Paper-thin touch screens are on their way

Researchers have developed an ultra-thin and ultra-flexible electronic material that could be printed and rolled out like newspaper, for the touchscreens of the future.

A very brief history of time

From watching the heavens to discovering waves of light, relativity and entropy, understanding the nature of time has been a major human endeavour.

The future of colour

Animals like beetles and birds are teaching us new ways of understanding colour at a nanoscale, which could change the way we manufacture it.

Opportunities for Australia’s hydrogen industry

Seizing the opportunity to develop hydrogen technology would allow Australia to decarbonise its economy while meeting East Asia’s growing appetite for zero-emissions energy solutions.

More science highlights from 2019

This year’s most popular science stories took readers from melting Antarctic ice sounding the alarm on microbes and climate change, to a pest-proof fence to protect native wildlife in far western NSW, and early signs of life in ancient rocks in the Pilbara, WA.

The best science stories of 2019

While 2019 saw a relentless barrage of bad news on the environment, a range of other science stories offered hope that human ingenuity can make this word a better place – at least find out more about it.

The best weird science of 2019

2019 saw its fair share of weird scientific stories and inventions.  Here are just a few from the annals of the Australian Science Media Centre.

Celebrating citizen scientists

Academic journal rules are penalising citizen scientists and indigenous knowledge, according to a group of US and Australian scientists who want citizen scientists included as authors on journal papers.

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.

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.

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.