Monkey business for the geek in you!
Australia is considering implementing a “right to disconnect” policy, which would give employees the right to refuse after-hours contact from their employers. With the constant availability of employees through smartphones and portable devices, concerns about work-life balance are valid on both sides. While artificial intelligence (AI) assistants are seen as a potential solution to this…
Australia’s research institutions are facing threats from nefarious actors, particularly from China. The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) has acknowledged these attempts to compromise the sector. However, critics argue that Australia’s response to these threats is inadequate compared to its allies and partners. Contrary to these claims, Australia’s response to foreign interference has been flexible…
The leak of a WhatsApp chat group called “Jewish Australian creatives and academics” has sparked a debate on doxing in Australia. While the group was initially formed as a supportive space, some conversations focused on challenging media critiques of Israel. The leakers claim that they acted in the public interest because they believed the chat…
A recent study published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B reveals that the lungworm parasites found in cane toads in Australia are evolving to be better at infecting their hosts. The study focused on the lungworms that were brought to Queensland along with the cane toads in 1935. Researchers discovered that the lungworms taken…
Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, is reportedly seeking $7 trillion in investment to produce computer chips for artificial intelligence (AI) systems. Altman also believes that the future AI-saturated world will require a significant increase in energy, potentially necessitating a breakthrough like nuclear fusion. However, as an AI researcher, I have doubts about the future…
The Australian government has accelerated its plans to criminalize doxing, drawing attention to the dangers of releasing individuals’ private information to the public. This response comes after the public release of a WhatsApp group’s private chat logs, which included almost 600 names of Australian Jewish creative artists discussing the Israel-Hamas war. Some of the individuals…
Artificial intelligence (AI) has become increasingly prevalent, with generative AI tools like Midjourney, ChatGPT, and Gemini gaining significant attention. However, AI as an academic discipline has a longer history and encompasses a wide range of applications beyond fantasy-image generators. In various industries, AI is making significant strides. In healthcare, AI systems are being used to…
Taylor Swift’s highly anticipated Eras tour is set to arrive in Australia later this month, with sold-out shows in Sydney and Melbourne. However, with a large number of fans unable to secure tickets, fraudsters are taking advantage of the situation. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has already reported over A$135,000 lost to ticket…
Micellar water is a popular product used for removing makeup and sunscreen. It contains micelles, which are clusters of molecules that effectively remove oily substances. Micelles are formed by surfactants, which have a hydrophilic head and a hydrophobic tail. When added to water, surfactants self-assemble into micelles, with the hydrophilic heads pointing outwards and the…
Australian supermarket chain Coles has signed a three-year deal with US tech company Palantir Technologies to deploy its tools across more than 840 supermarkets. Coles aims to use Palantir’s software to optimize its workforce and cut costs as part of its plan to save a billion dollars over the next four years. Palantir’s tools collect,…
Since the first atomic bomb detonation in 1945, over 2,000 nuclear weapons tests have been conducted by eight countries. These tests are now carried out underground for safety and secrecy, making them difficult to detect. However, a recent study published in Geophysical Journal International has developed a method to distinguish between underground nuclear tests and…
A predatory fish that lived over 380 million years ago in central Australia has been discovered through the fossils found in the red sandstone outcrops of the region. The fish, named Harajicadectes zhumini, is the first complete bony fish found from Devonian rocks in central Australia. The discovery is the result of 50 years of…
The incorporation of Indigenous perspectives and content in Australian classrooms has been a challenge for teachers. Often, the approach is tokenistic and lacks cultural responsiveness. In recent years, generative AI has gained popularity in education, with tools like ChatGPT being widely discussed and explored. However, there are concerns regarding the use of generative AI in…
Mars has captivated human imagination for centuries, and now it is becoming a potential destination for commercial space missions. NASA has opened the doors for private companies to submit proposals for missions to Mars, ranging from carrying payloads to providing communication services. While the idea of sending astronauts to Mars is still in the future,…
Local herbivores can cause significant damage to valuable plants, whether for ecological or economic reasons. However, current solutions such as killing the problem animals are increasingly unacceptable due to animal welfare concerns and social pressures. Physical barriers like fences can be expensive and impractical. Therefore, alternative options are needed. A recent study published in Nature…
Elon Musk’s brain-computer interface company, Neuralink, recently made headlines by announcing the successful implantation of a device in a human for the first time. The company’s PRIME study, which aims to develop a brain implant that allows people with paralysis to control external devices using their thoughts, has received approval from the US Food and…
An article published earlier this week discussed the use of generative AI in image editing and design tools like Photoshop and Canva. The article highlighted a recent incident where Channel Nine altered an image of Victorian MP Georgie Purcell, causing controversy and accusations of sexism. Nine apologized for the edit and attributed it to an…
The popularity of virtual reality (VR) headsets among both adults and children is on the rise. These headsets are part of extended reality environments that offer realistic and immersive experiences. VR allows users to enter computer-generated 3D worlds and games with different environments and interactions, often referred to as the “metaverse.” While most VR headsets…
Parking is currently undergoing two revolutions: the rise of parking apps and a reassessment of the need for so much parking space. Apps like EasyPark, CellOPark, and PayStay offer drivers the convenience of pay-as-you-go parking adjusted to the minute and location through a smartphone app. These apps benefit drivers by avoiding the hassle of meters…
Apple is set to release its mixed-reality headset, the Apple Vision Pro, to the public in the United States this week. Despite skepticism from critics, the company has already pre-sold 180,000 units of the $3,500 device. Apple envisions users using the headset for activities such as watching TV and movies, editing and reliving memories, and…