Science
Australia considers banning high-risk AI despite economic potential
The federal government has released two landmark papers laying the groundwork to regulate AI technology while also noting its great potential.
- by Paul Sakkal
Latest
A geological car crash: Five images that explain Melbourne’s earthquake
Australia is actually quite earthquake prone thanks to a unique, warped stress field that lies across our continent.
- by Liam Mannix
Australian astronomer wins prestigious Shaw Prize
Professor Matthew Bailes has been honoured for his role in the discovery of fast radio bursts, mysterious pulses of energy from beyond the Milky Way.
- by Liam Mannix
Explainer
Earthquakes
Victoria is being squeezed, literally. Is it now an earthquake hotspot?
There seem to have been more earthquakes than usual lately. Why?
- by Liam Mannix
What to do in an earthquake
This is advice issued by the Victorian SES on what to do in an earthquake, including aftershocks.
- by Michael Bachelard
The ‘world’s most controversial company’ and the double-edged power of AI
Facial recognition is a particularly fraught application of AI.
- by Campbell Wilson
This is the most relaxing song in the world, according to science
Neuroscientists who helped design the tune with artist Benee have also identified songs which trigger high anxiety levels among listeners.
- by Angus Dalton
A paralysed man can walk naturally again with brain and spine implants
Gert-Jan Oskam was left paralysed from the hips down after a motorcycle accident in 2011. Now, with a combination of devices, scientists have given him control over his lower body again.
- by Oliver Whang
Exclusive
Coronavirus pandemic
Drug watchdog overturns ivermectin ban despite warnings from its own experts
The TGA ignored submissions from pharmaceutical and poisons organisations when it removed restrictions on the controversial drug debunked as a treatment for COVID-19.
- by Liam Mannix
Here’s to your health: How the alcohol industry shifted the narrative on safe drinking levels
A new analysis of alcohol industry submissions to government has found they’re rife with misrepresentation and bad data.
- by Angus Dalton
Exclusive
NSW mouse plague
The simple trick to stop another $1 billion mouse plague disaster
A photo of a wheat field studded with a neat line of holes caught Professor Peter Banks’ eye, sparking a research project that could halt mice in their tracks.
- by Angus Dalton