Australasian Science: Australia's authority on science since 1938
Expert Opinion
Experts pick apart the veracity of claims made in research papers and the media.
Gene Editing for Conservation Needs In-Built Protection
By Australian Science Media Centre
Researchers have been considering using gene drives to rid New Zealand of invasive pests, but have they adequately estimated the issues and addressed indigenous rights?
The full text of this article can be purchased from Informit.
First Australian Cancer Lawsuit Over Herbicide “Roundup”
By AusSMC
A Melbourne gardener has launched legal action in the first Australian case to link cancer with glyphosate, the active ingredient in the weedkiller Roundup. While glyphosate is considered “probably carcinogenic”, some experts dispute this conclusion.
The full text of this article can be purchased from Informit.
Call for a Moratorium on Human Genome Editing
By AusSMC
Scientists and ethicists from seven countries have called for a global moratorium on all clinical uses of human germline editing. The suggested moratorium would not hamper research or editing of non-germline cells, but would set a period that no clinical use of editing sperm, eggs or embryos would be allowed.
The full text of this article can be purchased from Informit.
How Science Fared in the 2019 Federal Budget
By AusSMC
Experts comment on how the 2019-20 Federal Budget will impact research, health and science.
The full text of this article can be purchased from Informit.
Labor's 2019 Climate Policy
By AusSMC
Opposition Leader Bill Shorten has unveiled Labor's climate change policy — the plan it will use to reach its target of cutting emissions by 45% by 2030, and ensure half of Australia's energy comes from renewable sources by 2050.
The full text of this article can be purchased from Informit.
Smoking Dope Just Once as a Teen Could Change Your Brain
By AusSMC
Teenagers who say they have only smoked cannabis once or twice have both structural and cognitive changes to their brains.
The full text of this article can be purchased from Informit.
Australia's Space Agency to Land in Adelaide
By AusSMC
Australia’s Space Agency will touch down in Adelaide by mid-2019. It is hoped that it will help triple Australia’s space economy to $12 billion by 2030.
The full text of this article can be purchased from Informit.
Autism Link to Traffic Pollution Exposure During Pregnancy
By Australian Science Media Centre
Exposure to traffic pollution during pregnancy has been linked to an increased risk of autism.
The full text of this article can be purchased from Informit.
NASA has Mars InSight
By AusSMC
NASA's InSight lander has touched down on Mars after spending almost 7 months travelling through space. Its mission is to measure the temperature of the red planet and listen out for any earthquakes to help scientists understand more about the interior of the planet.
The full text of this article can be purchased from Informit.
The Persistent Killer of Killer Whales
By AusSMC
Killer whales are at risk due to PCB contamination despite a near-global ban more than 30 years ago. The threat affects more than half of the world’s orcas, and whale populations near industrialised regions and at the top of the food-chain are at a high risk of population collapse over the next 100 years.
The full text of this article can be purchased from Informit.
