Evolutionary tinkering
02 November, 2010 byBy 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, 2010A 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, 2010Metal 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, 2010Chemists have identified a polymer-based system that may improve the efficiency of photovoltaic devices.
Australia substantially increases research collaboration with China
18 March, 2010A 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, 2010According 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, 2010McGill 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, 2009The 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, 2009A 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, 2009Concrete 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, 2008Researchers at the Queensland University of Technology claim to have found a safe way to store radioactive waste.
Bugs that eat cancer-causers
04 August, 2008A 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, 2008Climate change doesn't come from the atmosphere alone. Ocean currents and temperatures have significant effects and some marine animals thrive when its cold.
The science of faster swimsuits
07 April, 2008All sorts of scientists and research institutions were involved in the development of Speedo's record-toppling swimsuit.
Pittcon is driving on bio-diesel
06 March, 2008Many companies release their latest products at Pittcon. This year, as part of the swing away from biotechnology and towards environmental sustainability testing, there is an abundance of bio-diesel and bio-fuel analysers hitting the market.
