Category: Resources

The origins and history of dingoes, an iconic Australian wild animal, have long been a mystery. Scientists have debated whether dingoes are truly wild or if they were once domesticated animals that became feral. However, a new study published in PLOS One has provided crucial clues to this mystery by examining the burial of dingoes…

Recent reports indicate that there was a close call between an Australian satellite and a suspected Chinese military satellite. In addition, the US government issued its first-ever fine for space junk. The Federal Communications Commission fined DISH Network, a satellite TV services company, $150,000 for a communications satellite that has been in space for over…

An article published in Science reveals the discovery of the most distant fast radio burst (FRB) ever detected. These bursts, which are intense flashes of radiation that last for a fraction of a second, have been a source of fascination for astronomers due to their unknown cause and their potential to study other aspects of…

Quantum computers are gaining attention and recognition for their potential usefulness. Australian physicist Michelle Simmons recently won a top science award for her work on silicon-based quantum computers. But what exactly are quantum computers? Traditional computers work with whole numbers or real numbers, manipulating information through complex rules. Quantum computers, on the other hand, work…

First Nations groups in south-eastern Australia had a tradition of burying their companion dingos, similar to how people today bury their pets. Recently, a dingo burial was excavated in the Menindee Lakes area in New South Wales at the request of the Menindee Aboriginal Elders Council. The dingo, known as “kali” in the Barkindji language,…

LGBTQ+ activists and groups in China face consistent targeting by authorities and tech platforms, both digitally and physically. The Chinese government’s claim that LGBTQ+ people do not face discrimination is contradicted by our research, which involved interviews with 26 activists from 12 provinces in China. Legal recognition of LGBTQ+ relationships, such as marriage or de…

Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, Julie Grant, has fined X (formerly Twitter) A$610,500 for serious non-compliance with a transparency notice regarding child sex abuse material. Grant had issued transparency notices to several online service providers, including Google and X, in February under the Online Safety Act 2021. While Google was warned for providing generic responses, X’s non-compliance…

With the arrival of warmer weather, flies are once again making their presence known. This year, there has been an abundance of bush flies, house flies, blowflies, horseflies, and mosquitoes in Australia. While flies can be a nuisance, it is important to appreciate their diversity and the roles they play in our ecosystem. Bush flies,…

During the 1970s, it was rare to see a satellite passing overhead in the night sky. However, in recent years, the number of satellites launched into Earth orbit has increased significantly, with even more planned for the future. These satellites, particularly those in mega-constellations like Starlink, are posing a threat to our connection with the…

According to research conducted by the Mozilla Foundation, cars with internet-connected features are collecting vast amounts of personal data, leading to concerns about privacy. The study examined the privacy terms of 25 car brands and found that they collect a range of customer data, including facial expressions, sexual activity, and driving habits. The researchers concluded…

The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT has revolutionized the way we manage and access information. These tools are capable of collating, summarizing, and presenting vast amounts of data to us. However, relying on AI for information management has consequences that go beyond convenience. It can shape our thoughts and even influence how…

Australia faces a growing threat from drone submarines, also known as uncrewed underwater vehicles (UUVs), as they become cheaper, more common, and more sophisticated. With its extensive coastline and reliance on sea trade and fuel imports, the country is vulnerable to potential blockages, accidents, or explosions caused by these UUVs. To address this threat, Australia…

Have you ever experienced the frustration of waiting in a long line for your favorite ice cream flavor, only to find out that it’s sold out? In the field of behavioral economics, researchers have discovered that people tend to make predictable second choices when their desired item is unavailable. This phenomenon, known as the phantom…

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about significant changes in the way we work, leading to a new model known as the “new normal.” This model is characterized by increased flexibility and productivity gains. However, it has also blurred the boundaries between work and personal life, and outdated attitudes are hindering our ability to effectively manage…

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) National DNA Program for Unidentified and Missing Persons recently utilized advanced DNA technology to solve a 40-year-old missing persons case in South Australia. The case involved skeletal remains found on Kangaroo Island in 1983, and it wasn’t until June 2023 that the remains were identified as William Hardie through advances…

The vastness of Earth’s ocean is highlighted by the fact that some parts of it are so remote that the nearest human habitation is the International Space Station. As the planet continues to warm, monitoring the ocean and understanding its changes becomes crucial for all of us. To study remote waters, scientists are turning to…

In 2020, philosopher Toby Ord published a book called The Precipice, which discussed the risk of human extinction. He estimated the chances of an “existential catastrophe” occurring within the next century to be one in six. This specific number gained attention and has been referenced by others, including Australian politician Andrew Leigh. The concept of…

The debate over whether prolonged or overnight charging is harmful to smartphone batteries continues in the world of lithium-ion batteries. The lifespan of a phone battery is influenced by various factors, including its manufacturing age and chemical age. Chemical aging refers to the gradual degradation of the battery due to temperature fluctuations, charging and discharging…