News

Morrisby’s gum tree migration project aiming to save endangered Tasmanian species of eucalypt

22 October 2023

The Morrisby gum, or eucalyptus morrisbyi, is one of the rarest eucalypts in Australia and a few years back, one of the main populations of that species suffered this catastrophic decline. Rising temperatures, drying soils…

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Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science

22 October 2023

The Prime Minister and the Minister for Industry and Science announced the 2023 prize recipients on 16 October 2023 at the Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science Dinner in Canberra. The prizes acknowledge the achievements and…

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Applications are now open for Questacon’s new travelling internship!

22 October 2023

Do you have a flair for the dramatic, or can you not stop talking about science? See Australia like you never have before as you travel to deliver fun and engaging STEM activities. Learn from…

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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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