spotlight

Are you a “NOVID”? How a third of us continue to outrun the virus

The latest survey of donor blood found at least two thirds of Australians have been infected. That leaves about a third of the population who are yet to have COVID.

agricultural research and technology agriculture

Queensland scientists unlock methane-busting seaweed

An Australian-led research team has cracked the genome for a native seaweed that can be fed to cattle and cut their methane emissions by more than 80 per cent.

Salad days: How to get the most out of the healthy eating option

Here are some tips to help you make the most of your salad-eating habits as the weather warms up.

Your dog ‘nose’ when you’re stressed! How man’s best friend uses smell to monitor our feelings

When people are stressed, there are hormonal and nervous system changes that alter the kinds of odours produced by the body.

animal animal science cancer medical research

Aussie octopus venom may treat melanoma

The venom of an Australian octopus contains a peptide that could reduce skin cancer cells and slow the growth of tumours, a study shows.

conservation environmental issue environmental pollution global warming invasive species wildlife

Insect apocalypse looms as world warms

A major new study says there's mounting evidence the world's insect populations are in rapid decline and it's cause for profound concern.

Australia’s COVID-19 response was overreach

Australia’s response to COVID-19 exacerbated existing inequalities within the society, according to an independent review, which urges that “overreach” be avoided in dealing with future such crises

A lack of Truss: Questions over Conservative Party system that chose unpopular British PM

Choosing the leader of the Conservative Party is strictly speaking a matter for the Conservative Party. This is fine when in opposition. When in government, a change of leader means a change of prime minister.

How the Bali bombings Australia and Indonesia closer together

At first, it wasn’t clear how the bombings in Kuta would affect relations between Australia and Indonesia. Then-Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer has spoken of his fear the bombings would drive a wedge between the two countries, with the public in each blaming the other.

Hijab protests could be greatest threat yet to Islamic Republic in Iran

Activists inside Iran and analysts outside it assess that these protests could be the most serious challenge to the regime since millions took to the streets after the disputed 2009 presidential election

Should Australia take back 60 Islamic State brides and children?

Around 20 Australian women and 40 children born to them have been languishing in hellish conditions in two SDF camps near the Iraqi border since the SDF defeated IS and liberated territory under its rule.

A class action against Optus could easily be Australia’s biggest: here’s what is involved

A settlement could well be worth billions, eclipsing the current record of $494 million paid to 10,000 victims of Victoria’s 2009 Black Saturday bushfires.

environmental issue health science and technology

Koalas at risk of extinction, experts warn

Koalas are under threat and could eventually disappear due to urban expansion, loss of habitat, disease and climate change, wildlife experts claim.

Fuel excise relief is history – so what now for petrol prices?

Over the past six months the Australian dollar’s buying power has declined from about 75 to 65 US cents (a 13% drop). But that has been offset by oil prices falling more than 30% since June.

NASA’s DART mission will smash into an asteroid – but what will we learn?

DART was launched on November 24, 2021, its destination a pair of asteroids in orbit around each other, 11 million kilometres from Earth.

environmental issue marine science

Call for global research into reef fish

Climate change has had a massive impact on Australian reef fish populations, prompting scientists to call for a global approach to research.

Rabbitoh veteran Mario Fenech reveals dementia diagnosis is head knock-related

Mario Fenech's battle with chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a type of dementia caused by repeated head knocks, caused the South Sydney great to forget his son's wedding.

Aussies who accessed early super stayed on benefits longer, researchers find

The maximum $10,000 represented approximately 13 weeks of (effectively doubled) unemployment benefit, and eight weeks of the minimum wage.

New motor could extend range of electric vehicles

Engineers at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) say they’ve built a high-speed motor that could increase the range of electric vehicles.

What the Queen’s death means for an Australian republic

Opinion surveys have regularly shown the idea of Charles becoming king raises support for a republic.

Artists celebrate 50 years of Papunya Tula

The Papunya Tula Artists' Gallery in Alice Springs is celebrating its 50-year anniversary with the opening of a new exhibition.

Sixteen visits over 57 years: Queen Elizabeth II’s long relationship with Australia

Her visits to Australia – from her first in 1954 through to her last in 2011 – offer a snapshot of the changing relationship Australians have had with their sovereign and with the monarchy.

Long live the King – but for how long?

"By God, it was good for the character. If you want to develop character, go to Australia" - King Charles III

Queen’s perennial pride in Australia

The head of the Commonwealth can't be seen to have a favourite country, any more than a parent can have a pet son or daughter.

Queensland-Japan hydrogen and new energy economy commitment

QUT has continued its investment in clean and green energy in Queensland by renewing its International Cooperation Agreement with the University of Tokyo (UTokyo) to develop joint venture projects and facilitate joint academic and scientific activities.