Fish learn to cope in high CO2 world
03 July, 2012Some coral reef fish may be better prepared to cope with rising CO2 in the world’s oceans - thanks to their parents. Researchers at the ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies (CoECRS) have reported encouraging new findings that some fish may be less vulnerable to high CO2 and an acidifying ocean than previously feared.
Using the cane toad’s poison against itself
14 June, 2012An effective new weapon in the fight against the spread of cane toads has been developed by the University of Sydney, in collaboration with the University of Queensland.
Mystery of Tasmanian devil tumour deepens
07 June, 2012The degree of genetic difference to a tumour rapidly decimating the ranks of Tasmanian devils is not a factor in their likelihood of contracting the disease, according to research led by the University of Sydney.
DNA discovery key to drought-resistant crops
05 June, 2012Scientists have pinpointed the ‘stay green’ DNA in barley in new research that may help farmers to grow better crops in areas of drought, heat and salinity.
Howzat work? The science of swing debunked
01 June, 2012 by Lauren Davis“The atmosphere feels very heavy, so you will have to wonder if the new ball will swing.” These are the words of former English cricket captain Michael Atherton, stating the commonly-held belief that high humidity equals high swing. But as researchers from the UK and NZ recently discovered, this is not the case - in fact it’s rather the opposite.
Moon research to shed light on Earth’s development
29 May, 2012Researchers from Curtin University have received a three-year Australian Research Council (ARC) Discovery Project grant to further investigate the early history of the moon. The work builds on previous uranium-lead dating of moon rocks from NASA’s Apollo 14 and 17 missions, adding samples from Apollo 12, 15 and 16.
Tropical fruit’s role as skin cancer weapon
22 May, 2012An exciting breakthrough on the potential anti-skin-cancer properties of the tropical fruit mangosteen has earned its researcher, Flinders University PhD candidate Jing Jing Wang, a seat in the finals of a prestigious medical prize.
Bioluminescent technology for easy tracking of GM crops
15 May, 2012Research published in BioMed Central’s open access journal BMC Biotechnology shows that products from genetically modified crops can be identified at low concentration, using bioluminescent real time reporter (BART) technology and loop mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP).
Crop root study to boost Australian grain production
09 May, 2012Researchers at The University of Western Australia (UWA) say the ‘next frontier’ of agricultural science is understanding the root system and function of crop plants to significantly increase Australian grain production, keep farms viable and help continue to feed the world despite the onset of increasing drought and climate change.
Marine research vessel sailing into new waters
01 May, 2012 by Lauren DavisFor 40 years, the Southern Surveyor - the research vessel of the Marine National Facility - has conducted scientific voyages covering everything from underwater volcanoes to a carbon chemistry map of the Great Barrier Reef. But soon, it will be replaced with a new vessel, one in which the Australian Government has invested $120 million - the RV Investigator.
Celebrating 100 years of Australian Antarctic science
30 April, 2012Australian and international experts will come together in Canberra this week to explore the diverse Antarctic science endeavours that have emerged since Sir Douglas Mawson led the Australasian Antarctic Expedition in 1911-1914.
Research program to protect bananas
27 April, 2012A team led by the Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation has developed a comprehensive research program aimed at protecting Australia’s $450 million banana industry.
CO2 is messing with coral skeletons
13 April, 2012An international scientific team has carried out the world’s first analysis of the impact of ocean acidification on every gene in the coral genome, throwing new light on the likely fate of corals under climate change.
Changing climate can affect fish fertility
11 April, 2012Warmer water temperatures can greatly increase the reproductive capacity of the widely distributed pest fish species Gambusia, or mosquito fish, a new study has found.
Plant expert to develop tests for pests in Japan
11 April, 2012A Murdoch University PhD candidate has won a $4500 scholarship to develop diagnostic tests for a pine tree pest.
