Environment Institute 10 Research Highlights 2016
1.
Our researchershelped convict National Forest timber thieves in a landmark case in the United States. An international team including and developed DNA markers for certain trees. This was used to create a DNA profiling reference database of trees which could be used in court proceedings. Illegal logging continues to be a scourge around the world, posing a huge threat to global biodiversity. The industry is estimated to be worth USD100 billion annually.
This research also led to the publication offor the (UNODC). The best practice guide was developed with a substantial contribution from Dr Dormontt. Following the publication, the global scientific community came together in a call to . The campaign continues to end this egregious practice.
2.
T
he move from life on land to life in the sea has led to the evolution of a new sense for sea snakes. Sea snakes were found to have a kind of Force-like sensing capability. On their heads are tiny Ӱֱ called 'scale sensalia', which allows sea snakes to perceive objects around them without direct touch. While it's not certain what these snakes can actually sense, it's thought that sea snakes can pick up the vibrations that are generated underwater by moving objects.
This research was performed by PhD student Jennna Crowe-Riddell and her supervisor Dr Kate Sanders. The story was featured in including and . Learn more about this great story by featuring Crowe-Riddell.
3.
A native parasitic plant found commonly thro
ughout south-eastern Ӱֱ was found to show great promise as a potential biologicalcontrol agent against introduced weeds. Thenative vinenative vine Cassytha pubescens, also known as 'snotty gobble', could save millions of dollars each year by acting as a control against invasive plants. Snotty gobble was found to grow on many invasive species via suckers, which latch on to a host plant, leaching water and nutrients.
The research was done by, and and featured in .
4.
'Holy Carp' screamed the headlines! Europea
n carp are an invasive species causing much devastation in our river systems.Managing the current carp infestation problem in the Murray River systems has benefits and risks, and how we manage those can all have an impact on our environment. The Ӱֱn Government announced, to the bemusement of many, that a strain of herpes could be used to wipe out 95% of the carp population over the next 30 years. But our Honours student Richie Walshunder the supervision of , showed that the sudden death of mass amounts of European carp could be .Decomposed carp left in the River Murray would , endangering native aquatic animals.
5.
The South Ӱֱn coast line is getting a bo
ost, thanks to research from and Dr Heidi Alleway. Their researchuncovered that characterised much of South Ӱֱ’s coastline from 1836 to 1910, forming one of the most widespread habitats for protein production, fisheries catch, biodiversity and filtration for water quality that sustain surrounding habitats. As a result of this discovery, ais to be built south of Ardrossan, constructed from limestone, oyster shells and live native oysters. The construction of the new reef is set to bring about a raft of intergenerational economic, social and environmental benefits.
6.
Third year PhD student Lauren Whi
te gave us an insight into the life of a researcher. White studies the genetics of bilbies, which were once found through much of arid Ӱֱ,but have had their ranges drastically reduced due tochanges in land use and the introduction of feral animals. Reintroduced populations can experience loss of genetic diversity over time, leading to negative effectssuch as inbreeding. For this reason, it is important to monitor the genetic diversity over time.
Here's a teaser of her great story:It’s early evening at ; we’re driving slowly through the reserve peering intently aroundus using the light of a powerful spotlight torch. The silence is broken by a shout. “BILBY!”
7.
We announced that we're part
of a strategic partnership with global organisation that will help boost conservation efforts in the Asia-Pacific region, including a global conservation drone program. The Ӱֱ of Adelaide and CIestablished a joint and a philanthropic partnership to raise funds for the Centre’s activities and for other CI priority activities in the region. was announced as the Centre Director.The partnership is already achieving its goals, helping.
8.
We got ourselves into a pickle, a g
ood one though, with South Ӱֱn food manufacturer to investigate potential sources of food colourings among Ӱֱn native plants. The project was awarded an Innovations Connections Grant of $25,000, under the Ӱֱn Government’s Entrepreneurs’ Programme.is part of the research team that will focus on arid zone plants known to be edible and with strong colours. These plants are often salt-tolerant and desert-adapted and grow abundantly throughout Ӱֱ. Hall will be identifying pigment compoundsand testing extracts with Spring Gully Foods to see how suitable they are. We can't wait for the delicious results!
9.
The brought together the world’s governing bodies tostrengthen the global response to the threat of climate change, and our members wentalong to share their voice. The delegation from the Ӱֱ of Adelaide included (Head of Delegation), (Deputy Head of Delegation), and . The delegation attended key sessions related to their fields of expertise including water, environmental and city sustainability, disaster relief programs, and the Global Carbon Fund and its role in supporting low-emission and climate-resilient development pathways.
10.
Just when you thought platypuses couldn
't get any more amazing, their venom, it seems, could help to treat diabetes. Research led byat the Ӱֱ of Adelaide and at Flinders Ӱֱ found that platypus venom contains a hormone that regulates blood glucose levels. This hormone could be used to provide an extended release of insulin for those with diabetes. How these findings can be converted into real treatment is the next question.
Want more research goodness? Dont miss also our Top 25 High Impact Peer-reviewed publications for 2016!
Our researchershelped convict National Forest timber thieves in a landmark case in the United States. An international team including and developed DNA markers for certain trees. This was used to create a DNA profiling reference database of trees which could be used in court proceedings. Illegal logging continues to be a scourge around the world, posing a huge threat to global biodiversity. The industry is estimated to be worth USD100 billion annually.This research also led to the publication offor the (UNODC). The best practice guide was developed with a substantial contribution from Dr Dormontt. Following the publication, the global scientific community came together in a call to . The campaign continues to end this egregious practice.
2.
T
he move from life on land to life in the sea has led to the evolution of a new sense for sea snakes. Sea snakes were found to have a kind of Force-like sensing capability. On their heads are tiny Ӱֱ called 'scale sensalia', which allows sea snakes to perceive objects around them without direct touch. While it's not certain what these snakes can actually sense, it's thought that sea snakes can pick up the vibrations that are generated underwater by moving objects.This research was performed by PhD student Jennna Crowe-Riddell and her supervisor Dr Kate Sanders. The story was featured in including and . Learn more about this great story by featuring Crowe-Riddell.
3.
A native parasitic plant found commonly thro
ughout south-eastern Ӱֱ was found to show great promise as a potential biologicalcontrol agent against introduced weeds. Thenative vinenative vine Cassytha pubescens, also known as 'snotty gobble', could save millions of dollars each year by acting as a control against invasive plants. Snotty gobble was found to grow on many invasive species via suckers, which latch on to a host plant, leaching water and nutrients.The research was done by, and and featured in .
4.
'Holy Carp' screamed the headlines! Europea
n carp are an invasive species causing much devastation in our river systems.Managing the current carp infestation problem in the Murray River systems has benefits and risks, and how we manage those can all have an impact on our environment. The Ӱֱn Government announced, to the bemusement of many, that a strain of herpes could be used to wipe out 95% of the carp population over the next 30 years. But our Honours student Richie Walshunder the supervision of , showed that the sudden death of mass amounts of European carp could be .Decomposed carp left in the River Murray would , endangering native aquatic animals.5.
The South Ӱֱn coast line is getting a bo
ost, thanks to research from and Dr Heidi Alleway. Their researchuncovered that characterised much of South Ӱֱ’s coastline from 1836 to 1910, forming one of the most widespread habitats for protein production, fisheries catch, biodiversity and filtration for water quality that sustain surrounding habitats. As a result of this discovery, ais to be built south of Ardrossan, constructed from limestone, oyster shells and live native oysters. The construction of the new reef is set to bring about a raft of intergenerational economic, social and environmental benefits.6.
Third year PhD student Lauren Whi
te gave us an insight into the life of a researcher. White studies the genetics of bilbies, which were once found through much of arid Ӱֱ,but have had their ranges drastically reduced due tochanges in land use and the introduction of feral animals. Reintroduced populations can experience loss of genetic diversity over time, leading to negative effectssuch as inbreeding. For this reason, it is important to monitor the genetic diversity over time.Here's a teaser of her great story:It’s early evening at ; we’re driving slowly through the reserve peering intently aroundus using the light of a powerful spotlight torch. The silence is broken by a shout. “BILBY!”
7.
We announced that we're part
of a strategic partnership with global organisation that will help boost conservation efforts in the Asia-Pacific region, including a global conservation drone program. The Ӱֱ of Adelaide and CIestablished a joint and a philanthropic partnership to raise funds for the Centre’s activities and for other CI priority activities in the region. was announced as the Centre Director.The partnership is already achieving its goals, helping.8.
We got ourselves into a pickle, a g
ood one though, with South Ӱֱn food manufacturer to investigate potential sources of food colourings among Ӱֱn native plants. The project was awarded an Innovations Connections Grant of $25,000, under the Ӱֱn Government’s Entrepreneurs’ Programme.is part of the research team that will focus on arid zone plants known to be edible and with strong colours. These plants are often salt-tolerant and desert-adapted and grow abundantly throughout Ӱֱ. Hall will be identifying pigment compoundsand testing extracts with Spring Gully Foods to see how suitable they are. We can't wait for the delicious results!9.
The brought together the world’s governing bodies tostrengthen the global response to the threat of climate change, and our members wentalong to share their voice. The delegation from the Ӱֱ of Adelaide included (Head of Delegation), (Deputy Head of Delegation), and . The delegation attended key sessions related to their fields of expertise including water, environmental and city sustainability, disaster relief programs, and the Global Carbon Fund and its role in supporting low-emission and climate-resilient development pathways.
10.
Just when you thought platypuses couldn
't get any more amazing, their venom, it seems, could help to treat diabetes. Research led byat the Ӱֱ of Adelaide and at Flinders Ӱֱ found that platypus venom contains a hormone that regulates blood glucose levels. This hormone could be used to provide an extended release of insulin for those with diabetes. How these findings can be converted into real treatment is the next question.Want more research goodness? Dont miss also our Top 25 High Impact Peer-reviewed publications for 2016!
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