Invasive grasses are worsening bushfires across Australia"s drylands
As the semi-arid Pilliga Scrub burns in New South Wales, many of us are thinking about fire once again. It's an El Niño summer in the hottest year on record. And there's a remarkable amount of grass drying out and ready to burn......»»
Researchers propose method to manage the invasive weed congress grass
The invasive North American plant species Parthenium hysterophorus, commonly known as Santa Maria feverfew and famine weed, is now present in Africa, Australia, and India, where it is locally known in English as congress grass......»»
Wildfires are increasing toxic mercury in streams in Idaho, Oregon, Washington, study finds
Wildfires have been burning across Idaho this summer, and their list of harmful impacts is long, from worsening health conditions because of smoke to challenges recovering millions in costs to fight them......»»
"Monster plants": An expert guide to alien invasive species and the epic battles they win
A lot of people think of plants as pretty to look at, but defenseless and passive as far as organisms go. However, the many alien species—or "monster plants"—around us show we should never underestimate plants and the fascinating battles that go.....»»
Scientists cook up a plan to save freshwater crocodiles from toxic cane toads
Scientists from Macquarie University working with Bunuba Indigenous rangers and the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) in Western Australia have trialed a new way to protect freshwater crocodiles from deadly invasive cane.....»»
The plight of the pig-nosed turtle, one of the unlucky 13 added to Australia"s threatened species list
Australia's unique biodiversity is under siege. The national list of species threatened with extinction is growing, with eight animals and five plants added just last month......»»
From net zero to Indigenous knowledge, Australia has finally set new science priorities. How can it meet them?
The Australian government has updated the nation's science and research priorities, and released a National Science Statement. This marks the first wholesale update on Australia's vision and plan for the future of science and technology in nearly a d.....»»
Why are child caregivers still paid less than retail workers? And how can Australia help fix it?
So certain is the Australian government that childcare workers are being poorly paid that it is handing them an extra 15%—10% this December, followed by a further 5% in December 2025—and speaking as if there's more to come......»»
Arctic Ocean may absorb less CO₂ than projected due to coastal erosion
As Earth warms, the Arctic Ocean's ability to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere is waning due to melting permafrost and worsening coastal erosion, according to new research......»»
Construction and investigation of all-in-one microneedles complexed with functionalized polydiacetylene liposomes
Researchers have developed a novel detection platform that complexed polydiacetylene (PDA) liposomes with swellable microneedles (MNs) for the sensitive and non-invasive detection of biomarkers. The PDA liposomes, prepared using 10,12-Pentacosadiynoi.....»»
Toxic Olympics gender debate emphasizes the struggles of cis and trans women athletes, says academic
The gender firestorm that has erupted at the Paris Olympics surrounding Algerian boxer Imane Khelif only highlights the challenges all women athletes face, according to a University of South Australia academic......»»
Huge gas fields under a coral reef—will a rejection on environmental grounds stop Woodside"s Browse project?
For decades, Australia's largest independent oil and gas company, Woodside, has eyed off a prize: the largest known unconventional gas fields in the nation......»»
Scientists and rangers share knowledge to restore seagrass
Scientists from The University of Western Australia have partnered with Indigenous rangers on a seagrass restoration project in Gathaagudu (Shark Bay) to help moderate climate change and conserve biodiversity......»»
Great Koala Count: Aussies urged to track sightings of iconic marsupials
CSIRO, Australia's national science agency, is calling on Australians to record koala sightings in the Koala Spotter app, to help build the most accurate national population count to date......»»
Australia needs permanent supportive housing to end homelessness—and it will pay for itself
Australia needs to provide permanent supportive housing for many reasons. The most compelling reason is simple: it permanently ends homelessness for our most marginalized citizens......»»
Australian science magazine slammed over AI-generated articles
One of Australia's leading science magazines drew fire Thursday after publishing AI-generated articles that experts said were incorrect or oversimplified......»»
Fungi adapt cell walls to evade antifungal drugs
Every year, life-threatening invasive fungal infections afflict more than 2 million individuals globally. Mortality rates for these infections are high, even when patients receive treatment......»»
Plants show surprising diversity in arid landscape: How livestock grazing impacts drylands
Understanding how plants cope with climatic extremes and grazing pressure is important for reliable predictions about future biodiversity and the functioning of dryland ecosystems......»»
Scientists equip Australian sea lions with cameras to explore previously unmapped ocean habitats
What lies deep beneath ocean surfaces is often a mystery. In Australia, many underwater habitats have not been mapped, and researchers know little about them. Now, scientists are working to change that by employing sea lions as videographers......»»
Study highlights missed opportunities to engage male perpetrators of violence against women
In the midst of the national crisis of men's violence against women in Australia, a new Monash University report reveals new evidence on the urgent need to improve men's engagement in behavior change programs......»»
Antarctic heat, wild Australian winter: What"s happening to the weather, what it means for the rest of the year
Australia's south and east have seen freezing temperatures and wild weather this winter. At the same time, the continent as a whole—and the globe—have continued to warm......»»