The truth about cats and dogs

A new study shows the benefits of dog ownership of easing loneliness during lockdown, although cats weren’t always so happy with having their owners at home.

Cuckoo in the nest

Australia’s measures to limit Chinese influence are long overdue. All democracies have an interest in strengthening their internal and external arrangements against the PRC’s relentless predation.

The power of natural pest control

Biological control of insect pests – where ‘natural enemies’ keep pests at bay – is saving farmers in Asia and the Pacific billions of dollars, according to University of Queensland-led research.

Waste not, want not

The COVID-19 slowdown gives us a golden opportunity to “reset our materials economy along more sustainable lines”, says human geographer Ruth Lane.

Green-time beats screen-time for kids

A University of Adelaide review of 186 studies from around the world has found “green time” is far better for children and adolescents mental health and academic achievement than screen time.

Catastrophe

A national study has found that diseases carried by cats are having a $12 million impact on Australian agriculture each year with the sheep industry the worst effected.

Blowing in the wind

New research suggests the increasing use of energy from wind farms is lowering electricity prices, but increasing price volatility in the national energy market.

Art of the mind

Artistic mediums such as visual art, music, dance and creative writing can help people recovering from mental health issues to share their stories and gain confidence and understanding of their illness.

STEM superstars call for more gender and cultural diversity

Australia’s official Superstars of STEM have backed the campaign to increase the number of women and ethnic minorities in science and technology.

Threatened native plants in steep decline

Australia’s threatened plants have declined by more than 70% in the last 20 years, due to continuing land-clearing and environmental destruction.

Blockchain and mangos

A new blockchain platform has proven to be a game-changer for one of Australia’s largest mango producers, providing real-time, secure information from the tree to the supermarket.

Aiming higher in space

Expanding Australia’s international collaboration in space should be seen as an important element of our soft power and a means to contribute public goods that promote international cooperation in space.