Topics
A stargazer's guide to 2021
There’s a lot to see in the Southern sky in 2021, from meteor showers to a visit from a famous comet, and two lunar events for the price of one, explains Macquarie University astronomer Ángel R. López-Sánchez.
Diamonds could be the key to future communication security
A new device that exploits quantum physics to generate guaranteed random keys could make our communications more secure.
Did frozen mud balls in space make life on Earth possible?
New Macquarie University research shows a type of asteroid dating back to the dawn of the solar system may contain liquid water, supporting the theory that Earth's water came from meteorites that fell billions of years ago.
What happens in bee Vegas
Andrew Barron has taught bees to gamble. His computational model of bee brains could not only create robots that can think for themselves, but unlock the secrets of the human mind.
How cotton discovery could save the shirts on our backs
Macquarie University research has revealed new insights into why cotton pollen fails after heatwaves, paving the way towards genetically engineered crops that can withstand extreme temperature.
I quit sugar: making biofactories that run on waste
Yeast-based biofactories can grow food, fuels and pharmaceuticals but one of the barriers to scaling up biomanufacturing has been supplying the sugar that yeast needs for growth. Now Macquarie research has found a way to use waste products as yeast feed.
New front opens in Australia’s fight to save the koalas
In the wake of Australia’s worst wildfire season on record, a Macquarie-led project is aiming to improve the treatment of fire-affected wildlife as the next season fast approaches.
Report shows ongoing cyber threats to government websites
A three-year analysis by Macquarie University cyber security experts shows that despite encouraging progress, more than half of Australia's government websites are vulnerable to attack and 16 per cent do not have the most basic security protocol installed.
Fruit fly breakthrough puts killer mozzies on notice
A new designer fruit fly paves the way for scientists to replace disease-carrying mosquitoes with harmless, genetically modified versions, says Macquarie University researcher Dr Maciej Maselko.
Please explain: Why is NASA returning to the Moon?
Associate Professor Craig O’Neill, of Macquarie University's Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, explains the interconnected reasons behind the renewed lunar push.
Game of Thrones in the wild: how rivalry could make animals smarter
Battles between competitors in the animal kingdom resemble a biological Game of Thrones and drive the development of Napoleonic-style strategic intelligence, according to a new Macquarie University study.
Please explain: Can you really make friends with an octopus?
Macquarie University marine biologist Professor Culum Brown casts a scientist's eye over the popular Netflix documentary My Octopus Teacher.