Aussies to build GPS alternative for self-driving cars
Cars, rockets and mining vehicles could drive themselves even when the global positioning system goes dark if a Sydney company succeeds in its mission.
research
Renewable energy project may help blow down power bills
The savings from a new type of energy project could slash electricity bills for households in Victoria, NSW and Queensland, and consume less farming land.
Bold reforms urged to boost flagging Aussie innovation
Tax changes, more grants, and targeted training are among the recommendations of a sweeping review of Australia's research and development industry.
Australia risks being lapped in the race for green fuel
Neighbouring countries including Indonesia and Malaysia could beat Australia to lead the sustainable aviation fuel market despite its potential.
Rice could be key ingredient to cutting steel emissions
Steel producers could cut carbon emissions in half by substituting agricultural waste for coal in its production, a world-first trial has found.
Aussie researchers create a robot vacuum for oil spills
A prototype is no larger than a shoe but Australian engineers plan to supersize their oil-consuming robot to tackle sea pollution.
consumers
it/computer sciences
litigation and regulation
regulatory policy and organisation
research
research and development
road transport
safety of citizens
science and technology
technology (general)
transport
Driving change: inside the autonomous car revolution
More self-driving cars will navigate streets around the world this year but some are yet to be convinced the technology is roadworthy.
computer crime
computing and information technology
internet
it/computer sciences
report
research
software
technology (general)
How AI is helping criminals target more victims online
Cyber criminals are turning to artificial intelligence tools to write malicious code, proofread scam emails and increase the volume of their attacks.
Dumpster fire: Aussie households fail the battery test
Millions of households are risking fires by getting rid of batteries in dangerous ways and the popularity of lithium batteries is raising the stakes.
Big trucks and buses drive a heavy healthcare burden
Premature deaths and childhood asthma are among the health risks of allowing high-polluting heavy vehicles to travel on populated routes.
Earth’s doppelganger: scientists make $15m digital twin
From stress-testing crops to simulating disease outbreaks, researchers plan to create a virtual copy of Australia's agricultural landscape to test scenarios.
Ticket to rideshare: disability groups call for change
Transport subsidy schemes around Australia need urgent reform to give people with disabilities greater choice and lower costs, a report has found.
Pump it up: former PM calls for action on hydropower
Hydropower projects should receive more support and faster approvals if Australia is to meet its renewable energy targets, a group has warned.
computing and information technology
health
health treatment
medical research
research
research and development
science and technology
software
technology (general)
Not a real doctor: AI struggles to treat human patients
Tasked with identifying common medical conditions and recommending treatment, artificial intelligence can deliver deadly advice.
crime, law and justice
death and dying
indigenous people
inquest
justice and rights
prison
punishment
research
Deadly disparity for Indigenous people under restraint
A study of deaths in custody has highlighted a disturbing disparity involving the use of a potentially lethal restraint on Indigenous Australians.
Blood test could bolster brain cancer survival rates
Australian scientists have developed a diagnostic device that uses a patient's blood to analyse how deadly brain tumours are responding to medical treatment.
computing and information technology
internet
it/computer sciences
research
research and development
science and technology
software
technology (general)
tennis
Taking a swing: Aussie Open serves AI insights to fans
Tennis-talking robots, virtual reality matches and an innovation to let visually impaired fans follow the action are being tested at the Australian Open.
Floral art helped break down gender barriers in science
The lives of two pioneering female botanical artists have been highlighted in new research that shows how art helped breakdown gendered barriers in science.
Alarm raised over vaccination rates in twin pregnancy
Pregnant women expecting twins are being encouraged to get the flu and whooping cough vaccines as they do not increase the risk of birth complications.
Olympic legend, top silks score highest honours
Olympic legend Cathy Freeman is one of 10 people to receive the top honour at the annual Order of Australia awards.
business (general)
business enterprises
computing and information technology
employee
employer
research
science and technology
software
technology (general)
Aussies are using AI at home but want rules at work
Most workers in fields such as finance, technology and law are using artificial intelligence at home but want changes to make it safer to use on the job.
Citizen scientist discovers ‘extinct’ native plant
A native plant species has been rediscovered decades after it was presumed extinct, highlighting the power of citizen science data in research and conservation.
AI is boosting scientific careers but shrinking studies
Artificial intelligence could be good for scientists but bad for science as a whole, a study has found, as it narrows the scope of research.
Aussie spider venom spawns heart attack and stroke drug
Venom from a spider found on K'gari, formerly known as Fraser Island, has been used to develop a drug that prevents damage during heart attacks and strokes.
business (general)
computing and information technology
economy (general)
employee
employer
employment
report
research
technology (general)
AI continues to disrupt your career prospects
Artificial intelligence is expected to transform employment even more in 2026, both in specialised roles and as an added skill in others.
energy
energy (general)
energy and resource
environmental issue
environmental politics
metal and mineral
nuclear power
renewable energy
research
Nukes and carbon capture remain off future energy plan
Wind and solar systems are projected to be the cheapest energy-generating technology in 2050 while small nuclear reactors will cost the most.
business (general)
employee
employer
research
road transport
survey
transport
travel and commuting
work relations
Long commute deal breaker as workers stay close to home
Spending hours on public transport or driving to work is falling out of favour as more employees seek local and hybrid working options.
Electric shock: hybrids, not EVs, pose pedestrian risk
They may be quieter and heavier than petrol cars but electric vehicles are not more likely to crash into a pedestrian or to cause serious injury.
In-app-propriate: renters quizzed on personal details
Almost half of Victorian renters are being forced to use digital platforms to apply for and maintain their accommodation despite privacy concerns.
computing and information technology
environmental issue
environmental politics
environmental pollution
regulatory policy and organisation
research
science and technology
software
technology (general)
water
Thirsty AI technology could strain Aussie water supply
Data centres supporting artificial intelligence technology could use as much as 20 per cent of the water supply in some cities unless policies change.
AI will make a list but shoppers should check it twice
More than half of young Australians are willing to hand over their Christmas shopping to an artificial intelligence tool, but others have concerns.