A 4,000-year-old stone plaque discovered in Indonesia provides the first evidence of portable Austronesian painted art, showcasing a distinctive sun-ray design characteristic of the tradition. The securely dated context reveals that these designs were used to communicate shared identities and affiliations between island communities.
A new study documents how an Indonesian Indigenous community adapted their sacred Cidaku initiation ceremony to protect the endangered salmon-crested cockatoo. The ceremony now uses naturally moulted feathers collected from wildlife rescue centres, preserving spiritual integrity and ensuring species survival.
Researchers at Australian National University trained people to detect AI-generated faces using global qualities such as symmetry and attractiveness. The ability to spot AI faces improved significantly, with high performers achieving near perfection.
Researchers have discovered rare radioactive isotopes in a deep-sea manganese crust, pointing to an ancient cosmic event that occurred at least 100 million years ago. The discovery provides new insights into the formation of heavy elements in the universe and helps refine our understanding of past astrophysical events.
A new nanoscopy technique developed at ANU has uncovered hidden networks used for communication between cells. The breakthrough allows researchers to observe how living cells interact with their environment over several days, revealing three-dimensional behaviours that were previously invisible to conventional microscopes.
A large-scale field experiment revealed that wild sulphur-crested cockatoos learn what foods are safe to eat by watching each other, with males more likely to follow other males. The study found that social relationships play a crucial role in shaping animal behavior, and that knowledge can spread rapidly through flocks.
Researchers found non-survivable conditions in six global heat events, exceeding previously defined wet-bulb temperature thresholds. Vulnerable groups face extreme risk of physiological heat stress unless access to shade or cooling is ensured.
Quantum physicists have observed pairs of helium atoms entangled in motion, representing a major advancement on previous experiments using photons. This breakthrough enables new ways to examine the interaction between quantum mechanics and gravity at the universal scale.
Despite good rainfall improving soils and vegetation, marine ecosystems and wildlife continue to bear the cost of a warming climate. The report found 2,175 species listed as threatened under federal law, with heat stress exceeding thresholds at 79% of reef locations.
A study analyzing ancient parrot DNA has uncovered a thriving pre-Inca trade network that connected Amazonian forests with arid communities across the Andes. The research shows that parrots were transported alive across the Andes, over 500 kilometers, to be used in coastal ritual contexts.
Researchers drilled up to 7,906 meters below the sea surface to investigate what caused the Tōhoku-oki fault to rupture and trigger the earthquake. The clay layer was found to be soft, slippery, and exceptionally weak, allowing it to act like a natural 'tear line' that caused the fault to form.
A new study finds that Australia's tropical rainforests have become a net source of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere due to rising temperatures and droughts caused by human-driven climate change. This shift is likely to undermine the forests' ability to absorb emissions and mitigate climate change.
A new Australian fossil fuel site, set to start production in 2026, will contribute significantly to global warming. The project's emissions are expected to cause approximately 0.00039 degrees Celsius of additional global warming, posing risks to human health and the environment.
Researchers from Australian National University have detected binary stars in the outer regions of 47 Tucanae, a globular cluster in the Milky Way. This discovery sheds light on how these clusters formed and evolved over billions of years.
The Australian National University (ANU) has developed a technology that can recover untapped critical resources such as copper and lithium from mining waste. The BERST system, inspired by nature, uses nanotechnology to separate and extract high-purity minerals and metals, while turning dirty water into clean water.
New research warns of impending abrupt Antarctic changes that could have devastating consequences for the region's wildlife, ocean ecosystems, and global climate. The West Antarctic Ice Sheet is at risk of collapse, leading to catastrophic sea level rise and warming in Australia and beyond.
Researchers found that individuals who met their partners online reported lower levels of marital satisfaction and experienced love less intensely. Factors contributing to these findings include similar social backgrounds, choice overload, and prioritizing physical attractiveness over thorough selection.
New research found microearthquakes in the central Southern Alps increase during warmer periods, triggered by meltwater from glaciers and seasonal snow. The study highlights the role of extreme rainfall and glacier dynamics in seismic activity.
A new study by Australian National University tracked wild guineafowl in Kenya and found that initiating movements led to high heart rates. The researchers also discovered that experiencing the minority resulted in a substantial physiological cost, including increased stress.
Researchers discovered that ancient Iranian communities, around 11,000 years ago, brought wild boars hunted in dispersed parts of the landscape as gifts for a communal celebration. The findings suggest this practice of offering gifts with geographical symbolism can be traced back to prehistory.
Researchers have engineered a new type of molecule that can store information at extremely low temperatures, potentially leading to ultra-high data densities and smaller storage devices. The discovery could enable the development of stamp-sized hard drives capable of storing 100 times more data than current technologies.
A study led by Australian National University researchers has found that the critically endangered regent honeyeater's population decline has not been mirrored by genetic diversity loss. Despite a 99% population decrease, the species has lost only 9% of its genetic diversity due to a time-lag in genetic erosion.
Astronomers have discovered that stars in a specific region of our galaxy exhibit fluctuations in brightness, caused by 'starquakes'. These fluctuations can be translated into frequencies, providing clues about a star's age and properties. The study, led by Dr Claudia Reyes, offers new insights into how our galaxy formed.
Researchers from ANU and international partners have identified a common 'weapon' used by disease-causing fungi to infect plants. This discovery could lead to the development of more resilient rice crops and other fruit and vegetable staples, bolstering global food security.
A new study from Australian National University reveals that mosquitofish males' problem-solving skills boost mating opportunities due to sexual selection. Smarter males mated with more females, producing more offspring than less-intelligent fish.
The 2024 Global Water Monitor Report reveals a worsening trend of intense floods, prolonged droughts, and record-breaking climate extremes. The report found that rising temperatures are changing the way water moves around the planet, with devastating consequences for human populations and ecosystems.
The creation of more fox-free safe havens is crucial to ensure the survival of the Parma wallaby. The species faces threats from fox predation, bushfires, and habitat loss, highlighting the need for greater collaboration between government and landowners.
Researchers found evidence of early fire use by Indigenous Tasmanians to create open spaces for food procurement and cultural activities. The study provides new insights into the long-standing connection between Indigenous peoples and their country.
Researchers developed a cheap Bluetooth beacon to track animals in urban areas using mobile phones. The device provides regular updates on animal movements and social networks, helping unlock secrets of urban wildlife.
Ancient cultural burning practices by Indigenous Australians limited fuel availability and prevented high-intensity fires in southeastern Australia. The research found a 50% decrease in shrub cover due to expanded Indigenous populations and cultural burning, leading to a decline in high-intensity fires.
Researchers at Australian National University discovered a cancer-blocking immune protein called NLRC4 that can repair damaged DNA and prevent cancer. By understanding how this protein works, scientists may develop new drugs to treat bowel cancer.
A new study from the Australian National University found that non-Indigenous-owned businesses employ Indigenous staff at a rate 12 times lower than Indigenous-owned businesses. The research highlights the need for non-Indigenous businesses to incorporate Indigenous-led approaches to improve employment outcomes.
New research from the Australian National University reveals that Australians under 50 are experiencing stagnating life expectancy, while older cohorts are living longer. The study found that external causes of death, such as substance use disorders and traffic accidents, were major contributors to this trend.
Researchers from Australian National University discovered that the Hunga Tonga eruption was triggered by an explosion as big as five underground nuclear bombs. The event caused massive tsunamis that reached up to 45 metres high at nearby islands.
Researchers have discovered that iron-rich extinct volcanoes are up to 100 times more efficient at concentrating rare earth metals than active volcanoes. This finding suggests that these ancient volcanoes could be studied for their potential to contain rare earth elements, which are crucial for renewable energy technologies.
The report highlights the need for urgent action to reduce pressure on the planet and ensure a basic standard of living for everyone. It recommends a coordinated effort between policymakers, businesses, and civil society to address inequality and transform the economy.
New research from Australian National University found that islands play a similar role in generating language diversity as they do for biodiversity. Nearly a fifth of the world's languages are endemic to islands, with distinct patterns of evolution and significantly fewer phonemes.
Scientists from Australian National University have discovered a doughnut-shaped region in the liquid core, providing new clues about the dynamics of Earth's magnetic field. The region sits parallel to the equator and has low seismic speeds, indicating a high concentration of light chemical elements.
A new research from Australian National University and CSIRO reveals darkling beetles' ability to adapt to diverse environments through multiple evolutionary events. The study found that these beetles underwent rapid evolutionary jumps, allowing them to thrive in various ecosystems.
A new research from Australian National University sheds light on the poorly known period of Neanderthal history in Spain, revealing their adaptability and hunting skills. The study provides significant data about the Neanderthals' way of life during MIS 4, including their ability to exploit the surrounding fauna and process animal bones.
Researchers identified a mutated version of the TNIP1 protein that causes chronic autoimmune disease similar to Sjogren's Syndrome. The study suggests that targeting this protein may lead to new and tailored treatments for these conditions.
Researchers at Australian National University create a new method to treat deadly diseases caused by parasites, including malaria, by attaching drugs to cholesterol. The method could lead to more effective and longer-lasting treatments, as well as implications for the agricultural industry.
A recent study from Australian National University found that repeated exposure to climate-sceptic claims can increase their perceived truth, even among those already endorsing climate science. The researchers warn of the insidious effect of repetition in making climate-sceptic arguments more credible.
A new study from Australian National University found a link between kneecap shape and the risk of developing osteoarthritis. Researchers discovered that variations in kneecap surface shape were more pronounced in individuals with osteoarthritis, suggesting potential early warning signs for disease prevention.
Researchers have discovered evidence of human occupation on the Tanimbar islands in Indonesia dating back 42,000 years. The discovery provides fresh clues about the route taken by early humans to arrive in the region and suggests advanced maritime technology was developed by around 42,000 years ago.
A new AI tool, DeepPT, has been developed to select the most suitable treatment for cancer patients by predicting their messenger RNA profile. The tool, combined with ENLIGHT, successfully predicted a patient's response to cancer therapies across multiple types of cancer, improving patient response rates from 33.3% to 46.5%.
A new study by ANU researchers found that eastern quolls who were born at the sanctuary accepted their new neighbors with open paws. The quolls who were introduced from other sanctuaries settled into similar-sized home ranges to the residents, suggesting a positive impact of reintroduction on the population.
Surfing provides a significant economic boost to Australia, with adult surfers spending over $3,700 per year on domestic travel and surf-related accessories. The sport also has a positive impact on physical and mental wellbeing, as well as fostering a sense of community connection.
Male proboscis monkeys have larger nasal cavities than females, allowing them to emit louder calls to assert their status. The shape of the nasal cavity also influences the quality of these calls.
Researchers have re-evaluated the route of early human migration to Australia, finding that ancient humans arrived on Timor Island at least 50,000 years ago. The discovery of thousands of stone artefacts and animal bones in a deep cave in Timor Island suggests that humans used New Guinea as a stepping stone for their crossing.