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The beloved honeybee has become something of a symbol of environmental protection. The threat of declining populations in the 2000s drew out amateur beekeepers and blooming backyards, hoping to keep the bees healthy. But honeybees are not the only form of bee. And scrupulous efforts to save them in the northern hemisphere may not be […]

The James Webb Space Telescope has added huge energy to the hunt for exoplanets. And we’re learning that they are very much NOT like Earth. So, what are the most bizarre planets we found in 2024? New exoplanet’s cotton candy-density can’t be explained Astronomers continue to be puzzled about the formation of the so-called cotton […]

More than 60 per cent of Australia’s known insect fleet are unnamed and a mystery to science. Of an estimated 500,000 Australian species, roughly half are insects, but many aren’t categorised. A group of sharp-eyed school students from Queensland are changing that. With the guidance of their dedicated teachers and enthusiastic experts, they’ve helped lift the […]

With every year that goes by, various revolutionary technologies in the worlds of quantum mechanics and nuclear fusion appear a step closer to reality. 2024 was no different. Several projects around the world which might change computing, energy, telecommunications and electronics made significant breakthroughs this year. Let’s review some highlights. Quantum simulator for next-gen electronics […]

If you’re looking for a holiday destination that blends adventure, discovery and education, look no further than science-themed destinations. Science tourism is a well-established way to ignite curiosity in travellers of all ages. There are of course some well-known problems with science tourism, including the impact of travel on carbon emissions, but there are economic […]

Maths underpins most science, but how often do we give pure mathematics the attention it deserves? Here’s 5 of our favourite maths-focussed stories from 2024. Behind the door – subtracting the myths out of maths These days, a mathematician at the University of Melbourne can use a laptop to predict weather 12 weeks in advance. […]

Skeleton weed is a long lived perennial with a reputation as a serious problem which can significantly reduce grain crop yields. Together with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD),  Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, has released a midge at field sites around the Western Australia grain belt as a biological control agent. CSIRO’s extensive […]

As humans we are endlessly curious about our past – especially the ancient past. What were our ancient ancestors doing thousands of years ago? Probably not getting hooked on social media platforms like Tik Rock and Twigger (later renamed to Eggs). Jokes aside, the reality of humanity’s ancient past continues to throw up surprises as […]

Researchers have successfully controlled multiple mechanical oscillators at the quantum level for the first time, a capability essential for creating more powerful quantum systems. Mechanical oscillators turn energy into periodic oscillation. They’re at the heart of all quartz watches, for example. In the quantum realm, macroscopic oscillators could enable ultra-sensitive sensors and quantum computing components. […]

Meteorites that fall to Earth in a blaze of light allow us to peer back into the physical and chemical properties of their non-terrestrial origins. As we keep our eyes peeled for shooting stars these holidays, these are 5 things we learned about meteorites in 2024. When Mars had liquid water Recent analysis of the […]

We were absolutely entranced by the midnight sprint of a 3-legged lion through croc-infested waters, filmed by ecologists earlier this year. But that’s not all we learned about the majestic Panthera leo in 2024. Here’s 6 of our favourite lion stories of the year. Watch brave lion brothers cross croc-infested waters in search of love […]

We are diving into our archives and republishing some paid content for free. This long read was originally published in the September 2024 Cosmos print magazine. You can read more amazing long reads if you subscribe now. The insect world is abuzz with life, but is there anything on their minds? Follow Amalyah Hart into a […]

Of all the animals that crawl, wriggle and ooze across the surface of the Earth, these are by far the creepiest we uncovered in 2024. Spider preys on male fireflies blinded by false love A nocturnal species of orb-weaving spider, Araneus ventricosus, has been caught manipulating male fireflies to attract more victims. Scientists in the field […]

We have much thank plants for – the air we breathe, the food we eat, the materials they provide – and we’re learning more and more about them every day! These are 5 of our favourite plant stories of the year. Why do flowers wilt?  Researchers have finally figured out why flowers shrivel up after […]

Break out these 6 food science stories when the food comas hit this silly season. Why does food tastes bad in space? According to astronauts, food doesn’t taste the same in space as it does on Earth. Physiological changes in microgravity could be an important factor in this phenomenon. But research published in July also […]

Louisa Warren is a proud Torres Strait Islander woman with family connections from Badu Island in the Torres Strait whose impressive career path has led to her becoming the Executive Manager for Indigenous Engagement at Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO. Warren grew up on tropical Gimuy Walubara Yidinji Country in Cairns, but moved to Brisbane […]

James McCaw is Professor of Mathematical Biology at the University of Melbourne. His 2024 ARC Laureate Fellowship will focus on preparations for the next pandemic. Mathematical biology is a very broad field. My group works on infectious diseases, studying how viruses and parasites spread within our body, and how they transmit from person to person. […]

Unlike spiders that wait for unsuspecting prey to blunder into their webs, the slingshot or ray spider (Theridiosoma gemmosum) is a more proactive hunter. Lying in wait, it attaches a tension line to a nearby twig or rock and pulls back the centre of its web into a cone. On releasing this tension line, the […]

When it comes to a relaxing summer read, The Little Book of Cosmic Catastrophes (That Could End the World) might not be the kind of title that springs to mind. But this tongue-in-cheek, hilariously morbid approach to astronomy could actually be the fun read you’re looking for! Written by the bright and bubbly science communicator, […]