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Monthly Archives: January 2023

Ancient DNA reveals a hidden history of human adaptation

Humans may be just as vulnerable to environmental change as other animals, according to our new research analysing genetic data from more than a thousand people who lived across Europe and Asia over the past 45,000 years. We found traces of more than 50 “hard sweeps” in which a rare genetic variant rapidly swept through […]

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On a tiny Australian island, snakes feasting on seabirds evolved huge jaws in a surprisingly short time

A study by researchers from the University of Adelaide and other institutions has found that in a population of island tiger snakes the bones in their jaws increase in length after feeding on large prey, while their mainland counterparts show no change. The new study presents the first detailed examination of the effects that diet […]

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There’s something fishy about flake sold in South Australia

It is a popular takeaway choice at fish and chip shops, but new research has revealed threatened species of shark are being sold as flake at some outlets across South Australia. The University of Adelaide study is the first of its kind to examine flake fillets sold at South Australian fish and chip shops. The […]

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SURVEY: Bandicoot habitat along Brownhill and First Creeks

Southern brown bandicoots are the last of eight bandicoot species in this region but are nationally endangered. Do you live near bandicoot habitat along Brownhill or First Creeks? We invite you to undertake this survey to help us understand how people’s connection with nature, and property management, might influence where these endangered bandicoots and other […]

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Gene-drive strategy could suppress invasive mice on islands

Invasive rodents pose a significant threat to global biodiversity. Current control methods, such as poisoning, trapping, biological control with additional introduction of competitors or predators are often ineffective, costly, and not species specific. Genetic biocontrol has considerable potential to control invasive populations but has not been developed in any vertebrate pest species. Revolutionary gene drive […]

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New Biodiversity Council to Fight the Extinction Crisis

The biodiversity crisis is resulting in catastrophic declines in the unique plants, animals, and ecosystems of megadiverse Australia. This biodiversity underpins our economy, food systems, water and health, as well as our culture and identity. There is a pressing need for policy and industry response to the crisis to be rapid and underpinned by evidence […]

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