Science and Technology
Advancing our world with audacious ideas
Science and Technology
Advancing our world with audacious ideas
Young 'teachers' help native wildlife avoid deadly cane toads
Scientists from Macquarie University have come up with an innovative way to stop cane toads killing native wildlife by training goannas to avoid eating the deadly amphibians.
Why near enough is good enough for ant-mimicking spiders
Many insects try to look like ants to avoid predators, as do some spiders. But new research has found that when ant-mimicking spiders do a bad job of hiding their spider qualities – potentially exposing themselves to predators - it might give them other advantages, such as finding mates and greater fertility.
Snakes: The new, high-protein superfood
Pythons are a low-emission, climate-resilient food source, converting feed to protein better than chickens or cattle, new research has found.
A stargazer's guide to heavenly events in 2024
Macquarie University astrophysicist Professor Richard de Grijs explains some of the most impressive events ahead in the night sky this year, and the dates and times to see them.
Water recycling could be key to cooling Sydney’s west
A new research project is poised to deliver the formula to safely recycle water into gardens and parklands at scale, addressing both urban heat and sustainability challenges in western Sydney.
Please explain: Why do we have leap years?
The Romans, a 16th-century pope and the rotation of the earth all contribute to why we have leap years, explains Dr Stuart Ryder from Macquarie University’s Department of Physics and Astronomy.
What will the new jobs be in the AI world of work?
Though the possibilities are infinite when it comes to AI replacing human tasks in the workplace, economist Professor David Orsmond and data scientist Professor Amin Beheshti believe businesses will always need people.
Why you should count your chickens (and kookaburras, lorikeets and all backyard birds)
This year is the tenth annual Aussie Backyard Bird Count, which Professor Simon Griffith says highlights the important role citizen science projects play in our understanding of changes taking place in our world.
Residue from household disinfectants may be leading to drug resistance in deadly bacteria
Macquarie University scientists have contributed to a new study that suggests we may need to rethink current disinfection strategies at home and in hospitals in the fight against superbugs.
Please explain: How are diamonds grown in a lab?
What exactly are lab-grown diamonds and how do they compare with the real thing? Professors Tracey Rushmer and Rich Mildren explain.
Please explain: Why do magpies swoop?
Behavioural ecologist Dr Ben Ashton, who is researching magpie cognition and behaviour, explains.
How will AI impact your next job?
Artificial intelligence threatens to dramatically change the work we do and how our workplaces operate. Macquarie University researchers examine some vital ethical questions raised by this new technology.