ScienceAlert - Applied Science

New program tracks Aussie water

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 10:00:00 +0100

A new program has been developed that tracks how Australia's water drains across the surface of the continent, data that will help climate change projections.

Opinion: Food engineering for the future

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 10:00:00 +0100

Xiao Dong Chen believes that obstacles to producing healthy and sustainable processed food could be overcome by collaborations between engineers and food scientists.

Feature: Australias next top models

Mon, 01 Sep 2008 18:29:30 +0100

Climate change is a hot topic. University of Technology Sydney researchers are changing the parameters of the global debate by refining models for predicting change.

Opinion: Australia needs to ride the GM wave

Sun, 31 Aug 2008 14:59:26 +0100

Burying our heads in the sand by ignoring GM technology is a short-term, high-risk strategy that will undermine the competitiveness of our agrifood sector in the long term, believes Dr Matthew Morell.

Researchers turn honey into antiseptic

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 10:00:00 +0100

Researchers have developed a wound dressing that uses honey's healing properties to absorb moisture and act as an antiseptic.

Feature: Oil pressure lifting bio-plastics to favour

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 10:00:00 +0100

As rising oil prices drive up the costs of conventional plastics, scientists are creating new, cheaper polymers that are also stronger and easier to recycle, reports Heather Catchpole.

Climate protection game developed

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 10:00:00 +0100

A team of computer animation students have designed an online computer game to help children understand ways they can reduce their impact on climate change.

Golden windows remove toxins

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 13:16:50 +0100

Stained glass windows that are painted with gold nanoparticles purify the air when they are lit up by sunlight, researchers have discovered.

Cattle disease model underway

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 10:00:00 +0100

Researchers are developing a Foot and Mouth Disease model, which will be able to predict the effects of interventions such as different control efforts and vaccinations.

Feature: Safety in the pipeline

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 10:00:00 +0100

A Western Australian research team is monitoring thousands of kilometres of undersea gaspipes to make sure they can survive any effects climate change may bring about. Denice Rice reports.

Microphone improves teaching

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 21:13:07 +0100

Sound equipment in classrooms can improve students' test results, reduce disruption, and make teaching less tiring, by making the teacher easily audible.

Solar method makes clean fuel

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 10:00:00 +0100

Using a trick developed by plants, researchers have found a way to make hydrogen using sunlight – which could be very helpful for solar cells.

Feature: Scientific monitoring helps Eamons record-breaking swims

Sun, 17 Aug 2008 10:00:00 +0100

Natural talent and strength played a big part in Eamon Sullivan’s record-breaking performance at the Beijing Olympics but science also played a significant role by allowing his training to occur at maximum efficiency, reports Tony Malkovic.

Game improves land management

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 10:00:00 +0100

A new computer game has been developed that helps Australians understand the impact of decisions on the land and better manage our environment.

Feature: Water polo players immersed in hockey to gain winning edge

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 18:09:39 +0100

Australia's Olympic women's water polo team is preparing for the Beijing Olympics by thinking outside of the pool - and looking towards the hockey pitch, writes Tony Malkovic.

Feature: Soil test for safer nuclear waste

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 10:00:00 +0100

Australian researchers are working with a French laboratory in order to improve the long-term stability of stored nuclear waste.

Air traffic planning may cut emissions

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 10:00:00 +0100

Australian scientist have developed an air traffic simulator which could save fuel, reduce carbon emissions and cut ground noise.

Kit cleans up fire extinguishers' mess

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 10:00:00 +0100

A new technique has been developed that assesses and then remediates the toxic legacy left behind by decades of using fire fighting foams.

Feature: When push comes to shove

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 10:00:00 +0100

A new 3D model of the earth’s crust may change theories of continental drift.

Olives protected from frost

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 20:13:18 +0100

A natural product used on other crops was successful when it was recently trialled in New Zealand as a spray to reduce the significant damage frost causes to olives.

Feature: Scaling down to diamond quantum electronics

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 10:00:00 +0100

A team of scientists are investigating the semi-conductor properties of diamond as a new material for nano-chips.

Twin lasers measure more precisely

Sun, 27 Jul 2008 17:54:29 +0100

New laser technology using two lasers is dramatically more precise at measuring, from astronomic to atomic distances, than older techniques.

Feature: Study shows safer used vehicles affordable

Sun, 27 Jul 2008 10:00:00 +0100

A study of Australian car crashes has found that the most safest used cars are not necessarily the most expensive.

Feature: Coaxing molecules into new sensors

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 10:00:00 +0100

The potential power of nanotechnology has inspired research into new ways of testing for chemicals and bacteria in the environment and medicine.

Rural car crash causes identified

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 09:47:44 +0100

A five year study of rural and remote road safety found that speed, alcohol, and off road driving need to be managed better if serious crashes are to be avoided.

Feature: The holy grail of traffic management

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 10:00:00 +0100

A La Trobe University graduate has invented a battery-powered device for detecting traffic gridlock.

Computer can invent fun games

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 09:18:20 +0100

A computer program has been developed which is capable of inventing board games and deciding which will probably be fun for human players.

Lambs can be matched to mothers

Sun, 20 Jul 2008 10:00:00 +0100

A cost-effective method has been developed to match lambs and their mothers, so that farmers can use the information for better selective breeding.

Cow diet can replace antibiotics

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 20:08:03 +0100

Export quality feedlot beef can be produced without feed additives such as antibiotics by changing the cows' menu, according to research.

AI finds visual bugs

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 10:26:04 +0100

A researcher has created intelligent tools that can monitor a computer game during play, looking for visual anomalies - a helpful step in eliminating glitches.