Research & development > Environmental science

Reverse photosynthesis — sunlight can be used to produce chemicals and energy

07 April, 2016

Researchers have discovered a natural process that sees the energy in solar rays break down plant material, rather than build it up.


Australian appointed Chief Scientist of The Nature Conservancy

05 April, 2016

Professor Hugh Possingham has been announced as Chief Scientist of The Nature Conservancy, a leading conservation organisation.


Biodiversity prevents disease

29 March, 2016 by Adam Florance

Researchers have shown a clear link between biodiversity and the severity of a fungal disease on a Tibetan alpine meadow.


Two trials to study wind farms and human health

23 March, 2016

The National Health and Medical Research Council has awarded grants totalling $3.3 million to two trials into the effects of wind farms on human health.


The role of bacteria in platinum formation

22 March, 2016

The University of Adelaide has led research into the role of specialist bacteria in the formation and movement of platinum and related metals in surface environments.


Hobart hosts international ice core scientists

09 March, 2016

The International Partnerships in Ice Core Sciences (IPICS) Second Open Science Conference has begun.


Soil research and earthquake damage prevention

04 December, 2015

According to Wang Shengzhe, our understanding of soils' behaviour is still minimal — and this has to change if we are to prevent the structural damage that can arise from natural disasters such as earthquakes.


Treating diseases with plants

06 November, 2015

Scientists from QUT, who are studying the use of plants to combat golden staph infections, heal wounds and treat diseases, have received an extra $1 million in funding.


Methane-metabolising microorganisms discovered

27 October, 2015

Scientists from The University of Queensland have discovered two new microorganisms which are said to play an unknown role in greenhouse gas emissions and consumption.


The basis for high-efficiency energy transfer in photosynthetic organisms

25 September, 2015

Chinese and Japanese researchers have elucidated the mechanisms governing the conversion of carbon dioxide into sugars for high-efficiency energy transfer in photosynthetic organisms.


A 'living' geological map at Monash University

21 September, 2015

The Monash Earth Sciences Garden, said to be the first of its kind in Australia, is anticipated to establish a hands-on approach to teaching geology, physical geography and atmospheric sciences.


CSIRO and Chevron to study the Great Australian Bight

15 September, 2015

CSIRO and Chevron have partnered up for the Great Australian Bight Deepwater Marine Program — a multimillion-dollar initiative to answer questions about the geology and ecology of the unique region off Australia's southern coastline.


Australia's record-breaking heat levels

11 September, 2015

In the past 15 years, new heat records in Australia have outnumbered cold temperature records by 12 to 1 — with global warming said to be the prime cause.


How plants cope with a salty environment

04 September, 2015

It turns out a diet high in salt isn't just unhealthy for humans, with salty soil being one of the major factors that negatively impacts plant growth.


The phoenix factor

27 August, 2015 by Graeme O’Neill

Compounds called karrikins, present in bushfire smoke, induce mass germination of seeds shed by Australia's fire-adapted plants in the wake of fire. University of Western Australia chemist Dr Mark Waters has traced the story of karrikins right back to the first simple plants to colonise the land, more than 430 million years ago.


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