News

Wombat researchers’ Tasmanian study develops new theory on mange mite transmission

21 September 2023

University of Tasmania scientists spent seven years studying sarcoptic mange in bare-nosed wombats in the Central Highlands, comparing prevalence to population decline. The disease is caused by a tiny parasitic mite that burrows into a wombat’s…

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Whales stop singing and rock lobsters lose their balance: how seismic surveys can harm marine life

21 September 2023

Woodside Energy this week announced it would start seismic testing for its Scarborough gas project off Australia’s west coast, before reversing the decision in the face of a legal challenge from Traditional Owners. Seismic testing is highly controversial in…

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Feed your mind, feed the world camp

7 September 2023

Feed your mind, feed the world is a three-day camp for students wanting to learn about exciting career opportunities in agricultural science. This event is run by the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture, responsible for teaching agricultural…

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17-year study of Tasmanian devils offers message of cautious hope for species on the brink

5 September 2023

A recent discovery is giving scientists hope that Tasmanian devil numbers can survive well into the future. Devils now being trapped for research appear to indicate they are trying to adapt to the disease and persist…

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 4 reasons echidnas really are remarkable

5 September 2023

Echidnas look like a quirky blend of hedgehog and anteater. But they’re not related to these creatures at all. They’re even more mysterious and unusual than commonly assumed. Australia has just one species, the short-beaked…

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Invasive species lead driver of biodiversity loss globally and in Australia

5 September 2023

The first global assessment of invasive alien species has been released, detailing staggering losses for nature and the economy, alongside escalating threats to human wellbeing. The report took four years and is the work of the Intergovernmental…

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Do you know of a bat roost?

28 August 2023

The Bookend Trust, through our NatureTrackers program, has recently launched the CallTrackers project – so anyone in Tasmania can help monitor bats through recording their calls. To build software able to identify bat species from recorded calls,…

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Scientists hoping to confirm rare handfish species spotted during CSIRO marine survey

28 August 2023

A species of fish that hasn’t been seen in more than two decades has been spotted in deep waters near Flinders Island.  The discovery was made during a month-long CSIRO voyage that is looking at how climate…

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Scientists explain Tasmania’s glowing aurora australis, sea sparkle, glow worm attractions

28 August 2023

From glow worms to sea sparkles and bioluminescent mushrooms, nature shines right across Australia. Due to its climate, geography and biodiversity, Tasmania is a nexus for glowing oddities. The aurora australis and sea sparkles can be captured in…

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Have your say: Diversity in STEM Review

24 August 2023

The Minister for Industry and Science has undertaken a review of diversity in STEM. Led by an independent expert panel, this review will recommend how the Australian Government can support change so that all people…

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Tasmanian group wins prestigious 2023 Australian Museum Eureka Prize

24 August 2023

“That’s What I Call Science”, the Tasmanian science radio program, has been recognised at the 2023 Australian Museum Eureka Prizes, Australia’s most high-profile science awards. This year, the awards recognised 19 individuals and teams across the…

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Nominate for the STEM Excellence Awards 2023

19 August 2023

Applications are now open for the 2023 science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) Excellence Awards, celebrating Tasmanians who have excelled in their field. Now in their eighth year, the awards recognise Tasmanians leading the way…

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