Science and Technology

Advancing our world with audacious ideas

Science and Technology

Advancing our world with audacious ideas

Macquarie changing the world through the power of research
From seeking cures for devastating diseases to developing heat-resistant crops, Macquarie University is making a real-world impact through its research, writes Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Sakkie Pretorius.
When will Australia’s volcanoes erupt?
A Macquarie University volcanologist is calling on authorities to implement an emergency response plan, warning an eruption in the Newer Volcanics Province - an area with over 400 volcanoes - could threaten Melbourne, Sydney and the east of Australia.
Smartphones are making us stupid – and may be a 'gateway drug'
Neuroscience research shows that smartphones are making us stupider, less social, more forgetful, more prone to addiction, sleepless and depressed, and poor at navigation – so why are we giving them to kids?
Girls and boys are taught science differently, new study finds
A new research paper reveals why we need to address gender stereotypes before more women will win the Nobel Prize for Physics.
Podcast: Security expert on training 21st century cyber soldiers
The cost of cyber crime globally is projected to reach US$2 trillion this year, and a massive shortfall in Australian cyber security workers could leave us vulnerable to attack. Here's how Macquarie University is helping build Australia’s next generation line of defence.
New antenna system enables 24/7 connectivity to space
Engineers from Macquarie University have developed a new antenna system which will enable scientific data to be downloaded from spacecrafts to earth 24 hours a day.
Can numbers be trusted? How annual reports could look in the future
New technology may soon replace questionnaires to delve deeper into our subconscious reactions to financial information, which could revolutionise the way annual reports are designed.
Podcast: Hypnosis breakthrough in changing ingrained behaviour
Hypnosis is sometimes dismissed as a stage act or quick fix for those looking to quit smoking, without people realising that as a scientific discipline it can give fascinating insights into the inner workings of the mind and have tangible therapeutic benefits. Dr Vince Polito talks about his most recent research into hypnosis.
Better pictures from space on the way thanks to new astronomy squad
High in the Chilean desert, some of the world’s most powerful telescopes are trained on the night sky, searching for clues to unlock the secrets of the universe.  AAO Macquarie researchers have won a contract to improve how to translate the complex data these telescopes capture.
Internet download speed rockets to 10 gigabytes per second using 'magic' chip
Schools, hospitals and universities stand to benefit from a Macquarie University invention, which can cut download speeds in a classroom from 40 minutes to 24 seconds.
New Cochlear study to help millions of Chinese children
Early identification of hearing loss could be even more important for children who speak tonal languages such as Mandarin, research shows.
Leading Lights: Cities need more rooftop gardens
Distinguished Professor Michelle Leishman is Head of Macquarie University's Department of Biological Sciences, leader of the Green Cities Project, board member of the Royal Botanic Gardens, and all-around hero of the garden. Discussing the 'Living Labs' and 'Which Plant Where' projects, Professor Leishman leads us through the latest developments in urban greening, and of the risks facing both urban and agricultural planting in the face of climate change.