Science & Technology
Protons are probably actually smaller than long thought
A few years ago, a novel measurement technique showed that protons are probably smaller than had been assumed since the 1990s. The discrepancy surprised the scientific community; some researchers even believed that the Standard Model of particle physic…
Venomous Australian sea anemone may lead to life-saving drugs
An entirely new toxic compound found in an Australian tropical sea anemone is being analysed as a potential new drug therapy, after it was discovered by biomolecular scientists during investigation of the species’ multiple venoms.
Underwater ‘breathing’ plants could be key to stress-resistant crops
Wetland plants have a high tolerance against flooding due to the formation of ‘lysigenous aerenchyma,’ air channels that help transfer gases to the submerged roots. These channels also help the plant withstand drought and nutrient deficiency. Now, scie…
One in four Australian workers suffer ‘ringing ears’, survey shows
As many as half a million Australians are suffering from constant tinnitus, with farmers, automotive workers, transport drivers, construction workers and other trades people at the greatest risk, a national survey has found.