Welp, 2025 - it was another big one.
We published a lot of interesting stories that seemed to resonate with people.
From advice and insights, to myth busting and new scientific breakthroughs - we aimed to provide evidence-based information to help explain and contextualise the world.
Here are five of our most-read stories for 2025*.
*This list includes only stories published in 2025 - not before.
1. The weight loss drug Mounjaro has been approved to treat sleep apnoea. How does it work?
Earlier in 2025, the TGA indicated Mounjaro could be used to treat moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnoea in adults with a body-mass index of 30 or above.
Written by our Thompson Institute's Professor of Sleep Health Fatima Yaqoot and Research Program Manager Nisreen Aouira, this article was republished on our website after it appeared in The Conversation.
Follow the link to give it a read.
The weight loss drug Mounjaro has been approved to treat sleep apnoea. How does it work?
Mounjaro, a weight-loss drug commonly used for diabetes treatment, has just been approved to tackle sleep apnoea - so how exactly does it help you breathe easier at night?
2. Gut microbiome link to ADHD reinforced in scientific review
A scientific review by Naomi Lewis and Nutrition and Dietetics senior lecturer Dr Anthony Villani reinforced the link between gut microbiome imbalances and ADHD, finding evidence that specific bacteria like Bacteroides and Faecalibacterium were altered in people with ADHD, potentially causing inflammation that affects the brain and exacerbates symptoms.
Follow the link to read the review.
Gut microbiome link to ADHD reinforced in scientific review
The link between a gut imbalance and symptoms of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has been further supported by a University of the Sunshine Coast scientific review that found mounting evidence the immune system, neuroinflammation and a disturbed balance of bacteria in the gut played a role in ADHD symptoms.
3. Dozens of surfers fell ill after swimming in seas that turned into a 'bacterial smoothie' of sea foam. What was in it?
As the heading suggests, surfers and beachgoers fell ill in South Australia in March 2025 after swimming in dense, mysterious sea foam, which caused coughing, sore throats, and flu-like symptoms, linked to a harmful microalgal bloom (HAB) with high levels of Nocardiae bacteria, leading to beach closures and warnings due to potential infections and dead marine life washing ashore.
Associate Professor in Microbiology, Ipek Kurtböke wrote this one for The Conversation, providing evidence-based information about the phenomena. It was republished on our website.
Dozens of surfers fell ill after swimming in seas that turned into a 'bacterial smoothie' of sea foam. What was in it?
Beach closures in South Australia raised concerns after over 100 surfers fell ill following exposure to "mysterious foam" in the sea. UniSC research indicates these bacterial smoothies contain harmful pathogens and that increased research, pollution reduction, and public awareness is needed to mitigate the dangers associated with this growing global issue.
4. Busted! 3 sports nutrition experts tackle 3 food-and-exercise myths
Nutrition and dietary advice flow thick and fast on social media. But with it comes a lot of untruths from unqualified creators.
Three of our Nutrition and Dietetics experts dispel some of the more-common myths.
Busted! 3 sports nutrition experts tackle 3 food-and-exercise myths
Discover the truth behind three common fitness and nutrition myths. Learn whether the carnivore diet boosts performance, if fasting before workouts aids weight loss, and how magnesium impacts post-training sleep.
5. Leopard shark sex tape: a scientific first
One of our favourite headlines of the year - in a scientific first, one of our researchers filmed a group of leopard sharks having a threesome in waters off New Caledonia.
These endangered animals are usually solitary animals so it's rare to witness them mating in the wild.
The evidence suggests the site where they were filmed is a critical mating habitat, which can inform management and conservation strategies as well as help us understand population dynamics and reproductive behaviours more widely.
Leopard shark sex tape: a scientific first
One of our researchers has documented for the first time a rare - and rather risqué - shark mating sequence in the wild.
Sincerely, thank you to everyone who has read, shared or talked about stories we've published - your support is very much appreciated.
