Neutrons and native frogs are an unlikely but dynamic duo in the battle against antibiotic-resistant bacteria, commonly known as superbugs, recent research has shown. The skin secretions of the Australian green-eyed and growling grass frogs contain peptides (small proteins) that help frogs fight infection. Researchers hope these peptides will offer a new line of defence … Continue reading Frog peptides versus superbugs

An unlikely research duo have found a new way to channel the carbon accumulation of trees into financial reports, with implications for urban planners and corporations alike, reports Tanya Ha. In Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens – among the majestic lemon-scented gums, newly planted ferns, rustling groves of bamboo and sweeping lawns – a quiet, constant … Continue reading How a numbers man and a botanist are helping business go green

Imagine a power station that’s literally sprayed onto your roof —and could match the colour of your tiles. Thin film solar cells are thinner, cheaper and more versatile than the traditional silicon solar panels. Spray-on solar is a next step in the evolution of on-site power generation. “These cells can be made with semiconductor dye … Continue reading Spray-on solar cells

Tweets, transactions and transport card ‘touch-ons’ could give urban planners the big data they need to make our transport systems work better, identify accident black spots and make our cities more liveable. University of Melbourne researchers – armed with the right analytical tool – are finding Twitter data surprisingly useful. They’re mining the data and … Continue reading Taking a city’s pulse: touch-ons, transactions and tweets