Who owns the Moon?
In 1967, the United Nations adopted the “Outer Space Treaty”, according to which no nation can claim sovereignty over outer space. It also stated that the Moon and other heavenly bodies are to…
What are food colourings made from?
Food colourings can be made from plants, animals or synthetically. As additives they are given identifying numbers, known as ‘E’ numbers in Europe; in Australia we use the same list but omit the…
Shared houses also share bacteria
People living together often share many things. One of them turns out to be bacteria, as one of the biggest ever studies into bacterial transfer reveals how your co-habitants can affect your health….
How well do elephants smell?
“Does the long trunk of an elephant give it an advantage for a sense of smell? Or is it more designed as a tool for other things?” Elephants have an acute sense of…
Is it dangerous to ignite your farts?
READER QUERY: “I have a friend who claims that he has set light to his farts. Can this be done, and is it dangerous?” The gases released during flatulence are indeed flammable. Gut…
How many species can be found in a glass of ocean water?
If you’ve ever been involved in a school experiment looking at ocean or river water under a microscope, you’ll know that even a single drop teems with life, from larvae and fish visible…
Can there be problems when scientists reintroduce endangered species?
There are many projects aiming to replenish or broaden the gene pool of wild animal populations that are under threat. Few are more vital to survival than efforts to save the Tasmanian devil….
Do other planets have solar eclipses?
Do the other Solar System planets also experience total and partial solar eclipses like the ones we witness on Earth? The answer is yes: solar eclipses frequently happen throughout the Solar System. A…
The Planet Talks at WOMADelaide
‘The Planet Talks’ is a three-day ecological and conversational forum taking part during WOMADelaide, the music and dance festival which features over 60 groups presented across four days and seven stages. WOMADelaide takes…
Can a fright really cure hiccups?
READER QUESTION: “When I get hiccups, someone almost always shouts ‘Boo!’. Is there any reason to believe that this helps?” In scientific terms speaking, there is no proof that a fright can cure…
