Science and Technology
Advancing our world with audacious ideas
Science and Technology
Advancing our world with audacious ideas
Common farm chemical threatens insect survival
Macquarie University research shows a chemical banned in Europe but still sprayed on Australian produce to kill fungus also wipes out beneficial insects and pollinators, potentially fuelling global insect decline.
Why biology could be the future of computing and engineering
A new paper from Macquarie University scientists outlines how engineered biological systems could solve limitations in traditional computing, as international competition accelerates development of 'semisynbio' technologies.
Australian native bees see the world differently: research first
The first-ever study of Australian stingless bee vision shows how two native species have evolved distinct visual abilities to suit their foraging behaviours and environments.
Cannabis extract shows promise as treatment for fungal infections
Macquarie researchers have found compounds derived from the cannabis plant can effectively combat fungal infections including athlete's foot and the deadly Cryptococcosis, raising hope for the development of new topical treatments.
$13 million grant to develop first synthetic plant chromosome
The UK's Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA) has awarded a major international grant to Macquarie University researchers to develop synthetic chromosomes for agricultural crops in a bid to advance global food production systems.
Macquarie University academic named Australia’s Space Scientist of the Year
Associate Professor Lee Spitler, Head of Space Projects at Australian Astronomical Optics, Macquarie University, was last night named Space Scientist of the Year in the sixth annual Australian Space Awards 2025 at Illumina Sydney.
From carbon markets to climate health, how Macquarie research supports Earth Day
Earth Day on April 22 has a global goal of tripling renewable energy capacity by 2030 while phasing out fossil fuels. Here Macquarie University researchers explain how their work contributes to a sustainable energy future and suggest practical tips to help reduce your daily environmental footprint.
Climate and health litigation mounting in Australia as exposure to extreme heat grows
Australia’s exposure to extreme heat continues to grow while the country has emerged as a global hotspot for climate change litigation, according to the latest MJA–Lancet Countdown report published this week.
Could Australia be left behind in the AI revolution?
Australia is at risk of being left behind in AI development without urgent investment, warns Macquarie University Professor of Data Science, Amin Beheshti.
Tiny Australian Peacock Spiders break records in speed-jumping
Video: New research has tracked Australia’s peacock spiders making the fastest-known jumps in a spider, experiencing forces higher than fighter pilots while leaping distances 15 times their body length.
Siamese fighting fish need more space in pet shops: new behaviour data
Scientists have found prized Siamese fighting fish are typically being kept in conditions a quarter of the size they need to thrive, challenging decades of retail practice in the multi-million dollar ornamental fish industry worldwide.
Scientists engineer fish and flies to clean up toxic mercury
Using genes borrowed from bacteria, Macquarie University-led research has demonstrated fish and flies can be engineered to break down methylmercury and remove it from their bodies as a less harmful gas, offering new ways to tackle persistent mercury pollution in the environment.