News

Scientists Warn More Frequent and Intense Bushfires Threaten Tasmania’s Giant Mountain Ash Population

29 January 2024

The Tasmanian eucalypt tree Brett Mifsud is about to climb is more than 500 years old, roughly 22 metres in diameter, and pushing nearly 75 metres tall. In sheer volume alone — at over 300…

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What Does the Latest Research Say About how to Reduce Dementia Risk?

19 January 2024

You may be aware that smoking, lack of exercise, poor diet and too much alcohol are linked to dementia and stroke. But there are some other, perhaps surprising, ways you can reduce your risk of…

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Endangered Maugean Skate Die in Captive Breeding Program After Being Removed from Macquarie Harbour

19 January 2024

Creating an “insurance population” was seen as essential in preventing the extinction of a species of ray that only lives on Tasmania’s west coast, but the project has immediately encountered setbacks. Two of the four…

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‘Forever Chemicals’ Found in the Blood and Nests of Little Penguins Across Tasmania

19 January 2024

Chemicals known to cause health issues in humans have been found in the blood of Tasmania’s little penguins. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of chemicals that resist heat, stains, grease and…

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Grants to Sponsor Students to Take Part in STEM Events, Activities and Competitions

19 December 2023

Sponsorship Grants for Student Science Engagement and International Competitions 2024 This grant opportunity provides funds to sponsor young Australians to take part in virtual or in-person STEM engagement events, activities and competitions. What do you…

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A Biting Discovery About Tasmanian Devils

19 December 2023

A Tasmanian devil expert has uncovered an evolutionary quirk that sets carnivorous marsupials apart from the crowd – and the secret lies behind their smiles. Professor Menna Jones from the University of Tasmania’s School of Natural Sciences has been…

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Hobart Properties Most at Risk of Bushfire Shown in New Interactive Tool

19 December 2023

A new tool will allow Greater Hobart residents to examine the fire danger rating of their properties, with the ability to zoom in on a map on individual houses. The Bushfire Exposure Index, which is…

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Dual Purpose Peonies: Do Tasmanian Grown Peonies Have Potential as a Traditional Chinese Herb?

13 December 2023

Trials are underway in the state’s north to determine whether Tasmania could produce peony roots for the Traditional Chinese Medicine market (TCM). PhD Candidate with the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA) Celia van Sprang is…

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Artist Erases Her Drawings of Endangered Species Over Four Years for Extinction Studies Project

11 December 2023

For the past four years, Tasmanian artist Lucienne Rickard has spent her days in a museum foyer in full public view drawing detailed pictures of animals. She jokes that she’s the only exhibit that talks…

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Nominations Now Open for the 2024 Minister’s Prizes for Science

11 December 2023

Australia’s most prestigious awards for celebrating achievements in scientific research, research-based innovation and excellence in science teaching. The prizes acknowledge: Scientists and innovators across diverse disciplines and career stages.Primary and secondary school educators who inspire…

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Fighting Fire with Early Detection and Rapid Response Technology

11 December 2023

With fire season underway, our strategy for bushfires remains focused on early detection and rapid response. Drier El Nino conditions have been declared for the current spring to early summer period and our number one…

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New Dove Lake Boardwalk Now Open

11 December 2023

A new boardwalk at Dove Lake in the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park has been completed in time for the peak summer season. The project is part of the $26.8 million investment towards the…

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