Latest News in Science (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

Latest news in science as it happens from around Australia and the world.


03/15/2010 10:00 PM
Rogue star on collision course
     There is a high probability our solar system will feel the effect of a close encounter from a nearby star, according to a new study.
03/15/2010 08:04 PM
People leave unique 'germ print'
     People leave more than fingerprints when they touch objects: They also deposit a tell-tale trail of germs that could help investigators solve crimes, according to US researchers.
03/15/2010 07:24 PM
Ocean geoengineering may prove lethal
     Although phytoplankton may prove an unlikely ally in the effort to reduce the impact of climate change, enlisting these microorganisms to sequester carbon could have deadly consequences.
03/14/2010 09:35 PM
Boost for evidence of early ocean
     The theory that oceans covered the Earth four billion years ago has received a boost from a study of crystals found in Greenland.
03/14/2010 08:25 PM
Researchers uncover thalidomide mystery
     Japanese scientists have uncovered how thalidomide led to deformities in children born to mothers taking the drug in the 1950s and 1960s, according to a study.
03/14/2010 05:00 PM
Antarctic winds affect key ocean layer
     Scientists have discovered a link between winds that circle Antarctica, and changes in the depth of an important ocean layer which impacts the rate of climate change.
03/12/2010 01:15 AM
Women on pill may live longer
     Australian experts are divided over fresh British research that says the oral contraceptive pill is good for women.
03/11/2010 10:42 PM
Parents give fewer bad genes than thought
     American scientists have for the first time unlocked the genetic code of an entire family, and made a startling discovery - parents pass on fewer mutations than previously thought.
03/11/2010 05:00 PM
Lunar mirror mystery solved
     Scientists believe lunar dust heated by the Sun is degrading the performance of the Apollo reflector arrays and could explain a strange phenomena that occurs during a full Moon.
03/11/2010 12:34 AM
Natural birth safe after Caesarean: panel
     Having a normal vaginal birth after previous babies were delivered surgically is safe, according to an expert review from the US.
03/10/2010 10:46 PM
Solar minimum won't slow warming: study
     A dimming of the Sun to match conditions in the 'Little Ice Age' of the 17th century would only slightly slow global warming, says a new study.
03/10/2010 05:00 PM
Smaller fish cope better with acidic water
     Smaller fish are likely to fare best as the world's oceans become increasingly acidic, suggest Australian researchers.
03/09/2010 09:41 PM
Gene protects some Tassie devils from tumour
     The discovery of a genetically different population of Tasmanian devils has raised hopes for the survival of the iconic Australian mammal threatened by a deadly cancer.
03/09/2010 07:47 PM
Toothbrush tech helps buses go green
     South Korea is trialling a new way to turn public transport green by using a technology popular in electric toothbrushes and razors to power buses and cars.
03/09/2010 07:01 PM
Moa eggshells yield ancient DNA
     DNA has been extracted for the first time from the fossilised eggshells of birds such as emu and moa, providing a purer source of ancient DNA than bone, say scientists.
03/08/2010 11:00 PM
Scientist probe ballistic chameleon tongue
     The tongue of the chameleon shoots out at high speeds like a rubber band gun, working well even during freezing weather, US researchers have found.
03/08/2010 05:30 PM
Aphid genome reveals its 'Achilles heel'
     The genome of the aphids is revealing secrets that may lead to the development of plants that can fight back against the troublesome pest, say researchers.
03/08/2010 06:00 PM
Tailored diet may slow down DNA damage
     Mounting evidence on the effect of micronutrients on DNA damage calls for a re-evaluation of recommended dietary intake values, say researchers.