Realising the promise of Space 3.0

The new Australian Space Agency and the growth of our commercial space sector gives us a golden opportunity to play our part in Space 3.0 and open up the “high frontier” for the next great leap for humankind.

Virtual reality can improve real sports performance

Virtual reality could become the next big thing to complement sports training as new research from the University of South Australia shows that it can significantly improve players’ real-world sports skills.

Robots can outwit us on the virtual battlefield, so let’s not put them in charge of the real thing

StarCraft II is the latest complex game to be conquered by artificial intelligence. But if robots now reign supreme at virtual war, where does that leave us when it comes to real conflict?

New database enhances genomics research collaboration

Sharing datasets that reveal the function of genomic variants in health and disease has become easier with the launch of a new, open-source database developed by Australian and North American researchers.

Understanding the ‘personality’ of AI

As artificial intelligence and deep learning continue to impact many human industries, would understanding the ‘personality’ within the algorithm make us trust them more?

Getting into space with Artemis

Australia is set to play a crucial role in NASA’s planned return to the moon in 2024, however despite the excitement surrounding the new ‘space race’, there is no certainty that the mission will go ahead.

Predicting research results can mean better science and better advice

Research forecasts based on prior beliefs can improve the interpretation of research results and the way we do science.

Why governments declare war on “big tech”

The Australian government loves to hate on “big tech”, but domestic skirmishes over the amount of power these firms hold and their evasion of tax and moral responsibility have deeper roots and global dimensions.

Meet the man who built a new field of chemistry

Back in the 1990s, Professor Richard Robson created a new class of coordination polymers, and his models have since inspired an entirely new field of chemistry with a host of practical applications.

Industry funded research vs the truth

Medical and scientific research is increasingly funded by commercial companies looking to promote their own agenda, and other scientists, policy makers and the public should remain wary of findings paid for by vested interests.

The genius – and madness – of advanced AI

Multi-agent artificial intelligence (MAAI) can be used to model the social, health and economic effects of possible scenarios and improve social planning, however technology can also be misused by those with the power to control it.

Unlocking the secret to changing our minds

New research tracks the neural patterns that allow us to change our minds in the hope that understanding this process could help make people make better decisions in life, business and government.