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.

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.

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.

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.

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.