2015

Outback water: in search of underground oases

It’s predicted that there will be a three-fold increase in water demand in South Australia between 2010 and 2019 by the mining and energy sector. Using world first techniques combining geophysical data and topographical maps, scientists are exploring if the water is there to support demand.

Water forecasting for the future

New 7-day streamflow forecasts are able to predict water flows for rivers and streams, allowing for more accurate and efficient management of water resources.

Ozone hole a late starter in 2015

From August to December each year, about 2.5 trillion kilograms of ozone is broken down in the stratosphere above the Antarctic, with losses peaking in late September or early October. NASA and CSIRO have been monitoring the hole since the late 1970s.

A Game of Hives: native bees at war

Australian native bees have been discovered engaging in battles with neighbouring colonies, raging for days, with the victor claiming the hive.

The water underground: the future of water in Perth

The aquifers below Perth and its surrounds store an important source of water for the city that is running low. Researchers are now exploring the potential of these aquifers to store, transport and even further treat wastewater that is currently being discarded, to provide a secure source of water into the future.

FactCheck Q&A: Did coal seam gas or the economic downturn cause US carbon emissions to level off?

CSIRO's Pep Canadell fact checks statements made on ABC program Q&A, 31 August 2015, about what caused US carbon emissions to level off. Reviewed by Allan Layton.

It’s all ‘bout the bats, ‘bout the bats, just published

A look at the recent and rapid progress of research into bats and the viruses they harbour and the role bats play as hosts to many major zoonotic viruses.

Living on air: uncovering bacterial mysteries for agriculture and climate

Scientists have solved one of the mysteries of certain soil bacteria that allows them to persist without an apparent source of sustenance. It might lead to solutions for improving agricultural production while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Diving for treasure to help protect the world’s great reefs

Amid growing demand for seafood, gas and other resources drawn from the world’s oceans, and growing stresses from climate change, we examine some of the challenges and solutions for developing “the blue economy” in smarter, more sustainable ways. For example, could the diving industry, long criticised as contributing to declines in coral reef health around the world, better contribute to reef conservation?