Biofuel research looks beyond yield
17 January, 2014Researchers from Michigan State University (MSU) have found that certain types and locations of biofuel crops have various benefits, and that it is unwise to focus solely on biomass yield.
E-tags for bees
15 January, 2014A world-first research program, led by CSIRO, is monitoring honeybee populations by tracking the insects with tiny sensors - a technique known as 'swarm sensing'. With 5000 bees taking part in the program, this is the first time such large numbers of insects have been used for environmental monitoring.
Assessing the assimilative capacity of catchments for nitrate
13 January, 2014Lincoln Agritech, a subsidiary of New Zealand's Lincoln University, has conducted research into the impact of denitrification - the conversion of nitrate into gaseous forms of nitrogen - on catchment management.
Colorbond Steel has reduced environmental impact
16 December, 2013Manufacturing changes made to the latest version of Colorbond steel have produced substantial environmental improvements.
Red sand could be used for road construction
12 December, 2013Curtin's Sustainable Engineering Group (SEG) has found that red sand could be used as a viable and more environmentally friendly alternative to virgin sand and limestone in road construction. This would reduce the need for quarries to extract those materials.
Green building addresses global change
22 November, 2013 by Lauren DavisThe University of Queensland's Global Change Institute (GCI), officially opened in August, was constructed to be a hub for research into sustainable building solutions. The building's purpose is reflected in its design, with environmentally friendly features meaning the institute is carbon neutral and consumes zero net energy.
Herbs and barramundi - the perfect complement for urban farming technology
19 November, 2013With the help of Commercialisation Australia, Urban Ecological Systems Australia (UESA) has developed a patented $5m integrated glasshouse and aquaculture polyculture system whereby herbs and barramundi can be simultaneously and sustainably produced. UESA has now won a five-year organic produce supply agreement with Coles.
Global study shows impact of climate change on rangelands
04 November, 2013A team of international researchers, including Dr Matt Tighe from the University of New England, has found that the arid rangelands which cover around 70% of Australia may be profoundly altered by the impact of climate change. This will be due to a relatively small change in soil nutrient levels over the next 100 years.
Australian Soil Consortium calls for food revolution
28 October, 2013The Australian Soil Consortium (ASC) - a group of farmers, agribusiness companies and scientists who are concerned for the future of one of the nation’s most valuable assets - says Australia needs a nationwide effort to raise soil fertility.
Improving storage life of fresh produce to reduce waste
19 August, 2013If we can add just one day to the life of fruit or vegetables through using novel microbial management methods we can make an enormous difference, according to a UWE research team. The team aims to develop a practical means of controlling food spoilage, storage life and shelf life of post-harvest produce while also minimising microbiological contamination from contact surfaces, collectively helping to reduce waste and improve food security and food safety.
The science behind infrastructure decisions
13 August, 2013Infrastructure is critical to Australia’s growing cities and our way of life - what role do scientists play in making sure we get our infrastructure priorities right? This article is a Q&A with one of Parsons Brinckerhoff’s scientists, Barbara Pedersen, as a contribution to National Science Week.
Environmental risk - a banking industry perspective
04 August, 2013 by Grant Scott*The Environmental Bankers Association of Australia (EBAA) provides information on risk management, sustainable product finance, community responsibility and due diligence to its members. CEO of EBAA Grant Scott provides us with an insight into managing environmental risk from a banking perspective.
New South Wales CSG report welcomed by scientists, resources minister
02 August, 2013The initial report on coal seam gas (CSG) activities across NSW, by the state’s Chief Scientist and Engineer, Professor Mary O’Kane, has been welcomed by federal Resources Minister Gary Gray as well as biogeochemistry researchers at Southern Cross University (SCU).
Sustainable chemical manufacturing centre launched
31 July, 2013The $24.9 million Victorian Centre for Sustainable Chemical Manufacturing (VCSCM) was launched last week by the Victorian Minister for Manufacturing, David Hodgett.
Food additive for sustainably farmed prawns
31 July, 2013Following 10 years of research and development, CSIRO scientists have perfected the prawn feed additive Novacq, giving prawn lovers access to more sustainably farmed prawns that still taste great.
