Mar 15, 2016 22:52 pm UTC| Science
Do you think that the machine you are reading this story on, right now, has a feeling of what it is like to be in its state? What about a pet dog? Does it have a sense of what its like to be in its state? It may pine...
Recalculating! By not driving the optimal route, you're causing traffic jams
Mar 15, 2016 16:18 pm UTC| Science
If you use a car to get around, every time you get behind the wheel youre confronted with a choice: how will you navigate to your destination? Whether its a trip you take every day, such as from home to work, or to...
Why aren't dog breeds considered separate species?
Mar 11, 2016 15:11 pm UTC| Science
Dog owners might disagree, but as far as evolutionary biologists are concerned, all dogs are just dogs. It may seem odd that Canis (lupus) familiaris extends from rabbit-sized Chihuahuas to Great Danes which can be almost...
Brian Greene yes but string theory no
Mar 11, 2016 08:49 am UTC| Science
Saturday 19th March will see me standing on stage at Melbourne Park chatting to one of the most famous figures in physics and string theory, Professor Brian Greene, as part of his Think Inc tour of Australia. While I...
New plastic-munching bacteria could fuel a recycling revolution
Mar 10, 2016 23:08 pm UTC| Science
We manufacture over 300m tonnes of plastics each year for use in everything from packaging to clothing. Their resilience is great when you want a product to last. But once discarded, plastics linger in the environment,...
The more we learn about Mercury, the weirder it seems
Mar 10, 2016 14:55 pm UTC| Science
For such a tiny planet, Mercury is a pretty big puzzle for researchers. NASAs MESSENGER probe already has revealed that the planet is surprisingly rich in elements that easily evaporate from the surface, such as sulphur,...
Beyond silicon: the search for new semiconductors
Mar 10, 2016 13:23 pm UTC| Science Technology
Our modern world is based on semiconductors. In addition to your computer, cellphones and digital cameras, semiconductors are a critical component of a growing number of devices. Think of the high-efficiency LED lights you...