A CSIRO study found that mining by-products can effectively remove phosphorus and nitrogen from water, reducing the risk of algal blooms. The research suggests using these by-products as a cost-effective and environmentally-friendly solution for treating wastewater.
Scientists have found a miniaturized galaxy with a single massive black hole, which produces radio jets that are much more efficient than previously thought. The discovery was made using CSIRO's Compact Array radio telescope and reveals that black holes can be both more powerful and more efficient.
A widely used biodiversity indicator in fisheries is found to be an ineffective guide to trends in marine ecosystems, according to a new study published in Nature. The researchers recommend more direct monitoring and the development of trend-detection methods to better assess the impacts of fishing on marine biodiversity.
CSIRO's Ngara technology offers wireless broadband access to rural areas, with a six-user system capable of uploading data at 12 Mbps. The technology achieves high spectral efficiency, enabling multiple users to upload simultaneously without reducing individual data transfer rates.
CSIRO has upgraded a radio telescope at the University of Sydney, boosting its sensitivity and bandwidth to three times more than before. The upgrade demonstrates Australia's technological capabilities and will inform the design of the country's own ASKAP telescope.
A new way to weigh planets has been developed using radio signals from small spinning stars called pulsars, providing an independent check on previous results. The measurements of planet masses made this new way could feed into data needed for future space missions.
The new IMOS ocean-observing array will use advanced technologies like autonomous floats, marine mammals with satellite tags, and underwater gliders to study the open ocean. This data will help scientists understand how the ocean's physical properties influence the marine ecosystem.
A new technique allows for fast and accurate detection of petroleum hydrocarbons in soil and rock using a portable infrared spectrometer. This method reduces labor-intensive sampling and processing requirements, saving time and costs associated with assessing and remediating contaminated sites.
CSIRO has partnered with German organizations to develop low-energy electron beam processing technology, preserving food's flavor, odor, and nutrients without heat or chemicals. The technology has been successfully applied to Stahmann Farms, Australia's largest pecan nut processor.
Significant changes in coastal fish species distribution are observed in south-eastern Australia, partly due to climate change. The study identified 43 species exhibiting shifts thought to be climate-related, including warm temperate surf-zone species and range increases for Snapper and Rock Flathead.
The CSIRO Australia team has found the remains of a massive 6 kg rat, which survived until around 1000-2000 years ago. The discovery highlights the importance of conserving biodiversity among rodents, such as rats, which play key roles in ecosystems.
The CSIRO has granted a global license to Monomer-Polymer for its patented RAFT technology, a powerful polymerization process that enables the creation of complex molecules. This agreement will allow Monomer-Polymer to market the technology worldwide and strengthen their position in material development.
The project focuses on advancing ECBM recovery and providing a pathway to near zero emissions technology from coal-fired power. ECBM involves injecting CO2 into coal seams to displace methane, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by storing CO2 underground.
A study by CSIRO Australia suggests that a more flexible approach to protected areas can improve biodiversity conservation. Replacing the least cost-effective sites with new ones could double the number of vegetation types protected by 15% or more, while reducing management costs.
CSIRO scientists have developed an improved Black Tiger prawn breed using DNA technology, resulting in record yields of up to 24.2 tonnes per hectare. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize the Australian prawn farming industry and increase production from 5,000 tonnes to 12,500 tonnes by 2020.
Researchers have discovered that many pulsar characteristics are linked due to an underlying cause. The study used observations of 366 pulsars collected over several decades and found that the magnetosphere switches back and forth between two different states.
A multi-institutional team sequenced the body louse genome, revealing a simplified genetic toolkit that sheds light on its unique biology. The study found that the body louse has a reduced list of detoxification enzymes, making it an attractive model for studying resistance to insecticides.
The Australian government is funding a project to develop renewable energy technologies for the Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory and the Pawsey High-Performance Computing Centre. The Sustainable Energy for SKA facility will support solar and photovoltaic technology and direct heat geothermal demonstrator to cool supercomputers.
A team of researchers has made the first detailed observations of 'halo' gas clouds in our Galaxy, finding they contain hydrogen gas 700 times the mass of the Sun. These clouds are linked to earlier star formation and can fall back into the main body of the Galaxy, recycling material.
Nine new species of handfish have been described by CSIRO, bringing the total to 14 known species. The discovery deepens concerns about declining populations and environmental vulnerability.
Scientists propose a new approach to selective fishing that prioritizes ecosystem health and biodiversity, challenging traditional methods. The 'balanced exploitation' approach combines reduced fishing effort with better use of non-target species to achieve sustainable yields while maintaining healthy ecosystems.
Researchers have discovered a massive cloud of cosmic gas and dust collapsing in on itself, which could help solve the mystery of massive star formation. The CSIRO radio telescope detected two types of molecules indicative of collapse, suggesting the gas is falling at an incredibly high rate.
Scientists have discovered a massive Southern Ocean current with a volume equivalent to 40 Amazon Rivers near the Kerguelen Plateau. The current carries dense, oxygen-rich water that sinks near Antarctica to the deep ocean basins further north.
A team of experts has embarked on a groundbreaking project to develop sustainable aviation fuels in Australia and New Zealand. The Sustainable Aviation Fuels Road Map aims to accelerate the development of bio-derived jet fuels that can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the aviation sector.
CSIRO researchers have developed a salt-tolerant durum wheat that yields 25% more grain than the parent variety in saline soils. This breakthrough will enable wheat farmers to achieve higher yields of durum wheat in salty areas.
CSIRO's new dynamic gating system and ATM melt delivery system improve die casting quality by reducing porosity and increasing microstructure. These innovative technologies enable stronger castings with lower environmental impact.
Research shows surface ocean freshened in rainfall-dominated regions and saltier in evaporation-dominant areas. Ocean warming has changed deep-ocean salinity patterns, extending beyond the surface.
The Bunya soybean variety is gaining popularity in Japan due to its enhanced suitability as an ingredient in traditional Japanese dishes. Its unique gelation properties make it ideal for producing a range of soy-based foods like tofu and custard.
Researchers discovered that regions of the brain with increased amyloid-beta deposits are not the same as those with atrophy due to neuron loss. The study found that these regions can disrupt connections with the hippocampus, leading to neuron death.
Researchers found that changes in wind patterns drive variations in the depth of the surface layer of seawater, affecting air-sea exchange and carbon storage. This impacts biological productivity by altering nutrient availability for phytoplankton growth.
Two university students work with CSIRO to bring tiny FLECK Nano sensors indoors, tracking temperature and power use of small objects. The goal is to create a pervasive computing system for everyday office items, monitoring environmental conditions and wireless data transmission.
Scientists discover a disused SCUBA tank filled with air in 1968, extending the longest record of greenhouse gases in the Southern Hemisphere. The find uses archived data to analyze propellants, refrigerants and aluminium smelter emissions not widely used in Melbourne at that time.
The first antenna of the Australia Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (ASKAP) telescope has received its first radio signals, paving the way for further development. The successful test demonstrates the feasibility of ASKAP's innovative design and sets a promising stage for the future telescope's scientific discoveries.
A new report by CSIRO outlines the potential of distributed energy to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Australia. Distributed energy systems can provide local generation, efficiency, and demand management, offering an immediate and cost-effective response to climate change.
Researchers at CSIRO Australia have successfully produced hand-drawn threads of artificial honeybee silk, rivalling the strength of natural silk. The breakthrough is a significant milestone towards developing biomimetic materials for various industries.
The report highlights concerns such as ocean warming, acidification, changes in current strengths, productivity, and species distribution. It offers adaptation responses to inform policymakers, scientists, and the community.
Carbon dioxide emissions from human activities reached an all-time high of 1.3 tonnes of carbon per capita per year in 2008, driven mainly by increased use of coal. The global effort to reduce emissions from human activity must be accelerated to avoid the worst-case scenario of climate change.
A breakthrough in the fight against Hendra virus has been achieved with the development of a treatment that shows great potential to save lives. The treatment, administered after exposure to Nipah virus, protected animals from disease in a model.
A new endowment fund will support ICT research at CSIRO Australia, enhancing the nation's wireless technologies capabilities. The fund will also provide scholarships and fellowships for students across various disciplines, addressing key skills shortages.
The CSIRO Wellbeing Plan for Kids provides guidance on healthy habits, managing challenges, and motivating families to make changes that can last. The book offers over 100 delicious recipes and is based on extensive research.
A team of scientists used cameras to capture fireballs streaking across the night sky, calculating its orbit and asteroid origin. The rare achondrite meteorite is from the inner asteroid belt, providing valuable insights into the solar system's evolution.
The CSIRO has chosen 10 major science projects for its Australian SKA Pathfinder (ASKAP) telescope, which will tackle astrophysical issues and advance the field of astronomy. The projects include a deep survey for star-forming galaxies and a survey for galaxies containing neutral hydrogen gas.
A team of international researchers has challenged the long-held idea that the ratio of massive stars to lighter ones in star-forming regions remains consistent. They found that this ratio, known as the initial mass function, varies significantly between different galaxies, with some forming more low-mass stars than expected.
A new analysis of 30 years of on-ground and satellite observations reveals the onset of water scarcity in southeast Australia around 1993-1996. This finding underscores the importance of good water information for water resource planning and highlights the impact of climate change on the country's current water resources.
A CSIRO-led study is investigating the use of a rust fungus to control Cape tulip weeds in Australian pastures. The research aims to determine the aggressiveness of the rust on Cape tulips and its potential for biological control, with initial results promising.
A two-year study by an international team of scientists found that steps taken to curb overfishing are beginning to succeed in five of the 10 large marine ecosystems examined. This has led to improved fish abundance and reduced exploitation rates, providing new hope for rebuilding troubled fisheries.
Researchers found platinum content in komatiites gradually increased from 3.5 billion years ago to 2.9 billion years ago, indicating the deep source of komatiite was gaining platinum over time. This discovery has significant implications for understanding mantle processes and plate tectonics.
Researchers compared e-nose sensors with those of the common house fly, finding that fly receptors outperformed MOx sensors in terms of independence and specificity. The findings will help improve the design of electronic noses for various applications.
Australia's top scientists will present on using mathematical models to understand complex systems, including climate change and agricultural sustainability. The conference will feature models assessing water availability, predicting aircraft distances for safer skies, and evaluating coral bleaching impacts.
Scientists have discovered a natural deep earth pump that plays a crucial role in forming ore deposits and earthquakes. The process, called creep cavitation, involves fluid being pumped through pores in deformed rock, contributing to tectonic plate movement and mantle degassing.