Sea change for plastic pollution?

Global efforts to curb plastic pollution are nearing a decisive moment, with negotiations for a binding international treaty entering their final stage. Regardless of the outcome, Australia has a vital opportunity to lead the Indo-Pacific in creating a regional action plan to combat marine plastics.

Plastic planet

Rising levels of plastic waste are breaking down in every part of Earth’s land, sea and air, leading to the proliferation of micro-plastic pollution.

In praise of citizen science

Online citizen science programmes are driving research. iNaturalist, for example, allows members of the public to snap a picture of a beetle, a leaf or a bit of moss and upload it to the database where other users can identify it.

Les Fleurs du mal

Microscopic algae in the ocean generate half the oxygen we breathe but off South Australia’s coast, these same organisms have unleashed a toxic bloom that’s closed beaches, shut down oyster farms and devastated marine life.

Hungry bugs and bioplastics

Scientists are working with microbes found in Australia’s unique ecosystem to create bioplastics which break down in land, soil and water. The research aims to tackle one of the most pressing global issues – single-use plastic food packaging: a significant feature of the plastic waste crisis and a special focus for Plastic Free July.

Co-infections in young bats may drive coronavirus mutations

New research by the University of Sydney offers important insights into how and when new coronavirus variants arise in bats.

Saving the seas from plastic pollution

A leading expert in the health impacts of plastic pollution and microplastics is calling on the UN to end the use of toxic chemicals in all plastics, cap and reduce plastic production and argues against a treaty focused on waste management and recycling, as part of an international Plastics Treaty.

Feral-free zones spark small mammal boom in the South Australian desert

A 26-year study at the Arid Recovery Reserve reveals how removing invasive predators like cats and foxes triggers a dramatic reshaping of desert small mammal communities.

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.