The CSIRO Australia-led research reveals the oldest minerals ever analyzed by NASA's Mars Opportunity Rover show evidence of liquid water on Mars around 4 billion years ago. The discovery suggests that past water activity may have created livable mud, increasing the chances of life on Mars.
Researchers have found evidence of iron and nickel in the jets from a typical black hole, revealing that these heavy atoms carry more energy than lighter particles. This discovery suggests that black holes' accretion disks power jets, which could generate detectable gamma rays and neutrinos.
A massive gas cloud called the Smith Cloud is hurtling towards our Galaxy, and may be a key source of fuel for star formation. The cloud has been found to have a magnetic field that helps keep it intact, protecting it from disintegrating as it approaches the Galaxy's disk.
A team of scientists isolated a live virus from horseshoe bats in China, confirming them as the origin of the SARS-CoV. The discovery will help governments design effective prevention strategies for similar epidemics.
Scientists from CSIRO discovered that eucalyptus trees can act as a hydraulic pump, drawing up water containing gold particles from the earth and depositing them into their leaves and branches. This innovative technique could provide a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to search for minerals such as zinc and copper.
A recent study using gravitational wave data from the Parkes radio telescope has challenged existing theories on supermassive black hole growth. The researchers tested four models of black-hole growth against observational data, effectively ruling out one model and pushing others to re-evaluate their predictions.
Astronomers are closer to understanding the formation of planetary nebulas after discovering a star in the southern sky with a strong magnetic field. The 'blooming' star is creating a jet of charged particles that glow with radio waves, and researchers believe the magnetic field may play a key role in shaping its symmetrical jets.
A team of astronomers has identified a pulsar that switches between emitting X-rays and radio waves, offering the first direct evidence of one kind of pulsar transforming into another. This phenomenon was observed in a small cluster of stars 18,000 light-years away in the constellation Sagittarius.
Australian researchers have developed a breakthrough 3D mapping system, Zebedee, which enables the creation of detailed maps of complex sites like the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The technology has been used to produce the first comprehensive 3D map of the tower's interior, capturing small details in the stairs and stonework.
A new gamma-activation analysis (GAA) technique can detect gold more accurately and quickly than traditional methods, allowing mining companies to recover small traces of gold worth millions of dollars. This could save the Australian mining industry hundreds of millions of dollars each year.
A new book by CSIRO Publishing sheds light on the critical role of Aboriginal people in the exploration of Australia during the Burke and Wills expedition. The book highlights the cross-cultural differences and perspectives between European explorers and Indigenous inhabitants.
A team of scientists has developed a software that uses pulsar navigation to determine the position and velocity of spacecraft. By observing the timing of pulses from specific pulsars, the software can provide accurate location data for deep-space missions.
Researchers developed plasma-treated carbon nanotube membranes that can remove contaminants and brine from water effectively. These new membranes could be integrated into portable devices the size of a tea pot for efficient and inexpensive water purification.
A three-year international study found that marine species are shifting their geographic distribution towards cooler regions due to warming oceans. This has led to changes in breeding patterns, life cycles, and potentially significant repercussions for human services dependent on these ecosystems.
A new study reveals that Australian soils are losing significant amounts of carbon to wind erosion, with an estimated 1.6 million tonnes lost annually. This loss affects not only agricultural productivity but also the country's carbon accounts and climate change projections.
CSIRO and Larissa Bright Australia develop world's first coral-based sunscreen filters offering unparalleled UVA/UVB resistance. The breakthrough technology has the potential to set a new standard in broad-spectrum sunscreens, providing clear, colourless protection for consumers worldwide.
Australian researchers have developed a food additive that can be used to improve the growth rate, health and sustainability of farmed prawns. The Novacq feed additive has been shown to promote faster growth, reduce reliance on wild fishery resources and produce high-quality products.
A new study defines the aerosol climatology of Northern Australia's savanna, providing a crucial piece for climate modeling. The findings show that fine particles generated by burning have significant impacts on regional climate and air quality.
Scientists from CSIRO and the University of NSW attribute rapid ocean warming to global greenhouse gas emissions and aerosol decline. Models show a 30-year delay in Indian Ocean warming due to aerosol levels, highlighting human-emitted aerosols' significant impact on remote ocean temperatures.
A new study found that tropical ecosystems are extremely sensitive to temperature changes, releasing more carbon dioxide when temperatures rise. This is equivalent to 1/3 of global emissions from fossil fuels and deforestation, making it a critical diagnostic tool for understanding the global carbon cycle.
Researchers have found that increased carbon dioxide levels are causing an 11% increase in foliage cover across parts of the world's arid regions. This 'CO2 fertilization' effect enables plants to extract more carbon from the air or lose less water, leading to changes in leaf cover detected by satellite.
Scientists have discovered brief, intense radio bursts from the distant Universe using CSIRO's Parkes telescope. The flashes are believed to originate from up to 11 billion light-years away and could be detected every ten seconds.
A new study reveals climate change is altering Southern Hemisphere circulation patterns, with mid-latitude high pressure zones being pushed further into the Southern Ocean. Rising global temperatures are driving winds south, contradicting expectations from strong El Niño events.
Researchers used CSIRO's Australia Telescope Compact Array to study distant star-forming clumps and discovered massive amounts of molecular hydrogen gas, a key fuel for star formation. The telescope's upgraded bandwidth and sensitivity enabled the detection of carbon monoxide, allowing scientists to estimate galaxy star-formation rates.
Scientists have developed a safety test for human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS) that can identify unwanted cells forming tumours and assess cell stability. The breakthrough could improve the quality of iPS cells and lead to safer cell therapies.
Researchers have identified nine biomarkers associated with the buildup of toxic protein amyloid beta in the brain, which occurs years before symptoms appear. The discovery has the potential to lead to the development of an early screening test for Alzheimer's disease, giving those at risk a better chance of receiving treatment earlier.
Australian researchers use CSIRO's Zebedee to create detailed 3D maps of historic sites in Moreton Bay, preserving fragile and remote cultural heritage. The technology allows for rapid data collection, enabling analysis of important aspects of Australian history, such as the segregation of Indigenous people in leper colonies.
CSIRO has licensed its Reversible Addition-Fragmentation chain Transfer polymerisation technology (RAFT) to Mirus Bio, a leading non-viral gene delivery company. This agreement will broaden Mirus' expertise in specialized polymer design tools and facilitate the development of new nucleic acid transfer capabilities.
Researchers have developed a new antiviral drug that prevents flu viruses from removing sugars on cell surfaces, blocking infection. The drug is effective against resistant strains and may also protect against future variants.
CSIRO researchers develop a 'solar sponge' that captures CO2 using natural sunlight, then releases it instantly when exposed to UV light. This breakthrough presents an energy-efficient method for recycling CO2 emissions, reducing the need for coal-based energy and conserving up to 30% of power plant production capacity.
A new study using a 2,540-metre long Greenland ice core has reconstructed the island's temperature and ice sheet extent during the last interglacial period, known as the Eemian period. The research found that the warmest temperatures were about 8°C degrees warmer than average over the past 1,000 years.
Researchers used a CSIRO radio telescope to measure the temperature of an unnamed galaxy 7.2 billion light-years away, finding it was 5.08 Kelvin (-267.92 degrees Celsius). This confirms the Big Bang theory's prediction that the Universe's temperature drops smoothly as it expands.
Scientists at CSIRO and RMIT University created a new conductive nano-material, enabling ultra-high electron flow at speeds exceeding industry standards. The breakthrough material was made from layers of molybdenum oxides, adapted from graphene's unique properties.
Astronomers have detected giant outflows of charged particles from the center of our galaxy, stretching across half the sky and emitting an enormous amount of energy. The outflows were found to be driven by star formation and are carrying strong magnetic fields that may play a key role in generating the galaxy's overall magnetic field.
Researchers sequenced bat genomes to find similarities with human genes, potentially leading to disease prevention strategies. The study found novel genes in bats that help deal with toxins produced by flight, which may also influence ageing and cancer.
Researchers found high concentrations of gold in termite mounds, indicating a larger deposit underneath. These insects bring up small particles containing gold from the deposit's fingerprint and stockpile it in their mounds.
The Global Carbon Project warns that current trends are no longer aligned with the goal of limiting global warming to 2°C. To bridge this gap, a sustained global CO2 mitigation rate of at least 3% is needed to peak emissions before 2020 and follow an emission pathway that can keep temperatures below 2˚C.
Scientists are studying fish ear bones to understand the impacts of climate change on fish growth and distribution. The otoliths, which record annual growth rings, can provide insights into environmental conditions and help guide conservation efforts.
The CSIRO sensor uses technology similar to mineral deposit detection, providing valuable geological information and avoiding unnecessary drilling. The device has the potential to help clear landmines and renew exploration efforts at abandoned sites.
Australian scientists unveil new mathematical theory explaining ball lightning, citing ion accumulation on glass windows as key factor. The theory suggests a driving electric field of about a million volts is required to form a ball discharge.
Research by CSIRO scientists reveals a southward shift in the subtropical dry-zone is driving autumn rainfall decline across south-eastern Australia. The expansion also affects southern-coastal Chile and southern Africa, with some regions experiencing increased rainfall during April-May.
Climate change is expected to transform Australia's natural landscapes by 2030, with significant ecological impacts by 2070. The study highlights the need to adapt biodiversity conservation strategies to accommodate changing ecosystems and shifting species.
A recent study by CSIRO and Australian Maritime College reveals that ship engine exhaust emissions account for over a quarter of nitrogen oxide emissions in the Australian region. These non-greenhouse gases can affect air quality near coastal regions and have consequences for human health and amenity.
The 2012 Marine Climate Change in Australia Report Card reveals climate change is altering the country's marine ecosystems. Key findings indicate warming sea temperatures are influencing species distribution and foraging patterns of seabirds.
A new study finds that the frequency of extreme shifts in the South Pacific rain band will almost double in the next 100 years, resulting in increased floods and droughts. The warming atmosphere and oceans will also intensify these events, causing massive droughts, severe food shortages, and coral reef mortality.
The Australian government has created the world's first continent-wide mineral maps using Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection (ASTER) data. These maps provide highly accurate information on rock and soil mineral components, revolutionizing the search for mineral deposits.
Australian scientists have discovered a new bat virus, Cedar, which is closely related to deadly Hendra and Nipah viruses. The virus does not cause illness in several animal species normally susceptible to Hendra and Nipah, providing a surprising key difference.
Researchers found that localized pathways created by winds, currents, and eddies draw waters down into the deep ocean, locking away carbon from the atmosphere. This improved understanding helps predict effects of climate change on ocean carbon absorption.
CSIRO will produce a large quantity of antibodies specific to rotavirus strains used in developing vaccines, aiding the project's goal of increasing access and effectiveness of existing commercial vaccines worldwide. The production facility will supply antibodies for five years, supporting the development of new, affordable rotavirus v...
Medical Developments International (MDI) has signed a technology deal with CSIRO to develop a new production process for the pain-relieving drug Penthrox, known as the green whistle. The partnership aims to reduce production costs and enable large-scale production for global sales in the UK and Europe.