Research & development > Sustainability

Salt-tolerant rice offers hope for global food supply

14 September, 2010

A team of scientists at the Australian Centre for Plant Functional Genomics has successfully used genetic modification to improve the salt tolerance of rice, offering hope for improved rice production around the world.


Metal catalysts improve lightweight battery efficiency

07 April, 2010

Metal catalysts based on gold or platinum could facilitate the development of lithium-air batteries with up to three times the energy density of any battery that currently exists.


Polymer-based method for creating photovoltaic devices

06 April, 2010

Chemists have identified a polymer-based system that may improve the efficiency of photovoltaic devices.


Australia substantially increases research collaboration with China

18 March, 2010

A Thomson Reuters study reveals that Australia's share of world research publication is increasing and that collaboration with China is the fastest growing area.


A different look at science and the periodic table

17 March, 2010

According to uncyclopedia, the periodic table was invented in 1974 by Mendeleev, a science teacher in Wellington, New Zealand. (On a related note, Mendeleev also insists he invented the Occasional Table, but this claim occasionally goes into great dispute.)


Nanomagnetics enhances green chemistry

18 February, 2010

McGill University researchers have developed a nanotech catalyst which uses magnetics that may reduce the need for heavy metals in processes.


Patents and the deployment and dissemination of technology

26 November, 2009

The study of patenting and licensing trends in climate change reveal global inequities which could be addressed through improved policymaking.


Genetic modification and salt-tolerant crops

08 July, 2009

A research team based at the University of Adelaide's Waite Campus has developed salt-tolerant plants using a new type of genetic modification, bringing salt-tolerant cereal crops a step closer to reality.


Hard proof that clean-up works

01 April, 2009

Concrete proof that Australia can clean up highly contaminated sites thoroughly, safely and economically is emerging from a new national program.


Storing nuclear waste

22 September, 2008

Researchers at the Queensland University of Technology claim to have found a safe way to store radioactive waste.


Bugs that eat cancer-causers

04 August, 2008

A CRC CARE and the University of South Australia scientist has identified native Australian soil bacteria which destroy benzene, toluene, ethyl-benzene and xylene in groundwater contaminated by petroleum and oil spills.


Warm days and cold fish

05 May, 2008

Climate change doesn't come from the atmosphere alone. Ocean currents and temperatures have significant effects and some marine animals thrive when its cold.


The science of faster swimsuits

07 April, 2008

All sorts of scientists and research institutions were involved in the development of Speedo's record-toppling swimsuit.


Pittcon is driving on bio-diesel

06 March, 2008

Many companies release their latest products at Pittcon. This year, as part of the swing away from biotechnology and towards environmental sustainability testing, there is an abundance of bio-diesel and bio-fuel analysers hitting the market.


Scientists discuss economics and the environment

06 March, 2008 by Kylie Wilson-Field, Journalist

A small audience of the general public listened to two of Australia's most prominent scientists discuss how the economic costs of trying to reach the 2050 carbon reduction targets of 60% would come at a very small cost to the wider community


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