The discovery of ancient fish hooks and the bones of offshore fish species reveals that the people living to the north of Australia more than 50,000 years ago had the maritime skills and equipment necessary to reach Australia.
FEATURES - In depth articles on current research in Australia and abroad.
Transits of Venus allowed astronomers to calculate the scale of the solar system, and led to the discovery of Australia. On 6 June this year Australians and New Zealanders will have a ring-side view of one of the most famous events in astronomy – and the last one for another 105 years.
Tomorrow’s software will compute with meaning and be much more autonomous. But a thought experiment with a chess robot shows that we will also need to carefully include human values.
With jammers now available for only $20, civilian and military use of GPS is no longer secure. Has the GPS had its day, or will a competing system soon take over?
A new study of ancient DNA preserved in permafrost has revealed that Ice Age megafauna varied considerably in their ability to survive climate change and the spread of humans.
Climate change is reducing the complexity of coral reefs, with implications for the reef fish that require large table corals to conceal them from predators, prey, and even ultraviolet light.
Most of the world’s gold and copper deposits are formed at tectonic plate boundaries. It’s a pity, then, that geologists find it difficult to locate the ancient plate boundaries in the Himalayan mountains.
Nations half the size of Australia spend more on scientific research, have higher employment levels for scientists, and greater appeal to foreign investors, according to a report on Australia’s global standing in science.
Encouraging GPs to “on-sell” products to patients is likely to produce unnecessary or inappropriate prescribing
"Failure of candidate gene studies showed how little we knew about the basic causes of most common diseases."
The Defence Trade Controls Bill 2011, which restricts the use of materials that could be used in weapons, will inhibit a wide range of scientific research.
Study finds evidence for new evolutionary line of prehistoric humans in East Asia.
POCKLEY'S POINT - A blog from Australia's first science journalist, Peter Pockley
Chief Scientist Ian Chubb scores for science education.
QUANDARY - Bioethical issues raised by new technology
Can a proposal to genetically modify children that are smaller to reduce their carbon footprint be taken seriously?
ECO LOGIC - New ways to protect biodiversity
Is the suggestion of introducing elephants to control gamba grass in Australia such a ridiculous idea?
EXPERT OPINION - Experts comment on scientific news and issues reported in the media
Australian research has found new evidence that human hunters were primarily responsible for the disappearance of Australia’s giant vertebrates about 40,000 years ago, and concluded that the extinctions caused changes to the Australian landscape.
conSCIENCE - Scientific issues of public interest.
Fascination with space travel can launch primary students into a life of maths and science discovery.
OUT OF THIS WORLD - Space and astronomy news
News from the space and astronomy communities around the world.
EUREKA - Quirky experiments and research outcomes
... and eating cake at breakfast can help you keep weight off.
LOWE TECH - Ian Lowe examines the role of science in public policy
Locals are sceptical of the benefits of plans to increase tourist accessibility to a World Heritage area in New Zealand.
SIMON SAYS - Commentary by award-winning journalist Simon Grose
Governments have won big headlines for big money allocated to big solar projects – but kept the money.
COOL CAREERS - Science beyond the lab bench
DNA analysis reveals that a species with a significant place in scientific history may not be extinct after all.
THE NAKED SKEPTIC - A critical eye on myths and pseudoscience
How does an expensive cancer clinic measure up against seven signs of pseudoscience?
DIRECTIONS - Science policy issues that affect our future
Nuclear options must be part of the low-carbon discussion.
PUBLISH or PERISH – Your guide to new books
Your guide to new science books this month.
A study of Sardinians finds that shorter men live longer.
