Researchers have shown for the first time how Golden orb web spiders (Nephila antipodiana) add a chemical to their web silk to repel invading ants. The finding adds chemical defence to the impressive properties of spider silk, already known to be very strong, elastic and adhesive, and may provide new opportunities for pesticide design.
Prof Mark Elgar, Department of Zoology, University of Melbourne
Proceedings of the Royal Society B
Online public event to explore the science and answer patient questions: 7pm AEST Thursday 21 May Media contact: Tanya Ha – 0404 083 863 or tanya@scienceinpublic.com.au Could stem cells help prevent vision loss or even restore eyesight? Health charity the National Stem Cell Foundation of Australia is helping people ask the experts at a free…
Get ready for the festival that reaches more than 3 million people via 2,500 events. National Science Week returns from 15 to 23 August with stories for every round including entertainment, business, environment, food and wine, Indigenous media, the Arts, health, technology, farming and agriculture, lifestyle, education, and disability media. Talk to us now for…
Gippsland, Coffs Harbour and Brisbane amateur astronomers, each inspired by the Apollo missions, honoured by Australia’s professional astronomers. Each received the Page Medal for discoveries that have guided humanity’s big telescopes. The Gippsland planet hunter Chris Stockdale co-discovered an ‘ultra-hot Neptune’, four ‘super Jupiters’ and several potentially Earth-like planets, all orbiting distant stars. He has…
Australia’s leadership in quantum science is no accident. It is the product of decades of bipartisan Federal Government investment in research, matched with sustained support for the critical infrastructure that enables discovery to move from theory to application. At the heart of this effort is the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS), a long-term commitment to…
Experts available to talk about tinnitus, their family experience, and how new tools can make a difference for millions of people. A free trial of the latest evidence-based therapies is available for Tinnitus Awareness Week. The seven-day challenge incorporates the latest research from Newcastle University in the UK along with research from Auckland University, the…
Who will care for me as I age? Who will care for my children so I can go to work? Who will support me so that I can participate fully in life? How can we help the carers? How can we guarantee quality and safety of care into the future? Can technology improve care and reduce costs?