Chemistry of atmosphere more complicated than previously understood
03 June, 2011Chemists from the University of Sydney have shed light on the sun's role in mixing up molecules, with implications for the extent that pollutants are dispersed across the Earth's surface and how quickly they are removed.
Less waste in waste monitoring
05 May, 2011The US spends around 2 billion dollars a year on remediation at hazardous waste sites, with a large portion of this used for groundwater monitoring. Yet according to Rolf Halden, a researcher at Arizona State University’s Biodesign Institute, the information gathered is often of limited value.
Anticancer compounds from the sea
05 May, 2011Marine molluscs are a potential source of new anticancer drugs and other medicines, according to Dr Kirsten Benkendorff of Southern Cross University.
CSIRO-UWA crop genomics lab opens in Perth
04 May, 2011Established jointly by CSIRO and The University of Western Australia (UWA), a new laboratory for research into the molecular workings of plants and the genomes of crops has been opened in Perth.
Christchurch to rebuild its microbial collections
21 April, 2011Microbial cultures used in the development of natural insecticides were damaged in the Christchurch earthquake.
Shimadzu TOC-L series analysers
17 February, 2011 byThe TOC-L series of analysers for total organic carbon testing in aqueous samples has a wide sample range from 4 µg/L to 30,000 mg/L and is suitable for analysing ultra-pure to highly contaminated samples of wastewater, brine water, seawater, drinking water and pharmaceutical water.
Australia and India become partners in scientific discovery
10 January, 2011Australian and Indian researchers are teaming up to pursue new ideas, from non-invasive tools for detecting cancer to better techniques for monitoring the health of our oceans.
Black hole observatory one step closer
07 December, 2010Five leading Australian universities have joined together to seek funding for a major international gravitational wave observatory in Australia.
Securing Australia's future in food, energy, water and carbon
07 December, 2010The Prime Minister’s Science, Engineering and Innovation Council has released two expert scientific reports on serious issues facing the nation: Australia and Food Security in a Changing World and Challenges at Energy-Water-Carbon Intersections.
Organic solvent system improves catalyst recycling
03 November, 2010A combination of organic solvents in different proportions has been found to differentially dissolve a range of noble metals, making recycling of the metal catalysts easier.
SpaceShip Australis to study sun’s effect on solar system
06 October, 2010The SpaceShip Australis project proposed by Australian space scientists would study the effects of the sun’s variability from the surface of the Earth to the boundaries of the solar system.
Discovery identifies plants that perform better in difficult conditions
29 September, 2010Drought, salinity, flooding and extreme temperatures threaten many plants essential to humankind - and scientists at The University of Western Australia have discovered how they respond to these challenges.
Organic carbon analysis and the environment
06 September, 2010Monitoring and controlling the amount of organic matter in our streams and waterways is critical for environmental protection. Total organic carbon (TOC) is the amount of carbon present in an organic compound and measuring it provides a fast and convenient way to determine water quality. This article looks at the different methods now available for analysing TOC.
Food security and anthrax protection
01 September, 2010Food security and protection from anthrax contamination could be achieved using an antibacterial enzyme.
Unidentified microbes devouring oil plume in the Gulf of Mexico
01 September, 2010Unidentified microbes devouring anything is usually a cause for concern but in the Gulf of Mexico they are consuming the spilt oil from BP's Deepwater Horizon wellhead, apparently without consuming all the oxygen and creating dead zones.
