The Australian Science Media Centre (AusSMC) is an independent, non-profit service for the news media, giving journalists direct access to evidence-based science and expertise.
We aim to better inform public debate on the major issues of the day by improving links between the media and the scientific community.
EMBARGO LIFTED 5am AEDT Thursday February 2, 2012
An Australian scientist has written a provocative opinion piece which looks at the impact of grazing on bushfires, as well as the problem of feral flora and fauna in Australia. It suggests considering all potential solutions, including the introduction of wild elephants to keep introduced grasses under control. read more
In a comment piece, international scientists argue that added sweeteners pose dangers to health that justify controlling them like alcohol. Here an Australian expert puts the arguments into context for Australian readers. read more
US scientists report in The Lancet the first successful use of embryonic stem cells to treat eye disease (macular degeneration) in humans. The study was done on two patients with advanced eye disease, reporting some vision improvement after four months of the stem cell treatment. Below Australian and UK experts respond. read more
BACKGROUND BRIEFING - Monday January 23 at 10.45am AEDT in Sydney and online
Across the world countries are having to face the serious issue of depleting water tables as the ever-increasing thirsts of agriculture and industry compete for every drop. read more
In the ongoing debate over the benefits and harms of hormone replacement therapy, an international team of researchers has suggested that findings from the Million Women Study, which were used to establish that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) causes breast cancer, do not in fact prove a causal link.
The Russian space agency revised its predictions for re-entry of the Phobos-Grunt space probe to a 4 hour 21 minute window between 3.41am AEDT and 8.05am AEDT on Monday 16 January. According to media reports re-entry occurred over the Pacific early monday Morning Australian time. read more
US Scientists have documented cases of animal health problems which they believe have possible links to gas drilling. The report, published today in the journal New Solutions, involved interviewing the owners of animals who reported negative health effects on their animals. read more
International researchers report that the brain’s capacity for memory, reasoning and comprehension skills can start to deteriorate from age 45, which is 15 years earlier than it is normally thought to begin. They assessed the onset of cognitive decline by observing more than 7,000 men and women over a 10-year period from 1997. read more
