Wednesday, August 14, 2024

 

Chromatin structure plays a key role in canine social behavior evolution



Both the linear sequence of DNA and its three-dimensional configuration are linked to friendly behavior shaped by dog domestication, providing new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying social traits



Eötvös Loránd University

Friendly dog listens 

image: 

Canine hyper-sociability structural variants associated with altered three-dimensional chromatin state

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    Credit: Photo: Vanda Molnár




    A new study on dogs found that chromatin's spatial structure has a significant role in the evolution of social behavior. Chromatin, the compact form of DNA, not only packages genetic material but also plays a crucial role in gene regulation. This study demonstrates that both the linear sequence of DNA and its three-dimensional configuration are linked to friendly behavior shaped by dog domestication, providing new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying social traits.

    Behavioral traits such as sociability are influenced by numerous genes, their interactions, environmental factors, and individual life experiences.

    Because the effect of a single gene is difficult to detect, it made headlines when in 2017, Dr. Bridgett vonHoldt, a professor at Princeton University, and her team identified specific elements in the GTF2I gene in dogs, linked to Williams-Beuren syndrome (WB) in humans, characterized by hypersociability, extreme friendliness, and craniofacial abnormalities. The findings suggested that

    the selection for increased friendliness in dogs involved changes in the GTF2I gene.

    "This gene plays a role in neural development and pathways related to anxiety and sociability and is likely a key determinant of the friendly behavior shaped by domestication. In our current study, we aimed to investigate how genetic variants influence the 3D structure of the DNA containing this gene," says vonHoldt, lead author of the publication in BMC Genomics. "The GTF2I gene has several variants, with the ancient, wolf-like variant found in three out of ten individuals. We were curious about how the ancient and more modern variants precisely affect gene function." The gene variants originate from retrotransposons, which are mobile, self-multiplying DNA elements.

    The researchers examined an intronic section of the gene, which does not produce a gene product but likely influences chromatin—the complex of DNA and proteins that make up chromosomes—spatial structure and causes differences in gene expression.

    They relied on brain tissue samples from dogs provided by the ELTE University’s Canine Brain and Tissue Bank in Budapest.

    "Brainstem samples were collected from pet dogs euthanized for medical reasons and donated for research. We included only dogs without major nervous system illnesses," explains Dr. Eniko Kubinyi, head of the Department of Ethology at ELTE, who established the bank with geneticist Dr. Sára Sándor and veterinarian Dr. Kálmán Czeibert andmaintains it with grants from the Hungarian Academy of Sciences. "The examined gene regulates the expression of other genes, so its expression is expected throughout the brain."

    The study found that the ancient and modern variants of GTF2I affect the chromatin loop shape differently.

    "Novel regulatory DNA segments caused by retrotransposon insertions are generally eliminated from the genome. Interestingly, within an intron of the GTF2I gene, the ancient wolf genome largely co-opts the inserted segment, while the modern dog genome rejects it. The presence or absence of this retrotransposon is associated with altered 3D chromatin structure at GTF2I, with possible downstream impacts on pathways regulating the extra-cellular matrix and GTF2I splicing. This is similar to the humans’ case, where many WB patients have cranio-facial abnormalities explained by extra-cellular matrix anomalies and altered GTF2I function. Essentially, we report putative molecular convergence between hyper-social behaviour in dogs and human Williams-Beuren syndrome," emphasizes Dr. Dhriti Tandon, the first author of the study. 

    When certain species preserve the same mutation while others do not—as seen in the difference between wolves and dogs—the regulatory effect is likely evolutionarily significant. In the absence of retrotransposons, a DNA loop present in wolves does not form in dogs, which may explain some of the differences in neurocognitive profiles and hence social behaviors between the two species.

    The researchers hope that their results will highlight that not only the genomic base sequence, but also its 3D structure, influences behaviour.

    Original Article: Dhriti Tandon, D., Kubinyi, E., Sándor, S., Faughnan, H., Miklósi, Á., vonHoldt, B.M. (2024) Canine Hyper-Sociability Polymorphism associated with Altered Three-Dimensional Chromatin State. BMC Genomics, 25:767. https://bmcgenomics.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12864-024-10614-6

    Funding: The study was partly supported by the Hungarian Academy of Sciences via a grant to the MTA-ELTE ‘Lendület/Momentum’ Companion Animal Research Group (grant no. PH1404/21) and the National Brain Programme 3.0 (NAP2022-I-3/2022), and the Animal Behavior Society: Student Research Grant.

    Journal

    BMC Genomics

    DOI

    10.1186/s12864-024-10614-6 

    Article Title

    Canine hyper-sociability structural variants associated with altered three-dimensional chromatin state

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    Work-related stress may increase the risk of an irregular heart rhythm


    Job strain and effort-reward imbalance at work were associated with a greater chance of developing an abnormal heart rhythm condition, finds new study in the Journal of the American Heart Association



    American Heart Association





    Research Highlights:

    • Adults in white-collar jobs in Canada with high job strain and for whom significant efforts are met with low rewards (such as low salary or recognition) may face a 97% increased risk for developing the irregular heart rhythm condition known as atrial fibrillation, or AFib or AF, compared to workers not exposed to these work stressors.
    • Separately, high job strain alone was associated with an 83% higher risk of developing AFib, and effort-reward imbalance alone was associated with a 44% greater risk.
    • Recognizing and addressing these stressors at work may be an effective strategy to prevent atrial fibrillation in adults, researchers said.

    DALLAS, Aug. 14, 2024 — Work-related stress caused by job strain and an imbalance between efforts applied vs. rewards received may increase the risk of developing atrial fibrillation, according to new research published today in the Journal of the American Heart Association, an open access, peer-reviewed journal of the American Heart Association.

    Also known as AFib or AF, atrial fibrillation is the most common form of arrhythmia – an abnormal heart rhythm.  It can lead to stroke, heart failure or other cardiovascular complications. More than 12 million people are projected to have AFib in the United States by 2030, according to the American Heart Association’s 2024 heart disease and stroke statistics.

    Previous research linked high job strain and effort-reward imbalance at work with an increased risk of coronary heart disease. This research is the first to examine the adverse effect of both psychosocial stressors at work on atrial fibrillation, said the study’s senior author Xavier Trudel, Ph.D., an occupational and cardiovascular epidemiologist and associate professor at Laval University in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada.

    “Our study suggests that work-related stressors may be relevant factors to include in preventive strategies,” Trudel said. “Recognizing and addressing psychosocial stressors at work are required to foster healthy work environments that benefit both individuals and the organizations where they work.”

    Trudel and team studied the impact of job strain, which refers to a work environment in which employees face high job demands, such as a heavy workload and tight deadlines, and low control over their work with little say in decision-making and how they execute their tasks.

    Another factor assessed in the study was the effort-reward imbalance. This occurs when employees invest significant effort into their work but perceive the rewards they get in return — such as salary, recognition or job security — as insufficient or unequal to their performance.

    Researchers examined medical database records for nearly 6,000 adults in white-collar jobs in Canada, with 18 years of follow-up data. The analysis found that:

    • employees who said they experienced high job strain had an 83% higher risk of developing AFib compared to workers unaffected by the stressors;
    • those who perceived an effort-reward imbalance had a 44% greater risk, compared to workers who did not report this imbalance; and
    • combined perceptions of high job strain and effort-reward imbalance were associated with a 97% increased risk of AFib.  

    “The effectiveness of workplace interventions to reduce psychosocial stressors that may also reduce the risk of AFib should be investigated in future research efforts,” Trudel said. “Our research team previously conducted an organizational intervention designed to reduce psychosocial stressors at work, which was shown to effectively reduce blood pressure levels. Examples of organizational changes implemented during the intervention included slowing down the implementation of a large project to prevent increased workload; implementing flexible work hours; and holding meetings between managers and employees to discuss day-to-day challenges.”

    Limitations of the study include that participants were all white-collar workers encompassing managers, professional and office workers in Canada which means results may not apply to other types of workers or to workers in other countries.

    Study details, background or design:

    • Researchers collected data through the PROspective Quebec (PROQ) Study on Work and Health, which started in the Quebec region in 1991-1993 and recruited white-collar workers from 19 public and semi-public organizations.
    • A total of 5,926 workers (49% men, 51% women) were included in this analysis. Their average age was 45 at the beginning of the study (1999-2001)  and 65 at the end of the follow-up (Dec. 2018). Most study participants were  white adults.
    • Work stress was assessed from self-reported questionnaires.
    •  The analysis identified 186 AFib cases, and among that group, 19% of the people with AFib reported high job strain; 25% said they perceived effort-reward imbalance; and 10% reported experiencing both stressors simultaneously.
    • More than one-third of participants had been diagnosed with coronary heart disease or heart failure before their AFib incidence.
    • The study measured the work-related stressors through self-reported questionnaires specifically on job strain and effort-reward imbalance, controlling for a broad list of socioeconomic characteristics (sex and education), health risks (diabetes status and high blood pressure) and lifestyle factors (smoking and alcohol).

    Co-authors, disclosures and funding sources are listed in the manuscript.

    Studies published in the American Heart Association’s scientific journals are peer-reviewed. The statements and conclusions in each manuscript are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect the Association’s policy or position. The Association makes no representation or guarantee as to their accuracy or reliability. The Association receives funding primarily from individuals; foundations and corporations (including pharmaceutical, device manufacturers and other companies) also make donations and fund specific Association programs and events. The Association has strict policies to prevent these relationships from influencing the science content. Revenues from pharmaceutical and biotech companies, device manufacturers and health insurance providers and the Association’s overall financial information are available here.

    Additional Resources:

     ###

    About the American Heart Association

    The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 - our Centennial year - we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact, our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.

    Journal

    Journal of the American Heart Association

    Article Publication Date

    14-Aug-2024

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    A method that paves the way for improved fuel cell vehicles



    Chalmers University of Technology
    This is an illustration of a catalyst layer sample on a transmission electron microscope grid, placed between an electrode and a gas diffusion layer. 

    image: 

    Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden, have developed an innovative method to study and understand how fuel cells degrade over time, using advanced electron microscopes . This is an illustration of a catalyst layer sample on a transmission electron microscope grid, placed between an electrode and a gas diffusion layer.

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    Credit: Chalmers University of Technology | Linnéa Strandberg and Victor Shokhen




    More efficient and longer-lasting fuel cells are essential for fuel cell-powered heavy-duty hydrogen vehicles to be an alternative to combustion fuelled counterparts. Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden, have developed an innovative method to study and understand how parts of fuel cells degrade over time.  This is an important step towards the improved performance of fuel cells and them becoming commercially successful.

    Hydrogen is a fuel alternative that is becoming increasingly interesting for heavy-duty vehicles.  Hydrogen-powered vehicles only emit water vapour as exhaust, and if the hydrogen is produced using renewable energy, it is completely free of carbon dioxide emissions. Unlike battery-powered electric vehicles, hydrogen-powered vehicles do not need to burden the electricity grid, as hydrogen can be produced and stored when electricity is cheap.  For some hydrogen-powered vehicles the propulsion comes from a so-called fuel cell. However, hydrogen-fuel-cell-powered vehicles are limited by a relatively short lifespan, because fuel cell components, such as electrodes and membranes, degrade over time. It is this problem that the recent study addresses.

     

    Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a new method for studying what affects the ageing of fuel cells by tracking a specific particle in the fuel cell during use. The team of researchers have studied an entire fuel cell by taking it apart at regular intervals. Using advanced electron microscopes, they have then been able to follow how the cathode electrode degrades in specific areas during the cycles of use. Previous studies have been done on so-called half-cells, which are similar (but not the same as) half of a fuel-cell and are carried out under conditions that differ significantly from the real fuel cell.  

     

    Better understanding with new experimental method

    "It has previously been assumed that the performance would be affected by the fuel cell being disassembled and studied in the way we have done, but it turned out that this assumption is not correct, which is surprising," says research leader Björn Wickman, Associate Professor at the Department of Physics at Chalmers.

    The researchers at Chalmers have been able to explore how the material in the fuel cell degrades at both the nano and micro level, and pinpoint exactly when and where the degradation occurs. This provides valuable information for the development of new and improved fuel cells with a longer lifespan.

    "From previously only looking at how the fuel cell has aged after use, we have now been able to look into the middle stage," says doctoral student Linnéa Strandberg at Chalmers. “Being able to follow a single, chosen particle within a specific area, provided a much better understanding of the degradation processes. Greater knowledge of these is an important step on the way to designing new materials for fuel cells or to adjust the control of the fuel cell.”

     

    New method paves way for longer lasting fuel cells

    The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has pointed out that improved lifetime of fuel cells is one of the most important goals to reach before fuel cell-powered hydrogen vehicles can become commercially successful. According to the industry, a truck needs to be able to withstand 20,000 – 30,000 hours of driving over its lifetime, which a fuel cell-powered hydrogen truck cannot achieve today.

    "We have now laid a foundation on which to build for the development of better fuel cells. Now we know more about the processes that take place in the fuel cell and at what point over the lifetime of the fuel cell they occur. In the future, the method will be used to develop and study new materials that can give the fuel cell a longer lifespan," says Björn Wickman.

     

    Facts: How a fuel cell works

    The core of a fuel cell consists of three active layers, two electrodes – anode and cathode respectively – with an ion-conducting membrane in the middle. Each individual cell provides a voltage of about 1 volt. The electrodes contain catalyst material, and hydrogen and oxygen are added to them. The resulting electrochemical process generates clean water and electricity that can be used to power a vehicle.

     

    More about the research:

    The research group at Chalmers that has developed the method consists of doctoral student Linnéa Strandberg and Associate Professor Björn Wickman, both at the Department of Physics, Victor Shokhen, former postdoc at the Department of Physics, and Magnus Skoglundh, professor at the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering.

     

    The research has been presented in three different scientific articles:

    This project was financially supported by the Swedish Foundation for Strategic Research and the Swedish Research Council and performed within the Competence Centre for Catalysis, which is hosted by Chalmers University of Technology and financially supported by the Swedish Energy Agency and the member companies Johnson Matthey, Perstorp, Powercell, Preem, Scania CV, Umicore and Volvo Group.

    Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy were performed at Chalmers Materials Analysis Laboratory (CMAL).

      

    Using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), the researchers have been able to show how the electrode degrades during use, when performing a standardised stress test. It is clear how cracks grow in the electrode film in the upper two rows. In the lower row, carbon substrates and platinum particles are visible. During use, the carbon decreases in volume and changes shape, while the platinum particles grow. The graphs on the right show how the data correlates with the electrochemical performance.

    After the scanning electron microscopy, the cell housing is assembled with the sample inside for further stress tests.

    Credit

    Chalmers University of Technology | Lisa Gahnertz

    Linnéa Strandberg in the lab where the researchers have built a control system to monitor the fuel cell.

    Credit

    Chalmers University of Technology | Henrik Sandsjö

    The sample is taken from the cell housing for analysis in a scanning electron microscope after a stress test.

    Credit

    Chalmers University of Technology |Lisa Gahnertz

    Journal

    ACS Catalysis

    DOI

    10.1021/acscatal.4c00417 

    Method of Research

    Experimental study

    Subject of Research

    Not applicable

    Article Title

    Carbon Support Corrosion in PEMFCs Followed by Identical Location Electron Microscopy

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    New study unveils 16,000 years of climate history in the tropical Andes


    Brown University researchers highlight the roles of carbon dioxide and ocean currents as key drivers of temperature fluctuations in the tropical Andes over a 16,000 year period.


    Peer-Reviewed Publication

    Brown University




    PROVIDENCE, R.I. [Brown University] — A new study that explores ancient temperatures and rainfall patterns in the tropical Andes of South America has revealed how 16,000 years of climate history in this part of the world was driven by carbon dioxide levels and ocean currents from global climate events.

    Led by Brown University researchers, the study marks the first high-resolution temperature record covering the past 16,000 years in the tropical Andes and could help scientists predict and mitigate future climate impacts in tropical regions of the planet. The work is described in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science.

    “Usually when we study climate change in the past, we emphasize the Northern Hemisphere or Southern Hemisphere because of the outsized role they play in affecting climates all over the globe,” said Boyang Zhao, a scientist in Brown’s Department of Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences and the study’s first author. “One of the biggest questions we are getting at is what are the driving factors behind temperature history in this part of the tropics, so that we can begin to potentially apply that data and knowledge to other tropical regions.”

    Along with future implications, the new study provides a unique look at the way distinct and distant parts of the world influence temperature and weather elsewhere, emphasizing how regional climates are connected to global climate changes.

    “Our evidence here suggests that temperatures in this region of the world are more influenced by the Southern Hemisphere — so places like Antarctica,” Zhao said.

    The study focused on an analysis of sediment samples from Laguna Llaviucu, a lake located in Ecuador’s Cajas National Park. The measurements from the sediment samples showed that temperature variations in the tropical Andes closely aligned with climate events that saw the planet’s temperatures rise and fall during the past 16,000 years.

    Overall, the evidence showed that the main driver in these temperature fluctuations was the concentration of CO2. Researchers saw evidence that the tropical Andean temperatures track with Antarctic temperatures, which are mainly controlled by carbon dioxide concentrations. The findings showed that about 17,000 to 14,000 years ago, tropical Andean temperatures rose when carbon dioxide increased and that the temperatures remained relatively stable about 12,000 years ago when carbon dioxide levels remained relatively stable.

    Zhao said that the findings support previous research identifying carbon dioxide as a key driver of global temperature changes since the last Ice Age.

    The study also highlighted the role of ocean currents that move warm water from the tropics to the North Atlantic. During a cooling period known as the Antarctic Cold Reversal 14,500 years ago, the northward current was strengthened, causing it to transport more heat northward and cool sea surface temperatures in the south. The researchers found that this cooling effect extended to the tropical Andes.

    To reconstruct past climate conditions, the researchers analyzed lipid biomarkers and hydrogen isotopes collected in 2009 from Laguna Llaviucu by scientist Mark Bush from the Florida Institute of Technology. Lipid biomarkers are chemical compounds that provide clues about past temperatures and rainfall patterns. The high-resolution data, combined with accurate dating techniques, allowed the team to create a detailed timeline of climate changes over the past 16,000 years.

    According to the researchers, this is the first time organic biomarkers have been used to put together a quantitative climate history for tropical South America. It is traditionally difficult to reconstruct temperatures from the tropics.

    The study also points out a number of regional differences in temperature patterns, like how the tropical Andes and Southeast Asia cooled during certain historical periods while other regions like Africa did not. The research also shows how local factors may help to counteract the global effects of rising CO2 levels by looking at differences between past temperature models and what the sediment data show.

    The researchers from Brown plan to continue to explore past temperature patterns in this part of the world that historically lacks complete climate records.

    “Mountain environments are some of the most sensitive regions on Earth to climate change,” said James Russell, a professor of Earth, environmental, and planetary sciences at Brown who oversaw the new research. “In fact, in the near future, high tropical mountains, such as the Andes, are predicted to experience a rate of warming second only to the Arctic, which is the fastest warming part of the planet.”

    Along with Zhao and Russell, authors from Brown also included undergraduate student Aaron Freeman. This work was supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation.

    Journal

    Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

    DOI

    10.1073/pnas.2320143121 

    Article Title

    Tropical Andean climate variations since the last deglaciation

    Article Publication Date

    12-Aug-2024

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    Rapid removal of emerging endocrine disruptors in wastewater using high-performance single-atom catalysts



    Developing high-performance single-atom catalysts through chemical-free dry processes and computational science. Rapid removal of bisphenol, an endocrine disruptor, in water treatment process



    National Research Council of Science & Technology


    [Figure 1] 

    image: 

    Schematic illustration of the synthetic process of Co single-atom catalyst using arc plasma deposition.

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    Credit: Korea Institute of Science and Technology(KIST)





    Bisphenols are widely used as the main raw material for plastics such as receipts, water bottles, water containers, and vinyl due to their heat-resistant and mechanochemical properties. Among bisphenols, bisphenol A (BPA) that we often refer to as an "endocrine-disrupting chemicals" has been linked to adverse effects on reproduction, development, intelligence, and various metabolic diseases. Bisphenol F (BPF), a recently developed alternative to BPA Bisphenol A has also been reported in the literature to cause neurological disruption and various health risks.

    Dr. Jong Min Kim of the Materials Architecturing Research Center, Dr. Sang Soo Han of the Computational Science Research Center, Dr. Sang Hoon Kim of the Extreme Materials Research Center at Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), and Professor Byeong-Kwon Ju of the School of Electrical Engineering at Korea University have fabricated high-performance cobalt single-atom catalysts through a chemical-free and environmentally friendly dry-based arc plasma deposition process. The team applied it to an electro-Fenton process based on electrochemical hydrogen peroxide synthesis to remove harmful bisphenols from aqueous solutions in a short time.

    The arc plasma process vaporizes metals or ceramics with repeated pulsed voltages in a vacuum, depositing them as a thin film on the surface of the substrates, and the number of pulses can be controlled to create a deposited layer with the desired thickness or properties. The cobalt single-atom catalyst fabricated by the arc plasma process exhibited the world's highest metal single-atom loading (2.24 wt%) compared to previously reported single-atom loading of dry processes (around 1 wt%). The coordination structure and active sites of the prepared Co single-atom catalyst were characterized by various material analyses including computational science, and electrochemical measurements confirmed that it is an excellent single-atom catalyst for electrochemical hydrogen peroxide production.

    The researchers applied the Co single-atom catalyst as an electrode to supply hydrogen peroxide in real time in the electro-Fenton water treatment process, and found that it could rapidly degrade 100% of BPF at a targeted concentration of 20 ppm in aqueous solution within 5 minutes. Through repeated experiments and wastewater treatment tests, the stability of the catalyst and the removal of bisphenol compounds were verified, and based on this, it is expected to be applied to the removal of emerging pollutants in wastewater treatment plants in large cities or specific industrial wastewater treatment facilities.

    "This achievement is significant in that we have produced high-performance single-atom catalysts in a dry process that does not use harmful chemicals and applied them to the water treatment field," said Dr. Jong Min Kim of KIST, while Dr. Sang Hoon Kim of KIST said, "Research on the production of metal nanoparticles by arc plasma deposition is widely known, but this is the first study to show that single-atom deposition is possible.“

      

    Images of a Co single-atom catalyst prepared using arc plasma deposition (APD) and comparison of loading amount of single atoms using a conventional dry process.


    Identification of the active sites of electrochemical hydrogen peroxide production reaction on Co single-atom catalyst using computational science and its application to the rapid removal of bisphenol F (BPF), an organic pollutant, using electro-Fenton.

    High-performance Co single-atom catalyst supported on carbon nanofibers developed by KIST researchers through a dry-based arc plasma deposition process.

    Credit

    Korea Institute of Science and Technology(KIST)

    KIST was established in 1966 as the first government-funded research institute in Korea. KIST now strives to solve national and social challenges and secure growth engines through leading and innovative research. For more information, please visit KIST’s website at https://eng.kist.re.kr/

    The research was supported by the Ministry of Science and ICT (Minister Lee Jong-ho) through the KIST Major Project and Nanomaterial Technology Development Project (NRF-2022M3H4A7046278) and the Ministry of Environment. This research was published online on July 5 in the SCI journal Carbon Energy (IF: 19.5, JCR: 3.8%).

    Journal

    Carbon Energy

    DOI

    10.1002/cey2.582 

    Article Title

    Arc plasma deposited Co single atom catalysts supported on aligned carbon nanofiber for hydrogen peroxide electrosynthesis and an electro-Fenton process

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    Veterans transitioning to civilian life deserve better support



    Flinders University





    Australia is falling short in supporting military veterans once they leave service – with researchers expressing concern about blinkered approaches to their care and wellbeing.

    Flinders University and La Trobe University researchers say that too much emphasis is put on psychiatric and psychological support and medical interventions for mental health care, while not enough is done to ensure veterans have basics such as a home, a job and a support network.

    “One of the most significant challenges for our veterans is the transition process when they leave service.  This is an opportune moment to identify any challenges and put in place proper supports as they re-enter civilian life,” says Professor Ben Wadham from The Open Door Initiative.

    “The concern we have is that the current transition service has an overwhelming focus on traditional methods of treatment for mental health but little or no support for the other areas that contribute to quality of life.

    “By providing resources like housing, employment and education, as well as mental health services, we can help set them up for a healthy and happy life after service.

    “If veterans leave service and have nowhere to live, no employment or no support network this will exacerbate any mental health issues they have,” he says.

    The study reviewed the current research and methods used to support Australian military veterans’ psychological, physical and social well-being – and the results raise serious concerns.

    “Many of the current programs and services for veterans haven't been designed with the veterans' own experiences and needs in mind but instead rely heavily on treating symptoms like anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) without considering other factors at play,” says Professor Wadham.

    “Social, organisational, and environmental factors play a huge role in a successful transition into civilian life alongside mental health factors.

    “We want to see a greater diversity of approaches to veteran health to deliver holistic tailored programs in a more meaningful way.

    “As a nation we seem to be underestimating the challenges of rehabilitation into the community.  We need to be mindful of how institutionalised veterans can become whilst in service, and that the transition back into the community can be very difficult,” he says.

    The findings in this study have important ramifications for how the sector moves forward to improve the mental health and wellbeing of veterans says Professor Wadham from the College of Education, Psychology and Social Work.

    “The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide (DCDVS) delivers its final report in September and one of the key findings is that the research into defence and veteran trauma and wellbeing lacks diversity in terms of the methods used and the people involved,” says Professor Wadham.

    “Our findings demonstrate that Australian research into veteran wellbeing has been limited in scope and is dominated by a focus on diagnostics and treatment at the expense of preventative programs and interventions.

    “The sector needs greater diversity and more focus on social determinants that affect veterans’ health and wellbeing such as their social relationships, cultural background and life circumstances.

    “Going forward, it's vital that we listen to the stories and lived experiences of veterans and their families and collaborate with them to create solutions that are based on what they need.

    “By doing so, we can help ensure that our veterans receive the support they deserve after serving their country,” Professor Wadham adds.

    The article, ‘A Scoping Review of Interventions Targeting the Mental Health of Australian Veterans’ by Ben Wadham, Lisa Andrewartha, Sharon Lawn, Ilke Onur and Laura Catherine Edney has been published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (2024), DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21060796

    Acknowledgements: The authors greatly acknowledge the contribution of Shannon Brown, research librarian at Flinders University, for developing the extensive search strategy employed.

    Open Door Initiative: The Open Door: Understanding and Supporting Service Personnel and their Families research initiative at Flinders University is an Australasian research hub that brings together veterans, scholars and practitioners together around key research, service provision  and policy/legislation initiatives. 

    Professor Wadham is Director of The Open Door Initiative.

    Journal

    International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

    DOI

    10.3390/ijerph21060796 

    Method of Research

    Literature review

    Subject of Research

    People

    Article Title

    A Scoping Review of Interventions Targeting the Mental Health of Australian Veterans’

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