As a new specimen of Archaeopteryx is unveiled, scientists argue whether this famous creature is a true bird or just another bird-like dinosaur.
FEATURES - In depth articles on current research in Australia and abroad.
Jumping genes have been important in the evolution of higher primates, leading to faster brain function, improved foetal nourishment, useful red-green colour discrimination and greater resistance to disease-causing microbes – and even the loss of fat storage genes in gibbons.
After conquering the bionic ear more than 30 years ago, Australian scientists have set their sights on the bionic eye.
Desensitisation to the taste of fat may be an important factor in the obesity epidemic.
Cosmic filaments are the largest structures in the universe, and are the most likely places where the universe’s missing matter resides.
Agave is most popularly known for its use in tequila, but it could also usher in the dawn of a sustainable biofuel industry that does not compete with food crops for arable land.
Building and maintaining houses in remote Aboriginal communities is difficult and expensive, but engineering improvements to rammed earth constructions offer a viable alternative.
Tying the arms of our scientists behind their backs will put lives at stake and set a dangerous precedent.
First global estimation of biodiversity benefits from habitats to humans
finds flows valued at $1 trillion per year to poor communities.
New Study on Cholera in Haiti Demonstrates for First Time Tweets, Blogs and News Feeds Can Track a Disease Epidemic in Disaster Setting More Rapidly than Traditional Methods
Lord May examines the challenges facing tomorrow’s world: anthropogenic climate change; feeding more people; and designing a financial system that allocates capital in a responsible and effective way.
THE NAKED SKEPTIC - A critical eye on myths and pseudoscience
The engagement of pharmacy and pseudoscience was broken before they could get to the altar, but it would have been a one-sided marriage anyway.
COOL CAREERS - Science beyond the lab bench
Robyn Arianrhod studies general relativity and writes books on the history of science, but it is her own history that is most unusual.
DIRECTIONS - Science policy issues that affect our future
It’s time for urgent action to drive productivity and prosperity.
THE FUNNELED WEB - Examining Australia's higher eduction and research policies.
To lose one outstanding researcher, Dr Clark, may be regarded as a misfortune; to lose two looks like carelessness, but to lose THREE?
What’s in a name? A whole lot of booty, and some Latin.
LOWE TECH - Ian Lowe examines the role of science in public policy
Do Australian uranium exports to India set a precedent for exports to other non-signatories of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty?
Ian Plimer says kids are being taught activism, not science.
SIMON SAYS - Commentary by award-winning journalist Simon Grose
Australia’s biggest exporter of value-added products, the pharmaceuticals industry, is struggling to remain competitive.
QUANDARY - Bioethical issues raised by new technology
Embryonic stem cell research is looking increasingly like a dead end as clinical trials are cancelled in favour of adult stem cells.
conSCIENCE - Scientific issues of public interest.
Science communication necessarily focuses on outcomes, but what about the process?
OUT OF THIS WORLD - News from the space and astronomy communities around the world
David Reneke brings news from the space and astronomy communities around the world.
Your guide and star chart for the night skies this month.
EUREKA - Quirky experiments and research outcomes
A case study documents the use of beer as a rehydration fluid for a burns patient.
BROWSE - A round-up of the latest science news from our shores
The effects on rats of mephedrone, better known as the party drug meow meow, indicate that for once the hype about a drug’s addictive effects might be accurate.
People see themselves as less humane after playing the violent games.
Eclectus parrots are one of only three species known to engage in sex-selective infanticide.
An alarm pheromone released by cane toads could be the key to their control.
Hagfish filmed choking predators with noxious slime.
A new line of evidence has been produced to support the theory that overeating is largely driven by inadequate protein content in the modern diet.
Brief bites of science news for subscribers only.
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ECO LOGIC - New ways to protect biodiversity
Comparing how much money is needed to ensure a conservation outcome with how to deliver the biggest outcome for a fixed investment are two sides of the same coin.
EXPERT OPINION - Experts comment on scientific news and issues reported in the media
It's far too early to say whether ATLAS and CMS have discovered the Higgs boson, but updated results are generating a lot of interest in the particle physics community.
A study published in Injury Prevention suggests a link between high fizzy soft drink consumption and violence among teenagers, but how strong is the evidence?
PUBLISH or PERISH – Your guide to new books
Your guide to new books
