Archived News for Green Sector Professionals

Mining companies often weigh environmental outcomes against economic ones, and choose actions which benefit the latter, but researchers say with better planning they can have the best of both worlds.

Smashing plates make mountains curl

Advanced modelling has solved a generations-old geological question, as scientists investigate why long, curvy mountains form near places where tectonic plates smash together.

Backward step to let drugs flow like beer

A new approach could see scientists able to produce drugs as easily as brewing beer, massively reducing the cost and energy requirements for many medications.

Cheesy solution proposed for old French question

Researchers suggest Roquefort cheese can guard against cardiovascular disease, despite its high fat and salt content.

Funds locked awaiting future fuel review

Media outlets claim at least $1 billion worth of resource projects are on hold in Victoria alone, awaiting the review of the Renewable Energy Target.

Nuclear on list for novel, profitable, new Australian age

A new report from analysts at Deloitte Access Economics has highlighted 25 sectors that could drive the Australian economy in the future, including nuclear power generation and waste storage.

Technological leap taken with natural leg-up

Scientists have been pinching designs from nature for some time, but have now brought living and synthetic materials together in an exciting new way.

Woodside wants half-century of floating gas flows

Woodside’s floating Browse gas project will produce 17,000 barrels of LNG per day for fifty years, the company hopes.

Closed talks in Tasmania to chop up tree deal

The newly-elected Tasmanian government has made the first cuts in its effort to fell the Tasmanian Forests Agreement.

Repeal voted down leaves carbon price alive for now

The Senate has voted down a bill to axe the carbon tax, depriving the Prime Minister of a much-touted election promise and setting the scene for another fight in July.

Anemone is an enemy of historical classification

Sea anemones are essentially half plant, half animal.

Broad soil study puts carbon future on the map

A new set of maps will establish a clear baseline for Australia’s soil organic carbon stocks.

Export fund says $110 million loan to Chile helps Australia

Australian taxpayers will lend $110 million to BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto to expand a mine in Chile.

Knowledge honed on narwhal's bony nose

Studies have revealed new functions for the elusive narwhal’s giant tusk.

Pumping dams could plug holes in power supply

Using a giant battery made of water and gravity, engineers have proposed a new way to store renewable energy to meet extra demands.

Thinking deeper on food trade could spring water-savings

Billions could be saved by better consideration of water resources in relation to the global food trade, research suggests.

Toxic remnants under ghost of Bluescope steel

Authorities are investigating the apparent leak of a carcinogenic substance into groundwater in New South Wales.

Cyborg seedlings grow new field of science

There is no doubt that plants are excellent, but a team of MIT engineers are looking to cutting-edge materials to make them even better.

Resource body takes new look at old activist tactics

The Queensland Resource Council has released its updated ‘checklist’ for anti-mining activism in the state, saying opponents are mostly up to their old tricks.