Photosynthesis research centre to increase crop yields
29 October, 2014The ARC Centre of Excellence for Translational Photosynthesis, launched last week, seeks to increase yields of major crops such as wheat and rice by improving the way that plants capture the Sun's energy through photosynthesis.
Bees depend on honey industry for survival
01 October, 2014As the world is abuzz with talk of declining bee populations, a new book by Cliff Van Eaton has revealed that the issue is dependent on economic factors as well as environmental ones.
Low-carbon living is the future, says sustainability professor
19 September, 2014Professor Peter Newman AO - former NSW Sustainability Commissioner in Sydney and Project Leader for the CRC for Low Carbon Living (CRCLCL) - today presented the seminar 'Low Carbon Research in The Wild West' at UNSW.
Identifying polymers enables rapid separation of plastics
25 August, 2014Researchers from Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet München (LMU) have developed a process which will greatly simplify the process of sorting plastics in recycling plants. Their method enables the automated identification of polymers.
Australian Laureate Fellowships for sustainability researchers
25 August, 2014Minister for Education Christopher Pyne last week announced 16 new Australian Laureate Fellowships. The scheme provides funding for projects by world-class researchers, including Scientia Professors Rose Amal and Veena Sahajwalla from UNSW.
Replicating photosynthesis to produce sustainable fuel
22 August, 2014Researchers from The Australian National University (ANU) have successfully replicated one of the crucial steps in photosynthesis, opening the way for biological systems powered by sunlight which could manufacture hydrogen as a fuel.
Water tractor beam could contain oil spills
19 August, 2014Physicists from The Australian National University (ANU) have created a tractor beam on water, which they can use to manipulate floating objects at will.
Cigarette butts could improve energy storage
11 August, 2014Scientists from Seoul National University have converted cigarette butts into a high-performing material that could be integrated into computers, handheld devices, electrical vehicles and wind turbines to store energy.
Continental developing tyres from dandelions
07 August, 2014Tyre manufacturer Continental is working with the Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME) with the objective of using latex from the roots of the dandelion as a commercially viable substitute for natural latex from rainforest plantations.
New molecule brings hydrogen storage closer
28 July, 2014Australian and Taiwanese scientists have discovered a new molecule that is bringing the science community closer to overcoming one of the barriers to using hydrogen fuel cells as a viable power source for cars.
Tourists take a holiday from sustainability
22 July, 2014A University of Queensland (UQ) study has found that people who have environmentally friendly lifestyles at home often engage in environmentally harmful behaviour when they go on holiday.
Where are all Australia's trees?
17 July, 2014A new report from 202020Vision has analysed tree canopy cover in Australia's most urban, dense, local government areas (LGAs), revealing the complexities and barriers in addressing increased greenery.
Clean-up catalysts convert biodiesel waste into chemicals
02 July, 2014Researchers from Rice University have found that palladium-gold nanoparticles, found to be suitable catalysts for cleaning polluted water, are also able to convert biodiesel waste into valuable chemicals.
Farm robot developer wins award
26 June, 2014A robotics expert from the University of Sydney, Professor Salah Sukkarieh, has been announced Researcher of the Year at the 2014 AUSVEG National Awards for Excellence. Professor Sukkarieh was recognised for his work on intelligent farm robots, in particular the 'Ladybird'.
Paler pavement to cool our cities?
17 June, 2014The City of Sydney is conducting a trial to explore the potential for light-coloured pavement to reduce temperatures in surrounding areas.
