All energy costs rise but small nuclear most reactive Small nuclear reactors are by far the most expensive new build energy-generating projects, a study has found, while renewable sources remain the cheapest. AAP · Jul 28, 2025
Control fire and ferals in Australia’s tropical savannas to bring the small mammals back In remote central Arnhem Land, finding a northern brushtail possum is encouraging for the local Indigenous rangers. Though once common, such small native mammals are now rare. Many are threatened with extinction. The Conversation · Jul 15, 2025
Does AI actually boost productivity? The evidence is murky There’s been much talk recently – especially among politicians – about productivity. And for good reason: Australia’s labour productivity growth sits at a 60-year low. The Conversation · Jul 10, 2025
We don’t need deep-sea mining, or its environmental harms. Here’s why Deep-sea mining promises critical minerals for the energy transition without the problems of mining on land. It also promises to bring wealth to developing nations. But the evidence suggests these promises are false, and mining would harm the environment. The Conversation · Jul 6, 2025
'Significant Declines' In Some Species After Deep-sea Mining: Research Deep-sea mining could impact marine life stretching from the tiniest bottom dwellers to apex predators like swordfish and sharks, a major piece of industry-funded research found Thursday. International Business Times · Jul 3, 2025
AI to help stock our pantries ... and feed astronauts Space scientists are developing AI models to help food last beyond expiry dates but it's up to regulators to decide if they'll allow it. AAP · Jun 28, 2025
Australia’s first lab-grown meat will be on menus within weeks Three new products, including a foie gras created from cultured Japanese quail cells, have been approved for sale The Guardian - AU · Jun 18, 2025
Grit and determination characterises women honoured Women in business, finance, education and law are recognised in the King's Birthday Honours List and some share their proudest career moments. AAP · Jun 8, 2025
Food system's billions of 'hidden costs' a sick outlook The hidden costs to health and the environment from Australia's food system could exceed $250 billion, the nation's science agency says. AAP · Jun 2, 2025
X-rays have revealed a mysterious cosmic object never before seen in our galaxy In a new study published today in Nature, we report the discovery of a new long-period transient – and, for the first time, one that also emits regular bursts of X-rays. The Conversation · May 28, 2025
Labor says the CSIRO put a $600bn price tag on Coalition’s nuclear dreams. It’s not quite right Number comes from the Smart Energy Council (SEC), a renewable energy industry group, almost six months before Coalition modelling The Guardian - AU · Apr 28, 2025
Killer Australian fungus can gobble up widespread, pesticide-resistant armyworm from the inside Fall armyworms have spread throughout the world, destroying crops and evolving insecticide resistance. New research in Australia suggests fungi that attack the worms could be a promising pest control method. LiveScience · Apr 10, 2025
Electric cars to rev up the energy grid, one at a time Technology that will let drivers use their electric vehicles as giant household batteries is launching in Australia, although its reach is limited. AAP · Apr 9, 2025
Australia sees nearly 40% decline in plastic pollution along major city coastlines Country has pledged to phase out unnecessary plastics by 2025 and recycle or reuse all its plastic waste by 2040 The Independent UK · Apr 4, 2025
AAP · Apr 4, 2025 Beaches much cleaner as litterbugs get the message Australian beaches and shorelines are littered with less plastic debris in a sign waste reduction messaging has been cutting through.
The Conversation · Apr 3, 2025 Good news, beach lovers: our research found 39% less plastic waste around Australian coastal cities than a decade ago Picture this: you’re lounging on a beautiful beach, soaking up the sun and listening to the soothing sound of the waves. You run your hands through the warm sand, only to find a cigarette butt. Gross, right?
The Guardian - AU · Mar 31, 2025 Five questions Peter Dutton needs to answer about his energy plans Coalition leader is touting a ‘gas reserve’ to ease prices on the east coast, while dodging questions on key elements of nuclear power policy
The Guardian - AU · Mar 25, 2025 CSIRO sent questions from Trump administration asking if it is taking ‘appropriate measures’ against gender ideology Other questions include whether science organisation receives funding from China and whether it is a climate or ‘environmental justice’ project
The Conversation · Mar 23, 2025 Adelaide Hills water crisis: a local problem is a global wake-up call The Adelaide Hills are experiencing severe water shortages. The root cause? A prolonged dry period and not enough water tankers to meet unprecedented demand from people not connected to the mains water supply.
The Conversation · Mar 19, 2025 AI can be a powerful tool for scientists. But it can also fuel research misconduct In February this year, Google announced it was launching “a new AI system for scientists”. It said this system was a collaborative tool designed to help scientists “in creating novel hypotheses and research plans”.
The Conversation · Mar 17, 2025 Why build nuclear power in place of old coal, when you could have pumped hydropower instead? Australia’s energy policy would take a sharp turn if the Coalition wins the upcoming federal election. A Dutton government would seek to build seven nuclear power plants at the sites of old coal-fired power stations.
The Conversation · Mar 11, 2025 Fresh fruit down, junk food up: our modelling suggests Australians’ diets will get worse by 2030 The age-old saying “you are what you eat” rings true – diet quality affects our health from the inside out. While a healthy diet can improve health and wellbeing, a poor diet increases the risk of chronic health conditions such as obesity, diabetes and heart disease.
AAP · Mar 5, 2025 Green fuel cash injection prepares market for take-off A $250 million investment in sustainable fuels could tell the rest of the world that Australia is ready to turn its farm waste into flights.
AAP · Mar 2, 2025 Promising research in taking 'forever' out of chemicals Research into ways of destroying so-called "forever chemicals" has found one method shows promise in turning the concerning substances into something safer.
The Guardian - AU · Feb 25, 2025 Scientists worried about CSIRO-backed plan to release genetically modified mosquitos in Queensland One expert says releasing a foreign strain into wild could increase risk of insecticide resistance