Tackling scientific misconduct

Over 10,000 scientific papers were retracted around the world last year, and the increasing amount of plagiarism and fabrication – now aided by AI – has revived calls for an Australian oversight body.

Another Earth?

The search for alien life in our galaxy – and UFOs in our skies – is a constant source of intrigue and discussion, and while the more lurid tales of visitation may be dismissed, the chances of finding life out there appear to be increasing.

Misunderstanding the butterfly effect

Over the next 50 years, the so-called “butterfly effect” captivated the public imagination. It has appeared in movies, books, motivational and inspirational speeches, and even casual conversation but most of its users misunderstand the point it is making.

Power and progress

In their latest book, Nobel laureates Daron Acemoglu and Simon Johnson challenge the assumption that technology inevitably drives social welfare, contending that strong institutions and deliberate policy directions are just as important in shaping better outcomes.

Alien opinions

The discovery of alien life seems closer than ever – just as it has for the last 100 years – so what do astrobiologists, terrestrial biologists and physicists think about the possibility of extraterrestrial life being discovered?

The demise of dark energy

One of the biggest mysteries in science – dark energy – doesn’t actually exist, according to researchers looking to solve the riddle of how the Universe is expanding.

Tyger, tyger, burning bright

Ginger cats and their long-suffering owners around the world can rejoice – the genetic basis of their distinctive coat colour has finally been worked out, more than 110 years after it was first proposed.

Body power

A QUT-led research team has developed an ultra-thin, flexible film that could power next-generation wearable devices using body heat, eliminating the need for batteries. This technology could also be used to cool electronic chips, helping smartphones and computers run more efficiently.

Mapping the world with AI

Geospatial AI could transform healthcare and disaster management, but we need comprehensive guidelines and laws to mitigate misinformation and safeguard users.

Do you trust technology?

A new study highlights key challenges and tensions in research ethics, particularly in light of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, and calls for the adoption of new research ethics policies.

Not to be

The famous Infinite Monkey Theorem claims that a chimpanzee randomly pressing keys on a typewriter would eventually type out the complete works of Shakespeare. It’s a very interesting theory – except it isn’t true.

Time for a national research office?

Australia needs an office of national research, to make the greatest use of our intellectual resources in building our defences, strengthening our economy and supporting our society.