Avocado genome mapped by scientists
Australian scientists have completed mapping the genome of the avocado which they say could produce a better quality fruit.
Science and Technology
Australian men poor on sun protection
A survey shows one in two Australian men don't seek shade from the sun and less than one in three regularly use sunscreen.
Drones, AI help SA outback meteorite hunt
It can take a team of people hundreds of hours to search large areas for meteorites but a drone can do it in less than a day.
Amazon Aussie exec reveals drone plans
Tech giant Amazon has revealed plans to deliver millions of packages by drone by 2030 using an aircraft one executive says would also suit Australia.
Rare ‘blood moon’ to excite skygazers
A total lunar eclipse where the moon will turn blood red is on the cards in a rare astronomical phenomenon that will not been seen again until 2025.
Tas top psychiatrist suspended over woman
Tasmania's chief psychiatrist had his registration suspended for allegedly being involved in an inappropriate relationship with a woman, it has been revealed.
Your dog ‘nose’ when you’re stressed! How man’s best friend uses smell to monitor our feelings
When people are stressed, there are hormonal and nervous system changes that alter the kinds of odours produced by the body.
Australia’s COVID-19 response was overreach
Australia’s response to COVID-19 exacerbated existing inequalities within the society, according to an independent review, which urges that “overreach” be avoided in dealing with future such crises
Car-sharing giant to launch in Australia
America's largest car-sharing service has announced plans to launch in Australia this year in what could create a competitive market for Christmas travel.
Manufacturers turn ideas into jobs: report
A bed that watches vital signs and 3D-printed racing bikes are among the projects helped over the line by an industry-led advanced manufacturing centre.
Cyber risk in adding electric cars to grid
Australian regulators need to consider cyber security when connecting electric vehicles to the national grid, experts warn, to prevent major disruptions.
Regulator suspends Tas chief psychiatrist
Tasmania's chief psychiatrist, who has also held the role in several other states, has had his licence suspended by the national regulator.
YouTube full of conspiracies, study says
Research conducted by the University of Sydney and QUT has found YouTube may have played a role in spreading conspiracy theories.
Citizen scientists spot elusive platypuses
From the Australian tropics down to Kangaroo Island, citizen scientists are looking for platypuses in suburban creeks, farm dams, and bush waterways.
Koalas at risk of extinction, experts warn
Koalas are under threat and could eventually disappear due to urban expansion, loss of habitat, disease and climate change, wildlife experts claim.
NASA’s DART mission will smash into an asteroid – but what will we learn?
DART was launched on November 24, 2021, its destination a pair of asteroids in orbit around each other, 11 million kilometres from Earth.
Optus issues data scam alert to customers
Optus customers have been told to be wary of scammers trying to take advantage of a data breach, as the telco continues to contact those who have been affected.
Purple patch to help remote health care
A PhD student from the University of Southern Queensland is developing an affordable wound dressing made from plum peel, aloe vera and sticky gum.
Climate change and a patchwork of human factors led to Pakistan floods: Report
There are many ingredients to the ongoing humanitarian crisis - some meteorological, some economic, some societal, some historic and construction oriented.
Queensland-Japan hydrogen and new energy economy commitment
QUT has continued its investment in clean and green energy in Queensland by renewing its International Cooperation Agreement with the University of Tokyo (UTokyo) to develop joint venture projects and facilitate joint academic and scientific activities.
Yuck factor pushes Premier towards desalination
A battle is brewing in South-East Queensland over water. Despite heavy rains and flooding, the water supply authority, Seqwater, has flagged the need to find more water sources to keep up with urban growth.
Dream discovery could help crops improve water use and resist climate change
Australian scientists have identified what they call an “exquisite” natural mechanism that helps plants limit their water loss with little effect on carbon dioxide intake.
Horror-film moth a killer at navigation
The moth that had a horrifying cameo role in The Silence of the Lambs cult classic has shed new light on the mysteries of long-haul insect migrations.
New baits needed to kill mice: CSIRO
A study by Australia's national science agency has found a new baiting regime is needed to significantly reduce mouse populations.
Burns and injuries treated via video in WA
Telehealth supports remote doctors and patients across Australia's biggest state, a rural health conference focused on innovation and collaboration has heard.
Hidden ‘sponges’ may up Antarctic ice loss
Geological formations that hold vast amounts of groundwater under Antarctica's ice sheet could be causing it to shrink more quickly, a new study suggests.
It’s sweltering in the land of the Queen – but what could this mean for Queensland?
Traditionally, temperatures above 30℃ in the UK are considered hot. But to see temperatures already exceeding 40℃ is shocking.
Climate change is a “pressing and accelerating threat to global security”: academic
Climate change is a pressing and accelerating threat to global security. It will disrupt trade, displace populations, cause food and energy shortages and drive conflict between nations.
15m bees dead in NSW as varroa spreads
More than 15 million bees have been euthanised across NSW as authorities remain optimistic they can contain the varroa mite.
COVID-19 health toll exposed in new report
A biennial report into Australia's overall health has laid bare the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on death rates, mental health and vulnerable communities.
Biosecurity beefed up for foot and mouth
Australian authorities have beefed up biosecurity measures after the discovery of foot and mouth disease in Bali.