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We are not tracking the impact of half the world’s mines

February 2, 2024

By Dr Tim Werner Published on February 2, 2024 A modern, sustainable society depends on the mining industry to supply crucial materials. Batteries and electric vehicles require metals like lithium and cadmium, wind turbines require rare earth metals and our cities need aggregate materials like gravel and sand for construction. On the other hand, the mining industry also produces materials like coal which are detrimental to a low-carbon future.

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The breeding trap targeting Melbourne’s growing mozzie problem

February 1, 2024

By V\u00e9ronique Paris Published on February 1, 2024 Mosquito-borne diseases like dengue and Japanese encephalitis may feel like far-distant nightmares for many Victorians. Here, the warmer summer months coinciding with the mosquito season are more synonymous with backyard BBQs and backyard cricket than the smell of tropical strength repellents and mosquito coils. Climate change is increasing the risk of mosquito populations exploding.Picture: Getty ImagesBut in recent years, climate change has brought higher temperatures, higher humidity and extreme rain events to the south that’s increasing the risk of mosquito populations exploding.

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A biobank freezes Australian species for the future

January 31, 2024

By Professor Andrew Pask Published on January 31, 2024 Australia is home to some of the most remarkable species on earth and importantly, many of these species don’t exist anywhere else. Unfortunately, Australia also holds the record for the most mammal extinctions and many of our animal species are suffering increasing pressures from introduced species, habitat loss, and climate change. The dusky antechinus is a small marsupial species under threat from bushfires.

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Three things schoolkids need to succeed

January 30, 2024

By Associate Professor Dani Tomlin Published on January 30, 2024 As the new school year begins, parents are often busy with new school shoes, covering schoolbooks and hunting out the right lunchboxes and pencil cases to get their children through. However, often overlooked in preparing children for school are the three important pillars of hearing, vision and communication. These form the bedrock of a child’s educational journey, playing pivotal roles in their ability to absorb, engage and thrive in today’s busy classrooms.

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“Come on, let’s go!” Helping kids find joy in physical activity

January 29, 2024

By Dr Tara FitzGerald Published on January 29, 2024 It’s a scenario that many parents have experienced – armed with enthusiasm and a sales pitch, you attempt to convince your child to swap the comfy couch and stimulating screen for physical activity. Whether that’s steering kids out the door to basketball training or convincing them to jump on the bikes that have been gathering dust in the garage – as a busy parent, it can sometimes feel like one battle too many.

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