Research & development > Sustainability

DNA timber fingerprinting may assist fight against illegal logging

04 July, 2011

Advances in DNA 'fingerprinting' and other genetic techniques are making it harder for illegal loggers to get away with destroying protected rainforests.


Is the universe real or did I imagine it?

22 December, 2010

The incompatibility between quantum theory and consciousness may be overcome if we jettison the heliocentric model of the universe and adopt a theory proposed by South Korean scientist Dr Daegene Song. Dr Song suggests that the universe may not be objectively 'real', in the sense that it may not exist if there is no-one to observe it.


Evolutionary tinkering

02 November, 2010 by

By reconstructing an ancient protein and tracing how it subtly changed over vast periods of time to produce scores of modern-day descendants, scientists have shown how evolution tinkers with early forms and leaves the impression that complexity evolved many times.


Salt-tolerant rice offers hope for global food supply

14 September, 2010

A team of scientists at the Australian Centre for Plant Functional Genomics has successfully used genetic modification to improve the salt tolerance of rice, offering hope for improved rice production around the world.


Metal catalysts improve lightweight battery efficiency

07 April, 2010

Metal catalysts based on gold or platinum could facilitate the development of lithium-air batteries with up to three times the energy density of any battery that currently exists.


Polymer-based method for creating photovoltaic devices

06 April, 2010

Chemists have identified a polymer-based system that may improve the efficiency of photovoltaic devices.


Australia substantially increases research collaboration with China

18 March, 2010

A Thomson Reuters study reveals that Australia's share of world research publication is increasing and that collaboration with China is the fastest growing area.


A different look at science and the periodic table

17 March, 2010

According to uncyclopedia, the periodic table was invented in 1974 by Mendeleev, a science teacher in Wellington, New Zealand. (On a related note, Mendeleev also insists he invented the Occasional Table, but this claim occasionally goes into great dispute.)


Nanomagnetics enhances green chemistry

18 February, 2010

McGill University researchers have developed a nanotech catalyst which uses magnetics that may reduce the need for heavy metals in processes.


Patents and the deployment and dissemination of technology

26 November, 2009

The study of patenting and licensing trends in climate change reveal global inequities which could be addressed through improved policymaking.


Genetic modification and salt-tolerant crops

08 July, 2009

A research team based at the University of Adelaide's Waite Campus has developed salt-tolerant plants using a new type of genetic modification, bringing salt-tolerant cereal crops a step closer to reality.


Hard proof that clean-up works

01 April, 2009

Concrete proof that Australia can clean up highly contaminated sites thoroughly, safely and economically is emerging from a new national program.


Storing nuclear waste

22 September, 2008

Researchers at the Queensland University of Technology claim to have found a safe way to store radioactive waste.


Bugs that eat cancer-causers

04 August, 2008

A CRC CARE and the University of South Australia scientist has identified native Australian soil bacteria which destroy benzene, toluene, ethyl-benzene and xylene in groundwater contaminated by petroleum and oil spills.


Warm days and cold fish

05 May, 2008

Climate change doesn't come from the atmosphere alone. Ocean currents and temperatures have significant effects and some marine animals thrive when its cold.


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