Aussie businesses are risking data in race to use AI
Small businesses are increasingly adopting artificial intelligence technology but many are exposing their own confidential information in free tools.
Science and Technology
‘Shady practice’: Kmart face-scanning breaches privacy
Shopping giant Kmart plans to challenge a finding that it violated people's privacy with facial surveillance as experts say it's a clear warning to other firms.
Study identifies three tipping points for women in tech
Women fill one in five highly technical roles in Australia but interventions at three crucial moments in their education and careers could triple that number.
Huge opportunity in tech despite hurdles for Indigenous
Indigenous people shaping technology's future is a dream that drives one female founder to train and support the next generation of industry stars.
Hot economic growth may place further rate cuts on ice
Reserve Bank governor Michele Bullock has signalled there might not be many more interest rate cuts to come after surprisingly strong economic growth.
AI business ‘wake-up call’: teach workers or miss out
Workers need greater training in artificial intelligence technology to tap into future innovations, a study has found, but many are resistant to change.
G’day AI: ChatGPT company reveals its Australian move
Australian companies rank among its top subscribers and OpenAI has announced plans to move an arm of its operations to Australia.
Making Mars: Aussie research turns red dirt into metal
A breakthrough to help with establishing a human colony on Mars could be hidden in its iron-rich red surface, Australian researchers say.
Aussie workers sceptical of AI coming for their jobs
A slim majority of workers believe the government can be trusted to regulate artificial intelligence and most think it will augment rather than replace jobs.
Climate adaptation secrets hidden in reptilian genes
Nature is declining at an unprecedented rate and a vast library of reptiles, birds and other specimens could help researchers better understand pressure points.
NBN users gorge on fibre for healthier download speeds
Technology upgrades are transforming how Australian's connect to the internet, as the NBN Co's full-year results show many premises are using fibre.
Untouched reefs cop record bleaching in intense heat
It could take up to 15 years for coral reefs off Australia's western coastline to fully recover from the worst bleaching event on record for the region.
Ambitious emission targets best shot at saving the reef
"Deeper and faster" emissions reductions are key to preserving the Great Barrier Reef, a report says, as the federal government prepares its new 2035 targets.
Aussie rocket carrying Vegemite lifts off, then crashes
History has been made as the first launch of an Australian-made rocket from home soil was hailed as a major step forward, despite it crashing seconds later.
Naming newly discovered giant insect a sticking point
A new species of stick insect found in Queensland's high altitude rainforests is believed to be Australia's heaviest insect, but naming it could prove tricky.
China set to dominate Aussie vehicle import market
Almost half of new vehicles sold in Australia could be made in China within a decade, a study has found, as the nation moves to low-emission transport.
Lack of AI playbook puts Australia down readiness ranks
Many Australian businesses are willing to spend on AI but lack a plan to implement the game-changing technology, pushing the nation down the readiness rankings.
Four day week firms as win-win for workers and business
Cutting one day from the working week could reduce burnout and increase job satisfaction, a study has found, but it could also boost productivity.
Report critical test of Great Barrier Reef’s health
Conservationists have warned Australia is falling short on protecting the Great Barrier Reef as the nation prepares to table another report into its management.
Uber makes app changes to take more seniors for a ride
More than one in every three older Australians finds transport difficult to organise, a study has found, prompting a ride-share company to make changes.
Bid for World Heritage rock art listing ramps up
Australia is making another push for ancient rock art sites to be placed on the World Heritage list after its application was sent back over pollution concerns.
China wants AI in expanded trade deal with Australia
Ahead of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's visit to China, Beijing's ambassador to Australia has called for greater co-operation between the two nations on AI.
Patients seek reassurances after IVF mix ups
IVF experts say there's been an uptick in nervous parents reaching out for reassurance after two devastating mix ups have eroded patient trust in the industry.
Regional students to capture the sun in science program
Regional students will be challenged to experiment with renewable energy science kits in a bid to encourage them to consider roles in the energy transition.
Indigenous-led plan sets example in caring for Country
The first Indigenous-led research strategy for Kakadu National Park is hoped to set a new standard for collaboration between Traditional Owners and scientists.
Amazon to inject $20b into Australian ‘AI revolution’
Tech giant Amazon is expanding its footprint in Australia with a $20 billion investment to boost data centres with a focus on artificial intelligence.
Indigenous knowledge helps uncover hidden ‘koala city’
A hidden koala population of nearly 300 koalas has been uncovered on the fringe of a major city, using Indigenous knowledge combined with western technology.
Hard truths: pioneering coral researcher shines
Ove Hoegh-Guldberg never wanted to be proven right about the fate of coral reefs under a warming climate and is now being honoured for his discoveries.
Australia, Pacific rocked by ocean heatwaves in 2024
Nearly 40 million square kilometres of ocean experienced marine heatwaves in the western Pacific region in 2024, a UN climate and weather agency says.
Gen Z feels trapped between the pros and cons of gen AI
Most young Australians are using generative artificial intelligence tools but some are reconsidering their use or changing career paths due to concerns.
Australia urged to spend big while green iron is hot
Australia could replace carbon-intensive coal and gas exports with green iron and quadruple earnings, a report says, but only if it makes changes.