Review ‘threatens brain drain’
Organisations and events aimed at encouraging women into technology and science are at risk while the government reviews its Women in STEM grant program, female entrepreneurs say.
Science
Limitless energy ‘from thin air’
Australian scientists have discovered bacteria which converts hydrogen in the air into electricity, with the technology potentially able to power devices ranging from smart watches to hydrogen cars.
One misstep for science, one giant leap in distrust
From Covid lockdowns to the Great Barrier Reef, bushfires, Murray-Darling water allocations and the environment: overreach by experts has bred popular distrust and conspiracy theories.
What really relieves back pain
The truth is that there is no single cure-all, say experts. But devising a personal treatment plan will help.
Is Harvard Plan healthier than Med Diet?
An extensive study has identified the diet that will help you live longest – and live healthiest.
How this scientist and tech guru might save healthcare
There is more data on Michael Snyder than any human ever. The Stanford genomicist might just reshape healthcare, and has advice for you to save yourself.
Common sense points to a lab leak
Denials from authorities seemed political all along, and public trust will take a long time to recover.
Easter Island statue rises again
The statue was found on February 21 by a team of scientific volunteers from three Chilean universities.
Watchdog bans cough medicine ingredient
The medicines regulator has banned and ordered a recall of products containing pholcodine. It is a common ingredient in cough drops and syrups.
Orca pair savage 17 sharks in a day
The killing efficiency of the Orcas, known as Port and Starboard, has overturned the marine hierarchy in their hunting grounds.
Chronic pain not all in your head
Paul Biegler’s experiences with long-term pain inspired a book to help fellow sufferers.
Exercise more effective than medications for depression
Physical activity is 1.5 times more effective in managing mental health conditions than counselling and medications, University of South Australia researchers finds.
Gay or gender dysphoric? It’s time to end the spiral of silence
The idea that some parents may prefer their child to be trans rather than gay is adding more layers of complexity to this already fraught debate.
‘Misleading’ pregnancy apps trigger warning
While pregnancy apps say they act in ‘good faith’, a probe into the digital tools has found pseudo science and anonymous professionals lurk
Chasing ‘holy grail’ of brain treatment
Scientists think their finding could “reverse” brain damage caused by Parkinson’s, stroke, infection and accidents.
Galaxies discovery ‘upends settled science’
Astronomers have made a ‘bananas’ find of six mystery objects in space that cloud what scientists thought was possible about the big bang.
Dementia ‘worst burden for over-65s’
Australia’s ageing population, and better prevention and treatment of heart disease, has seen dementia become the number one burden of disease for the nation’s over-65s, a new report finds.
Science review to recalibrate the key priority areas
The government has launched a review into the country’s science priorities for the first time in eight years.
Seaweed flowering into a bio-sink for waste material
Australia’s fledgling seaweed industry is already being touted as a solution to reduce methane emissions in livestock, but its capacity as a carbon, nitrogen and phosphorous regulator has the sector excited.
Ball of iron ‘bone of the Earth’
Australian research has unveiled an iron ball with a radius of about 65km could lie at the centre of our planet.
Covid impact on separated bubs yet to come
Most babies separated at birth from mothers who caught Covid were denied the bonding of skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding, a major Australian-led study reveals.
Quantum leap into future of industry
Australia’s new quantum strategy will focus on securing access to essential infrastructure and materials, expanding the skilled workforce and accelerating the uptake of quantum technologies.
‘Girls and the neurodiverse must tackle STEM subjects’
Australia’s chief scientist has called for more girls and ‘neurodiverse’ students to take maths and science subjects, saying our hi-tech industries cannot depend on migrants.
Scientists call for ‘foreign AI’ ban
Australia must ban the use of foreign artificial intelligence to control sensitive data, a network of eminent scientists has warned.
Parkinson’s trial offers new hope
Australia will host a clinical trial for a drug that promises to fight Parkinson’s disease as part of a global research effort to tackle the neurodegenerative disease.
Emission cuts will fail to stop climate change. What to do then?
Nathan Myhrvold outlines possibilities for ‘geoengineering’ to cool the Earth and remove CO2 from the atmosphere. He says ‘opponents worry that once you have geoengineering, people won’t make sacrifices to cut emissions’.
Little boy wonder is given a new lease on life
Weston Price is just 19-months-old but he has already made history as the oldest and only known surviving person with Wolman’s disease in the country.
Fingerprint test could mark end of the mammogram
Radical technique born from crime scene work, involves testing patient’s finger sweat, allows scientists to detect breast cancer with 98pc accuracy.
Sex, drugs and regret: gender clinic docs reveal the truth
Doctors at kids gender clinic in NSW report serious side-effects, ongoing mental distress following transition and the high risk of regret among patients.
Most baby formula health claims ‘not backed by science’
The vast majority of health claims used to advertise baby formula worldwide are not supported by rigorous scientific evidence, a study says.
Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/science/page/19