Tag Archives: science
So what is NCRIS and why does it matter?
Over the past few weeks there has been much political ado about the withholding of funding for Australia’s science infrastructure program. But now the funding is secure does anyone really understand what this research infrastructure is and why it is so important to … Continue reading
Animated evolution – Stated Clearly by Jon Perry
Sunday was the anniversary of the publication of Darwin’s Origin of Species (first published on 24th November 1859 – you can find his collected works here), so it’s a perfect time to talk about evolution. Evolution can be a difficult … Continue reading
Hello nightmares – why scorpions glow in the dark
I’m pretty sure that almost no-one loves scorpions – they’re not far behind spiders in the ‘primal nightmare’ stakes, given the whole scuttling thing and the poisonous sting. But they are fascinating for at least one reason: they glow under … Continue reading
Lair of the white worm
If you don’t like the idea of 10-foot long aquatic killer worms, then read no further. The worms in question are called Bobbit worms, iridescent, and quite pretty. So far, all fine and dandy. But these aquatic worms, while on … Continue reading
World octopus day!
How could I have missed this one? Yesterday was World Octopus Day, so here’s an infographic about these amazing creatures, and, in an amazing example of tool use, a quick video of an octopus collecting halves of coconut shells to use … Continue reading
Sixty new species discovered in Suriname
Scientists spent three weeks in the rainforest of Suriname and found no less than 60 new species, a few of which may even be new genera, and saw an encouraging total of 1378 species: evidence that this area is one … Continue reading
Dealing with climate change denial
I always laugh when people claim there’s some vast, worldwide conspiracy of scientists who made up climate change in an attempt to get pots of money and/or force the world to submit to a totalitarian government made up of crazed … Continue reading
Andy Lowe radio interview
For those who are interested in hearing more about Andy Lowe’s new position at the SA Museum, here’s the audio of a recent interview he did with Ian Henschke on Australian ABC Radio. He talks about life at the South … Continue reading
Of ships and whales and iPad apps
We all know that whales are under threat from a variety of human actions, but there’s good news on at least one front, in the surprising form of an iPad app. The port city of Boston in the US hosts … Continue reading
Play games and save the trees
Do you want an excuse to play games? Because here’s a good one: by playing an online game, you can help botanists solve the mystery of the fungus that’s killing so many ash trees. There’s concern in the UK about … Continue reading
