Earth’s boring billion

A study led by researchers from the University of Sydney and the University of Adelaide has revealed how the breakup of an ancient supercontinent 1.5 billion years ago transformed Earth’s surface environments, paving the way for the emergence of complex life.

Balancing talent and technology

Australia’s largest accounting body, CPA Australia, is urging businesses not to cut junior finance and accounting roles in favour of artificial intelligence, warning that an overreliance on technology could undermine long-term competitiveness.

The lonely planet

Interventions designed to reduce loneliness can be effective, but do not yet offer a complete solution to what is becoming a worldwide public health problem, according to research published by the American Psychological Association.

Only a third of Australia’s forests remain

New analysis from the Australian Conservation Foundation has highlighted the enormous scale of deforestation in Australia, exacerbated by ‘deforestation loopholes’ and weak nature laws that provide special carve outs to industry and allow rampant destruction of the bush.

Bring back the bush

Environment groups have welcome new enforcement powers and increases in penalties for companies and farmers flouting nature conservancy laws by bulldozing native forests and bushland.

Could Australia’s trash become Donald Trump’s treasure?

Onshore recycling technologies can recover critical minerals from Australia’s endless stream of waste to unlock a range of strategic, economic and environmental advantages.

How fast is your clock ticking?

Researchers from Edith Cowan University have developed an innovative new way to measure biological age, which could make it easier to detect and track age-related conditions.

Encouraging girls to study STEM

A Flinders University STEM enrichment program which mentored 46 schoolgirls in STEM subjects in Year 9 led to 91% of them chosing STEM subjects in their senior secondary years.

Forest dump

Hopes that higher levels of atmospheric carbon would boost tree growth and lock carbon into biomass have been dashed by a new survey which suggests that drought and higher temperatures are turning tropical forests into carbon sources rather than sinks.

Using digital tools to support community resilience

Communities that band together and support each other are more resilient in the face of natural disasters, and listening to those communities about what they need on the ground will also support individual’s mental health.

Shut the shops to quit the habit

Four of Australia’s leading tobacco experts have called for Australia to slash the number of cigarette retailers to help drive down smoking rates, while also tackling illicit tobacco.

Supporting mental health staff

Australia’s mental health services are buckling due to rising demand, staff shortages and patient violence. Despite their importance, mental health nurses face unique occupational challenges including high emotional demands, frequent exposure to workplace violence and harassment from clients.

Interventions such as formal support systems are needed for Australia’s exhausted, overwhelmed mental health nurses