 13 October 2020
Dr Christopher Plant, Lecturer of Speech Pathology at JCU is investigating if people who participate in karaoke notice changes to their voices, which could lead to long-term damage.  >>more

The eyes have it - 9 October 2020
In order to accurately estimate a stranger’s age, it helps to see their eyes, according to research from James Cook University. JCU Psychology Senior Lecturer, Dr Craig Thorley said accurately estimating age can be important for legal or public safety reasons.  “Accurately estimating age can be important for situations such as police investigations, where witnesses are asked to describe an offender and estimate their age,” he said. Dr Thorley said there are a number of cues people use to estimate a stranger’s age, whether consciously or unconsciously.  >>more

Exercise enjoyment linked to addiction recovery - 1 October 2020
Scientists have found exercise that is enjoyable helps steer young drug and alcohol abusers away from their addictions. The research was conducted by researchers from James Cook University, The University of Western Australia, Central Queensland University, Kids Rehab WA, and the Drug and Alcohol Youth Service - Mental Health Commission, in Perth. Professor of health psychology at JCU, James Dimmock, said drug and alcohol addictions are one of the most common health challenges experienced by people in the 15-24 age range.  >>more

Karaoke could be bad for your health - 9 September 2020
JCU Speech Pathology researcher, Dr Christopher Plant, is investigating what many people, who've had to listen to karaoke, already know - It could be bad for your health. They're looking for survey participates, to see how much damage it can cause to your vocal chords.  >>more

Someone call the midwife - 9 September 2020
Few people are fortunate enough to find what they are born to do. For JCU Nursing and Midwifery’s Dr Marie McAuliffe, supporting women before, during and after giving birth is her calling. Now she’s guiding future midwives to develop their skills and passion for the profession.  >>more

Loving outside the lines, Singapore’s interracial couples break down racism and division - 9 September 2020  
Open-minded individuals tell us how they deal with racism in multicultural Singapore. Dr Peter Chew, Senior Lecturer in Psychology at JCU Singapore, notes that couples may be treated differently in public; but communication offers opportunities to potentially dispel negative racial stereotypes. >>more

Is karaoke bad for you? - 9 September 2020
We know that karaoke can be hard on the ears, but could karaoke also be bad for your voice? A James Cook University researcher wants to learn more about what karaoke does to our vocal cords.  JCU Speech Pathology's Dr Christopher Plant is investigating if people who participate in karaoke notice changes to their voices, which could lead to long-term damage.  >>more

Cyclone preparations hinge on cost and effectiveness - 3 September 2020
Researchers have found north Queenslanders are more likely to prepare for a cyclone if they think their planning will make a difference, and it doesn’t cost too much money.  And older people who’ve previously experienced cyclones are better at making preparations. James Cook University Psychology PhD candidate Mitchell Scovell led a study that quizzed more than 350 people in north Queensland on their attitudes towards preparing for a cyclone.  >>more

Nurse, I'm being pecked on - 28 August 2020  
Congratulations to JCU Nursing & Midwifery Senior Lecturer, Peter Hartin on winning the JCU College of Healthcare Sciences Three Minute Thesis (3MT) 2020 competition with his entry "Nurse, I'm Being Pecked On". Peter will go on to represent the College at the JCU 3MT finals on Wed 9 Sept.  >>more

Exercise therapy for Parkinson's disease - 26 August 2020
Researchers at James Cook University and La Trobe University are working on making life better for people with Parkinson’s disease by developing a new exercise program. Moira Smith, Physiotherapy Lecturer at JCU, said Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological condition affecting the ability to control movement.  >>more

How do you prepare for a disaster? - 25 August 2020  
A JCU researcher wants to understand what motivates people to prepare for disasters, with the aim of improving public warning campaigns.  JCU Psychology Honours student Benjamin Rath is investigating how people physically and psychologically prepare for extreme weather events, such as cyclones.  >>more

A unified call to action from Australian Nursing and Midwifery leaders: ensuring that Black Lives Matter - 21 August 2020
Over 100 nursing and midwifery leaders are calling for reform in nursing and midwifery education and the dismantling of systems of oppression of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples in the Australian healthcare system. The call is led by registered nurse and midwife Dr Lynore Geia, a proud Bwgcolman woman, and Academic Lead – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health, in the College of Healthcare Sciences at James Cook University.  >>more

Football league targeting men's weight loss starts in Townsville - 18 August 2020
A football league that rewards players with bonus goals for weight loss launches in Townsville tonight. MAN v FAT Soccer has been running in Western Australia for two years and is open to men with a BMI of 27.5 or higher. Queensland co-ordinator, JCU Psychology's Professor James Dimmock said last year’s 400 participants lost a collective total of 3000kgs and reported improved mental health outcomes as well as weight loss.  >>more

Virtual reality distracts kids from pain - 12 August 2020  
Researchers believe Virtual Reality (VR) headsets may help reduce children’s anxiety and their experience of pain when they undergo injections in an emergency department (ED). JCU Nursing and Midwifery’s Professor Cate Nagle was one of a team of scientists who examined the emerging technology. They analysed four studies on the use of VR on patients 4 – 17 years old who were admitted to an ED for minor procedures.  >>more

Mental Health in the COVID-19 Pandemic - 7 August 2020  
Invited by the Department of Mental Health, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand as a featured speaker, JCU Psychology Associate Professor Wendy Li delivered two presentations at the 19th Annual International Mental Health Conference entitled “Mental Health in the COVID-19 Pandemic”.  >>more

Howzat! We can all learn from elite batsmen, and not just about cricket - 22 July 2020
While many people may enjoy a game of backyard cricket, only a few go on to become elite professional batsmen in Australia. To find out what gives elite cricketers the edge, JCU Sport and Exercise Science Lecturer, Dr Jonathan Connor, and a team of researchers interviewed eight expert high-performance international or state-level coaches, who themselves were batsmen at those levels.  >>more

How much exercise do we need? - 21 July 2020
‘Exercise is good for you’ – we hear this every day, but it is still difficult for many of us to turn well-intentioned advice into burnt calories. JCU Sport & Exercise Science Lecturer, Lisa Simmons is an expert in helping people improve their physical and mental health through exercise.  >>more

Porn is not a sexist trigger for most - 17 July 2020  
James Cook University researchers have found that pornography use is not associated with sexism among heterosexual men.  JCU Psychology Lecturer Dr Dan Miller led a study that surveyed more than 300 heterosexual men on their pornography use and attitudes towards women.  >>more

Post-workout binge a mind game - 10 July 2020  
New research suggests how and what people think about their workout can have a big impact on how well they eat afterwards. Professor James Dimmock from JCU Psychology was part of a research team that analysed scientific papers dealing with what people ate after various types of exercise and with different forms of motivation.  >>more

Howzat? Mental routines define top batsmen - 9 July 2020  
A James Cook University study has revealed the mental approach that gives great cricketers their edge – and it may well apply to other areas of expertise too. JCU Sport and Exercise Science Lecturer, Dr Jonathan Connor and a team of researchers interviewed eight elite batsmen who went on to become top coaches. The researchers asked the group for their insights into the secrets of high performance and then methodically coded their responses.  >>more

Racism in Singapore: Examining how racial discrimination impacts hiring decisions - 3 July 2020
A study conducted by James Cook University provides a potential explanation to the economic disparities between races in Singapore.  A study published in 2019 – led by Dr Peter Chew, Senior Lecturer in Psychology at James Cook University in Singapore – looked at the effects of race on hiring decisions in a simulated hiring decision task.  >>more

Baby blues hit men too - 25 June 2020  
A James Cook University study has found men have some unique risk factors for depression around the time a baby is born. Medical doctor and PhD Psychology candidate at JCU Dr Jasleen Chhabra said the phenomenon of paternal perinatal (from the first trimester of pregnancy to a year after the birth of a baby) depression is an under-researched phenomenon.  >>more

Antenatal screening unplugged - 23 June 2020
Join us as our experts - including featured panellist Professor Cate Nagle, Professor of Nursing and Midwifery, James Cook University - discuss the field of antenatal screening.  We’ll take a deep dive into the options available, and how best to manage patients through their decision making process around genetic and other pregnancy screening. >>more

Mystic drink investigated - 18 June 2020
A James Cook University researcher has revealed the truth behind the myth of the fabled green drink absinthe and explored the danger of the rising popularity of ‘absinthe trails’. Travel medicine specialist Dr Irmgard Bauer from JCU’s College of Healthcare Sciences said absinthe - consisting of wormwood, sweet fennel, aniseed, various herbs and high amounts of alcohol - has a long and chequered past.  >>more

Never too young to start: Free book for kids to stay safe and smiling amid COVID-19 - 15 June 2020  
Professor Caryn West, Dean of Research at James Cook University in Singapore, has provided consultation on COPE COVID-19 Stay Safe and Smiling. The book is available online for free, and is sponsored and supported by UNICEF (The United Nations Children's Fund). What’s more, it is the latest instalment in the COPE Disaster Series books for children, written by Martha Keswick and illustrated by Mariko Jesse.  >>more

The psychology of religion - 10 June 2020
Hear how James Cook University Singapore Psychology Researcher, Dr Jonathan Ramsay explores the psychology of religion and the relationships between personality, attitudes, and well being.  >>more

Older people may be more at risk from gaming addiction - 22 May 2020
A researcher from James Cook University has found teens and young adults are more at risk from computer gaming addiction than children. Dr Peter Chew is a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at JCU. He was part of a team that looked at studies of Internet and gaming addictions in Southeast Asia. He said the World Health Organisation (WHO) has formally recognised Gaming Disorder as a mental health condition.  >>more

Jurors easily led astray - 20 May 2020
A James Cook University study has shown jurors can potentially be swayed by small amounts of misinformation presented during trials. Dr Craig Thorley, a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at JCU, said the study involved 124 volunteer jurors watching a video of a murder trial.  After the trial, the volunteer jurors reached a verdict and were asked whether the misinformation appeared in the trial itself or just in the deliberation transcript.  >>more

Help Crowdfund for postnatal research - 15 May 2020
Introducing Mummy Buddies! JCU Psychology Researcher, Professor James Dimmock, is crowdfunding to launch a virtual platform to support first-time mothers from across Australia by pairing them with experienced mothers, assisting in social support and self-care. Pledge your support to the all-or-nothing campaign here.  >>more

Celebrating International Nurses Day - 12 May 2020 
To celebrate International Nurses Day, JCU’s Head of Nursing and Midwifery, Professor Melanie Birks, recognises the significant contribution health professionals, especially nurses, are making around the world during the COVID-19 pandemic.  >>more

Keeping your home a coronavirus-free zone - 7 May 2020
As Queensland gets ready to send students back to school, JCU researchers say it’s time to remind ourselves about how we can keep our homes and families safe from COVID-19. College of Healthcare Sciences researcher Andrea Grimes said that with many people living, working, and learning at home, it can be easy to forget that outside our homes we need to behave more carefully.  >>more

COVID-19 myth busting: protecting your home and family - 7 May 2020
Do you want to know how to keep your home a Coronavirus-free zone? Join our expert panel - JCU College of Healthcare Sciences Vanessa Sparke and Andrea Grimes - as they bust COVID-19 myths and reveal how you can keep your family free of infection in isolation. Discussion will include tips for effective cleaning, how to ramp up your children’s hand and respiratory hygiene, caring for a sick person in your home and how to protect yourself when you are out and about.  >>more

JCU specialists work on new coronavirus clinics - 6 May 2020
Two JCU infection control experts Vanessa Sparke and Andrea Grimes from JCU College of Healthcare Sciences are collaborating with Aspen Medical to re-purpose buildings and procedures for new GP-led respiratory clinics. JCU Nursing and Midwifery lecturer Vanessa Sparke said the clinics, established by the Australian Government across Queensland will support patients presenting symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat and other respiratory problems.  >>more

How to protect your mental health when working from home amid the COVID-19 pandemic - 1 May 2020
As many of you work from home, our JCU Psychology lecturers - Davinder Gill and Dr Alla Demutska - weigh in on what you can do to get through this difficult time. In an effort to limit exposure and contain the spread of the coronavirus, many companies and employees – across both Singapore and the world – have been required to work from home. However, it is especially important to pay attention to your mental health while working remotely. If you feel extreme irritability and restlessness during this time, you might be experiencing cabin fever.  >>more

Shouting Townsville University Hospital healthcare heroes a coffee - 25 April 2020
Inspired by the social media campaign to buy healthcare workers a coffee during the COVID-19 pandemic, JCU Psychology's Associate Professor Wendy Li worked with the Townsville Chinese Club to initiate the “Shouting Townsville University Hospital Healthcare Heroes a Coffee” campaign.  >>more

JCU specialists work on new coronavirus clinics - 22 April 2020
Two James Cook University infection control experts are working with Aspen Medical to redesign buildings and procedures for new GP-led respiratory clinics. The clinics are being established by the Australian Government across Queensland in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Vanessa Sparke and Andrea Grimes are from JCU’s College of Healthcare Sciences. Miss Sparke said the respiratory clinics will support people suffering from fever, cough, sore throat, and other respiratory symptoms and will lessen the risk of spreading the virus throughout the community.  >>more

Dean's Awards for Excellence 2020 - 17 April 2020
Congratulations to JCU Nursing and Midwifery's, Dr Ylona Chun Tie, recipient of the Dean's Awards for Excellence 2020, recognising excellence in Higher Degree by Research. Recipients have been commended by the independent expert examiners as having made substantial contributions to their field of research. Thesis Title:  Playing the game: A grounded theory study of the integration of internationally qualified nurses in the Australian healthcare system.  >>more

Mental Health in COVID-19: Our patients and ourselves - 14 April 2020
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, JCU organised a COVID-19 Webinar Series in 2020. On 14 April 2020, Professor Brett McDermott and JCU Psychology Associate Professor Wendy Li were invited to present COVID-19 Webinar Series Episode 2 to discuss on lessons from mental health disaster research and if the recovery be worse than the pandemic.  >>more

JCU Physiotherapy Clinic offering telehealth services - 7 April 2020
JCU's Physiotherapy Clinic is offering its services via telehealth so patients can receive support without leaving their homes.  For physiotherapy students on placement, it means their studies won't be put on hold.  >>more

JCU Physio Clinic now offers telehealth - 7 April 2020
The JCU Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Clinic is now offering physiotherapy telehealth, allowing patients to receive assessment and advice without leaving their homes. The clinic provides final-year Bachelor of Physiotherapy students with the compulsory practical experience needed to attain registration as a physiotherapist, but the current pandemic means they’ve had to adapt their current services. Clinic manager Dr Helen Land said telehealth is a way of providing physiotherapy services to people who are in isolation, quarantine, or who are choosing to avoid leaving the house. >>more

Managing uncertainty during the COVID-19 crisis - 3 April 2020
We are ‘together’ in a sense of being united against COVID-19, but in our physical circumstances, we are perhaps more separate than we have ever been. Self-isolation is paramount to protecting ourselves and each other during this crisis, but the effects of prolonged isolation can be detrimental to mental health. JCU Professor of Psychology, Dr Wendy Li, shares her insight into the effects of self-isolation and the importance of protecting mental health as well as our physical health during these challenging times.  >>more

Soldiers pump iron - 2 April 2020
James Cook University researchers have been investigating new fitness programs to better prepare Australian soldiers for the battlefield – and pumping weights could be the answer. JCU PhD student and Army Reserve Lieutenant Brian Heilbronn enlisted 49 serving soldiers and subjected them to a new training regime over a 15-week period. He said traditional army training has often consisted of high-volume, low-intensity training focusing on aerobic endurance.  >>more

Exercise works for those beginning cancer treatment - 12 March 2020
A James Cook University researcher says scientists have found that exercise can be beneficial to patients as they begin treatment for prostate cancer. JCU Sport and Exercise Science's Associate Professor Anthony Leicht was part of an international group led by Professor John Saxton from Northumbria University and the University of East Anglia that studied how exercise might help prostate cancer sufferers who were about to start Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT).  >>more

'Empathy moments' in first year nursing and midwifery student curriculum - 16 February 2020
JCU Nursing and Midwifery Lecturer Julie Shepherd explains that as nurse and midwifery academics teaching communication and professional skills and development of attributes valuing the essence of caring with clinical requirements is of significant importance.  >>more

Let's talk about sex - 14 February 2020
Women’s attitudes to sexuality have changed over the past 50 years but society is yet to catch up, according to research from James Cook University. Psychology PhD student Hollie Baxter investigated how Australian women describe themselves as a sexual person and found when talking about the way women experience their sexuality we are still typically relying on outdated research.  >>more

Building community spirit in mining towns - 4 February 2020
New research shows people who live in mining towns feel more connected to their community if the mining company is locally owned, rather than operated by multinational corporations. James Cook University Psychology researcher Dr Katerina Kanakis found long-term residents identified with their mining community, but this was threatened when local companies were sold to large corporations.  >>more

Finding the right exercise balance for people with multiple sclerosis - 16 January 2020
A James Cook University researcher is looking for volunteers as she examines the beneficial effects of sport and exercise for people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). JCU Physiotherapy Lecturer Moira Smith has developed a 12-week flexible exercise program for people with MS - a condition that interferes with nerve impulses of the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves.  >>more