ScienceAlert - Physical Science

Improved telescope may find planets

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

Telescopes recalibrated using a Nobel Prize winning laser technique will measure the Universe with the precision of a fine tooth comb, and could even find new planets.

Cooling oceans helped biodiversity

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 10:00:30 +0100

There was a link between cooling oceans and increasing biodiversity 500 million years ago, according to research on a group of tiny fossils.

Feature: Fencing wire and mirrors - the world of the national energy system

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 10:00:00 +0100

You come home after work, flick a switch and electricity from somewhere turns on the light - it's simple. But Gavan McDonnell explains that there is a lot more to maintaining the careful balance of the national energy system.

Fault map helps earthquake forecast

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 09:58:27 +0100

Geological mapping in New Zealand has shown that earthquakes are unlikely to travel between the North and South islands, because no fault connects them.

Subterranean water running out

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 23:06:44 +0100

Western Australia's underground water supply is not recharging fast enough to keep up with demand, according to data from a groundwater monitoring network.

Feature: All aboard the time giant

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 10:00:00 +0100

With access to the world’s largest and most powerful optical telescopes, Swinburne astrophysicists are journeying back in time to the earliest phases of the universe. They hope to take Swinburne students and staff and the Australian public along for the ride. Julian Cribb reports.

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.

Scientists invent waterproof paper

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 15:20:28 +0100

In a world first, Australian scientists have invented biodegradable waterproof paper and cardboard using the cellulouse in unused sugarcane.

Volcano pattern shows drift

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 10:00:00 +0100

By using volcanoes as a speedometer for Australian continental drift, scientists have found new information on one of the world's most important tectonic events.

Schizophrenia risk gene found

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 10:00:00 +0100

A study has found a genetic marker that is strongly linked to the risk of schizophrenia - though environmental factors are still important.

Feature: The quest to rescue 'stranded' gas fields

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 10:00:00 +0100

A new research collaboration is taking the first steps to extend the reach of Australia's natural gas operations to distant, deep-ocean fields, reports Jason Major.

Scientists find key to cheaper hybrids

Sun, 03 Aug 2008 10:00:00 +0100

Australian scientists have used modified gortex to create revolutionary fuel cells that could make hybrid vehicles more affordable and reliable.

Feature: Beyond the test tube

Sun, 03 Aug 2008 10:00:00 +0100

An insight into how supercomputers have brought quantum chemistry into the 21st century, and a glance at what the future holds.

Glass behaviour nearer explanation

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 11:01:38 +0100

Scientists have discovered that vibrations in glass may explain its strange mixture of behaviours as it changes between being a liquid and being a solid.

Genetics cracks fibre-optic problem

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 10:00:00 +0100

To track down interference in fiber-optic lines, researchers have tried a form of analysis normally used for identifying cancer subtypes - with great success.

Scan used to find CO2 traps

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 10:00:00 +0100

Near-infrared spectroscopy, used to analyse minerals and atmosphere on Mars and other planets, is being used on Earth to explore methods for trapping CO2 underground.

Researcher finds fuel for atom laser

Sun, 13 Jul 2008 13:01:01 +0100

Atom lasers with practical applications are now a step closer, thanks to Australian researchers discovering how to refuel the laser with 'quantum foam'.

Diamonds suggest life began earlier

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 10:00:00 +0100

Researchers examining very old diamonds have found a type of carbon associated with life, suggesting that life on Earth may have begun earlier than expected.

Scientist find "invisible" gold

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 10:00:00 +0100

Australian scientists have become the first to find traces of nanoparticles of gold, too tiny to see with the naked eye, in the natural world.

Earth's laws apply throughout Universe

Sun, 22 Jun 2008 10:00:00 +0100

A team of international researchers have discovered that the laws of nature are the same in the distant Universe as they are on Earth.

New test finds plastic fatigue

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 11:13:18 +0100

A new test can detect plastic fatigue without destroying the surface, using a UV light and a special material to find free radicals.

Feature: Perth firm fuels bid for cleaner truck engines

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 10:00:00 +0100

A Perth-based R D company is developing a natural gas fuel system to help big trucks reduce emissions, reports Tony Malkovic.

Astronomers prove Einstein right

Sun, 15 Jun 2008 10:00:00 +0100

Australian researchers have proved that Einstein's theory of relativity still accurately explains the evolution of the Universe, even when applied to anomalies.

Astronomers rediscover exploded star

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 10:00:00 +0100

Astronomers have re-examined an old exploded star and discovered that it is one of the youngest and brightest supernova remnants in the Milky Way.

Steel may reveal Earth's beginning

Mon, 09 Jun 2008 10:00:00 +0100

Researchers could soon understand how the Earth formed, by using a scientific model developed from the mathematics of steelmaking.

Cycling saves health costs

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 22:17:06 +0100

According to a recent report, Australian cyclists help the government save $227 million each year, by avoiding the health costs of not getting enough exercise.

Rare element key to cheap assay

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 13:18:11 +0100

Researchers have developed a cheaper method of analysing nickle ore samples, which is the world's first commercial use for the rare element Thulium.

Planet found orbiting tiny star

Tue, 03 Jun 2008 10:00:00 +0100

Astronomers have discovered the smallest star to have an orbiting planet, which, despite its cold atmosphere, could potentially host life.

Feature: New window on the universe

Tue, 03 Jun 2008 10:00:00 +0100

Australian National University is part of a collaboration that is building the world's most powerful telescope, which could revolutionise the way we view the universe.

Feature: Getting oil from a stone

Sun, 01 Jun 2008 12:54:31 +0100

It seems an unlikely match, but a super high resolution CAT scanner is helping the petroleum industry to extract oil from stones.