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New National Data Offers Insight into PFAS Levels in Australians

Dr Cameron Shearer has commented on a recent announcement by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), as they have shared new data of a voluntary survey conducted by the ABS’ National Health Measures on Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) levels. The new data  creates a baseline of PFAS levels in Australians, that can support deeper research into the possible harm the chemicals can cause.

What 50,000 Years of Ancient DNA Uncovers About Human Evolution

Environment Institute member Dr Yassine Souilmi and his team at the Australian Centre for Ancient DNA are challenging what we thought we knew about human adaptation. Their 2022 study, now spotlighted by SCIAM, analysed over 1,100 ancient genomes to uncover powerful genetic adaptations many of which have been erased from modern DNA due to population mixing.

Solving the pearl bluebush seed deficit for post-mining revegetation

Jaclyn Wilmot is an Honours student at the University of Adelaide, and student affiliate at the Environment Institute under the supervision of Dr Ilaine Matos, Environment Institute member. She is investigating the challenges of restoring of Maireana sedifolia (pearl bluebush), a native shrub critical to post-mining revegetation in South Australia’s arid zone. Jaclyn shares insights into the complexities of pearl bluebush reproduction, the importance of soil nutrients like nitrogen, and the potential of nature-based solutions to support seed production. Her work highlights the value of science-led restoration and the future of sustainable land management in mining landscapes.

Uncovering Hidden Bees in Australia

Dr Katja Hogendoorn, Environment Institute member, has contributed to a new study that has discovered  71 new Australian resin pot bees. This research has just been published in the Australian Journal of Taxonomy.

How the Past Helps Predict the Climate Future of Bowhead Whales

Environment Institute Deputy Director Damien Fordham and member Nicholas Freymueller, are part of an international team with the University of Adelaide and the University of Copenhagen. They examined and reconstructed 11,700 years of bowhead whale ecological history, showing how climate change could erode up to 75% of foraging habitat by the end of the century.

Salt on the rise: What lagoon microbes reveal about the future of coastal ecosystems

When coastal lagoons degrade, it's not the fish that react first, it’s the microbes. Environment Institute member Dr Christopher Keneally has lead new research alongside Professor Justin Brookes, and with University of Adelaide academics Dr Virginie Gaget, Dr Stephen Kidd, Associate Professor Luke Mosley and Dr Daniel Chilton and Associate Professor David Welsh, have contributed to a global review exploring how microbial communities in coastal lagoons respond to rising salinity and nutrient stress. These microbes act as early warning systems, helping us detect and ideally prevent ecosystem collapse.