Environment

Earth has an Outer Space Treaty, but is it time for an Orbital Activity Treaty?

Space programs are launching more orbital objects every year – and some must come down. It’s time for legal regulation to manage our increasingly perilous Near Space zone and beyond

Research

Saving the giants of the Australian forest

Mountain ash forests are predicted to lose a quarter of their trees by 2080, releasing over 100 million tonnes of stored carbon into the atmosphere. But there is a way to limit further loss

Under the Microscope

From backyard garden to global agriculture

Agricultural scientist Dr Xia (Emma) Liang has travelled to Laos to work with local farmers and researchers on reducing nitrogen pollution from crops

Research

Why we all need a 'climate safe room’ (and how to create one)

Our changing climate means homes and workspaces also need to change. By retrofitting buildings, we can create healthier, more sustainable urban spaces

Research

By learning to harness light like nature, we’re launching a new era of green chemistry

A new type of ‘photocatalyst’ mimics the way plants get energy from the sun, opening an environmentally friendly way to build complex chemicals like pharmaceuticals

Analysis

Algal blooms are waging chemical warfare in our oceans

South Australia’s oceans have become battlegrounds, as once benign algae unleash a toxic chemical assault on marine life

Research

Speedy bearded dragons are sprinting towards danger

A study monitoring the activity of lizards in the Australian wild found that, surprisingly, the fastest lizards are also the most likely to die

Research

There’s a link between sudden Antarctic ice shelf breakups and sea ice loss

When sea ice retreats, damaging ocean waves can break already weakened Antarctic ice shelves

Research

Ghana’s 24-hour economy could be a lesson for Australia

Ghana’s experiment could be a model of structured 24-hour economy governance if it leads to greater productivity and economic resilience

Analysis

Scientists have created a manifesto for our ocean

The ocean is fundamental to life on our planet and to our future. It’s time for leaders to listen to the evidence-based science and act