Category: Resources

In a recent study published in the journal Tectonophysics, my colleague Tony Yeates and I have explored what we believe to be the largest impact structure in the world. Located deep underground in southern New South Wales, the Deniliquin structure spans up to 520 kilometers in diameter, surpassing the previously considered largest impact structure, the…

Millions of individuals worldwide are queuing up to participate in a new online identity verification system and receive “free” cryptocurrency by staring into a silver sphere the size of a bowling ball. The silver spheres, known as “Orbs,” are part of the Worldcoin platform, which was officially launched in July 2023 after an 18-month testing…

The hours following a fireball sighting are akin to a detective mystery. Last night, residents of Melbourne took to social media to report sightings of a bright light moving slowly across the sky. Video footage clearly shows the fireball breaking apart, indicating its large size. There have been reports of a loud explosion across Victoria,…

Chronic pain is a prevalent issue in Australia, driving many individuals to seek medical care. However, most chronic pain conditions are incurable and require education, exercise, and other interventions for management. This makes chronic pain a complex, common, and costly health challenge. The challenge becomes even more pronounced when treating children and individuals with diverse…

A recent report by a special Senate committee has shed light on the issue of foreign interference through social media platforms. The report reveals that not only Chinese-owned platforms like WeChat and TikTok, but also US-based platforms such as X (formerly known as Twitter), Meta, LinkedIn, and YouTube have been targeted by foreign interference campaigns….

A recent study conducted by an international team of researchers has identified the “sweetness gene” responsible for low levels of bitter alkaloids in lupin beans. Lupins, a legume that has been consumed in various regions for thousands of years, are known for their high protein and fiber content, low carbohydrate levels, and low glycemic index….

Asteroids are remnants of the formation of our Solar System and there are approximately half a billion asteroids larger than four meters in diameter orbiting the Sun. They travel through the Solar System at speeds similar to Earth, up to 30 kilometers per second. Asteroids have captured the public’s imagination, often due to Hollywood movies…

The exchange of intimate images and videos, also known as sexting, is becoming increasingly common in sexual relationships, especially among teenagers and young adults. Studies have shown that about one in five teenagers in the United States have sent or received nudes online, and similar rates have been reported in Australia. However, there is limited…

In 1977, two robotic spacecraft, Voyager 1 and Voyager 2, embarked on a journey through space. After nearly 46 years of exploration, Voyager 2 has recently lost contact with Earth. Communication with the spacecraft is typically done through NASA’s Deep Space Station 43 in Canberra. However, efforts have been made to re-establish contact and a…

For thousands of years, humans have trained domestic animals to assist with various tasks. But can we also train wild animals to aid in conservation efforts? While wild animals can be taught to recognize predators, avoid toxic food, and stay away from humans, there are few examples of using classical learning techniques to train free-living…

Researchers often consider the timing and publication of their findings, but many research projects remain unpublished for decades or even centuries. This is the case with a detailed atlas of the Tasmanian tiger or thylacine brain, which was processed over 140 years ago and is now being published in the journal PNAS. Thylacines were carnivorous…

Test cricket, a leisurely sport that spans several days, has undergone significant changes throughout its 150-year history. From the “bodyline” era in the 1930s to the introduction of one-day matches and World Series Cricket in the 1970s, and the emergence of Twenty20 cricket in 2005, the sport has continuously evolved. Now, a new style of…

A group of physicists from South Korea recently made a significant claim regarding the creation of a material that could potentially revolutionize various areas of technology. The material, called LK-99, is said to be a room-temperature, ambient-pressure superconductor, meaning it can conduct electricity without any resistance under normal conditions. If true, this discovery could have…

Science fiction often portrays deadly organisms emerging from melting ice and wreaking havoc on unsuspecting humans. While these tales may seem far-fetched, the reality is that ancient pathogens frozen in glaciers, ice caps, and permafrost could indeed pose a threat to modern ecosystems. Examples of revived bacteria and viruses from ancient ice cores and permafrost…

A recent study conducted by researchers from the University of Helsinki has explored when children begin to develop the ability to read dog body language and how their experience with dogs may influence this skill. The study involved 34 adults, 34 four-year-olds, and 31 six-year-olds who were shown photos of dog and human faces and…

In recent years, there has been growing interest in the medicinal value and antimicrobial activity of honey, especially in light of the rise in antibiotic resistance. While honey is typically produced by honey bees, other insects such as stingless bees, wasps, and ants can also produce honey-like substances from plant nectar. One such insect is…

The popularity of yoga classes with animals has raised concerns about the welfare of these animals. Recent investigations have exposed distressing practices, such as denying puppies sleep and water during puppy yoga sessions and subjecting them to hot rooms for extended periods of time. Similar practices have been observed in goat yoga sessions, where the…

Ice cream may seem like a simple treat, but achieving the perfect creamy texture requires a careful balance of chemistry and the three states of matter: solid, liquid, and gas. Commercial ice cream contains a variety of ingredients including air, water, milk fat, milk solids, sweeteners, stabilizers, emulsifiers, and flavors. These ingredients are mixed and…