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.

Space can solve our resource shortages

Australia’s space industry could help replenish the dwindling stocks of precious resources on Earth, but space companies also need to learn some key lessons about sustainability.

Australia’s moonshot

In another sign that the government is serious about supporting new Australian endeavours in space, the Australian Space Agency and NASA will cooperate on the ‘Artemis’ project to return astronauts to the moon in 2024.

Uncovering the first life on Earth

UNSW scientists have found that Western Australia’s famous 3.5-billion-year-old stromatolites contain microbial remains of some of the earliest life on Earth.

The disturbing rise of the ‘deepfake’

Anyone with a high-powered computer, a graphics processing unit and time on their hands can create realistic fake videos – referred to as “deepfakes” – using AI.

Aussie satellite tech set to cover the seas

UNSW Sydney engineers are developing new satellite technology that can be used to determine the state of the planet’s seas as well as a number of other useful applications.

How reliable are roadside drug tests?

Thousands of people are prosecuted every year in Australia for cannabis use while driving, however research at the University of Sydney suggests the test isn’t as accurate as thought.

The human language of AI

Artificial intelligence can be convincingly human-like when it writes news or even poetry, raising ethical issues for the future.

Preparing for Mars – in the outback

UNSW scientists have shown a group of Mars specialists the secrets of the remote Pilbara’s ancient rocks to prepare for NASA’s and ESA’s future missions to the red planet.

The perils of facial recognition technology

Activists, politicians, academics and even police forces are expressing serious concerns over the impact facial recognition could have on a political culture based on rights and democracy.