Science Matters

Life, the Universe and almost everything in between. This is Science at Melbourne.

20 January 2022 – Climate Change, Evolution, Extinction, Fish Stocks, Fisheries
Human-driven evolution threatens fish stocks
Warming oceans and overfishing is causing some species of fish to evolve in ways that threaten their sustainability, says a University of Melbourne expert.
23 December 2021 – 2021, Australia, COP26, Carbon Emissions, Climate Change
What we now know about climate change after 2021
2021 made us focus on climate change as well as COVID-19; University of Melbourne experts discuss what we now know about climate change at the end of 2021
10 December 2021 – France , Independence, New Caledonia, Politics, Referendum
New Caledonia referendum: A flashpoint for decolonisation
New Caledonia is set to hold a referendum on independence from France this weekend, but University of Melbourne experts say historical justice is unlikely.
24 November 2021 – Algorithms, Artificial Intelligence, Digital Ethics, Discrimination, Ethics
Challenging decisions made by algorithm
If an algorithm makes an unfair decision about you, a lack of process makes it hard to challenge, appeal or even contest it, say University of Melbourne experts
17 November 2021 – Bushfires, Environmental Social Science, Inclusiveness, Indigenous Knowledge, LGBTIQA+
Cultivating inclusive research
Being outside the mainstream helped guide University of Melbourne scientist Dr Andrea Rawluk onto a path of research that integrates the environment and society
16 November 2021 – COP26, Climate, Extreme weather, Floods, Policy
To limit future flooding in Sydney, COP26 pledges need action
Weather that led to Sydney's 2021 floods will likely increase by 80 per cent by the end of this Century, predicts new University of Melbourne-led research
16 November 2021 – Animals, Microscopy, Nature, Quantum Physics, Quantum Sensing
Looking inside a pigeon’s ear using quantum technology
Quantum microscopy can study biological cells containing tiny magnetic structures, including those within a pigeon’s ear, shows University of Melbourne research
8 November 2021 – Ecology, Ecosystems, Extinction, Insects, Urban Ecology
Mini-beast renaturing: A time for local action
Globally, insect numbers are dwindling but University of Melbourne experts say we could help our ecosystem by renaturing mini-beasts in our own urban backyards.
7 November 2021 – COP26, Carbon Emissions, Climate Change, Energy, Greenhouse Gases
Tech can do a lot, but won’t get us to net zero on its own
The Australian government’s emphasis on technology to lower emissions will still need taxes and subsidies to get to net zero says University of Melbourne expert