Posts by Sofia Dalla Costa

The pandemic’s gardening boom shows how gardens can cultivate public health

As lockdowns went into effect in the spring of 2020, many people took up gardening as a coping mechanism. But will a hobby born out of a crisis recede as life returns to normal?

Are cuckoo eggshells thicker to protect them from their hosts?

Our historical egg collection tells an unexpected story about the evolution of cuckoo eggshells.

Moths in the ACT

From parachuting larvae to moths that look like burlesque fans to inchworms crawling on your plants. This new book reveals 700 of the many species of moths you can find in Canberra’s gardens and bushlands.

Meet the bright finalists of the BHP Foundation Science and Engineering Awards

Popping laptops open and locking in the challenge, two WA students uncovered the music genre generating the most electrical energy. In the words of Naughty by Nature, there ain’t nothin’ like hip hop music!

Resisting the rise of antimicrobial resistance

Antimicrobial resistance is one of the greatest threats facing humanity. But what is it and how do we slow the rise?

Women in STEM inspire the next generation of women to STEAM ahead

Guided by two women in STEM, technology students at a Perth school have used coding to create a device to help the hearing impaired.

Pandemic pivot away from harsh chemicals with Wash Wild

With the demand for cleaning products taking off during the COVID-19, Wash Wild saw a gap in the market to develop natural cleaning products that were not as harsh as synthetic chemicals, but just as effective.

Using AI to keep Australia free from stink bug pests

At our insect collection we are using AI to help detect the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug, a priority insect pest.

What goes into growing healthy prawns?

Aquaculture research technician Tim Perrin take us behind-the-scenes of studying prawns across their lifecycle.

Sanitising solutions and face masks make a cautious pair

Have you ever thought about sanitising your face masks to get a few days more wear? Our new study found out that's not a good idea.

Researcher who named This flies donates to our insect collection

Thanks to a generous donation to our insect collection, we have established a grant to study acalyptrate flies.

A table filled with food and photographed from above

How to make your diet more sustainable, healthy or cheap – without giving up nutrients

Substituting one food for another – no matter the reason – may not result in a healthier choice.