Research & development

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.


The European bioeconomy under the microscope

04 March, 2016

Comprehensive data on the European bioeconomy — that is, those parts of the economy that use renewable biological resources from land and sea to produce food, materials and energy — has been released for the first time.


Counting molecules with a mobile phone

26 February, 2016

Scientists from the California Institute of Technology have invented a technique that will help bring emerging diagnostic capabilities out of laboratories and to the point of care.


Crystals increase microbes' methane emissions

18 February, 2016

Researchers have discovered how to increase the amount of methane gas emitted by naturally occurring microbes living in coal seams and on food waste.


Liver fibrosis prediction with an online calculator

12 February, 2016

Researchers have developed an online calculator that can help doctors to quickly and accurately predict liver fibrosis.


Enhanced energy harvesting with smart materials

02 February, 2016

Researchers have found a way to enhance smart materials known as electrostrictive polymers to improve their mechanical energy harvesting performance — that is, the ability for electronic devices to pull ambient energy from their surrounding environment and convert it into electrical energy for stored power.


Wrinkle-free fabric that's environmentally friendly

29 January, 2016

Researchers have reported a method for making wrinkle-resistant cotton fabrics that is said to be more environmentally friendly and cost-effective than current techniques.


Tips for thriving in the age of diversified laboratory testing

28 January, 2016 by Martin Wilkinson* | Supplied by: InterSystems Corporation (Australia)

Opting to manage point-of-care testing in an overall framework for diversified testing is an opportunity for progressive laboratories rather than a threat.


Are aliens extinct?

25 January, 2016 by Lauren Davis

Why does evidence of alien life continue to elude Earth's scientists? Is it because such life never existed at all, or because it has already gone extinct?


Molecular engineering for more efficient solar cells

22 January, 2016 by Adam Florance

The goal of creating weather-resistant, highly efficient photovoltaic cells is two steps closer, thanks to research by two independent teams of Australian and Swiss scientists.


A saliva test for heart failure

18 December, 2015

Associate Professor Chamindie Punyadeera is looking to produce a heart failure test that is quick and easy to administer, by screening saliva instead of blood.


Efficient energy generation from gravity

09 December, 2015

Architect Janjaap Ruijssenaars has developed a method to generate free energy in a sustainable way. The patent-pending technique, which sees energy released by perpetually unbalancing a weight, offers an alternative to solar and wind technology.


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