Rabbit stew

New research finds that domesticated rabbits evolve quickly to match new environments when they escape into the wild and establish feral breeding populations.

Stop deep sea mining before it begins

Deep-sea mining promises critical minerals for the energy transition without the problems of mining on land. It also promises to bring wealth to developing nations. But the evidence suggests these promises are false, and mining would harm the environment.

Smashing news for avocados

The future of smashed avocado might depend on patches of native vegetation preserved alongside farmland, as new Curtin research reveals the hidden role of these habitats in supporting the insects that keep crops – and brunch menus – thriving.

Nature positive, action negative

New research led by Griffith University argues that the term “nature positive” does more to boost greenwashing companies and vote-seeking politicians than nature conservation.

Building soil carbon with beneficial microbes

Field trials conducted at The University of Queensland show microbial biotechnology could be a game-changer for farming with simultaneous benefits for soil regeneration, crop yield and carbon sequestration.

The book of life

Carbon animates the entirety of the living world and though it comprises only a tiny fraction of Earth’s composition, our planet would be lifeless without it.

It is easy being green

Democratic countries tend to be rated as ‘greener’, or more environmentally friendly, compared to other countries, but this may be because they’re shifting the burden of their own pollution overseas, according to Swiss and UK scientists.

A wolf in wolf’s clothing

Humans wiped out North America’s Dire Wolf around 10,000 years ago with the technology of the time, and now people have brought them back to life – after a fashion – in the same way.

Natural ingredients

The Albanese government came to power in 2022 promising to reform the nation’s nature laws, but failed to take action, while the Coalition promises a bonfire of ‘green tape’ for industry.

Living livestock

The diversity of livestock breeds has been decimated by the drive to ever greater efficiency, leaving pig, cattle and other stocks vulnerable to disease and inbreeding.

Microplastic major problem

Australian researchers have found that compost is full of microplastics, with every kilogram of compost containing between 1,500 to 16,000 microplastic particles.

Even plants feel the heat

Understanding how plants withstand heat stress is key to developing strategies to help both native plants and crops survive in an increasingly warming climate, supporting both ecosystem stability and food security.