Australian cities are quiet during lockdown. Earthquake scientists are making the most of it
Our responses to the COVID-19 pandemic have dramatically changed human activity all over the world. People are working from home, schools are closed in many places, travel is restricted, and in some cases only essential shops and businesses are open. Scientists see signs of these changes wherever they look. Carbon dioxide emissions are down, air […]
Making mining models with magnetic minerals
Australian Geophysicists are mapping the possible location of economic mineral deposits in South Australia and relying on the NCI to produce advanced 3D models of the subsurface. The great challenge of this work is that over 80% of the surface of the state is covered by younger sediment, such as vast fields of sand dunes, […]
A wonder material made from waste
In February 2020, Clean Earth Technologies (CET) signed an agreement with Flinders University to produce commercial quantities of an environmental wonder material. Developed by Prof. Justin Chalker and his team at Flinders University, this novel polymer — made exclusively from waste materials — is capable of pulling oil from the oceans and contaminants like mercury […]
EcoCommons
A world-first collaborative commons for analysing and modelling ecological and environmental challenges. The Challenge Our planet is facing massive biodiversity loss due to overexploitation of species, invasive species, pollution, climate change and the degradation, fragmentation and destruction of habitats. Decision makers concerned with biodiversity need powerful computing and analytical capabilities to help navigate this challenge […]
Cleaning the Sydney Harbour Bridge
The Sydney Harbour Bridge was opened in 1932 and not surprisingly, is a heritage-listed structure. A mammoth effort is required to look after the Bridge to keep it looking its iconic best. Cleaning the paint and stone, and replacement of aging and damaged paint is a major part of this. Dirt, rust and the existing […]
Tree shade and children’s walking routes – combating skin cancer and obesity in children
Improved modelling of the health and well-being of Australians supports evidence-based health policy and health services planning. Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world and school children are amongst the most vulnerable to harmful UV exposure. By contrast, exposure to the sun allows for sufficient vitamin D levels in […]
Transistors from thin air
Next-generation transistors may revolutionise electronics The transistor is the building block for all electronics, and typically involves sending electrical currents through silicon. Every computer and phone has millions to billions of silicon electronic transistors, but this technology is reaching its physical limits where the silicon atoms get in the way of the current flow, limiting […]
Elastagen – Skinnovation in treatment for burns victims
Elastagen Pty Ltd is a clinical stage medical device company that is pioneering Elastatherapy™ using the human protein elastin to naturally repair and augment the skin. The company has arisen out of patented research conducted by Prof. Tony Weiss’s group at the University of Sydney and their first clinical trials have demonstrated the biocompatability and […]
Better cholesterol imaging
An international team of researchers has developed a new way to localise cholesterol is in cells and tissues. This provides insights into how cholesterol moves in and out of cells and could eventually lead to new therapies for cardiovascular disease. Deuterated cholesterol enabled by the National Deuteration Facility and NanoSIMS (nano-Secondary Ion Mass Spectroscopy) at […]
Linked Data and the Reduction in Cervical Cancer in Australia
Data linkage has had a significant role in the reduction in cervical cancer in Australia. Preventing cervical cancer The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine is a powerful tool for the prevention of cervical cancer. It was developed by industry, based on critical research done at the University of Queensland. Australia was the first country in the world to introduce […]