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Science & Systems
The latest Science & Systems stories on InSnip, each a source-backed snippet you can read in under a minute. Pure signal, no noise.
340,000 Australians turning 50 get dementia prevention letter
The Government is mailing brain-health tips to people turning 50. Experts say nearly half of dementia cases could be stopped.
Why low iron in toddlers matters and how to spot the warning signs
Low iron is one of the most common nutrient deficiencies in young children. It can affect brain development, but life-threatening cases are rare.
H5N1 bird flu found on Tasmania's King Island
H5N1 strain detected in a crested tern on King Island off Tasmania's coast, marking the second confirmed case in the state.
Ebola reaches sixth DR Congo province, spread by traveller
A motorcycle taxi driver brought Ebola from Haut-Uele to Bas-Uele, a province with no previous cases.
H5N1 bird flu found near major NSW tourism island
A seabird tested positive for H5N1 near Barunguba Montague Island. This threatens local tourism - 70% of Narooma's hospitality depends on visitors.
Ebola outbreak projected to become deadliest on record
The 2026 outbreak was declared in May. It has killed more than 2,000 people and infected 4,300. At this pace, it will surpass the 2014-2016 epidemic that killed 11,000.
Sydney gets its first total solar eclipse since 1857 in 2028
The eclipse will cross Australia on July 22, 2028, with the path of totality sweeping through WA, NT, Queensland, and NSW.
Six biotech startups score $13.5 million from CUREator+ program
Six Australian biotech startups won $13.5 million in grants to develop new treatments. They will work on inflammatory disease, cancer, heart disease, nerve disorders, and digital health tools.
Europe witnesses total solar eclipse for first time in 27 years
Millions across Spain, Iceland, Greenland and Portugal watched the Moon block the Sun. The corona became visible for up to two minutes and 18 seconds.
Brown skua diagnosed with H5N1 in Tasmania's first bird flu detection
A brown skua at Rocky Cape tested positive for H5N1. This makes Tasmania the sixth Australian state with the virus.
Colombia quake rescue effort races against 72-hour survival window
A 7.4 magnitude earthquake killed at least 265 people and left nearly 500 unaccounted for, with rescuers facing less than a day to find survivors.
Notre Dame nursing pause threatens 1,000-nurse shortage
University of Notre Dame paused all new nursing places for 12 months after taking too many students. The nursing union says this will create a shortage of about 1,000 nurses by 2029/30 in Western Australia.
Thomas Embling Hospital faces staff burnout and violence crisis
A leaked review found Thomas Embling Hospital struggling. Staff face burnout, violence, and high turnover at Victoria's only forensic mental hospital.
Mobile GP clinic launches in Canberra to treat homeless
Street Side Medics runs free health clinics at Griffin Centre every Thursday. Patients receive checks, blood tests, medicines and specialist referrals.
Brain scans show dogs distinguish happy from sad human faces
Scientists found that dogs can tell happy from sad human faces. Brain scans of 12 border collies showed different brain reactions to each emotion.
One dead after ferry inferno in Lombok Strait, 172 saved
The KM Putri Yasmin caught fire in the Lombok Strait early Wednesday, killing a 19-year-old Indonesian woman. Two Australians were among 172 survivors brought safely to shore.
Spain prepares for rare total eclipse as wildfire danger looms
Spain will see a total solar eclipse Wednesday evening. Half a million extra visitors are expected, but authorities worry about wildfires in the scorching heat.
Over 2 million Australians skip dentist due to cost, teeth rotting
More than 2 million Australians skip dental care because it costs too much. Dentists are calling on the government to release its delayed national plan to fix the crisis.
Ballarat great-gran joins rare lung cancer treatment trial
Wendy Martell is one of only two Australians taking part in a trial of new treatment for a rare type of lung cancer. The trial runs at her local Ballarat hospital.
Dairy farmer solves energy puzzle with batteries instead of rooftop solar
Peter Mulheron's dairy farm needed power at dawn and dusk, when solar produces nothing. A battery system changed everything.
Alterity Therapeutics wins US patent for neurodegenerative drug
Alterity Therapeutics got a US patent for ATH434, its main drug for brain disease.
Heart surgeon says fermented foods shape how fast you age
Fermented foods feed gut bacteria that shape digestion, immunity, energy use, and swelling. All of these affect how fast you age.
Mother chimp's aggression halts Rockhampton Zoo reunion attempt
Cassie broke her leg in June. Keepers hand-reared her while she healed. When they tried to reunite her with her mother Sile, Sile attacked her.
Lucy Davis's cancer has spread to her bones
Diagnosed 1.5 years ago with incurable stage 4 cancer spread to her spine, ribs and hip.
Woman's pregnancy screening revealed stage four bowel cancer
Alex Sansom, 38, was diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer that had spread to her liver. Genetic testing on her unborn baby flagged the problem.
International Space Station passes over Perth Tuesday evening, visible to naked eye
The ISS will be visible from Perth for about eight minutes from 6:40pm on Tuesday, bright enough to see without binoculars or a telescope.
Cancer wellness visits drop after partnership ends
A cancer wellness centre on the NSW-Victoria border saw fewer visitors after July 1, 2026. That day it stopped serving private patients alongside public patients.
7.4-magnitude earthquake kills 132 in western Colombia
A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia, killing at least 132 people with 480 injured.
Australia funds $2 million bird flu vaccine program for native species
The federal government is spending $2 million on about 1500 vaccines for endangered captive birds.
Family escapes as humpback whale sinks sailboat in Alaska
A humpback whale rammed through a sailboat's hull in Glacier Bay on 29 July, puncturing it with a hole large enough for a human to crawl through.
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