National Centre for Nitrous Oxide Measurement opens at NZ university
04 April, 2011The National Centre for Nitrous Oxide Measurement at Lincoln University has been formally opened by the NZ Minister of Agriculture, the Hon David Carter. The centre provides a tripling in New Zealand’s capacity to measure nitrous oxide greenhouse gas emissions.
Climate change update in CSIRO book
04 April, 2011CSIRO has launched Climate Change: Science and Solutions for Australia to help inform business, government and the community about the many issues that need to be addressed in response to climate change.
Lungfish teeth could hold key to better cars, planes
23 February, 2011 byThe tooth enamel of lungfish and garfish could provide the basis for new material to make lighter, more efficient aircraft or vehicles, says a Queensland University of Technology (QUT) physics researcher.
Environmental management salaries leap forward
11 February, 2011For the first time in five years, environmental salaries have overtaken that of safety professionals, survey results have revealed. The survey includes data from over 60 Australian companies, primarily from the ASX 200, and covers a diverse range of industries including energy, resources, construction, manufacturing, industrial and retail.
CO2-chomping microbes battling for ocean iron
24 January, 2011Australian, Belgian and New Zealand scientists have expanded our understanding of the way phytoplankton take up scarce iron in the ocean - a process that regulates ocean food chains from the bottom up and helps remove up to 40% of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere.
Contamination and clean-up research centre funding extended
14 December, 2010Australia has renewed its commitment to a clean environment and healthy, safe community by extending its national research effort into contamination and clean-up by a further nine years.
PMSEIC releases expert reports on food security and energy-water-carbon intersections
01 December, 2010The Prime Minister’s Science, Engineering and Innovation Council (PMSEIC) has released two expert scientific reports on serious issues facing the nation - Australia and Food Security in a Changing World and Challenges at Energy-Water-Carbon Intersections.
All independent MPs support boost for R&D
24 November, 2010More businesses will get more support for research and development under legislation passed by the House of Representatives.
Major genome project heralds freedom from fossil fuel-based fertilisers
28 October, 2010The world is one step closer to being freed from a reliance on fossil fuel-based fertiliser with the announcement of a $10 million project underway at Murdoch University.
Biodegradable bag made from CO2 emissions
27 October, 2010Melbourne packaging technology company Cardia Bioplastics Limited has developed a biodegradable plastic bag created from a blend of CO2 (carbon dioxide) emissions and starch.
The biophilic city
26 October, 2010With increased threats from climate change, pollution and diminishing natural resources and biodiversity, it’s important to reconsider the way we live and the way we utilise our environments. Parson Brinckerhoff’s Director of Sustainability Darren Bilsborough* proposes the idea of a ‘biophilic city’ as one potential solution to these increasing pressures. He has developed a paper on an economic rationale supporting Biophilic Cities which is summarised in this article.
GE and CSIRO agree to AU$20 million R&D collaboration
08 October, 2010GE and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) have announced a strategic alliance which will include a combined investment of AU$20m over five years in R&D projects in the areas of healthcare and cleaner technology for energy and aviation.
Green Buidings report
20 September, 2010Apart from reducing carbon emissions, green buildings can also play an important role in providing affordable housing, job creation and disaster recovery, according to a new report from the World Green Building Council (WorldGBC) launched 19 September at the start of World Green Building Week.
Kiwi wins top international science prize
14 September, 2010A New Zealand environmental scientist has won a top international science prize for her contribution to the development of a simple, inexpensive test which measures arsenic levels in drinking water, and which has the potential to improve the lives of millions of people worldwide.
Fresh science
26 August, 2010Cling wrap that captures CO2 and a recycling technique for pig waste are two of the research discoveries in this year’s Fresh Science competition. The national competition identifies new and interesting research being done by early-career scientists from around the country and then helps them present their research to the public.
