Human impacts on the way our planet functions have now become so extreme many scientists are claiming the Earth has shifted out of the Holocene state and into a new geological epoch. They're calling it 'The Anthropocene', the new age of humans, because millions of years after we are gone, the scar of our existence will be visible in the rocks of tomorrow.
Orangutans are highly intelligent animals and keeping them mentally engaged and challenged is paramount for Melbourne zoo keepers and researchers. One project being trialled is using Xbox technology to enrich their experience and to encourage positive human-animal interactions.
Do Australian ticks pose a greater health risk than we thought? For people suffering from Lyme-like disease, it’s a controversial mystery that science has so far been unable to resolve. For the first time, microbes inside native Aussie ticks are being probed, leading to new discoveries which may reveal the causes of unexplained illnesses in the future.
The Anthropocene: a new age of humans
Tuesday, 15 November
Human impacts on the way our planet functions have now become so extreme many scientists are claiming the Earth has shifted out of the Holocene state and into a new geological epoch. They're calling it 'The Anthropocene', the new age of humans, because millions of years after we are gone, the scar of our existence will be visible in the rocks of tomorrow.
Swift Parrot Update
Tuesday, 8 November
Last year we brought you a story about the swift parrot - one of Australia's most charismatic birds, but also one of its most endangered. Logging and land-clearing have decimated their habitat but conservation biologist Dejan Stojanovic also made the startling discovery of why the parrot numbers were plummeting so rapidly - the deceptively sweet sugar glider was eating them.
Tick Allergy
Tuesday, 8 November
With summer on our doorstep, and the odd BBQ or bush walk planned, we thought it timely to revisit this story: mammalian meat allergy is on the rise in Australia and the surprising cause is a tick bite. Dr Jonica Newby meets Dr Sheryl van Nunen, the clinician who discovered the link, and this story is a must-see if you want the latest tips on how best to remove a tick.
Medicinal Cannabis
Tuesday, 1 November
The anecdotal evidence that cannabis has a positive effect on a long list of medical conditions from epilepsy, pain, cancer, even Alzheimer's Disease is building. However, to date there's been scant clinical evidence to back up these claims.
Antibiotic Resistance
Tuesday, 19 April 2016
Antibiotics have saved millions of lives, but their misuse and overuse is making them less effective as bacteria develop resistance. Will researchers outwit the incredibly clever bacteria and find novel ways to beat resistance?
Scientists discover seven Earth-sized planets orbiting nearby stars
Thursday, 23 February 2017
Seven Earth-sized planets, some of which could harbour life, have been discovered orbiting a dwarf star in our own galactic neighbourhood.
Dr Jane Goodall Profile
Tuesday, 25 October 2016
Meet Dr Jane Goodall DBE, world-renowned primatologist, humanitarian, conservationist and UN Messenger of Peace.
The Conversation on Catalyst changes
The Conversation on what the ABC's new Catalyst could mean for science.
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