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Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Mystery of how beetles that live in aquifers breathe solved

Researchers found that subterranean beetles breathe through their skin, absorbing oxygen from the surrounding water, which limits their size. This discovery sheds light on the unique adaptations of these tiny creatures living in underground aquifers.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateApr 4, 2019

Global warming disrupts recovery of coral reefs

New research reveals that global warming has made it difficult for coral reefs to recover, with a 89% decline in adult corals and a 93% drop in coral replenishment. The study's findings indicate that the Great Barrier Reef's resilience is now severely compromised by global warming.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalNature·DateApr 3, 2019

Which came first, the lizard or the egg?

In a groundbreaking study, scientists at the University of Sydney observed a normally live-bearing Australian lizard lay eggs and then weeks later, give birth to a live baby from the same pregnancy. This unusual reproductive trait is known as bimodality, where some individuals lay eggs while others give birth to live young.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalBiology Letters·DateApr 2, 2019

Is the Anzac legend misrepresented for all the wrong reasons?

A new book argues that the Australian government has reshaped Anzac history at memorial sites in France to serve political and commercial agendas. The glorification of Anzac is showcased by expensive museums and memorials that prioritize Australian nationalism over joint efforts with other nations.

SourceFlinders University·DateApr 1, 2019
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Call for unis and others to consider women juggling research/childcare

A study by QUT researchers found that women caring for children experience a negative impact on their research output, visibility, and ability to network. Institutions should adjust publication and citation benchmarks to cater for women who have cared for children to ensure fair career advancement and funding opportunities.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 29, 2019

Fungal disease threatens hundreds of amphibian species worldwide

A global-scale analysis reveals that chytrid fungus has caused dramatic population declines in over 500 amphibian species, including 90 extinctions, within the past 50 years. The study suggests that conservation efforts can help target future research to prevent extinctions.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalScience·DateMar 28, 2019

Mass amphibian extinctions globally caused by fungal disease

A global study found that a fungal disease has caused dramatic population declines in more than 500 amphibian species, resulting in 90 extinctions. Chytridiomycosis is present in over 60 countries and is considered one of the most damaging invasive species worldwide.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalScience·DateMar 28, 2019
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Aspirin to fight an expensive global killer infection

Researchers at the Centenary Institute discovered that the tuberculosis bacterium hijacks platelets from the body's blood clotting system to weaken immune systems. Using anti-platelet drugs like aspirin, they were able to prevent hijacking and allow the body to control infection better.

SourceCentenary Institute·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateMar 25, 2019
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

'Technoference': We're more tired & less productive because of our phones

A QUT-led study found a significant increase in 'technoference' over the past 13 years, with 24% of women and 15% of men identified as problematic mobile phone users. The survey also revealed correlations between problem phone use off the road and on the road, as well as increased risk-taking behaviors.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalFrontiers in Psychiatry·DateMar 25, 2019

Tuck into colourful fruits and vegetables and see the light

Researchers found that a diet high in antioxidants from foods like citrus fruits, capsicum, and dark green vegetables can delay the onset of age-related cataracts. The study suggests that such a diet could halve the number of people requiring cataract surgery.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateMar 24, 2019

Powerful Tropical Cyclone Veronica eyes Australia's Pilbara Coast

Severe Tropical Cyclone Veronica is a Category 4 storm with sustained winds of 175 km/h, moving slowly southwards towards the Pilbara coast. The Australian Bureau of Meteorology has issued warnings for the region, predicting a severe coastal impact late Saturday or Sunday.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 22, 2019

Study reveals impact of plain cigarette packaging warnings

Research reveals that smokers using plain-packaged cigarettes are more likely to notice and read health warnings, think about the risks, and consider quitting due to the appearance of the pack. The study supports standardised packaging as an effective measure in reducing tobacco appeal and promoting public health.

SourceUniversity of Stirling·JournalAddiction Research & Theory·DateMar 22, 2019
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Study shows IPCC is underselling climate change

A new study found that the IPCC's Fifth Assessment Report underestimated the threats of climate change by overemphasizing uncertainty. The report suggests that the agency's language is too cautious, hiding the true extent of human impact on the environment.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalBioScience·DateMar 19, 2019

Eating fish may help prevent asthma

A recent study by Professor Andreas Lopata found that consuming certain types of n-3 fatty acids from marine oils can decrease asthma risk by up to 62%, while high n-6 consumption increases risk by up to 67%. This research suggests a potential link between fish consumption and reduced asthma severity.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateMar 18, 2019

Australian study links breastfeeding with lower risk of heart disease

A new Australian study found that mothers who breastfeed are 34 percent less likely to die of heart disease than those who don't. Women who breastfed for up to 12 months had a lower risk of developing and dying from cardiovascular disease, with significant findings independent of socio-economic status and overall health-related lifestyle.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateMar 18, 2019
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

NASA finds heavy rainfall potential in new Tropical Cyclone Trevor

Tropical Cyclone Trevor has triggered warnings in Queensland, Australia, with NASA's Terra satellite analysis suggesting strong storm conditions. The storm is expected to reach hurricane-force and make landfall near the Queensland/Northern Territories border, prompting forecasts of heavy rainfall.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 18, 2019

ANU research set to shake up space missions

A new study from ANU found that 2D materials can thrive in harsh space conditions, with one material even improving its properties after exposure to intense gamma radiation. This could lead to the development of lighter and more efficient solar cells, satellite electronics, and quantum light sources.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 14, 2019

Coal power stations disrupt rainfall: global study

A global study reveals that modern coal-fired power stations emit more ultrafine dust particles than road traffic, modifying and redistributing rainfall patterns on local to regional scales. This can lead to extreme weather events, including intense rain and dry conditions.

SourceFlinders University·JournalBulletin of the American Meteorological Society·DateMar 12, 2019
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Hospital cleaning trial cuts infections

A QUT-led study found that improved hospital cleaning practices reduced healthcare-associated infections by 37% and decreased overall infection rates by 5.8%. The cleaning bundle was successful in improving thoroughness and showed promise in reducing vancomycin-resistant enterococci infections.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateMar 11, 2019

New wallaby-sized dinosaur from the ancient Australian-Antarctic rift valley

A new, wallaby-sized herbivorous dinosaur named Galleonosaurus dorisae has been identified from five fossilized upper jaws found in 125 million-year-old rocks in southeastern Australia. The discovery confirms that the diversity of small-bodied dinosaurs was unusually high in the ancient rift valley.

SourceCambridge University Press·JournalJournal of Paleontology·DateMar 11, 2019
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

As sea level rises, wetlands crank up their carbon storage

Coastal wetlands worldwide store more carbon than forests and can double their capacity when faced with rising seas. The study found that carbon concentrations in top soil layers increased by 2-4 times, while deeper layers saw a 5-9 times increase.

SourceSmithsonian·JournalNature·DateMar 6, 2019

Dingoes should remain a distinct species in Australia

A new study confirms dingoes are a distinct species in Australia, with specific characteristics that differentiate them from domestic dogs and other wild canids. The finding highlights the importance of preserving dingo populations for their ecological role in managing invasive predators.

SourceFlinders University·JournalZootaxa·DateMar 5, 2019

Risk remains low despite rise in global shark attacks

A new study finds that shark attack rates have doubled over the past 20 years in highly populated regions like the US East Coast and Southern Australia. However, the overall risk of a shark attack is still extremely low, with one in several million chances

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 27, 2019
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

New mothers reduce their alcohol intake, but this change is short-lived

Research tracked drinking habits of over 4,000 people from teens to thirties and found most mothers returned to pre-pregnancy drinking patterns within five years. The study also reported that 15% of mothers with a child aged five or older reported binge drinking in the past week.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateFeb 26, 2019

Boost for Australian grain industry

Researchers at La Trobe University and CSIRO found that early sowing of winter wheats can increase Australian wheat crop yields and global food security. The approach could add $1.8 billion to the national economy, with potential yield increases of 20%.

SourceLa Trobe University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateFeb 25, 2019

Exploring the global landscape of quantum technology research

A collection of articles from leading researchers worldwide provides an unprecedented view of the global quantum technology landscape. The articles discuss the history of supporting research in quantum technology, the timing of heavy investment, and future outlooks for each region.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalQuantum Science and Technology·DateFeb 22, 2019

Researchers get to the bottom of fairy circles

The study found that Australian fairy circles were formed by physical processes such as weathering of the soil by heavy rainfall, extreme heat, and evaporation. The researchers also discovered that there is no causal relationship between termites and fairy circles.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalEcosphere·DateFeb 21, 2019
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Social connectedness may help victims of cyberbullying

A new study suggests that social connectedness can act as a protective buffer against the negative mental health effects of cyberbullying. The findings indicate that individuals with stronger social connections are less likely to experience depression, anxiety, and stress due to cybervictimization.

SourceWiley·JournalPsychology in the Schools·DateFeb 21, 2019

Viruses that linger in the gut could trigger type 1 diabetes

Researchers found elevated levels of enteroviruses in the intestinal tracts of children with islet autoimmunity, a precursor to Type 1 diabetes. The study suggests that these viruses may spread from the gut into the pancreas and trigger autoimmune responses.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 20, 2019

Advances in naturopathy research reported in new special issue of JACM

A new special issue of JACM reports on recent naturopathy research advancements, exploring the effectiveness of whole-foods-based nutrition education and traditional knowledge in naturopathic education. The studies collectively demonstrate the potential benefits of multimodal, whole-person approaches for chronic conditions.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalThe Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine·DateFeb 20, 2019
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

'Seeing' tails help sea snakes avoid predators

Researchers discovered that some Australian sea snakes can sense light on their tail skin, prompting them to withdraw their tails under shelter. This unique ability, found in only six species of sea snakes, helps protect their vulnerable paddle-shaped tails from predators.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateFeb 15, 2019

Genetic tricks of rabbits resistant to fatal viral disease

Researchers found that genetic variation in immune systems of rabbits allowed them to rapidly evolve resistance to the myxoma virus. The study discovered a multi-gene basis for this resistance, which emerged similarly in populations across Australia, France, and the UK.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateFeb 14, 2019
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Darwin's rabbit helps to explain the fightback against myxomatosis

Scientists sequenced DNA from nearly 200 rabbits spanning 150 years and found that modern rabbits in Australia, the UK, and France have acquired resistance to myxomatosis through cumulative genetic changes. The team also discovered that this resistance relies on multiple mutations of different genes.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScience·DateFeb 14, 2019

New clue in curious case of cassowary casque

A team of Australian scientists has discovered that the cassowary's distinctive helmet-like structure acts as a thermal window to regulate body temperature. The research provides new insights into the bird's ability to cope with high temperatures, and may have implications for our understanding of dinosaur physiology.

SourceLa Trobe University·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 13, 2019
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Getting a grip on human-robot cooperation

Researchers at Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies and Australian Centre for Robotic Vision unveiled guiding principles for grasp type choice during object handover, facilitating human-robot cooperation. The study demonstrates that humans intuitively leave handles unobstructed to facilitate subsequent tasks.

SourceSant’Anna School of Advanced Studies, Pisa·JournalScience Robotics·DateFeb 13, 2019

Tune in and switch off

A recent study from the University of South Australia found that watching TV is strongly associated with obesity in children, even more so than other types of sitting. The research also revealed differences between boys' and girls' sedentary behaviors, with boys spending more time playing video games and having higher body fat.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalObesity Research & Clinical Practice·DateFeb 7, 2019
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Earth's largest extinction event likely took plants first

A study published in Nature Communications found that the Great Dying, a massive extinction event 252 million years ago, likely targeted plant life before animal species. The research team discovered high concentrations of nickel in Australian sediment, which may have been released from Siberian volcanoes and poisoned plant life.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 31, 2019

New research: The Aussie plants facing extinction

The Threatened Species Recovery Hub has identified the top 100 Australian plant species facing extinction, with ground orchids topping the list. Urbanization, inappropriate fire regimes and introduced plant diseases are major drivers of these extinctions, highlighting the need for urgent conservation efforts to save these unique species.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalAustralian Journal of Botany·DateJan 30, 2019