Science & Nature

Carbon cycling researchers prepare the track for sustainability Research Review 2011 While details of the federal government’s carbon tax are still being discussed, most have welcomed the proposed investment in alternative energy production and bio-sequestration through carbon farming. By Nerissa Hannink Read more »	Pets with mental illness Research Review 2011 Mental illness is not only a problem many humans battle; animals too can suffer from anxiety, mental distress and phobias. Read more »	Exploring life under the sea Research Review 2011 Understanding the complex networks of marine life in Port Phillip Bay is the focus of two new research projects at the University of Melbourne, funded by the Victorian Government’s Department of Sustainability and Environment. Read more »
University signs Memorandum of Understanding with Zoos Victoria Research Review 2011 Vice-Chancellor Professor Glyn Davis has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Zoos Victoria to officially acknowledge a new partnership. Read more »	Scientists crack the spider’s web code Research Review 2011 Decorative white silk crosses are an ingenious tactic used by orb-weaving spiders to protect their webs from damage, a new study from the University of Melbourne has revealed. Read more »	Decisions, decisions: how your brain controls your behaviour Research Review 2010 The Scarecrow from the children’s classic The Wizard of Oz was famous for his catchcry “If I only had a brain!” The question is: What would he do with it? How would it affect his behaviour? And would his emotions get the better of him in the supermarket? By David Scott Read more »
Experts to tackle aquatic pollution Research Review 2010 Researchers at the Victorian Centre for Aquatic Pollution Identification and Management (CAPIM) are developing novel techniques to identify and manage previously undetected pollutants and overcome limitations in current monitoring techniques. By Sally Sherwen Read more »	What drives genetic differences? Research Review 2010 Professor Hoffmann has always been interested in natural variation among organisms, how it creates the diversity of life and how it is harnessed in our food production. It is his driving passion. By Silvia Dropulich Read more »	Who are we sharing the planet with? Research Review 2010 New calculations reveal that the number of species on Earth is likely to be in the order of several million rather than tens of millions. The findings, from a University of Melbourne-led study, are based on a new method of estimating tropical insect species – the largest and one of the most difficult groups on the planet to study – and have significant implications for conservation efforts. Read more »