Science Matters

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

6 October 2023 – Cities, Climate, Environmental Design, Green Spaces, Urban Design
When it’s hot in the city, let green spaces do the sweating for you
Where you live determines access to the benefits of urban green spaces, but that shouldn’t be the case with better design, says University of Melbourne expert.
3 October 2023 – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, Australian Politics, Constitution, Ecology, Indigenous Voice to Parliament
I’ve seen the value of The Voice in action
Working in the Tiwi Islands, where Tiwi decisions are in Tiwi hands, shows me the value of an Indigenous Voice to Parliament says University of Melbourne expert
21 September 2023 – Food, Mars, Senses, Space, Space travel
You can’t explore the solar system on an empty stomach
Australian research could provide vital fresh, nutritious and delicious meals for astronauts on Moon and Mars missions, says University of Melbourne expert.
19 September 2023 – Climate Change, Drought, Fires, Resilience, Summer
Facing the flames of complacency
Extreme heat and fires in the Northern Hemisphere is a wakeup call for an Australia on the brink of a difficult fire season, say University of Melbourne experts
17 August 2023 – Cooking, Food Sciences, National Science Week, Senses, Smell
The science of flavour
Enjoying food is more than just taste, it uses all your senses (yes, even your hearing), says a University of Melbourne expert
14 August 2023 – Climate Change, Fires, National Science Week, Public Health, Risk
As we head toward summer, let’s rethink Australia’s bushfire risk
With wildfires and heavy smoke affecting the US and Europe, a new fire management framework can help Australia understand its risk
8 August 2023 – Food Sciences, Food poisoning , Mushrooms, Poison, Toxins
Mushrooms are delicious, but potentially deadly
Mushroom poisoning is a growing problem as people go foraging, so buying them is the only really safe way to avoid it, explains a University of Melbourne expert
14 July 2023 – Climate Change, Conservation, Coral, Great Barrier Reef, Nature Restoration
Restoring coral reefs by hedging our bets
Coral reef restoration needs corals with traits that, combined, underpin resilience, persistence, and ecosystem services, says a University of Melbourne expert
12 July 2023 – Air Pollutants, Insects, Particles, Pollution, Zoology
Air pollution makes it harder for insects to find food and mates
Air pollution particles affect insect antennae function and may be a driver of global declines in insect populations, finds a University of Melbourne-led study.
3 July 2023 – Australian Wildlife, Climate Change, Ecology, Forests, Trees
The great tree census of 2023
Australia has joined the Forest Global Earth Observatory after University of Melbourne researchers spent 15 months measuring 51,324 trees across 16 hectares.