Natural’s not in it

Many Australians blame our variable climate for the recent drought and bushfires but researchers know these ‘acts of God’ are not natural at all, particularly when it comes to the effects of agricultural water extraction.

Meet the man who built a new field of chemistry

Back in the 1990s, Professor Richard Robson created a new class of coordination polymers, and his models have since inspired an entirely new field of chemistry with a host of practical applications.

Protecting your garden from possums

When possums ravaged her garden, Professor Lynne Selwood fought back and invented a spray that protects plants from them without damaging the environment.

Space 2069

Much has been achieved in space since the first manned moon landing half a century ago, but what new ‘giant leap’ will we all be talking about 50 years from now?

How can you prove it? With maths!

Finding a mathematical proof is a long, difficult process – involving trial-and-error, grunt work and the occasional eureka moment.

Who’s not pulling their weight in the Paris Agreement?

Many countries are falling short of their commitments to reduce carbon emissions. Would new aspirational goals which would allow for collective self-interest help the world reach the goals agreed in the Paris Agreement?

Is rent-for-life becoming the new norm for families?

Young couples planning a family have traditionally been the group most likely to buy their first home. But high house prices and uncertain employment mean many more young families are staying in rental properties, and experts say regulations need to be kinder to these rent-for-lifers.

Fifty years of physics

To celebrate 50 years of the July Lectures in Physics at Melbourne University, Professor David Jamieson looks back at four physics discoveries that have changed the world and wonders what might be to come.

Saving the northern white rhino from ‘extinction’

There are only two female northern white rhinos left in the world, but the species could soon make a comeback thanks to assisted reproductive technologies and a little help from their southern cousins.