Invisibility cloak for thermal flow
13 May, 2013Researchers have demonstrated that metamaterials can be used to specifically influence the propagation of heat.
Past 100 years reverses 1400 years of global cooling
26 April, 2013The first continental-scale reconstruction of temperatures over the past 2000 years by 78 scientists from 24 countries has highlighted the unusual nature of the 20th-century warming.
Plant scientist off to study US corn as Fulbright scholar
25 March, 2013A young plant biologist who developed a passion for the environment when he took up surfing in primary school has been awarded a 2013 Fulbright Western Australia Scholarship to undertake research in the US.
Under the CO2: sea urchin reproduction during ocean acidification
11 February, 2013 by Lauren DavisJust like with humans, there is variation among marine species at an individual level. And if there are individuals who cope with the effects of climate change better than others, they may hold the key to the survival of their species.
Not only humans wilt in heat: developing heat-tolerant crops
11 January, 2013With heatwaves predicted to increase in intensity and duration, the importance of heat tolerant crops is becoming increasingly urgent. Dr Daniel Tan, from the University of Sydney’s Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, specialises in exactly that.
Planting ideas for medicine
08 January, 2013Medical research designed to benefit humans may, in the future, also be carried out on plants, according to Associate Professor Sureshkumar Balasubramanian of the School of Biological Sciences at Monash University.
Marine robot completes trans-Pacific journey to set new world record
06 December, 2012US-based Liquid Robotics, an ocean data service provider and developer of the Wave Glider, today announced that the first Pacific Crossing (PacX) Wave Glider, ‘Papa Mau’, has completed its 9000 nautical mile (16,668 km) scientific journey across the Pacific Ocean to set a new world record for the longest distance travelled by an autonomous vehicle.
‘Retired’ scientists unmask bush graffiti artist
03 December, 2012In a remarkable piece of detective work, a team of ‘retired’ CSIRO scientists have revealed the group of artists responsible for the iconic scribbles found on smooth-barked Eucalyptus trees in south-eastern Australia.
Cut-and-paste zeolites: new, faster method for developing custom microporous materials
26 November, 2012Researchers at KU Leuven, Ghent University and the University of Antwerp have discovered a way to make new zeolites quickly. They have experimentally demonstrated that it is possible to cut zeolite building blocks and rearrange them into a new structure.
Flower power to purge poison and produce platinum
22 November, 2012A consortium of researchers is to embark on a £3 million research program which will use a common class of flower to restore poisoned soils while at the same time producing perfectly sized and shaped nanosized platinum and arsenic nanoparticles for use in catalytic convertors, cancer treatments and a range of other applications.
Destructive pea weevils on the way out
25 October, 2012Farmers around the world are a step closer to eliminating the chemical spraying of field peas for the destructive pea weevil, thanks to research by agricultural scientists from The University of Western Australia (UWA).
Infectious disease control in space
22 October, 2012On a long spaceflight, unique conditions including microgravity could give microbes the upper hand, but not if astronauts and their spacecraft are properly prepared. Brown University’s Dr Leonard Mermel brings together a broad base of research to come up with specific recommendations for keeping astronauts safe in deep space.
Taking your genes to vote
31 August, 2012It is becoming increasingly evident that genetics plays a much larger role in political behaviour than was previously thought.
Botany student proves ‘New England Banksia’ a distinct species
17 August, 2012Research by Margaret Stimpson, a postgraduate student of botany at the University of New England, has given the New England region its very own species of banksia: Banksia neoanglica.
Accidental breakthrough on the puzzle of atmospheric acids
17 August, 2012In a classic example of an accidental scientific breakthrough, a University of Sydney research team may have solved the mystery of why there is more non-industrial acid in air than anyone can explain.
