Research & development > Environmental science

Microplastics found in clouds could affect the weather

07 December, 2023

Scientists are not only detecting microplastics in the atmosphere but also investigating how they may play a role in cloud formation.


Scientists deep-freeze native plants at risk of extinction

15 November, 2023

A process similar to that used to store human embryos is being used by scientists to save native Australian plants under threat from invasive myrtle rust.


Climate scientists sound the alarm; those with lung conditions at risk

30 October, 2023

Scientists say that Earth's vital signs have worsened beyond anything we have seen — and people with lung conditions are particularly at risk.


Over 40% of Antarctica's ice shelves have shrunk in 25 years

26 October, 2023

Scientists found that 71 of the 162 ice shelves surrounding Antarctica have reduced in volume over 25 years from 1997 to 2021, with a net release of 7.5 trillion tonnes of meltwater into the oceans.


Starch discovery reaps benefits for industry

16 October, 2023

UK researchers have brought clarity to the longstanding question of how starch granules form in the seeds of Triticeae crops — wheat, barley and rye.


Melting ice likely triggered climate event >8000 years ago

04 October, 2023

Scientists have identified a melting ice sheet as the probable trigger of a major climate-change event just over 8000 years ago.


Air pollution impacts bees' ability to find flowers

27 September, 2023

Ozone substantially changes the size and scent of floral odour plumes given off by flowers, reducing honeybees' ability to recognise odours by up to 90%.


Microgreens and mature veggies differ in nutrient content

13 September, 2023

Young vegetables known as microgreens are reputed to be particularly good for health — now, researchers are trying to find out how microgreens compare to mature veggies.


Mechanical signalling may be key to plant regeneration

30 May, 2023

Researchers in Japan have discovered the mechanisms involved in plant cell regeneration and how the plants create the correct type of tissue when damaged.


How are global emissions of banned CFCs increasing?

06 April, 2023

Researchers have found increasing emissions of several ozone-depleting chemicals, despite their production being banned for most uses under the Montreal Protocol.


Earth's structure found to have a distinct 'fifth layer'

22 February, 2023

Seismologists believe they have documented evidence of a distinct layer inside Earth — a solid 'metallic ball' that sits within the centre of the inner core.


State of the Climate highlights increased temps, heavy rainfall

28 November, 2022

The State of the Climate 2022 report shows an increase in extreme heat events, intense heavy rainfall, longer fire seasons and sea level rise across Australia.


Solar evaporator provides cheap soil remediation solution

14 November, 2022

The system can remove contaminants in as little as two weeks by using a super-efficient solar evaporation surface to rapidly draw water from the soil.


Climate change has pushed Earth to "code red": report

28 October, 2022

An international coalition of researchers has stated that the Earth's vital signs have reached "code red" and that "humanity is unequivocally facing a climate emergency".


50% of coral reefs may face unsuitable conditions by 2035

19 October, 2022

While the negative impacts of climate change on coral reefs are well known, this research shows that they are actually worse than anticipated.


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