Natural chemistry

“Chemicals” have a bad reputation, as every mention of them in the news seems to be negative, but chemistry is the central science of the modern world.

Alien science

We no longer live in a universe that is seen as the product of the divine plenitude. Nor one in which our planet can be viewed as the centre of the universe. As a result, ironically, we have become aliens to ourselves: modern “alienation” is that sense of being lost and forsaken in the vast spaces of a godless universe.

Science is the key to our manufacturing future

The Australian Academy of Science has welcomed the Prime Minister’s intention to legislate a “Future Made in Australia Act” to boost technologically advanced manufacturing in this country.

Mind over matter

The mystery of consciousness shows there may be a limit to what science alone can achieve.

Scepticism v credulity

The ability to perceive patterns is a fundamental building block of human intelligence, but we need the scientific method to ensure these patterns are real, rather than illusions.

Kitchen science

Some science experiments cost billions of dollars, while others can be done on a tabletop, but both types of investigation could help push our understanding of fundamental physics into new realms.

Nemesis

A CSIRO team aboard research vessel (RV) Investigator has helped Heritage NSW solve a 120-year mystery with the discovery of the SS Nemesis, a 73-metre iron-hulled steamship that was lost at sea in 1904.

Girls in STEM

The International Day of Women and Girls in Science on 11 February 2024 offered an opportunity to examine the disparities and tackle the barriers facing women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Drones across Antarctica

A Queensland University of Technology research team is conducting deep field drone operations to pursue a range of scientific research in remote Antarctica.

The future of GPS

More robust and more accurate positioning systems are needed to meet the demands of the global economy – and Australia is set to enjoy the benefits of its very own system.

Home grown science

Long before the understanding of modern chemistry came to these shores, indigenous people were treating native plants to eliminate arsenic and render them edible. Who knows what other traditional practises may offer scientific insights today?

Life of pie

We all remember doing pie charts at school, but though they look pretty, they’re often a poor way of conveying accurate statistical information.