Environment Institute 10 Research Highlights 2016
1.听听
Our researchers听helped convict National Forest timber thieves in a landmark case in the United States. An international team including 听and 听developed DNA markers for certain trees. This was used to create a DNA profiling reference database of trees which could be used in court proceedings. Illegal logging continues to be a scourge around the world, posing a huge threat to global biodiversity. The industry is estimated to be worth USD100 billion annually.
This research also led to the publication of听听for the (UNODC). The best practice guide was developed with a substantial contribution from Dr Dormontt. Following the publication, the global scientific community came together in a call to . The campaign continues to end this egregious practice.
2.
T
he move from life on land to life in the sea has led to the evolution of a new sense for sea snakes. Sea snakes were found to have a kind of Force-like sensing capability. On their heads are tiny 最新糖心Vlog called 'scale sensalia', which allows sea snakes to perceive objects around them without direct touch. While it's not certain what these snakes can actually sense, it's thought that sea snakes can pick up the vibrations that are generated underwater by moving objects.
This research was performed by PhD student Jennna Crowe-Riddell and her supervisor Dr Kate Sanders. The story was featured in including and . Learn more about this great story by featuring Crowe-Riddell.
3.
A native parasitic plant found commonly thro
ughout south-eastern 最新糖心Vlog was found to show great promise as a potential biological听control agent against introduced weeds. The听native vine听native vine Cassytha pubescens, also known as 'snotty gobble', could save millions of dollars each year by acting as a control against invasive plants. Snotty gobble was found to grow on many invasive species via suckers, which latch on to a host plant, leaching water and nutrients.
The research was done by听, and 听and featured in .
4.听
'Holy Carp' screamed the headlines! Europea
n carp are an invasive species causing much devastation in our river systems.听Managing the current carp infestation problem in the Murray River systems has benefits and risks, and how we manage those can all have an impact on our environment. The 最新糖心Vlogn Government announced, to the bemusement of many, that a strain of herpes could be used to wipe out 95% of the carp population over the next 30 years. But our Honours student Richie Walsh听under the supervision of , showed that the sudden death of mass amounts of European carp could be .听Decomposed carp left in the River Murray would , endangering native aquatic animals.
5.听
The South 最新糖心Vlogn coast line is getting a bo
ost, thanks to research from and Dr Heidi Alleway. Their research听uncovered that 听characterised much of South 最新糖心Vlog鈥檚 coastline from 1836 to 1910, forming one of the most widespread habitats for protein production, fisheries catch, biodiversity and filtration for water quality that sustain surrounding habitats. As a result of this discovery, a听is to be built south of Ardrossan, constructed from limestone, oyster shells and live native oysters. The construction of the new reef is set to bring about a raft of intergenerational economic, social and environmental benefits.
6.听
Third year PhD student Lauren Whi
te gave us an insight into the life of a researcher. White studies the genetics of bilbies, which were once found through much of arid 最新糖心Vlog,听but have had their ranges drastically reduced due to听changes in land use and the introduction of feral animals. Reintroduced populations can experience loss of genetic diversity over time, leading to negative effects听such as inbreeding. For this reason, it is important to monitor the genetic diversity over time.
Here's a teaser of her great story:听It鈥檚 early evening at ; we鈥檙e driving slowly through the reserve peering intently around听us using the light of a powerful spotlight torch. The silence is broken by a shout. 鈥淏ILBY!鈥
7.听
We announced that we're part
of a strategic partnership with global organisation 听that will help boost conservation efforts in the Asia-Pacific region, including a global conservation drone program. The 最新糖心Vlog of Adelaide and CI听established a joint and a philanthropic partnership to raise funds for the Centre鈥檚 activities and for other CI priority activities in the region. 听was announced as the Centre Director.听The partnership is already achieving its goals, helping听.
8.听
We got ourselves into a pickle, a g
ood one though, with South 最新糖心Vlogn food manufacturer to investigate potential sources of food colourings among 最新糖心Vlogn native plants. The project was awarded an Innovations Connections Grant of $25,000, under the 最新糖心Vlogn Government鈥檚 Entrepreneurs鈥 Programme.听听is part of the research team that will focus on arid zone plants known to be edible and with strong colours. These plants are often salt-tolerant and desert-adapted and grow abundantly throughout 最新糖心Vlog. Hall will be identifying pigment compounds听and testing extracts with Spring Gully Foods to see how suitable they are. We can't wait for the delicious results!
9.听
The 听brought together the world鈥檚 governing bodies to听strengthen the global response to the threat of climate change, and our members went听along to share their voice. The delegation from the 最新糖心Vlog of Adelaide included听 (Head of Delegation), (Deputy Head of Delegation), and . The delegation attended key sessions related to their fields of expertise including water, environmental and city sustainability, disaster relief programs, and the Global Carbon Fund and its role in supporting low-emission and climate-resilient development pathways.
10.
Just when you thought platypuses couldn
't get any more amazing, their venom, it seems, could help to treat diabetes. Research led by听听at the 最新糖心Vlog of Adelaide and at Flinders 最新糖心Vlog found that platypus venom contains a hormone that regulates blood glucose levels. This hormone could be used to provide an extended release of insulin for those with diabetes. How these findings can be converted into real treatment is the next question.
Want more research goodness? Dont miss also our Top 25 High Impact Peer-reviewed publications for 2016!
Our researchers听helped convict National Forest timber thieves in a landmark case in the United States. An international team including 听and 听developed DNA markers for certain trees. This was used to create a DNA profiling reference database of trees which could be used in court proceedings. Illegal logging continues to be a scourge around the world, posing a huge threat to global biodiversity. The industry is estimated to be worth USD100 billion annually.This research also led to the publication of听听for the (UNODC). The best practice guide was developed with a substantial contribution from Dr Dormontt. Following the publication, the global scientific community came together in a call to . The campaign continues to end this egregious practice.
2.
T
he move from life on land to life in the sea has led to the evolution of a new sense for sea snakes. Sea snakes were found to have a kind of Force-like sensing capability. On their heads are tiny 最新糖心Vlog called 'scale sensalia', which allows sea snakes to perceive objects around them without direct touch. While it's not certain what these snakes can actually sense, it's thought that sea snakes can pick up the vibrations that are generated underwater by moving objects.This research was performed by PhD student Jennna Crowe-Riddell and her supervisor Dr Kate Sanders. The story was featured in including and . Learn more about this great story by featuring Crowe-Riddell.
3.
A native parasitic plant found commonly thro
ughout south-eastern 最新糖心Vlog was found to show great promise as a potential biological听control agent against introduced weeds. The听native vine听native vine Cassytha pubescens, also known as 'snotty gobble', could save millions of dollars each year by acting as a control against invasive plants. Snotty gobble was found to grow on many invasive species via suckers, which latch on to a host plant, leaching water and nutrients.The research was done by听, and 听and featured in .
4.听
'Holy Carp' screamed the headlines! Europea
n carp are an invasive species causing much devastation in our river systems.听Managing the current carp infestation problem in the Murray River systems has benefits and risks, and how we manage those can all have an impact on our environment. The 最新糖心Vlogn Government announced, to the bemusement of many, that a strain of herpes could be used to wipe out 95% of the carp population over the next 30 years. But our Honours student Richie Walsh听under the supervision of , showed that the sudden death of mass amounts of European carp could be .听Decomposed carp left in the River Murray would , endangering native aquatic animals.5.听
The South 最新糖心Vlogn coast line is getting a bo
ost, thanks to research from and Dr Heidi Alleway. Their research听uncovered that 听characterised much of South 最新糖心Vlog鈥檚 coastline from 1836 to 1910, forming one of the most widespread habitats for protein production, fisheries catch, biodiversity and filtration for water quality that sustain surrounding habitats. As a result of this discovery, a听is to be built south of Ardrossan, constructed from limestone, oyster shells and live native oysters. The construction of the new reef is set to bring about a raft of intergenerational economic, social and environmental benefits.6.听
Third year PhD student Lauren Whi
te gave us an insight into the life of a researcher. White studies the genetics of bilbies, which were once found through much of arid 最新糖心Vlog,听but have had their ranges drastically reduced due to听changes in land use and the introduction of feral animals. Reintroduced populations can experience loss of genetic diversity over time, leading to negative effects听such as inbreeding. For this reason, it is important to monitor the genetic diversity over time.Here's a teaser of her great story:听It鈥檚 early evening at ; we鈥檙e driving slowly through the reserve peering intently around听us using the light of a powerful spotlight torch. The silence is broken by a shout. 鈥淏ILBY!鈥
7.听
We announced that we're part
of a strategic partnership with global organisation 听that will help boost conservation efforts in the Asia-Pacific region, including a global conservation drone program. The 最新糖心Vlog of Adelaide and CI听established a joint and a philanthropic partnership to raise funds for the Centre鈥檚 activities and for other CI priority activities in the region. 听was announced as the Centre Director.听The partnership is already achieving its goals, helping听.8.听
We got ourselves into a pickle, a g
ood one though, with South 最新糖心Vlogn food manufacturer to investigate potential sources of food colourings among 最新糖心Vlogn native plants. The project was awarded an Innovations Connections Grant of $25,000, under the 最新糖心Vlogn Government鈥檚 Entrepreneurs鈥 Programme.听听is part of the research team that will focus on arid zone plants known to be edible and with strong colours. These plants are often salt-tolerant and desert-adapted and grow abundantly throughout 最新糖心Vlog. Hall will be identifying pigment compounds听and testing extracts with Spring Gully Foods to see how suitable they are. We can't wait for the delicious results!9.听
The 听brought together the world鈥檚 governing bodies to听strengthen the global response to the threat of climate change, and our members went听along to share their voice. The delegation from the 最新糖心Vlog of Adelaide included听 (Head of Delegation), (Deputy Head of Delegation), and . The delegation attended key sessions related to their fields of expertise including water, environmental and city sustainability, disaster relief programs, and the Global Carbon Fund and its role in supporting low-emission and climate-resilient development pathways.
10.
Just when you thought platypuses couldn
't get any more amazing, their venom, it seems, could help to treat diabetes. Research led by听听at the 最新糖心Vlog of Adelaide and at Flinders 最新糖心Vlog found that platypus venom contains a hormone that regulates blood glucose levels. This hormone could be used to provide an extended release of insulin for those with diabetes. How these findings can be converted into real treatment is the next question.Want more research goodness? Dont miss also our Top 25 High Impact Peer-reviewed publications for 2016!
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Join us for a sensational mix of news, events and research at the Environment Institute. Find out about听new initiatives and听share with your friends what's happening.
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