Researchers are developing a new method for measuring forest carbon stores on a large scale using the ECHIDNA instrument. The technique combines ground-based LiDAR data with airborne and spaceborne sensors to provide accurate estimates of forest biomass.
CSIRO welcomes Boeing's establishment of Phantom Works, a branch of its advanced research organization, to foster innovation and growth. The partnership aims to develop breakthrough technologies in aerospace solutions, including lightweight composite materials and intelligent vehicle health monitoring.
Cities face significant sustainability challenges, but urban ecologists can help by applying ecological principles to design and develop projects. By integrating biodiversity and ecosystem function into urban planning, researchers aim to create sustainable environments that support human well-being.
Researchers have discovered a giant hydrogen gas finger in the Milky Way Galaxy, which may indicate that nearby galaxies, such as the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds, will eventually merge with our Galaxy. The study provides valuable insight into the galaxies' fate using CSIRO radio telescopes.
The CSIRO report found that biodiesel produced from used cooking oil can reduce emissions by up to 87%, while palm oil sourced from pre-1990 plantations can achieve an 80% emission reduction. This could lead to improved air quality and reduced health risks.
Researchers discovered the essential design features of coiled coil silks in bees, ants, and wasps, which are produced by larvae using different methods. The unique protein structure produces a lightweight yet tough silk, likely contributing to the social insects' evolutionary success.
CSIRO launches 'Terabyte Science' program to tackle massive data sets in astronomy, gene sequencing, and climate modeling. The initiative aims to develop new mathematical approaches and processes for scientists to stay competitive globally.
A recent study confirms that the proportion of carbon dioxide emissions absorbed by land and oceans is declining, leading to a faster increase in atmospheric CO2 levels. This trend has major implications for climate modeling and highlights the need to reduce global emissions to mitigate climate change.
A new plastic membrane with hourglass-shaped pores can separate carbon dioxide from methane at a faster rate than conventional membranes. This technology has potential to improve energy efficiency of water purification and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in natural gas processing.
New projections for Australia's changing climate indicate rising temperatures and changes in rainfall patterns. By 2030, temperatures are expected to increase by about 1ºC, with a 10-20% chance of exceeding this threshold in coastal areas.
Astronomers have detected a huge burst of radio energy from the distant universe, suggesting a new area of study in astrophysics. The burst was so bright that it saturated equipment and could be equivalent to a large power station running for two billion years.
A call has been made for a Southern Hemisphere network of deep ocean moorings to monitor changes in the Southern Ocean circulation, which could influence global climate. The North Atlantic moored network provides measurements of the Gulf Stream, a significant feature in moderating European and North American climate.
Researchers confirm the existence of a 'supergyre' connecting the three Southern Hemisphere ocean basins, which plays a crucial role in governing global climate. The Tasman Outflow, occurring at an average depth of 800-1,000m, may influence the response of the thermohaline circulation to climate change.
Researchers have studied the secret lives of southern elephant seals, revealing their detailed feeding behavior in relation to oceanographic features. The measurements show that seal populations in different regions have distinct foraging strategies, which may explain the decline of Indian and Pacific seal numbers since the 1950s.
Researchers have developed a new software that allows for super-realistic animation of beers pouring. The technology uses smoothed particle hydrodynamics to create more efficient and realistic animations, making it accessible to smaller film production houses.
BLUElink provides broad-scale information on ocean currents, temperature, and salinity for the first time, improving forecasting capabilities. The system relies on access to accurate oceanic observations, including satellite data and robotic profilers.
Scientists at CSIRO Australia are exploring the use of a new synchrotron to detect biochemical changes in Tasmanian devil hair that could indicate facial tumour disease. This could lead to the development of an early detection test, making quarantine strategies more efficient and effective.
Twelve native Australian fruits have been found to be exceptional sources of antioxidants, surpassing blueberries in radical scavenging activities. The study confirms the potential of Australia's native food industry, estimated to be worth $14 million annually, with research aimed at developing new phytochemicals for use in foods.
A study by CSIRO Australia suggests that removing invasive predators from island breeding colonies could offset 'bycatch' losses, saving more seabirds at a lower cost. This approach could be an effective means of conservation, particularly for species affected by fishing and invasive species.
A new reovirus has been isolated from bats and can cause a serious but non-fatal respiratory illness in humans. The virus, named Melaka, is closely related to two other bat-borne reoviruses and can be transmitted between people.
Australian scientists and optical engineers are working with the International Bureau of Weights and Measures to create a perfect sphere from a single crystal of exceptionally pure silicon. The goal is to redefine the kilogram, currently defined by a physical object in France, using a fundamental constant of nature.
Researchers are working together to identify the cause of Devil Facial Tumour Disease and develop a test to detect infected animals. The integrated team will use various techniques to search for infectious agents and markers, with the goal of stopping the disease in its tracks.
Scientists have identified a climate change signal in the Indian Ocean near Australia, with ocean temperatures rising by two degrees Celsius. The research linked this warming to changes in atmospheric conditions and human activity, including aerosol production and greenhouse gases.
The technology uses magnetic fields to enable one-way communication from the surface to miners, but a new bi-directional PED will allow two-way communication, improving rescue operations. CSIRO's research has the potential to set an industry benchmark for safe mine operations.
Global carbon dioxide emissions have accelerated at a three percent increase per year in the 2000s, with nearly eight billion tonnes emitted globally in 2005 compared to six billion tonnes in 1995. The growth rate is attributed to increased fossil fuel usage and less efficient burning of these fuels.
The Southern Ocean's ability to absorb carbon dioxide has weakened substantially over the past 25 years, with a 15% decrease per decade since 1981. Human activities are the primary cause of this weakening, which will lead to higher atmospheric carbon dioxide levels in the long-term.
New research by CSIRO Australia confirms deforestation is a critical climate change role, releasing 1.5 billion tonnes of carbon annually. Preserving tropical forests as carbon sinks can help stabilize atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations.
New research by CSIRO Australia suggests that climate change is enhancing the growth of shallow-water fish species, but decreasing their growth rates at greater depths. This finding has implications for the long-term viability of deep-water stocks.
Researchers found termites prefer blocks with more wood content, even without touching them. The study suggests termites use vibrations to assess food quality, which could lead to new methods for controlling feeding termites and mitigating termite damage in buildings.
A massive cold-water eddy has been discovered off the coast of Sydney, altering the East Australian Current's flow. The eddy's impact on the Tasman Sea ecosystem is still unknown.
Researchers at CSIRO have found the genetic mutations that occurred thousands of years ago to give us white grapes. They discovered two genes involved in grape color that were mutated in white varieties, leading to over 3000 different white grape cultivars.
A five-year survey of catches at local fish markets provided the first detailed description of Indonesia's shark and ray fauna. The Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research published a 330-page field guide, Economically Important Sharks and Rays of Indonesia, featuring over 20 new species.
The study challenges conventional thought on sediment transport in the GBR, showing large plumes of terrestrial material traveling up to 65-130km beyond the inner reef. This poses new risks for reef corals and highlights the need for rethinking hydrological modeling.
Climate scientists reviewed observations of carbon dioxide, temperature, and sea level from 1990-2006 and found that actual changes closely followed projected scenarios. Sea levels have risen faster than previously estimated, with some uncertainties remaining about the contribution of ice-sheet melts.
Researchers have identified two ancient genes, Nax1 and Nax2, that enable salt tolerance in wheat by excluding salt from roots and leaves. The discovery paves the way for developing more resilient crop varieties to stabilize soil and provide income for farmers affected by salinity.
Researchers have identified a DNA marker that is 99% effective in flagging the presence of Lr34 and Yr18 rust resistance genes. This breakthrough enables breeders to quickly test seedlings for these genes, allowing them to incorporate durable rust resistance into new wheat varieties.
The CSIRO ICT Centre has demonstrated a point-to-point wireless connection of over six gigabits per second, the highest efficiency ever achieved for such a system. The technology operates at 85GHz and enables the transmission of multiple streams of DVD quality video simultaneously.
Scientists identify the gene responsible for apple skin's rosy red hue, which is also an antioxidant. This discovery could lead to breeding new apple varieties with improved fruit color and potential health benefits.
New research shows carbon dioxide emissions have accelerated by over 2.5% per year since the 2000s, despite global efforts to reduce emissions. The findings indicate that recent emission-reducing measures have had little impact on slowing down growth rates.
The Honey Bee Genome Sequencing Project has shed light on the biology of honey bees, revealing a possible cause for their sensitivity to insecticides and the characteristics of their silk. The study also found that bee silk is more amenable to artificial production than other insects, with potential applications in textile manufacturing.
HCA-Vision allows researchers to reliably measure significant features of cells' appearance as they change in response to drugs, biochemicals or diseases like dementia. The software enables significant speed improvements over manual tracing methods, accelerating brain research.
Australian and South African sites selected as top contenders to host the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) radio telescope, with low man-made signals a key requirement. Both countries' sites offer stable ionospheric conditions and a good view of the southern sky, ideal for detecting cosmic radio waves.
A decline in methane emissions from human activities in the 1990s led to slower growth of atmospheric methane levels. However, recent increases in emissions from human sources are offset by reduced wetland emissions, which could mask further rises in methane if drying trends are not reversed.
A new research project in China aims to develop robust scientific guidelines for safe levels of copper and nickel in Chinese soils. The project will combine data from various sources, including European Union and Australian research programs, to explain toxicity across a wide range of environments.
Astronomers have used a pair of pulsars to show that general relativity is correct within 0.05% accuracy, the most stringent limit to date. The double-pulsar system provides independent tests of general relativity and its predictions, including gravitational waves and time dilation.
A team of CSIRO scientists has determined the molecular structure of the insulin receptor, a significant breakthrough that builds on years of international research. The discovery is expected to facilitate future research into new therapies for diabetes and cancer.
A new international collaborative research project in China aims to develop robust scientific guidelines for safe levels of copper and nickel in soils. The project will combine data from European Union and Australian research programs with local Chinese data to explain toxicity across a wide range of environments.
Researchers are investigating the effectiveness of Koi herpesvirus in controlling Australian carp populations. The virus has shown promise in overseas studies and could provide an alternative to existing pest control methods.
The CSIRO has signed a three-way coal research and development Joint Statement with Japan Coal Energy Centre (JCOAL) and Australian Coal Research Ltd (ACARP). The agreement aims to improve coal production technology, mine safety and coal utilization. This collaboration will enhance the capabilities of both countries in these areas.
A multi-million dollar research partnership aims to protect the Coorong's ecological health and conserve threatened species through detailed studies of the region's ecology and water regime. The project will produce ecosystem-level models for predicting future changes in the wetland.