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Nature

Have the recent rains affected the drought in Australia?

South East Australia has just experienced its wettest September on record, but the rains have done little to ease the long-term drought conditions.

Desert beetle aids breakthrough in water collection

Inspired by the biological structure of the desert-dwelling Stenocara beetle, University of Sydney researcher Dr Chiara Neto’s groundbreaking water collection technology could soon bring relief to drought-stricken areas.

How leopards got their spots

Leopard spots are more than just a pretty pattern, new research has revealed.

Protection push for Coral Sea marine life

The fate of more than 300 threatened species in Australia’s Coral Sea will be determined this week as global environmental leaders meet in Japan for the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP 10).

Bacteria can squeeze through small spaces

Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis, two common microbes, move easily through passages just 30 per cent wider than themselves, say researchers at Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands.

Giant buoy will research life in the seas

With 30 of its 50 metres below water, French marine architect Jacques Rougerie’s SeaOrbiter lab will allow scientists to observe underwater life 24 hours a day for months at a time and provide…

Morning cute: Endangered Sumatran tiger cub born at Frankfurt Zoo

A female Sumatran tiger thought to be infertile surprised and delighted staff at Frankfurt Zoo by giving birth.

Move over, Great Wall: China’s smog is also visible from space

NASA satellites have captured images of China blanketed in pollution.

New spider species has biggest females

Golden silk orb spiders are known for their large size and fantastic webs. Nephila komaci, the newest member of the group, is the biggest yet.

Whale poo has ‘huge influence’ on ocean health

Fecal matter from the ocean’s largest inhabitants plays a critical role in the health of the marine food chain, US scientists have discovered.

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