Science Matters

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

20 February 2024 – Conservation, Fires, Forests, Lizards, Reptiles
Reptiles are helping us better understand threats to Australia’s biodiversity
A University of Melbourne study shows Australian reptiles change their preference for burnt habitat depending on whether they live near native forest or pasture
16 February 2024 – Australian Wildlife, Bees, Ecology, Indigenous Rangers, Threatened Species
Fighting to save our Aussie bees – one bee hotel at a time
University of Melbourne student Clancy Lester is working with Indigenous communities on a mission to save Australia’s native bees
9 February 2024 – Agriculture, Antarctica, Dairy, STEM, Women In Science
“I’ll never forget the first iceberg we saw”
University of Melbourne's Dr Kristy DiGiacomo switched goats for penguins when she travelled to Antarctica as part of a global women in STEMM leadership program
2 February 2024 – Artificial Intelligence, Corporate Social Responsibility, Globalisation, Mining, Satellites
We are not tracking the impact of half the world’s mines
University of Melbourne research using global-scale mapping of mining areas in satellite imagery reveals a stunning lack of data on mining activity and impacts
1 February 2024 – Buruli Ulcer, Climate Change, Disease, Mosquitoes , Victoria
The breeding trap targeting Melbourne’s growing mozzie problem
A mosquito trap that significantly reduces egg numbers may help control diseases like the Buruli ulcer in Victoria, say University of Melbourne experts.
31 January 2024 – Biodiversity, Conservation, Extinction, Museums, Threatened Species
A biobank freezes Australian species for the future
By freezing the cells of living animals, University of Melbourne researchers and museums are working together to safeguard Australia’s wildlife.
12 January 2024 – El Nino, Extreme weather, Meteorology, Summer, Weather
Where has our summer gone and will it come back?
In summer, more rain falls in thunderstorms but they aren’t strongly related to El Nino and can be very hard to predict, say University of Melbourne experts
5 January 2024 – Archaeology, Earth Sciences, Fossils, Palaeontology, Sun
Earth’s invisible shield can help reveal our past and our future
University of Melbourne's Dr Agathe Lise-Pronovost studies Earth’s magnetic field, which protects us from cosmic rays, and leaves its signature in ancient rock
22 December 2023 – Animals, Cats, Christmas, Dogs, Pets
How to give your animal friends a stress-free holiday season
A University of Melbourne vet has some expert advice for how to ensure your pet has a stress-free Christmas holiday - even when it's hot and busy.
14 December 2023 – COP28, Climate Change, Finance, Fossil Fuels, Melbourne Climate Futures
COP28 wrap up: Some positives but fossil fuel phase out remains elusive
University of Melbourne PhD students working in climate-related research give their reflections on the COP28 climate change conference