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Science

disease
Workers at the Meredith Chicken Farm go through a cleaning station before entering the farm. Picture: Mike Dugdale

Outbreak of bird flu hits egg supply

Almost 10 per cent of the nation’s commercial egg-laying chicken flock has been euthanised as a result of avian influenza outbreaks across three states, straining the supply of eggs to consumers.

exclusive
Digital illustration of a dna

Rare diseases receive huge genomics boost

Australian research institutes are poised to lead the world in the quest to rapidly identify rare genetic conditions and pave the way for potential intervention to prevent their devastating effects.

MAGAZINE
EMBARGO FOR TWAM 22 JUNE 2024. FEE MAY APPLY. Press cuttings and photographs relating to the Spanish influenza pandemic of 1918-1920, quarantine issues, and other health-related matters - compiled by Dr Cumpston - black and white negative - [Woman in medical personal protective wear] - originally from p 85 of the volumeMUST CREDIT: Commonwealth of Australia (National Archives of Australia) 2023

Unlocking the secrets of a pandemic that killed 50 million

When an 18-year-old soldier tragically died in 1918, a sample of his lung tissue locked away for over a century, forgotten. A team of Brisbane-based scientists scoured the globe to find it and are now using it to supercharge the quest for a cure – before the next worldwide pandemic hits.

‘Crucial events’
Asian woman using rapid antigen test kit for self test COVID-19 epidemic at home. Adult female place the fabric tip of the swab in the extraction tube and rolling around the tube. COVID-19 pandemic protection concept.

Scientists eye noses as Covid resisters

The mystery of why Covid-19 left some victims in intensive care and others with no symptoms could have something to do with their noses.

NASA
The Voyager 1 spacecraft, which was launched in 1977, is the most distant human-made object. It and its sister craft, Voyager 2, are still transmitting data. The proposed Interstellar Probe would build considerably on the knowledge that they have given us. CREDIT: NASA

Long-distance fix has Voyager 1 talking again

NASA’s Voyager 1 is sending back scientific data for the first time in six months after a potentially disastrous computer glitch was fixed more than 24 billion kilo­metres away on Earth.

Agriculture
This picture taken on May 21, 2024 shows professor Hong Jin-kee posing with a bowl containing pink "meaty rice" at the Yonsei University in Seoul. In a small laboratory in Seoul, a team of South Korean scientists are injecting cultured beef cells into individual grains of rice, in a process they hope could revolutionise how the world eats. (Photo by Anthony WALLACE / AFP) / To go with 'SKOREA-SCIENCE-FOOD, FOCUS' by Claire LEE

Korean bid to merge meat and rice

South Korean scientists are injecting cultured beef cells into individual grains of rice, in a process they hope could revolutionise how the world eats.

Downhill slope
A dusting of snaw at Mt Buller today Picture: Tony Harrington

Snow decline threatens ski season

The ski industry faces a future of uncertainty and shorter seasons with snow cover expected to continue to decline, as experts emphasise the need for adaptation and strategic planning.

Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/science