Lost in Science

We mark the demise of the Rosetta spacecraft and what it's taught us about comets, zoologist Rosie Hohnen tells us about the increasing impact of feral cats in northern Australia and how some native animals find shelter in rocky areas, and we find out about the incredible intelligence of corvids—that's birds like crows, ravens and Eurasian magpies. Watch some videos of these amazing birds below:

This week Stu finds out about a novel new treatment for antibiotic resistant bacteria from Professor Greg Qiao. Claire talks to Professor Sharon Bell presenter of the Ruby Payne Scott keynote address at the recent Women in STEM symposiumChris looks at how Malaria was eradicated from Sri Lanka. 

Our guests this week are Rachel, Chris and Leo from Wild Melbourne - a group of scientists, writers and educators who are doing an amazing job of connecting local communities with the natural environment through stories & articles, events, social media and photography. Hear all about what they are doing and how you can get involved to become part of the Wild revolution! Find Wild Melbourne on twit...

This week, we ask why and how the chicken crossed the Pacific, we find out about the players in the new Space Race, and for spring we learn the reasons why the seasons should be changed.

Chris reveals he has been experimenting on his workmates all footy season tipping competition. A bold move, but one that might pay off. Can science and the wisdom of the crowds help him win, and more importantly how do his efforts stack up against the experts? Stu looks into the recent FDA ban on antibacterial agents in household soap. What are the compounds, why have they been banned and will Aus...

The annual Eureka Prizes for science research and communication were recently held, Claire fills us in on some of the winners on Science's Night of Nights. Calcium is important for bones, but has even more important uses in the body, Manisha explains the importance of enough in the diet. Associate Professor Nerilie Abram from ANU was lead researcher on a recently published collaborative study publ...

We look at recent research that says you need to do five times the recommended exercise to stay healthy, and at some criticism of this study. Also, we find out how some plant viruses may actually benefit their infected hosts, and we learn about human ancestors and inbred lions in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area in Africa.

The Dunning-Kruger effect, or the know-it-all effect, makes people unaware of their own incompetence. Finches are behind some of the biggest scientific discoveries! New research shows zebra finches sing to their eggs so they can adapt to warm weather. And eyelashes, they are right there on your face? But did you ever wonder why we have them, or how they work? Finally, mechanical engineers may have...

Cockroach milk is unlikely to be a superfood any time soon, but it may have other uses we can take advantage of. Chris updates us on some particles that were thought to be discovered which it turns out don't really exist. Manisha fills us in on the loss of the Bramble Cay Melomys, the first mammal extinction attributed to anthropogenic climate change.

Chris explains the maths and physics of successfully skydiving without a parachute, Manisha talks about how Australia's tectonic plate is splitting and moving faster than expected, and Claire speaks to analytical chemist Oliver Jones about drugs in sport.

You might have missed it but late 2015 Australia saw unprecedented large-scale mangrove die-back in the Gulf of Carpenteria. This week we hear from Professor Damien Burrows from James Cook University about the mangrove die back event; what caused it and what we know about it. Also, a new report produced by the Foodprint Melbourne Project estimates that Melbournians generate over 200kg of food wast...

Tasha Stanton from the University of South Australia talks to us about her research into chronic pain and how our perception of our body can change our reactions to it. Manisha finds out if urban birds are more agressive than their country cousins, and why there is a difference. Julie McInnes from the University of Tasmania talks to Chris about the changing diet of the Albatross, and how researche...

This week, we find out whether science can settle the question of whether saturated fat is good or bad for you, how colour works and the discovery of an unusual new blue pigment, and about bioengineering of spider web from silk worms.

This week Stu looks at morphine, a drug commonly known for its potent analgesic effects and the new research suggesting that it might not have the effect we think it does. Also special guest meteorologist Nate takes us through the difference between weather and climate and talks about two climate science papers published in the same week one good news, one bad news. And Chris concludes his series...

This week, Chris talks to alcohol researcher Michael Livingston about the surprising decline in youth drinking, Claire finds out whether vitamin C prevents the common cold, and Stu reveals the mechanical innovations nature beat humans at.

Politics and batsWhere does each major Australian party sit on science policy? Manisha continues her story about bats, pollination and climate change

The vulnerable Lesser long-nosed bat (Leptonycteris yerbabuenae) pollinates cactus flowers and the cactus flowers feed the bats. A nice, win-win arrangement, but what happens when climate change changes their schedules? You may have heard about a recent study claiming potatoes cause high blood pressure. But should you believe it? Should you believe any diet science news? We also talk to Lisa Baile...

This week Chris gives us the lowdown Genetically Engineered Crops; Experiences and Prospects, also known as the National Academy of Sciences recently released 400 page report assessing the safety of genetically modified foods. If this leaves you hungry for more the report is available for download here. And speaking of hungry, if you have a Labrador or Retreiver that's always famished, you are not...

Chris talks about two problem species: carp, which is about to be given herpes by Barnaby Joyce, and Noisy miners, which are native birds that drive out other species. Also, Manisha talks about the recent Canadian wildfires that are so big they create their own weather systems, and Stu interviews microbiologist Paul Fisher who works with a team at Latrobe University including Dr. Sarah Annesley an...

Chris talks about the phenomenon of Aphantasia, where some people can't picture things in their minds. Claire discusses a new potential treatment for tasmanian evil facial tumour disease. Manisha talks about the recent Eta Aquarid meteor shower visible in the Southern Hemisphere each year.

This week Manisha puts her fears to one side to give us an insight into saltwater crocodiles. Did you know that saltwater crocodiles 20 different vocalisations they can make with one another. Also, we all know that Japan is prone to natural disasters, but they also have contingency plans to deal with them. Stu celebrates the birthday and the Nobel prize winning work of occasionally controversial B...

Can ugly animals compete with the good and the bad for research and conservation funding? Manisha discusses a recent article in Mammal Review. Chris looks at whether insects have a unique view of the world and what this tells us about the evolution of consciousness. And Stu combines the concepts of studying insects and researching pest animals, and talks to Ernie Steiner from the WA Department of...