Top 10 science stories of 2020

It’s been a big, and often worrying year, of scientific research, but amid the gloom around health and the environment, there were some bright spots as this summary compiled by the Australian Science Media Centre records.

Weird science

2020 was certainly a weird year, so perhaps it’s not surprising that it produced a bumper crop of weird and wonderful science yarns. The Australian Science Media Centre has picked ten of the best.

When is a science not a science?

The scientific method has allowed mankind to understand and conquer the world around him, but even science may have its limits in dealing with complex human and moral issues.

Science needs to look inward to move forward

Robust science depends on encouraging and incentivising more open and transparent practices in research – now, metascientists are looking at what works and what doesn’t.

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.

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.

What’s the next big thing in science?

As National Science Week celebrates scientific discovery across Australia, we ask what’s likely to be the ‘next big thing’ in some of the most exciting fields of science research.

‘Ultra” ultrasound could revolutionise technology

A new, more sensitive method to measure ultrasound may improve a wide range of technology from medical devices to driverless vehicles.

More of the best science stories from 2018

Melbourne University experts share more of their picks of the best research, discoveries and big thinking from around the world in 2018.

The mind-blowing discoveries of 2018

The New Year has begun, but 2018 was a big year for new scientific discoveries. From new exoplanets to the fight against cancer, Melbourne University experts tell us about their pick of the best research, discoveries and big thinking from around the world last year.