Australia urged to see how environment, economy connect
Australia is refusing to see connections between the environment and economy, as a summit explores ways to value nature instead of incentivising destruction.
science and technology
‘Game changer’: facility sheds light on plants’ future
Agricultural researchers will mimic climate change at a new Queensland facility to help food growers prepare for global warming.
Doctor dedicated to Indigenous people’s ‘genetic story’
An Indigenous genomics researcher has been recognised with a fellowship with the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering.
Banning kids from social media could cause greater harm
Mental health experts don't support proposals to ban children from accessing social media and are warning it could have unintended consequences.
Parent groups urge total ban on child social media use
No child should be allowed to access social media networks in Australia, an inquiry has heard, and parents would also benefit from a blanket ban.
‘The bot will see you now’: why AI could be the new HR
More companies are using artificial intelligence to interview and rank job candidates but the government's proposed mandatory rules could curtail the trend.
Liquid metals might solve puzzle of shipping hydrogen
Cutting emissions from transport and agriculture could be possible after an Australian discovery published by researchers from three universities.
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.
Google reveals plans to add AI to Aussie search results
Google's generative AI tool will explain search results in Australia as part of a technology trial but experts warn to watch for serious or funny mistakes.
Modern tech minerals may be hiding in extinct volcanoes
Rare earth minerals needed to fuel the transition to renewable energy and create everything from TVs to smartphones could be found inside dormant volcanoes.
AI-powered satellites to search for Aussie bushfires
A satellite constellation powered by artificial intelligence and machine-learning technology will launch from next year, watching the world for small fires.
Remnants of NZ supereruption found in Tasmanian wetland
Invisible volcanic glass shards found in Tasmanian wetland sediment may have originated from the supereruption of New Zealand's Taupo Volcano 26,000 years ago.
Privacy law calls as Meta admits farming Aussie photos
Experts are calling for changes to privacy laws after Meta revealed Australian photos from Facebook and Instagram were being used to train AI tools.
Aussie companies should not be shy but careful about AI
Businesses need to monitor for bias, copyright infractions and ethical issues when using AI, a group has warned, but should not ignore the technology.
AI is coming to your smartphone but not the guardrails
Tech giant Apple is expected to launch its first iPhones with generative AI within days but experts say the technology still lacks safeguards.
Meta’s latest news ban an error but maybe not next time
Facebook parent company Meta has told an inquiry it did not intend to block news stories from its platforms in August, but it is keeping its options open.
‘Kill switch’ considered to tackle high-risk AI
Artificial intelligence has been met with both concern and hype but government guidelines could help regulate its use in high-risk situations.
No, your mobile phone is not giving you brain cancer
A review of more than 5000 studies for the World Health Organisation has sought a definitive answer on whether mobile phones are safe to use.
Why you can expect to see more Aussie doctors using AI
Australia doctors are increasingly using AI tools in their clinics but medical groups insist patients will not be diagnosed by technology.
Check one, two: Google tests if AI can improve hearing
Could hearing aids and cochlear implants benefit from artificial intelligence technology? Google and Australian researchers have teamed to find out.
Australia’s Silicon Valley wins over cashed-up firms
Big-name firms including Afterpay and Cash App are moving into a precinct designated as a hub for Australian technology innovation.
Why more Aussies are letting AI organise their divorce
An AI-powered legal service is helping former couples divide marital assets and, while it will not suit everyone, organisers say it is saving users money.
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.
Snapchat rejects Aussie calls to raise social media age
Lifting the age limit for children on social media platforms would leave existing users adrift, Snapchat's safety head says, and should be a family decision.
Aussies want AI restrictions, though most don’t use it
Generative AI tools are a concern for a growing number of Australians, a report has found, even though only two in five have tried the technology.
Amazon tests AI for audiobooks but new rules are coming
Amazon is testing AI-generated voices for audiobooks in the absence of guidance, its executives say, as government officials reveal AI rules are in the works.
Over the moon: Indigenous STEM students heading to NASA
Five Indigenous university students are heading to the United States for an internship program, where they'll be mentored by NASA scientists and engineers.
Scientists make ‘miracle material’ from microplastic
Microplastics can be transformed into a "miracle" material prized by industries around the world using a technique discovered by Australian scientists.
Dancing the story of the celestial emu for science week
A new film will be shown at the Sydney Observatory, representing the story of the Indigenous emu constellation for National Science Week.
Cybersecurity worker shortage could put Aussies at risk
Australia does not have enough cybersecurity specialists to protect consumers from further data breaches, a report warns, amid calls for greater training.
Safety fears delay 3G closure, users urged to upgrade
Telstra and Optus have delayed the 3G closure to launch a massive public safety campaign, after fears phones, alarms and medical equipment could be cut off.