The Conversation Archives

Space

Expect the unexpected from the big-data boom in radio astronomy

Technology is driving a revolution in the way radio astronomers study the universe, and it could lead to new discoveries.

Space

Mission over: the final countdown to Cassini’s fatal plunge into Saturn

The last signals from Cassini space probe before it burns up in Saturn's atmosphere will tracked by the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex.

After 30 years of the Montreal Protocol, the ozone layer is gradually healing

The treaty to limit the destruction of the ozone layer is hailed as the most successful environmental agreement of all time. Three decades on, the ozone layer is slowly but surely returning to health.

Space

From the edge of the Solar System, Voyager probes are still talking to Australia after 40 years

The Voyager space probes sent back some amazing images of the planets in the outer Solar System, and they're still talking to Earth every day via Australia's tracking station.

Tech

Is Usain Bolt the greatest athlete of all time? That’s not what the numbers say

Jamaican Usain Bolt is often hailed as the greatest athlete of all time. But when you crunch the numbers, his name doesn't come top of the list.

Tech

Computer says no: robo-advice is growing but we still don’t trust it

Robo-advice might prove most useful to those who need it the most, making them feel more competent and in control.

A guide to deconstructing the battery hype cycle

High energy, high power and endless life cycles: not all batteries are created equal.

How to make batteries that last (almost) forever

Batteries that can self-sustain are needed for long-term animal tracking as well as shipping and logistics.

Environment

Rising carbon dioxide is making the world’s plants more water-wise

The globe is greening as plants grow faster in response to rising carbon dioxide. But a new analysis shows they aren't using more water to do it - a rare piece of good news for our changing planet.

Environment

As another smog season looms, India must act soon to keep Delhi from gasping

In November 2016, smog in New Delhi was 16 times above safe levels. An Indian researcher dug into the data to find out why, and how India can keep its capital breathing safely.

Environment

Publish and don’t perish – how to keep rare species’ data away from poachers

With the right approach to data security, scientists' discoveries of the locations of rare and sought-after species needn't leave a trail for poachers to follow.

Environment

It’s not the science of tax, and five other things you should know about taxonomy

Australian taxonomy resources number around 70 million specimens, valued at over AU$5 billion. That's big science.

The Conversation