Researchers deploy AI to track secret lives of whales
Researchers at Google and an Australian university have teamed up to track whales along the east coast and use AI to uncover what they are really up to.
animal science
Sanctuary burning: sting in the tail for mangrove rays
A particular type of habitat that could serve as a temporary sanctuary for stingrays is set to become too hot to handle.
Croc culling not the answer for stopping attacks: study
Scientists say education, awareness and removal of problem saltwater crocodiles are a more effective way to reduce the number of attacks than culling programs.
Wombat burrows help other critters survive after fires
Camera traps have shown wombat burrows are hot property after bushfires, with animals using them for shelter and as drinking stations after rain.
Cameras reveal wombat burrows can be safe havens after fire and waterholes after rain
As large and severe fires become more common in forests across southeastern Australia, our wildlife will need all the help they can get – including the humble wombat burrow.
Sustainability and tech at the heart of beef event
Advances in agriculture will be a focus of Beef Week which starts in Rockhampton on Sunday, with more than 120,000 people expected at the triennial event.
Aussie scientist’s take on the battle of the reptiles
A study led by the University of Queensland has revealed how some lizards have evolved to avoid the deadly neurotoxins of Australia's most venomous snakes.
Rare flock seeks sewage plant tree change
Victoria has recorded its largest group sighting of a grassland bird usually found in northern NSW and parts of Queensland and WA.
‘Surprising’ study finds Qld crocs stay close to home
Ninety per cent of Queensland crocodiles remain within 50km of where they hatched in contrast to their Northern Territory counterparts, a study says.
‘Often overlooked’ women are the future of agriculture
Women are increasingly being recognised for their success in the agricultural sector in production, biosecurity, science and as champions of future farmers.
Invasive bees defy evolution to cover Sydney-sized area
Invasive Asian honey bees have defied evolutionary expectations to grow from a single swarm into more than 10,000 colonies in Queensland, researchers say.
‘Like winning Eurovision’: interpretive dance scientist
A Sydney-based biologist has taken out a global award that asks scientists to harness the power of interpretive dance to convey complex research.
Delicate matter as new species of tiny mouse squeaks up
Scientists have discovered Australia's smallest rodent, the delicate mouse, is not just one species spanning four states but three.
Rural vet’s mission to help save the country practice
A country vet is designing an online course in resilience for colleagues enduring the stress, burnout and customer abuse besetting the profession.
Sea turtles tracked swimming deep into Sydney Harbour
"Pooed plastic for six days": Sea turtles unexpectedly inhabiting Australia's busiest and most polluted waterways face increased risks from man-made threats.
Marvellous mammals shine bright in the right light
Australian researchers have shown that for the air-breathing, milk-producing, live-birthing mammals of the world, glowing under ultraviolet light is common.
Very hungry caterpillars chow down on problem plastic
A pasty-looking caterpillar with a healthy appetite for plastic is exciting researchers with its ability to break down problematic waste such as polyurethane.
Study examines why kangaroos never made leap to Asia
Findings of a study could help predict which animal species are better positioned to adapt to new environments as climate change impacts global biodiversity.
Vaccine to protect Australian crocodile industry
Scientists have developed a vaccine for farmed saltwater crocodiles, boosting protection for the booming multi-million dollar industry.
Pleas in a pod: dolphins teach each other how to beg
Dolphins in Queensland are learning from their peers how to beg for food, which could pose short and long-term risks, researchers say.
New Australian AI tech makes identifying birds a finch
Australian ornithologists will get a helping hand from new AI technology designed to identify birds across the country from collated audio.
‘Like an accent’: Not all frogs ribbit the same
Frog calls are just as diverse and unique as frog species, researchers say after analysing more than 700 individual frog calls.
Overfishing takes big bite out of reef sharks globally
Overfishing is driving the world's reef sharks towards extinction but Australia is doing relatively well at managing populations, a new study shows.
Australian cave researchers dig up quite a big skink
A newly confirmed giant prehistoric skink dubbed Mega Chonk could "break the internet" with its bulky bod and seriously spiky armour, researchers say.
DNA tests show most wild dingoes are pure, not hybrids
Dingo populations have significantly less dog ancestry than previously thought, as shown in genetic analysis that far outstrips previous technology.
Sharks leave their mark on dolphin species
A new study has revealed the frequency of shark attacks on dolphins along the Queensland coast, with about 25 per cent showing signs of injuries.
Liver function could influence internal body clock
Queensland research has revealed liver cells have an impact on the body's circadian clock, which plays a part in most physiological functions.
Wild results from chlamydia vaccine trial for koalas
A world-first study to vaccinate a wild koala population against the deadly chlamydia disease has exceeded all expectations, researchers say.
Black rhino birth a true labour of love
NSW zookeepers are celebrating the birth of a critically endangered black rhino calf after more than a little human assistance.
Dinosaur skull reveals journey via warmer Antarctica
Analysis of Australia's first near-complete sauropod dinosaur skull has revealed new details of the animal's anatomy, relationships and feeding habits.
Footprint find in Chinese restaurant proves dino-mite
An eagle-eyed diner has uncovered prehistoric dinosaur footprints at a restaurant in China.