A US-Australian research team has detected radio pulses from a magnetar star, XTE J1810-197, which is giving off extraordinary radio pulses. The finding links this rare type of star with the much more common 'radio pulsars', reordering our understanding of these neutron stars.
The new $4 million collaboration will develop a cybernose using sensor proteins from insects and nematodes, allowing for more accurate smell detection in the wine industry. The technology has potential to detect pests and diseases, boosting Australia's biosecurity.
New research published in Science reveals that specific bacteria present on gold grains precipitate gold from solution, providing a biological mechanism for gold formation. The study identified the bacterium Ralstonia metallidurans as responsible for this process, which has significant implications for the mineral exploration industry.
Researchers have found that continents are significantly weaker than previously suspected, with a narrow weak zone taking up most of the deformation. This discovery explains the origin of flat-lying zones of weakness known as detachment faults, which were not previously understood.
Scientists have discovered that termites use vibrations to determine suitable food sources, a finding that could lead to new methods for reducing termite damage. The study also reveals the 'cocktail party effect' of signal processing, where termites can distinguish between signals from other termites and artificial signals.
The development of spun carbon nanotube yarns has the potential to revolutionize engineered fabrics due to their excellent strength, toughness, and electrical/thermal conductivities. The new material is being explored for production of vests, soft body armor, medical devices, and other applications.
Norman, a morphine-free poppy variant, produces thebaine and oripavine compounds preferred by industry. CSIRO's Dr Phil Larkin and colleagues discovered genetic differences in Norman that facilitate its superior pain relief properties.
The team reconstructed a mass map of the galaxy cluster using NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope data, tracing dark matter's distribution with respect to galaxies. The study reveals that dark matter clumps together in certain regions, supporting the idea that clusters assemble through the merger of smaller groups.
Scientists found that galaxies and extremely massive black holes seem to grow together, with rapidly growing black holes fueling faster galaxy growth. This discovery sheds light on an astrophysical mystery and reveals a crucial link between the two cosmic phenomena.
A team of researchers has discovered twenty gassy galaxies with vast discs of hydrogen weighing over a billion suns. The galaxies have few stars, and scientists are unsure why they haven't transformed their gas into stars like other galaxies.
Researchers have identified a population of globular star clusters drifting freely through the vast expanse of intergalactic space, revealing insights into the origins of these ancient structures. The discovery is thought to be the result of galaxy collisions or gravitational pulls that tore these star clusters from their parent galaxies.
The AMANDA II Telescope has produced a preliminary map of the high-energy neutrino sky, providing astronomers with their first glimpse of very high energy neutrinos. The map represents one year of data and shows that the detector works at the same sensitivity as telescopes used to detect gamma rays.
CSIRO scientists have discovered a long line of viruses emerging from the Hendra virus family, including 15 new paramyxoviruses in animal hosts worldwide. The Australian Animal Health Laboratory holds a collection of all major newly discovered paramyxoviruses.
Dr Vute Sirivivatnanon has won the Mohan Malhotra Award for his work in turning industrial waste into a useful component of concrete. His research resulted in the development of High Slag cement concrete, High Volume Fly Ash concrete and Silica Fume concrete being used in high-profile construction projects.
A team of astronomers has confirmed a key aspect of Einstein's general theory of relativity by measuring the precise orbit of a pulsar. The study used sophisticated instruments to record over 50,000 Gigabytes of data and demonstrated the predicted delay in radio pulses traveling through curved space-time.
Global e-commerce growth is expected to significantly impact the transport industry, leading to a 50-100% increase in intercity freight trips and air travel by 2005. This shift is driven by increasing customer expectations for 'right now' deliveries and the need for more flexible, fragmented, and on-demand transport services.
Australian researchers use giant rain gauges in crater lakes to study past climate change, finding a climate shift in the 1800s triggered lake level decline. Modern rainfall is only 80% of evaporation, requiring 95% rainfall to maintain pre-European levels.
Researchers have discovered a gene that makes mousepox virus deadly to lab mice, raising concerns about its potential misuse in biowarfare. The technique could be used to strengthen biological weapons based on viruses affecting humans.
Researchers at CSIRO Australia have developed a new preservative treatment method using supercritical carbon dioxide, which penetrates wood more effectively than conventional techniques. This process offers environmental and economic benefits, including reduced capital costs and no residual solvent problems.
A recent CSIRO Australia trial found genetically modified lupins increased wool growth by eight percent and live weight gain by seven percent in Merino sheep. The modified protein stimulates the production of sulfur amino acids, essential for growth, making it a valuable boost to Australian wool production.
An Australian-led team has captured the first picture of the sky in which the Milky Way no longer blocks our view of the Universe beyond. The new survey, HIPASS, used CSIRO's Parkes radio telescope to detect large numbers of small and faint galaxies, as well as giant clouds of gas that give off no light.
A CSIRO trial found that plant sterol-enriched margarine can reduce LDL cholesterol by an average of 9.6%. The study showed that including the spread in the diet for three weeks resulted in a 10% reduction in cholesterol levels, which may lower the risk of heart disease.
A new study by CSIRO, Southcorp Wines Pty Ltd, and the Viticulture CRC has found that grape yield and fruit quality can vary widely within small areas of vines. Precision viticulture offers a low-cost way to optimize both yield and quality, leading to improved financial outcomes and environmental sustainability.
A new dating method, uranium-helium thermochronology, has shed light on the mystery of missing copper ore at the giant Chuquicamata mine in Chile. The study suggests that part of the rich deposit may have been displaced millions of years ago by tectonic movement along a fault.
CSIRO scientists have measured a minuscule decline in oxygen over the past 20 years, which has shed new light on the role of forests and oceans in absorbing carbon dioxide. The oxygen reduction, just 0.03%, is negligible for human breathing but highlights the importance of plant life in capturing half of the CO2 generated by fossil fuels.
An Australian-led team of astronomers has discovered a significant number of stray stars, potentially altering our understanding of the universe's composition. These findings suggest that there may be as many stars living in intergalactic space as those within galaxy clusters.
Scientists are modifying bee venom to develop cancer treatments with fewer side effects than traditional drugs. The goal is to create immunotoxins that target cancer cells specifically, overcoming major drawbacks of chemotherapy.
Australian scientists have discovered key facts about the Hendra disease, a mysterious virus that infects horses, cats, guinea pigs, and fruit bats. Research shows the virus can be transmitted through contaminated food and cat urine, and is often deadly, even if not highly contagious.
A CSIRO study found that margarines high in polyunsaturated fats and low in trans fatty acids reduce LDL cholesterol by 11-15%, corresponding to a 20-30% fall in heart disease risk. The study also showed that these margarines can produce a greater fall in blood LDL-cholesterol than other types of margarine.
A CSIRO Australia study using a world-first technique found aluminium from alum-treated drinking water is not bioavailable and contributes less than 1% to the body burden. The results confirm the safety of using alum for treating drinking water, contradicting earlier conflicting evidence.
A team of Australian scientists has made a world-first discovery by describing the structure of a vital receptor found on the surface of body cells in all animals, including humans. This breakthrough has major implications for understanding growth and development, as well as diseases such as diabetes and cancer.
Researchers successfully wiped out 20 square kilometers of water hyacinth in the Sepik River, reducing infestations from 27 square kilometers to just seven over five years. The use of biological control agents like weevils was a key factor in this achievement.
A new spray-on treatment has reduced 'albedo breakdown', a condition causing unsightly puffiness in oranges, by up to 20-25% in Australian orange crops. The treatment uses mineral calcium to address the issue, which can significantly impact fruit value and quality.
A new fungal disease has been identified as a potential cause of mass frog deaths in Australia and Panama, with similar declines observed in pristine rainforests. The fungus is thought to disrupt frogs' skin mechanisms, leading to fatal infections.
Researchers have identified genes that enable plants to produce epoxy and acetylenic fatty acids, key components in the production of polymers and specialty chemicals. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new, high-value products from plant-based raw materials.
Researchers are utilizing a jellyfish gene to develop more efficient methods for inserting desirable genes into sugarcane plants. The gene, known as green fluorescent protein (GFP), allows scientists to quickly identify the effectiveness of genetic modifications.
Astronomers have found far more dwarf galaxies than expected in a survey of just 2% of data from the Parkes radio telescope. The discovery suggests that dwarfs may be 'crumbs' left over when bigger galaxies formed and could provide clues about the distribution of dark matter.
Resistant starch promotes bifido bacteria growth in the gut, boosting protection against bowel diseases and cancer. The discovery may soon lead to 'edible plastics' that can carry beneficial substances safely through the digestive tract.
CSIRO scientists have discovered a gene in Arabidopsis that allows it to bypass normal pollination and form seed. The hunt is on to find equivalent genes in commercial plants like rice to develop seedless crops through apomixis.