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Science In Public

Science writers, communicators, media, training, and public relations

Science in Public

Astro-history, the human cost of climate change, and what on Earth (and in space) is dark matter?

Dozens of Science Week stories around Western Australia

  • What does climate change have to do with human rights? – Perth
  • Astronomy superstar’s journey through space and time – Crawley
  • Hack a webcam; see inside your cells – Crawley
  • In a pickle about how much food we waste! – Girrawheen
  • Unlocking the mysteries of quantum and dark matters – a WA idea goes national
  • A modern-day Noah’s ark: conserving Western Australia’s threatened plants – Kensington
  • Doing more with less: greener living in a regional centre – Geraldton
  • Wattle vs woollybutt: what is Australia’s favourite tree? – online

More on these highlights below.

Scientists, experts and event organisers are available for interview throughout National Science Week.

[Read more…] about Astro-history, the human cost of climate change, and what on Earth (and in space) is dark matter?

Macquarie University to link Australia’s future smart satellites

As partners in the $245 million SmartSat CRC announced in Adelaide this morning.

Eighty-four research and industry partners are contributing $190 million investment in cash and in kind to the new Cooperative Research Centre for Smart Satellite Technologies and Analytics, and the Australian government is contributing a further $55 million. The CRC is led by the University of South Australia. 

“A new generation of low-cost smart satellite technology has the potential to enhance agriculture, mining, communication and national security,” says Associate Professor Sam Reisenfeld, who leads Macquarie University’s contribution to the CRC.

[Read more…] about Macquarie University to link Australia’s future smart satellites

Starving cells may control melanoma

Wednesday 19 February 2014

Centenary Logo

Could we treat melanoma by cutting off its food source?

The latest research from Sydney’s Centenary Institute and the University of Sydney suggests we could.

Last year the researchers showed they could starve prostate cancer. Now a further discovery opens up the prospect of a new class of drugs that could work across a range of cancers including melanoma.

Australia has the highest rate of melanoma in the world. It is the deadliest form of skin cancer, and third most common cancer in Australia.

[Read more…] about Starving cells may control melanoma

2013 Fresh Science State Finals

How might tooth stem cells help repair damaged brains? How do trees cope with thirst and starvation? Do whales need personal space? And is there an early blood test for Alzheimer’s?

These are some of the questions our 2013 Fresh Science State Finalists are working on.

We’ve picked some of Australia’s brightest early-career scientists to participate in a one-day media and communication boot camp where they’ll learn how to talk science to journalists, business and the public. The course is based on Science in Public’s national media training program.

We’re wrapping up the finalists’ training with a small networking reception where we’ll give them one last challenge. Can they excite and inspire over a glass of wine?

The receptions are invite-only but contact AJ if you’re interested to attend: aj@scienceinpublic.com.au

This year the state-final courses will run in Western Australia, South Australia, Queensland, Victoria and New South Wales. Details of each event are below.

Perth: Tuesday April 16, University of Western Australia’s University Club

Adelaide: Thursday 18 April, The Science Exchange

Brisbane: Tuesday 23 April, the University of Queensland’s St Lucia Campus

Melbourne: Tuesday 30 April, Scienceworks in Spotswood

Sydney: Thursday 2 May, ANSTO in Lucas Heights

The 2013 Fresh Science State Finals are supported by ANSTO, Science Works, Edith Cowan University, Murdoch University, the University of Western Australia and the University of Queensland.

Colour-changing dragons to reveal their secrets

Colour-changing dragons to reveal their secrets

A zoological mystery that could change medicine and solar energy?

Media call and release 11 am, Sunday 7 April with bearded dragons at the Zoology Department, University of Melbourne, Parkville.

 

Credit: Devi Stuart-Smith.
Credit: Devi Stuart-Fox.

An international research initiative led by the University of Melbourne’s Dr Devi Stuart-Fox will investigate how and why animals change colour — and what it costs them.

It will also open the way for scientists to imitate lizards and develop new materials that respond to light and temperature for energy and medical applications. [Read more…] about Colour-changing dragons to reveal their secrets

Profile of Dr Devi Stuart-Fox

From colour-changing lizards to colour-changing bandages…

Colour and movement show how species evolve, bring a second international L’Oréal For Women in Science honour, and a $470,000 ARC grant for University of Melbourne evolutionary biologist Dr Devi Stuart-Fox.

Devi Stuart-Fox is attracted to show-offs. “I’m just really fascinated by animals with fabulous colours and ornaments.” And ever since she was a teenager living in a bushland setting in an outer Brisbane suburb, she has also been delighted by lizards. She used to keep them as pets. [Read more…] about Profile of Dr Devi Stuart-Fox