UNSW Newsroom

An artist's impression of a silicon chip among lights and colours

Controlling qubit spins in silicon ensures the production of future quantum computer chips can use existing manufacturing technology. Image: Shutterstock

Science & Tech

30 Sep 2022

For the longest time: quantum computing engineers set new standard in silicon chip performance

UNSW engineers have substantially extended the time that their quantum computing processors can hold information by more than 100 times compared to previous results.

Iran's latest protests may seem unexpected for some, but they belong to a long history of revolutions and uprisings. Photo: Shutterstock.

Opinion

30 Sep 2022

How Iran's rich literature can help you better understand the protests of today

The protests of 2022 are not new in the political landscape of Iran, and novels can help us place them in a larger historical context.

a graphical representation of ocean eddies as seen from a satellite

Ocean eddies are the marine equivalents of cyclones and transport large amounts of heat across the planet. Image: NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center Ocean Color/NOAA-20/NASA-NOAA Suomi NPP

Science & Tech

30 Sep 2022

Winds of change drive 'alarming' rate of ocean warming

UNSW researchers have solved the mystery of why and how ocean ‘hotspots’ are forming so fast, by examining the winds that influence the ocean currents heating these areas.

The government says Optus is responsible for basic failures that enabled hackers. Photo: Shutterstock

Business & Law

29 Sep 2022

Australia should adopt 'gold standard' in data laws after Optus leak

Changing to the European Union standard would add significant penalties for companies and protections for consumers, says a UNSW expert in the future of law.

People have many assumptions about what cyborgs will look like. Image: Juune Lee.

Health

29 Sep 2022

The cyborg of the future looks just like you

How we connect the human body to technology isn't as scary as a science fiction movie, says UNSW Sydney neuroscientist Felix Aplin.

A young man with a glass of water in one hand and a tablet in the other

Paracetamol is considered safe for most people, with few side effects when used as directed. Photo: Shutterstock

Opinion

29 Sep 2022

TGA weighs up paracetamol restrictions – what does that mean for consumers?

Australians bought more than 65 million packs of paracetamol pain relief last year. TGA efforts to reduce its potential harms will need to take those who use it to manage pain into consideration.

People receive their vaccinations at a COVID vaccination centre

Only 40 per cent of eligible adults aged 30 to 65 (those with health conditions or a disability) have had their “winter booster”. Photo: AAP/Gaye Gerard

Opinion

29 Sep 2022

Millions of Australians still haven't had their COVID boosters. What message could convince them now?

A review of COVID booster acceptance statistics suggests we may be unlikely to see coverage go much beyond 80 per cent – but we can still learn from others’ mistakes when it comes to health messaging.

Professor Jason Abbott and Professor Louisa Jorm will use the grants to examine fertility options for endometriosis sufferers and develop better clinical registries. Photo: UNSW

Health

28 Sep 2022

UNSW academics receive $3.3m to help endometriosis sufferers and improve clinical registeries

Obstetrician and gynaecologist Jason Abbott and health data expert Louisa Jorm have been awarded two Research Data Infrastructure grants from the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources.

anonymous women face a female judge in a courtroom

AI could improve access to justice in the court process, but could also come into conflict with legal values. Photo: Shutterstock

Business & Law

28 Sep 2022

AI is creeping into the world’s courts. Should we be concerned?

Artificial intelligence can improve access to justice, but could come into conflict with important legal values and even cause harm, new research finds.

What will be in the updated Budget for 2022-23? Image: Shutterstock

Business & Law

27 Sep 2022

Federal budget 2022-23: UNSW experts available for comment

UNSW has academic experts available to comment on the federal government budget announcements in October.

Kurt Fearnley and others including Bill Shorten

For the first time a disabled person, former paralympian Kurt Fearnley, has been appointed chair of the NDIA. Photo: AAP/ Mich Tsikas.

Opinion

28 Sep 2022

A disabled NDIA chair is a great first move in the NDIS reset. Here's what should happen next

The original vision for the NDIS was that it would give people with disabilities a say in how services are delivered. The appointment of an NDIA chair who is disabled is a positive move.

Reusable contact lens use is associated with higher risk of a rare, sight-threatening eye infection. Photo: iStock.

Health

27 Sep 2022

Reusable contact lenses increase risk of rare preventable eye infection: study

Simple changes to contact lens use could prevent many cases of sight-threatening eye infection.

Is there any truth behind the popular 'superfood' label? A/Professor Jayashree Arcot says the term is misleading as all foods have some effect on the body. Photo: Shutterstock

Science & Tech

26 Sep 2022

What's so super about superfoods?

UNSW expert unmasks the truth about superfoods.

Teens clinking glass bottles together around a fire

Parents play a key role in providing teens with the tools to make healthy life choices. Photo: Kindel Media/Pexels, CC BY-SA

Opinion

26 Sep 2022

Should I give my teen alcohol? Just a sip, the whole can, or none at all?

Should teens drink alcohol? Ideally, no. But in the real world, here are some tips on how to minimise harm.

scan of a lizard using monitoring technology

A scanned lace monitor lizard (Varanus varius) image produced by using new technology. Image: Rapiscan Systems, Author provided.

Opinion

23 Sep 2022

Lizard in your luggage? We’re using artificial intelligence to detect wildlife trafficking

The number of live animals seized by the Australian Government has tripled since 2017, with blue-tongue lizards and sulphur-crested cockatoos frequently captured.

Science & Tech

23 Sep 2022

Wood-eating termites really like it when it's hot: study

Opinion

21 Sep 2022

This law makes it illegal for companies to collect third-party data to profile you

Young animals in particular are struggling to keep up with climate change. Photo: Shutterstock.

Opinion

21 Sep 2022

Young cold-blooded animals are suffering the most as Earth heats up, research finds

In a warming world, a species’ ability to acclimatise to temperatures is crucial. But young ectotherms can struggle to handle the heat.

Dharawal language tutor teaching aboriginal students

Dharawal language tutor training in action. Photo: Rob Hookey.

Art, Architecture & Design

20 Sep 2022

Reclaiming language is key to Aboriginal cultural identity and wellbeing

The Dharawal language is being learnt by younger generations thanks to a partnership between UNSW and the La Perouse Aboriginal community.

Longevity is closely linked to cell DNA replication and division. Image: Ian Joson/UNSW.

Health

20 Sep 2022

What lobsters can teach us about immortality

Could the key to lobsters’ longevity slow down our biological clocks?

Opinion

22 Sep 2022

More women are studying STEM, but there are still stubborn workplace barriers

General

21 Sep 2022

UNSW tackles global security challenges with partners in UK and USA

Two hands exchanging a small bag of ecstasy tablets

Reported use of ecstasy has been lower in the past two years than before the pandemic. Photo: Shutterstock.

Health

21 Sep 2022

Disruption to Australian ecstasy market following COVID-19 restrictions, report finds

The latest Drug Trends report from UNSW’s National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre shows significant changes in perceived availability of all forms of ecstasy.

vladimir putins face on a large screen behind people in the street

Photo: Dmitri Lovetsky/AP/AAP

Opinion

20 Sep 2022

Are the West’s sanctions against Russia actually working?

The exact impact of sanctions is always difficult to assess in the short-term. But there are signs it is an effective strategy against Russia – and the only real option.

Researchers at UNSW Sydney used a standard 3D printer to produce an intricate map of Australia made of solid polymer electrolyte which was then tested as an energy storage device. Photos from Dr Nathaniel Corrigan

Science & Tech

19 Sep 2022

New 3D printing process offers novel energy storage design options

A team from UNSW Sydney has developed a way to 3D print strong, high-conducting solid polymer electrolytes into custom shapes.

The BUBs Quit study is crucial to reduce smoking rates among pregnant women. Photo: Shutterstock.

General

19 Sep 2022

NHMRC grant to help pregnant women quit smoking

UNSW Sydney BUBs Quit study receives NHMRC Partnership Project funding.

Candidate shows enthusiasm in job interview

UNSW Business School research shows intense as opposed to mild enthusiasm in a job interview may indicate that candidates cannot stay in control in stressful or difficult situations. Photo: Shutterstock

Business & Law

19 Sep 2022

How to show enthusiasm in a job interview

Keen as a bean to nail that job interview? It turns out that showing too much enthusiasm for the new job can damage your chances, new UNSW Business School research shows.

Eighteen of the 200 projects have been awarded to early career researchers at UNSW. Photo: UNSW

General

16 Sep 2022

Early career researchers at UNSW awarded $7.6m in funding

The funding allows researchers to progress their projects and careers that will benefit Australians.

Biomedical engineers have been trying to make blood stem cells in laboratory dishes to solve the problem of donor blood stem cell shortages. Image: Shutterstock

Health

14 Sep 2022

The blood stem cell research that could change medicine of the future

Making stem cells from a patient’s adult cells – rather than human embryos – is one of the holy grails in modern medicine treatments. New research brings us two steps closer.

T cells pushing lytic granules towards immunological synapse

T cells (blue) use physical forces to stretch and bend the membranes of cancer cells (orange). Image: James Cremasco, Daryan Kempe and Maté Biro.

Health

16 Sep 2022

T cells use force to destroy cancer cells

New research reveals the mechanical processes used by T cells to kill cancer cells more efficiently.

Over $13 million in funding has been awarded to 14 UNSW Sydney academics for the ARC Future Fellowships for 2022. Photo: UNSW

General

14 Sep 2022

ARC names 14 UNSW researchers as 2022 Future Fellows

The Fellows have secured more than $13 million for projects in science, engineering, the humanities and medicine.

General

17 Sep 2022

Mentem by UNSW wins Australian Good Design Award

Social Affairs

14 Sep 2022

Social housing temperatures in NSW exceed health and safety limits: study

A man leaving his home walking through flood waters.

Catastrophic events like recent floods have contributed to a rise in insurance costs. Photo: Getty

Business & Law

14 Sep 2022

Why are insurance costs going up right now?

A UNSW Business School expert explains why rising insurance premiums are set to join other affordability pressures for Australians.

protester holding a rent control now sign at a housing crisis rally

Greater use of rent controls could ease the pressure on renters’ pockets and keep them in their homes. Photo: Wandering Views / Shutterstock.

Social Affairs

29 Aug 2022

Is it time to talk about rent control in Australia?

Regulating rent increases could provide cost-of-living relief for those feeling the biggest squeeze.

10 Minute Genius: Veena Sahajwalla on why there is no such thing as waste

General

Waste has got a bad reputation. But when we hold our noses as we scuttle past the bin, we are passing by a world of opportunities. In material science, the idea of a used can, a discarded tyre or a smashed iPhone is a gateway to an untapped world of new products. So, in the time it takes to melt an aluminium can, Eureka Prize recipient Veena Sahajwalla explains why not everything belongs in the bin.

To learn more about Veena's work, head to the Centre for Sustainable Materials and Research & Technology (SMaRT@UNSW)'s website.

AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEW

Transport strike and public servants

Dr Greig Taylor

Dr Greig Taylor, UNSW Business School is available to talk about current events relating to worker strikes, unions, industry bargaining, gig workers and employee rights. Contact: greig.taylor@unsw.edu.au or Kate Bettes at k.bettes@unsw.edu.au.

raindrops_on_glass_shutterstock_ju_see_reduced_la_nina.jpg

The Bureau of Meteorology – BOM – has declared a La Niña for the third year in a row, potentially increasing flood risk. Shutterstock: ju_see

Science & Tech

15 Sep 2022

UNSW experts available to advise on triple La Nina

UNSW experts are available to comment on the recently announced third La Niña in as many years.

UNSW AI Institute Chief Scientist Toby Walsh and Associate Professor Haris Aziz, the interim Director of the UNSW AI Institute. Photo: UNSW

General

13 Sep 2022

UNSW launches Artificial Intelligence (AI) Institute

The new flagship university-wide research institute will support the activities of over 300 UNSW researchers working across AI.

Global challenges such as the pandemic, floods, droughts and geo-political conflict have set back any progress in achieving food security. Image: Shutterstock

Science & Tech

13 Sep 2022

Food security: the world is hungry for a solution

The complex issue of global food security can only be solved if all nations work together, a UNSW expert says.

Omicron-adapted COVID-19 boosters will likely be available in several countries before the end of the year. Photo: iStock.

Health

13 Sep 2022

The first Omicron-adapted COVID-19 boosters are coming

Several countries are preparing to distribute Omicron-adapted COVID-19 boosters. What does this mean for Australia?

Science & Tech

12 Sep 2022

New very-high-speed motor offers improved power density for use in electric vehicles

General

12 Sep 2022

Funding to help empower women working in construction

Frances Voon, Executive Manager of UNSW’s Andrew and Renata Kaldor Centre

The Kaldor Centre’s Frances Voon has been named Social Impact award winner at the Global Australian Awards. Photo: UNSW

General

08 Sep 2022

UNSW human rights leader awarded Global Australian Award

The Kaldor Centre’s Frances Voon has won the award in the Social Impact category.

A fundamental revolution is underway in creative collaboration between humans and AI. Image: ‘Théâtre D’opéra Spatial’ Jason Allen/Midjourney

Opinion

14 Sep 2022

AI art is everywhere right now. Even experts don’t know what it will mean

AI art tools like DALL-E, Midjourney and Stable Diffusion are starting a revolution in the way art is made.

The Southern Ocean, encircling Antarctica, is a smaller ocean but is responsible for the vast absorption of excess planetary heat. Photo: MarcAndreLeTourneux/Shutterstock

Science & Tech

08 Sep 2022

Southern Ocean takes on the heat of climate change

New modelling shows the Southern Ocean to have absorbed the majority of excess greenhouse-related warming due its unique geographic properties.

Opinion

12 Sep 2022

Transport strike and public servants

Most popular stories of the past 14 days