Strawberry shields forever: bioplastic cuts fruit waste
Unique packaging material created using bacteria and sawdust could reduce disposable plastic and keep strawberries safe during transport.
science and technology
AI in every room: why home appliances are getting smart
From robotic vacuum cleaners that wake when you sleep to washing machines that judge dirt on your clothes, experts say home electronics are getting an AI boost.
Wombat AI: software deployed to track native animals
Tasmanian devils, eastern quolls, fallow deer and other wild animals are being tracked using artificial intelligence to free up conservationists' time.
Aussies prompt politicians for real action on AI rules
More than two-in-three Australians want restrictions on artificial intelligence technology, but the issue has not been raised in election campaigning.
Businesses being held to ransom but more refuse to pay
Ransomware is on the rise in Australia, with an analysis of data breaches showing more online attacks come with a financial motive.
Aussie authors launch bid to close the book on AI theft
More than 1700 Australian authors have reported their works were stolen to train AI software but experts say lawsuits may be a gamble and new laws are needed.
Climate change demands more blood, prevents collection
Extreme weather events caused by climate change are seeing a rising need for blood donations but also making it more difficult than ever to collect them.
AI and 3D technology weaponised in fight against cancer
Medical researchers will use cutting-edge technology to 'print' cancer cells and test treatments on them rather than patients following a $2 million grant.
Food-obsessed pups’ weight under the microscope
Researchers are investigating the impact of obesity on food-loving dogs and how owners can better help their pups stay in tip-top shape
Us excludes smartphones and computers from tariffs
The big tech industry can breathe a huge sigh of relief after President Donald Trump's administration exempted smartphones and computers from tariffs.
Reality check for reviving dead and dying coral reefs
Expensive and up against climate change, experts say restoration is a drop in the ocean when it comes to protecting coral reefs.
Hearing aids to heart monitors: tech is going healthy
More consumer technology is being approved for medical use in Australia, from earbuds that work as hearing aids to smartwatches that test for heart problems.
Women ‘rewriting narrative’ in male-dominated industry
Support programs designed to help female business founders to break into the agrifood-tech sector are opening doors for entrepreneurs.
App to reveal how much farmers can reap from renewables
Work will be fast-tracked on software that can assess how much landowners could earn from installing renewable energy projects on their properties.
Ripple effect fear in US crackdown on research funding
Leading Australian institutions say a US clampdown on research funding risks projects that could yield global benefits in the future.
Aussie invention may cut the cost of self-driving cars
A single camera powered by artificial intelligence software could help drive future autonomous cars, slashing thousands of dollars from their production cost.
Space mushrooms: Aussie research will test flying fungi
A world-first experiment led by Australians will put mushrooms in space for the first time and determine if they can be a tasty addition to astronauts' diet.
Are you ready to make friends with an AI-powered robot?
He is shaped like a bin and has the curiosity of a six-year-old but Koobo's creator says the robot has the potential to cure loneliness in young and old alike.
AI giant helping grow greenhouses in Australian schools
More schools across Australia will have greenhouses to grow their own fruit and veg thanks to a non-profit group and global technology giant.
Dinosaur secret unearthed after hiding in plain sight
A boulder donated by a mine has been kept at a school for decades before researchers discovered it featured a remarkable collection of dinosaur footprints.
Most workers feel overwhelmed by AI but bosses want it
Four out of every five Aussie workers are overwhelmed by changes at work but most executives want to use artificial intelligence to create bigger transitions.
Why the next big AI advance will not just talk but walk
Humanoid robots that can help at home or work are becoming tech firms' next big investment following breakthroughs in artificial intelligence.
Aussie AI, clean energy inventions need urgent funding
Changing tax incentives, creating a spending target, and helping businesses work with researchers could help Australia make breakthroughs the world needs.
The cost of broadband is rising, but so is its speed
Australians are paying more to access the internet but thousands more households are getting access to faster download speeds.
Australia at the ‘bottom of the class’ on research
Australian businesses and governments are investing too little in vital research projects, a discussion paper has revealed.
Workers fear use of AI in hiring and firing decisions
Artificial intelligence technology is already being used to monitor Aussie workers even though laws governing its use are not yet in place.
Kangaroo IVF breakthrough could save endangered koalas
Australian scientists pioneering marsupial IVF breeding techniques say it could pave the way for other marsupial species to be saved from extinction.
Telcos talk up 3G shut down amid ‘dire’ safety fears
Rural Australians have reported poor mobile service and new black spots after the 3G network closure, but the telcos say their coverage is steady or better.
AI angst – workers fear bosses will prioritise profit
Australian workers are reluctant to embrace artificial intelligence, with fewer than one in three believing it will have a positive impact.
Chief scientist lights fuse on nuclear energy debate
The nation's new chief scientist is on a collision course with a possible coalition government over its contentious pre-election pledge for nuclear energy.
AI pioneers look to douse bushfires before they happen
Machine-learning technology could become the next weapon against bushfires with researchers developing a prototype delivering more accurate predictions.