Hack probed with warnings it’s ‘too late’ to contain AI
How a wayward AI agent broke into a government website, which wasn't disclosed for weeks, will be examined in a sweeping snap inquiry.
Science and Technology
‘Desert rangers are deadly’: Aussies up for world prize
Indigenous desert rangers caring for an area the size of Argentina will compete for a prestigious environmental award and worldwide attention.
Mother whale’s heartbreaking moment with stillborn calf
A heartbreaking interaction between a humpback whale mother and her stillborn calf suggests a deep and little understood maternal connection.
‘Stuck’: enough energy projects planned, too few built
Australia could miss its 2030 climate targets unless more renewable energy projects move from the planning phase into construction.
Multimillion-dollar boost to create ‘climate unicorns’
Artificial intelligence firms might be dominating headlines but a $30 million program aims to put renewable energy start-ups in the funding spotlight.
Electric car surge strains Australia’s charging network
Motorists are adopting electric vehicles in record numbers but the nation's public charging is struggling to keep pace with demand.
AI revolution hinges on data centre ‘social licence’
Data centre and artificial intelligence leaders have been told Australia risks missing a "fourth industrial revolution" if it cannot allay public concerns.
‘Putting choice back’: algorithm axing in the spotlight
Labor wants to put power back in the hands of social media users by forcing tech companies to introduce minimum standards under a digital duty of care.
Investors undervaluing the life-changing power of AI
A high-profile futurist praises Australia's open mind to technology but says investors fail to appreciate the transformative power of artificial intelligence.
Australia’s coral reefs retreat as heatwaves intensify
Marine heatwaves are threatening coral reefs, including those in Australia, but research shows they could recover if given a break between bleaching events.
Dolphin contracts bird flu as staff pulled from island
With bird flu now being detected in dolphins, scientists are being evacuated from a remote Australian territory to protect them from psychological distress.
Slash ‘humbled’ after snake species named after him
Scientists have named a newly discovered species of snake after Guns N' Roses guitarist and lifelong serpent lover Slash.
Western Europe sets June and July temperature record
Western Europe has recorded its hottest June and July with average temperatures of 21.6C, the EU's Copernicus climate agency says.
Stranger things: Aussie helps crack cosmic cold case
A team of international scientists have used cutting-edge technology, including a radio telescope in rural Australia, to open a new "cosmic window".
Power struggle: data centre energy rules spark concerns
Future data centre proposals may need to come with renewable energy plans but not all governments or organisations agree with the change.
Isolation leaving the elderly at risk of malnutrition
Why are elderly Australians "starving"? A report has found isolation can put older Australians at risk of malnutrition.
AI job threats stoke concern as True Believers gather
As artificial intelligence begins to reshape the economy, unions are sharpening their policy demands in the lead-up to Labor's national conference.
Aussie-led solar breakthrough slashes costs
An international research team led by Monash University has developed a world-first solar cell that replaces rare, expensive metals with cheap tin oxide to dramatically lower production costs.
New rules for AI as critics lash ‘energy vampires’
Australia will introduce laws to govern artificial intelligence and data centres in less than a year, but they can't come soon enough for some advocates.
Energy rollercoaster: Australian bills to fall and rise
Australian households can expect lower electricity costs in the coming years, a report says, but they shouldn't get used to them.
AI on the sly: more Aussies are using chatbots for work
Australian employees are turning to artificial intelligence tools to get ahead at work without the knowledge or permission of their employers.
‘Pure elation’: Aussie IVF innovation sparks baby joy
Australian scientists have achieved the first pregnancies using a trail-blazing 3D-printed IVF device smaller than the width of a human hair.
‘Redeemed’ IS rocket designer says he’s not a danger
An electrician jailed for designing rockets for terrorists says he should be free to live unsupervised in a rural town after a lengthy deradicalisation journey.
AI drones pegged to help protect beachgoers from sharks
Shark monitoring drones will fly up and down the coast year-round as one state looks to artificial intelligence to help protect swimmers from attacks.
Outback powerhouse: regions could solve Aussie AI issue
Data centres could address two challenges with a move into regional Australia: soaking up renewable energy and creating tech jobs.
Why whales are making Star Wars sounds in Aussie waters
Researchers are installing more underwater microphones to track whale migration in Australia and they are already hearing out-of-this-world calls.
Click check: social network urges users to find fakes
Digital platforms are being flooded with AI-generated misinformation and many Australians are not checking before spreading it further.
‘Missed opportunity’ to act on power plan loyalty tax
The electricity rule-maker has a plan to price power as simply as milk and prevent loyal customers from being overcharged, although some are calling for more.
Climate change stinging bees without cool homes
For the pollinating stars of the insect world, resilience to extreme heat largely depends on nesting behaviours, with some native bees more exposed than others.
Data breach fears grow as suspected ransom note appears
Names, email addresses and school locations are believed to have been compromised in a global data breach affecting Australian education providers.
Batteries undercutting gas, keeping lid on power bills
Batteries are now the primary tool for managing evening spikes in electricity demand, a job previously falling to gas and hydro at greater expense.