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Queensland Rejects Push for Stronger Cat Laws Despite Wildlife Impact
Professor Phill Cassey spoke to ABC Online about a recent petition in Queensland calling for stricter domestic cat ownership laws, highlighting the devastating impact free-roaming cats have on native ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥n wildlife.
[Read more about Queensland Rejects Push for Stronger Cat Laws Despite Wildlife Impact]
Wildlife Experts Brace for the Arrival of H5N1 in ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥
Professor Wayne Boardman spoke to ABC Online about the looming threat of H5N1 bird flu, warning of its potential to devastate ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥n wildlife, including vulnerable sea lion populations.
[Read more about Wildlife Experts Brace for the Arrival of H5N1 in ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥]
Dr Alice Jones awarded the 2025 Conservation Science Prize
Dr Alice Jones,member of the Environment Institute, has been awarded the 2025 Conservation Science Prize for her leading role in advancing blue carbon conservation through collaborative, impact-driven research.
[Read more about Dr Alice Jones awarded the 2025 Conservation Science Prize ]
NEST - The Network for Emerging Sustainability Thinkers
Today, on World Environment Day, the Environment Institute is proudly launching NEST - the Network for Emerging Sustainability Thinkers.ÌýNEST is a new network facilitated by the 2025 Future Leaders Committee of the Environment Institute and is tailored for higher-degree and early-career researchers within the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ of Adelaide.
[Read more about NEST - The Network for Emerging Sustainability Thinkers]
New National Data Offers Insight into PFAS Levels in ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ns
Dr Cameron Shearer has commented onÌýa recent announcement by the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥n Bureau of Statistics (ABS), as they have shared new data of a voluntary survey conducted by the ABS’ National Health Measures on Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) levels. The new dataÌý creates a baseline of PFAS levels in ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ns, that can support deeper research into the possible harm the chemicals can cause.
[Read more about New National Data Offers Insight into PFAS Levels in ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ns]
What 50,000 Years of Ancient DNA Uncovers About Human Evolution
Environment Institute member Dr Yassine Souilmi and his team at the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥n Centre for Ancient DNA are challenging what we thought we knew about human adaptation. Their 2022 study, now spotlighted byÌýSCIAM,Ìýanalysed over 1,100 ancient genomes to uncover powerful genetic adaptations many of which have been erased from modern DNA due to population mixing.
[Read more about What 50,000 Years of Ancient DNA Uncovers About Human Evolution]
Solving the pearl bluebush seed deficit for post-mining revegetation
Jaclyn Wilmot is an Honours student at the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ of Adelaide, and student affiliate at the Environment Institute under the supervision of Dr Ilaine Matos, Environment Institute member. She is investigating the challenges of restoring of Maireana sedifolia (pearl bluebush), a native shrub critical to post-mining revegetation in South ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥â€™s arid zone. Jaclyn shares insights into the complexities of pearl bluebush reproduction, the importance of soil nutrients like nitrogen, and the potential of nature-based solutions to support seed production. Her work highlights the value of science-led restoration and the future of sustainable land management in mining landscapes.
[Read more about Solving the pearl bluebush seed deficit for post-mining revegetation]
Uncovering Hidden Bees in ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥
Dr Katja Hogendoorn, Environment Institute member, has contributed to a new study that has discovered Ìý71 new ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥n resin pot bees. This research has just been published in the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥n Journal of Taxonomy.
How the Past Helps Predict the Climate Future of Bowhead Whales
Environment Institute Deputy Director Damien Fordham and member Nicholas Freymueller, are part of an international team with the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ of Adelaide and the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ of Copenhagen. They examined and reconstructed 11,700 years of bowhead whale ecological history, showing how climate change could erode up to 75% of foraging habitat by the end of the century.
[Read more about How the Past Helps Predict the Climate Future of Bowhead Whales]
Salt on the rise: What lagoon microbes reveal about the future of coastal ecosystems
When coastal lagoons degrade, it's not the fish that react first, it’s the microbes.ÌýEnvironment Institute member Dr Christopher Keneally has lead new research alongside Professor Justin Brookes, and with ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ of Adelaide academics Dr Virginie Gaget, Dr Stephen Kidd, Associate Professor Luke Mosley and Dr Daniel Chilton and Associate Professor David Welsh, have contributed to a global review exploring how microbial communities in coastal lagoons respond to rising salinity and nutrient stress. These microbes act as early warning systems, helping us detect and ideally prevent ecosystem collapse.
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