Fran Molloy
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Journalist, writer, editor, uni lecturer. Member, @ScienceJournOz & @withmeaa. Lifesaver. Ginger.
Articles by Fran Molloy
Mining water know-how flows to remote communities
By Fran Molloy 5 October 2026 5 min read Key points Water treatment technology developed for mining is being adapted to help remote and Indigenous communities access safer, more reliable drinking water from groundwater. Groundwater can contain high levels of dissolved minerals and microbial contamination making it unfit for human consumption.
The rapid-curing system slashing rail construction times from weeks to days
When Andrew Rovers MIEAust and his team at Civil Infrastructure Group (CIG) watched more project work shifting to precast concrete, they faced a commercial threat that demanded a technical response. The answer they developed – a patented rapid heat-curing system called CIGcure – has since won them rail viaduct contracts across the state.
Australia’s green metals gambit: the technologies to decarbonise steel using Pilbara iron ores
By Fran Molloy 23 March 2026 7 min read Key points Green metals refers to metals, like steel and aluminium, produced with net-zero emissions. The Pilbara is a powerhouse of iron ore production but its lower purity ores means pathways to lower emissions may be trickier but is possible. CSIRO working with multiple partners on enabling onnovations that will pave the pathways to green metals for Australia.
From pottery clay to moon bricks: How mining waste could solve two global crises
By Fran Molloy 5 November 2025 7 min read Key points Australia generates an estimated 620 million tonnes of mine waste annually, stored in 250 active tailings dams with an average global failure rate of around 1.8 per cent. CSIRO scientists are converting mine tailings into geopolymer concrete that cuts CO₂ emissions by up to 90 per cent compared with Portland cement.
Macquarie technology powers breakthrough telescope in Chile
An astronomical instrument featuring Australian-built technology has achieved first light – the crucial moment when a telescope captures its first images – at the European Southern Observatory’s Paranal Observatory in Chile. VISTA telescope: The VISTA telescope at the European Southern Observatory's Paranal Observatory in Chile, now equipped with the 4MOST instrument featuring AAO's AESOP fibre positioning system.
How humans reshaped the natural world - Openforum
Fossil bones from six continents have revealed how people have fundamentally transformed mammal communities across the globe, according to new research that traces 50,000 years of animal history. Rock art: The Polychrome Bison from the Cave of Altamira, Spain, depicts prehistoric humans hunting megafauna during the Upper Paleolithic era.
How humans reshaped the animal world: Research traces 50,000 years of change
New fossil research shows how human impacts, particularly through the rise of agriculture and livestock, have disrupted natural mammal communities as profoundly as the Ice Age extinctions. Fossil bones from six continents have revealed how people have fundamentally transformed mammal communities across the globe, according to new research that traces 50,000 years of animal history.
How humans reshaped the animal world
Fossil bones from six continents have revealed how people have fundamentally transformed mammal communities across the globe, according to new research that traces 50,000 years of animal history. Rock art: The Polychrome Bison from the Cave of Altamira, Spain, depicts prehistoric humans hunting during the Upper Paleolithic era.
Secret spider societies reveal surprising brain differences
Researchers peered inside the brains of huntsman and crab spiders using microCT scanners and found that while spiders' brains don't have to be bigger for them to live in groups, social spiders are wired for better memory, recognition and collaboration.
Secret spider societies reveal surprising brain differences
In bushland near Melbourne last year, Dr Vanessa Penna Gonçalves was collecting certain ‘social’ species of huntsman and crab spiders for her PhD research, and peeled back a strip of eucalyptus bark to uncover a remarkable sight — a society of huntsman spiders living together in social harmony under a single piece of bark. Field discovery: Dr Vanessa Penna-Gonçalves, above, collects social huntsman spiders from under eucalyptus bark, where colonies of up to 100 individuals live together.
Astrophysicists find sun's 11-year magnetic cycle mirrors younger stars, shaping Earth's space weather
Most places on Earth have seasons because our planet is on a tilt as it orbits the sun.
The Surprising Teamwork Trick Ants Use to Double Their Strength
Weaver ants pull off the impossible: they get stronger, not weaker, in bigger teams — a secret “force ratchet” trick that could reshape robotics. Credit: Shutterstock Weaver ants have mastered a teamwork hack that humans never could: they actually work harder as their teams grow. Instead of slacking off like people in big groups, these ants double their pulling power by splitting roles — some anchoring while others pull.
Genetically-altered toads explain why albino animals are rare in nature
Albino cane toads created using gene-editing technology reveal that albino animals face competitive disadvantages going far beyond their vulnerability to predators, according to new research published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B. Pale problem: Gene-edited albino tadpole albove shows why colourless animals struggle from birth.
Tiny ants crack the secret to perfect teamwork
Faculty Faculty of Science and Engineering Weaver ants increase their individual strength as teams grow larger and by cracking the secret to superefficient teamwork, they offer insights that could transform robot design. Weaver ants have solved a problem that has plagued human teams for centuries: individuals contribute less to tasks when more people join in. New research just published in Current Biology shows individual weaver ants actually get stronger as their group grows.
Making tracks: multiple dinosaur footprints unearthed in major discovery
The discovery of ancient footprints in Canada has transformed the way researchers hunt for dinosaur tracks. Macquarie University palaeontologist Sally Hurst has helped uncover the first evidence of multispecies dinosaur herding from ancient footprints that were preserved in ironstone 76 million years ago. Ancient steps: Macquarie University researcher Sally Hurst next to one of the tyrannosaur footprints from the Skyline trackway site in Canada.
Living color: How red, green and yellow concrete improves Sydney marine life
When marine scientists gave Sydney Harbor seawalls a colorful glow up, they discovered it boosted marine biodiversity along our increasingly urbanized, concrete-dominated shorelines. A new study published in the Journal of Applied Ecology by researchers from Macquarie University and the Sydney Institute of Marine Science has found the color of concrete can significantly affect which marine organisms make their homes in urban seawalls.
Living colour: how red, green and yellow concrete improves Sydney marine life
Faculty Faculty of Science and Engineering When marine scientists gave Sydney Harbour seawalls a colourful glow up, they discovered it boosted marine biodiversity along our increasingly urbanised, concrete-dominated shorelines. A new study published in the Journal of Applied Ecology by researchers from Macquarie University and the Sydney Institute of Marine Science has found the colour of concrete can significantly affect which marine organisms make their homes in urban seawalls.
Doomed planet's death spiral could reveal stellar secrets
Faculty Faculty of Science and Engineering Astronomers led by a team at Macquarie University have tracked an extreme planet’s orbital decay to understand how stars dissipate energy. A massive planet five times heavier than Jupiter is locked in an astronomical death spiral, completing an orbit around its star in just 16 hours – and Macquarie University researchers have calculated exactly how this astronomical catastrophe will unfold.
How a new treatment for phobias could help cut pesticide use
Scared of spiders, storms, dogs or more recently, mushrooms? New research reveals the surprising consequences of biophobias and calls for an innovative approach to treatment. Some people are so scared of spiders, they have accidentally set fire to their own house trying to kill one, while fear of dogs, snakes and even plants can lead others to avoid going outdoors.
Exposure therapy for phobias could help cut pesticide use
Faculty Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences Scared of spiders, storms, dogs or more recently, mushrooms? New research reveals the surprising consequences of biophobias and calls for an innovative approach to treatment. Some people are so scared of spiders, they have accidentally set fire to their own house trying to kill one, while fear of dogs, snakes and even plants can lead others to avoid going outdoors.
Common Farm Chemical Is Accelerating the Insect Apocalypse
A commonly used fungicide on Australian produce has been shown to drastically affect insect fertility and survival, even at minimal residue levels. Credit: Shutterstock Insects exposed to low levels of chlorothalonil suffer major reproductive harm. Its continued use threatens pollination and ecosystem balance.
Common farm fungicide may be contributing to 'insect apocalypse'
A widely-used agricultural chemical sprayed on fruits and vegetables to prevent fungal disease is also killing beneficial insects that play a critical role in pollination and wider ecosystems. New Macquarie University-led research published in Royal Society Open Science, shows chlorothalonil, one of the world's most widely used agricultural fungicides, deeply impacts the reproduction and survival of insects, even at the lowest levels routinely found on food from cranberries to wine grapes.
Common farm chemical threatens insect survival
A widely-used agricultural chemical sprayed on fruits and vegetables to prevent fungal disease is also killing beneficial insects that play a critical role in pollination and wider ecosystems. Ecosystem role: Drosophila melanogaster insects feed on rotting fruit and play important nutrient recycling roles, but research shows chlorothalonil exposure causes them serious reproductive damage.
Australian native bees see the world differently: research first
For the first time, scientists have peered into the remarkable visual world of Australia’s native stingless bees, discovering that different species see their environment in dramatically different ways. Distinct visual superpowers: The Australian native stingless bee Austroplebeia australis, pictured, can detect objects in low-light conditions, so it can forage under canopies and in overcast conditions. Image credit: Sue Jaggar, iNaturalist.
Gaming addiction starts in primary school as screen time soars, research shows
A new study has found children as young as 10 show clinical-level gaming disorder, which researchers say could affect 100,000 Australian children, with a further 350,000 at risk of smartphone addiction. Australian children are spending up to nine hours a day on screens, with new Macquarie University research showing that gaming addiction and smartphone overuse are starting much earlier than previously thought—in upper primary school rather than the teenage years.
Gaming addiction starts in primary school as screen time soars: new research
Faculty Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences A new study has found children as young as 10 show clinical-level gaming disorder, which researchers say could affect 100,000 Australian children, with a further 350,000 at risk of smartphone addiction.
Eureka! The global warming maths problem that took 15 years to solve
In solving the complex maths to calculate how irregular atmospheric particles affect global warming, a Macquarie University mathematician has built equations that could improve climate modelling, medical imaging and material design. Tiny particles high in our atmosphere play a key role in our climate, but deciphering the mathematics to calculate their impact on global warming has been a 15-year labour of love for Macquarie University mathematician Associate Professor Stuart Hawkins.
A breakthrough discovery for Earth's geological history
A study published today in Nature reveals that Earth’s first crust, formed about 4.5 billion years ago, probably had chemical features remarkably like today’s continental crust. This suggests the distinctive chemical signature of our continents was established at the very beginning of Earth’s history. Professor Emeritus Simon Turner from the Faculty of Science and Engineering at Macquarie University led the study, which included researchers from around Australia and the UK and France.
Climate and health litigation mounting in Australia as exposure to extreme heat grows
Faculty Faculty of Science and Engineering Australia’s exposure to extreme heat continues to grow while the country has emerged as a global hotspot for climate change litigation, according to the latest MJA–Lancet Countdown report published this week. Australia has experienced a 37 per cent increase in health-damaging heat waves over the past 20 years, according to the new Medical Journal of Australia–Lancet Countdown report published this week.
Earth's first crust composition discovery rewrites geological timeline
Faculty Faculty of Science and Engineering Researchers have made a breakthrough discovery that changes our understanding of Earth’s early geological history, challenging beliefs about how our continents formed and when plate tectonics began. A study published today in Nature reveals that Earth's first crust, formed about 4.5 billion years ago, probably had chemical features remarkably like today’s continental crust.
Smart solutions for sustainable mining: meet CSIRO's next generation
By Fran Molloy 1 April 2025 6 min read Key points Our Sustainable Mining Technologies Research program focuses on mine safety, environmental performance, automation and digital connectivity. The program develops safer and more sustainable mining solutions. Meet three early career researchers who work in this field, in the areas of data-informed decisions, underground fibre optic sensing, and mobile mission control centres.
Could Australia be left behind in the AI revolution?
Faculty Faculty of Science and Engineering Topic Australia is at risk of being left behind in AI development without urgent investment, warns Macquarie University Professor of Data Science, Amin Beheshti. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping the world, but while major global players are pouring billions into AI development, Australia risks being left behind.
Should I drop maths? – Careers with STEM
Should I drop maths in Year 11? Ask yourself these questions first Maths is the language of STEM and there are so many benefits of studying it in high school. But if the question has been on your mind lately, we’re here to help you decide what’s the best path for you and your future career. 1. Do you know for sure that your career won’t need maths? Y/N Studying maths seriously prepares you for any career. It’s great for developing excellent problem-solving skills and thinking critically.
Powering the future: our rising stars in critical minerals processing.
By Fran Molloy 5 March 2025 5 min read Key points Our Mineral Processing program develops energy and resource-efficient innovations that reduce costs, minimise environmental impacts, and boost productivity across the minerals industry. Two flagship projects are advancing battery technology: a pilot plant for cathode precursor materials and innovative approaches to graphite purification for battery anodes. These are essential for the green energy transition.
Tiny Australian Peacock Spiders break records in speed-jumping
Australia’s Peacock spiders, known for their vibrant courtship displays, have set a new record for the fastest acceleration ever recorded in jumping spiders. Nature's gymnast: Using a semi-hydraulic system to power its jumps, this tiny male Splendid Peacock spider experiences forces 13 times greater than gravity during its precisely targeted leaps.
Siamese fighting fish need more space in pet shops: New behavior data
Scientists have found prized Siamese fighting fish are typically being kept in conditions a quarter of the size they need to thrive, challenging decades of retail practice in the multi-million dollar ornamental fish industry worldwide. A new study published in the Journal of Animal Welfare shows the typical housing conditions for Siamese fighting fish—one of the world's most popular pets—may cause them significant harm.
Siamese fighting fish need more space in pet shops: new behaviour data
Faculty Faculty of Science and Engineering Scientists have found prized Siamese fighting fish are typically being kept in conditions a quarter of the size they need to thrive, challenging decades of retail practice in the multi-million dollar ornamental fish industry worldwide. A new study published in the Journal of Animal Welfare shows the typical housing conditions for Siamese fighting fish — one of the world’s most popular pets — may cause them significant harm.
Scientists engineer fish and flies to clean up toxic mercury
Australian scientists have found an effective new way to clean up methylmercury, one of the world’s most dangerous pollutants, which often builds up in our food and environment because of industrial activities such as illegal gold mining and burning coal. Pollution Pioneers: Laboratory zebrafish, pictured above, were engineered to break down toxic mercury in their bodies.
Sewage signals: How DNA detection is transforming water quality monitoring
An international study published in Nature Water has uncovered wide-spread sewage pollution in urban harbors across five continents. The researchers used molecular techniques on harbor water samples that use human-gut microbial flora DNA to detect sewage contamination on a global scale. Molecular Ecologist Associate Professor Anthony Chariton from Macquarie University said the researchers began by finding a "global signature" that could be used to distinguish sewage from other harbor contaminants.
Sewage Signals: How DNA detection is revolutionising water quality monitoring
An international study published in Nature Water last month has uncovered wide-spread sewage pollution in urban harbours across five continents. Evidence: Researchers tested a variety of locations around Sydney Harbour including Watson's Bay, pictured above, and found the presence of human sewage was a common problem. The researchers used molecular techniques on harbour water samples which use human-gut microbial flora DNA to detect sewage contamination on a global scale.
Researchers discover genetic reason for the red, yellow and orange bills of Australian finches
What gives an Australian finch its brilliantly colored red, yellow or orange bill? A major new study has uncovered the genetic switches controlling these distinctive colors, revealing a key piece in the puzzle of how animals develop their coloration. The research published in Current Biology, reveals how yellow and red bill colors evolved in the long-tailed finch through changes in just a few key genes that control how birds process yellow pigments from their diet.
The surprising reason flowers wilt - Australian Geographic
A study published in the journal Plant Biology by researchers from Macquarie University and international collaborators has shown, for the first time, that plants reuse resources from wilting flowers to support future reproduction. Lead author Honorary Professor Graham Pyke from Macquarie University says the findings help explain a common but poorly understood plant process.
New genetic discovery reveals how birds get their coloured bills
Faculty Faculty of Science and Engineering Macquarie University researchers have uncovered a genetic reason for the distinctive red, yellow and orange bills of Australian finches – and it’s all to do with how they digest pigments in certain seeds. What gives an Australian finch its brilliantly coloured red, yellow or orange bill? A major new study has uncovered the genetic switches controlling these distinctive colours, revealing a key piece in the puzzle of how animals develop their colouration.
The reasons flowers wilt could explain how plants spend (and save) their energy
Wilting flowers might not signal poor flower or plant health, but rather the effects of a sophisticated resource management strategy in plants, millions of years in the making. A study in the journal Plant Biology by researchers from Macquarie University and international collaborators has shown for the first time that plants reuse resources from wilting flowers to support future reproduction.
Rising stars in mineral exploration: a Q&A
By Fran Molloy 1 November 2024 4 min read Key points Our Discovery program addresses the challenges of resources and discovery through sustainable and environmentally responsible approaches from space-based sensors to 3D geological modelling. The team's research promises to support Australia's position at the forefront of critical mineral discovery and the global transition to clean energy.
The reasons flowers wilt could explain how plants spend (and save) their energy
A study in the journal Plant Biology by researchers from Macquarie University and international collaborators has shown for the first time, that plants reuse resources from wilting flowers to support future reproduction. Pollen Power: Hand-pollinating Christmas Bell flowers helped researchers track the wilting process. Lead author Honorary Professor Graham Pyke from Macquarie University says the findings help explain a common but poorly understood plant process.
Surfing whales: citizen scientists help reveal behaviour of elusive tropical species
Faculty Faculty of Science and Engineering The first dedicated study of the distribution, ecology and behaviour of elusive Bryde’s whales in NSW and Queensland waters could help reshape conservation efforts. A study led by Macquarie University researchers is the first to document the possible year-round presence and unique feeding behaviours of Bryde’s whales along Australia’s east coast, including several instances of the whales 'surfing' in shallow waters to feed.
One in three plants call islands home
Faculty Faculty of Science and Engineering From Tasmania to Madagascar to New Guinea, islands make up just over five per cent of Earth’s land yet are home to 31 per cent of the world’s plant species. A new study shows that more than half the plants unique to islands are classified as threatened, with habitat loss, climate warming and invasive species to blame.
Scales in the suburbs: 10 years of wildlife rescues reveal Sydneysiders’ reptile relationships
Faculty Faculty of Science and Engineering Topic As spring signals an increase in reptile activity, an extensive exploration of 10 years of wildlife rescue data by scientists at Macquarie University reveals the complex interactions between humans and reptiles in Sydney’s urban landscape. A new analysis of a decade-long collection of wildlife rescue records in NSW has delivered fresh insights into how humans and reptiles interact in urban environments.
Hot Jupiter’s eccentric triangle of attraction could be a live case of ‘3 Body Problem’
Faculty Faculty of Science and Engineering An international astronomy team has analysed data from a newly-discovered massive planet on an extreme orbit to understand how ‘hot Jupiter’ planets form. This year’s discovery of a strangely-behaved exoplanet about 1100 light years from Earth, TIC 241249530 b, has helped an international astronomy team better understand the formation of a class of planets called ‘hot Jupiters’ – gas giant planets orbiting close to their star.
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