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.
science and technology
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.
Kids get a taste of one of universe’s biggest mysteries
Scientists on the National Quantum & Dark Matter Road Trip to remote and regional schools want to inspire budding physicists, including Indigenous children.
Aussie firms urged to deploy AI but limit its emissions
Artificial intelligence technology is being blamed for rising greenhouse gas emissions but a report has identified ways to reduce its environmental impact.
No guarantee of coverage for remote Australians post-3G
Farming families fear losing their access to health and education, as Telstra acknowledges some may lose connectivity in 3G closure.
Telcos to proceed with 3G closure despite inquiry fears
Threats to safety from the 3G mobile network shutdown are "too great to ignore", an inquiry warns, but Telstra and Optus are pressing ahead with their plans.
Why future cars will be like ‘smartphones on wheels’
Buyers might not choose their next car for its shape, power or brand, auto experts say, but based on what its software can do.
Agreement clears the way for SpaceX Aussie blast off
Australia will allow US companies to launch and retrieve rockets under a new agreement and reports indicate SpaceX could be among the first to test it.
Shipwreck mystery solved decades after deadly disaster
More than 20 people were killed when a freighter sank off the NSW coast, but 55 years on researchers hope a new discovery will bring closure for their families.
Remote doctors, medical devices affected by 3G closure
Critical devices from insulin pumps and pacemakers to security cameras and EFTPOS machines could be affected by the 3G shutdown, an inquiry has been told.
AI curiosity soars, but not everyone’s comfortable
More Australians are turning to artificial intelligence technology to learn new skills, a Google report shows, but others want to identify when it's being used.
‘Teething issues’ to linger after global IT outage
A senior government minister is warning it could be up to two weeks before Australia's systems return to normal after the hugely disruptive CrowdStrike outage.