Posts by Amy Edwards

A small round pond of water in arid landscape

Arid springs: the hidden evolutionary cradles of Outback Australia

At the Edgbaston springs in Central Queensland, a precarious ecosystem unknown to science until 25 years ago, scientists are uncovering a treasure trove of species found nowhere else on the planet. Together with the springs ecosystems in other arid areas of the Great Artesian Basin, these species are revealing a fascinating evolutionary tale.

Hand holding oyster and man in background

Turning the tide against a deadly oyster virus

When the Australian oyster industry was struck by a potentially lethal virus in 2010, it had a strategic response in place, thanks to an earlier investment in genetic breeding research.

Legumes’ microbe relationships hold them back from travelling the globe

Have you, or someone you know, ever wanted to travel the world or move somewhere different but couldn't because of family commitments or a relationship? It appears that for legumes too, close relationships hold them back from spreading about the globe.

satellite image of cyclone of coast of northern Queensland

Before the storm

Counting the costs of physical damage wrought by Cyclone Debbie in Queensland and subsequent floods in northern NSW has already begun. The focus now shifts to how communities invest in infrastructure before the storms. Critical is understanding the multiple impacts and the interdependence of infrastructure.