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.

The top 10 ‘weird science’ stories of 2018

There were plenty of weird and wonderful science stories in 2018, from octopuses high on ecstasy to a billionaire shooting a car into space.

The top ten science stories of 2018

2018 has been another landmark year in the realm of science, with outrage at claims of genetically modified babies and dire warnings from the world’s top climate scientists balanced by a successful Mars landing.

Physicists take an art class to rethink reality

Ask a quantum physicist to draw a chair and the result can be a fundamental shift in how they see the world.

Fifty years of physics

To celebrate 50 years of the July Lectures in Physics at Melbourne University, Professor David Jamieson looks back at four physics discoveries that have changed the world and wonders what might be to come.