Latest news with #UniversityofMelbourne
9 News
4 days ago
- Science
- 9 News
Researchers put tiny backpacks on lizards and made a bleak discovery
Your web browser is no longer supported. To improve your experience update it here When it comes to survival in the animal world, many people would assume the faster animals fare better. But a new study led by a University of Melbourne researcher turns this assumption on its head, revealing being too speedy may make Australian central bearded dragons more vulnerable to predators. The bearded d ragons were fitted with temperature and movement trackers. (Supplied) The small, high-tech devices contained tiny accelerometers and temperature-sensing radio transmitters to feed back data on the lizards' body temperature and acceleration. Similar to other lizards, the bearded dragons rely on external heat sources to regulate body temperature to grow, digest food and reproduce effectively. "Our study confirmed that these dragons are indeed masters at optimising behaviour according to seasonal shifts in air temperature," Dr Kristoffer Wild said. "Data showed the lizards strategically moving between sunny spots and shady retreats in a delicate balancing act called behavioural thermoregulation." Dr Kristoffer Wild holding a bearded dragon in south-west Queensland. (Supplied) During the study, Wild said the research team looked at the dragons' optimal temperature for achieving peak speed and how speed related to survival outcomes. The data, which was published this week in the Journal of Animal Ecology showed that lizards with higher speeds had a greater risk of mortality. "What we believe is happening is that speedy lizards are engaging in riskier behaviours, such as moving around more openly and frequently, making them vulnerable to predators like birds and cats," Wild said. "We found that increased risk was especially pronounced during spring, so this would make sense with dragons moving around a lot more looking for mates. "These findings highlight an important ecological reality, what is measured in controlled lab environments doesn't always reflect what is happening in real-world environments. "This research reminds us that in the wild, survival isn't just about physiology, but is deeply intertwined in the interplay with behaviour, predation risk and environmental variability." national Australia science Study Melbourne Victoria CONTACT US
RNZ News
5 days ago
- Health
- RNZ News
Science: how ChatGPT is changing our everyday language
Science commentator Dr Jen Martin joins Kathryn to talk about a new study into how ChatGPT is changing our everyday language - have you found yourself using 'delve' more? The largest-ever study into how nighttime light affects heart health has found the more you're exposed to a night, the higher your risk of heart disease. And are left-hand people really brilliant creatives? Or is it just that both are rare? Dr Jen Martin founded the science communication program at the University of Melbourne, runs the blog and is also the author of Why Am I Like This?: The Science Behind Your Weirdest Thoughts and Habits.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Why Australia still wins: High costs, tougher visas, but global students aren't leaving
FILE PHOTO: Univerysity of Sydney In an era when the cost of international education is under fierce scrutiny, one destination continues to defy expectations: Australia. Despite rising housing prices, tightened visa policies, and a high cost of living that surpasses several competing nations, the country remains one of the most sought-after academic destinations for students across Asia, Africa, and beyond. So what exactly is keeping the global student tide flowing toward the southern continent? The answer lies in a carefully balanced blend of academic reputation, employment opportunity, lifestyle appeal, and long-term migration prospects. The reality check: Costs are climbing There's no ignoring it, studying in Australia is expensive. Average monthly living costs in cities like Sydney or Melbourne can stretch beyond AUD 2,000, excluding tuition. Rent inflation, grocery bills, and transport expenses are rising at a rate outpacing wage growth in many parts of the country. To complicate matters further, the Australian government has recently moved to tighten post-study visa eligibility and job-hour caps for international students, measures aimed at curbing exploitative enrollment practices but also adding to the stress of genuine learners. Yet despite these roadblocks, student interest isn't waning—it's evolving. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy the Dip: Top 5 Dividend Stocks with Growth Potential Seeking Alpha Read More Undo Academic firepower: Global ranking, local access Australia boasts several universities ranked among the world's best, including the University of Melbourne, Australian National University, and the University of Sydney. Degrees from these institutions are recognized globally, offering students not only academic credibility but also international mobility. Moreover, many institutions offer diverse programme structures, flexibility in course selection, and strong support systems for international students, including dedicated student services, language support, and tailored career guidance. Post-study work rights: The game changer A major draw continues to be Australia's robust post-study work visa system. While the government has tightened some aspects of eligibility, students graduating from select degrees in health, STEM, and regional universities remain eligible for longer post-study work durations, up to six years in some cases. For many international students, particularly from India, these work rights are not just an extension of learning but a gateway to permanent residency. That long-term opportunity offsets upfront cost concerns. Multiculturalism and lifestyle: A soft power advantage A ustralia's welcoming environment is another silent persuader. Campuses across the country host students from dozens of nationalities, making integration easier and discrimination less pronounced than in some Western counterparts. Public safety, outdoor lifestyle, and English-medium instruction further smooth the transition for newcomers. Indian students, in particular, cite cultural openness, food familiarity, and community networks as key reasons for choosing Australia over more restrictive or less familiar countries. New challenges, adaptive choices Still, the road ahead is not without friction. Increased scrutiny over student visas and part-time work has made it harder for financially constrained applicants to sustain themselves solely through onshore income. As a result, many are reconsidering course choices, targeting regional campuses with lower living costs, or seeking scholarships and assistantships to bridge the financial gap. Universities are responding with new financial aid schemes and hybrid learning models to stay competitive. Australia still delivers, but selectivity will rise In a global market where students are weighing value more carefully than ever, Australia continues to offer a high return on investment, especially for those seeking a mix of quality education and long-term migration pathways. But the message from Canberra is clear: the era of open doors and unlimited work hours is over. For serious, qualified students willing to plan, adapt, and invest, however, Australia remains not just an education hub, but a life-changing springboard. Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
The Advertiser
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Advertiser
Protest crackdown creates 'culture of fear' on campuses
Staff and students describe a pervasive "culture of fear" at one of Australia's top universities following a furore over pro-Palestine encampments. University policies had led to self-censorship, restricting their ability to speak openly about pro-Palestinian movements on campus, they told an inquiry convened by Greens senator Mehreen Faruqi, the National Union of Students, the Australia Palestine Advocacy Network and others. Encampments sprung up at university campuses around the world, with students calling on their institutions to cut ties with weapons manufacturers and condemn Israel's war in Gaza. The University of Melbourne ordered protesters to leave its Parkville campus in May 2024 after they occupied a building they named 'Mahmoud Hall' in honour of Mahmoud Alnaouq, a young Palestinian man killed in the Israel-Gaza war who had been set to begin his studies at the university. At the time, deputy vice-chancellor Michael Wesley said protesters had crossed a line and police had advised on how to end the indoor demonstration. Sophie Rudolph, a senior lecturer at the university, told the inquiry there was an "atmosphere of fear" among staff members. "We had a number of concerns over the actions the university has taken that (have) repressed speech and action around solidarity with Palestine, and with the universities' links with weapons manufacturers," she said. Dr Rudolph cited an example of a staff member who was not allowed to display posters supporting Palestine on their office door or wear symbols that expressed their support. "These are minor but they are part of the insidiousness of the repression and they contribute to other staff members who may not feel as confident," she said. "(They) are self-censoring and they are thinking about when they can and cannot have these conversations." Dozens attended the inquiry on Wednesday, while security guards patrolled the building where the gathering took place. A Melbourne University spokesperson said protesting on campus must be conducted peacefully and respectfully. The university said it did not support protest activity that "unreasonably disrupts activities or operations of the university" or the safety and wellbeing of staff and students. "Freedom of speech, and the right to lawful peaceful protest, are respected and supported at the University of Melbourne and are central to our values and identity," the spokesperson said. Organiser Jos Downey detailed conditions protesters faced during their encampment at Monash University, claiming intimidation, abuse and threats from campus security and opposing groups. Jasmine Duff, a leader of the Deakin University encampment, told the inquiry she had been tipped off that gardeners were instructed to disrupt the protesters' sleep, including one incident where they were woken at 2am. Ms Duff, the co-convenor of Students for Palestine, testified that universities had been "extraordinarily repressive" towards students who wished to protest. "Students have been put through serious disciplinary procedures, risking their degrees, for participating in peaceful protests against the genocide in Gaza," she said. "Universities should be havens of free speech and debate, but instead those who speak out against the brutal onslaught in Gaza are punished." The inquiry comes shortly after the federal government received recommendations from a major anti-Semitism report. The nation's special envoy against anti-Semitism, Jillian Segal, called for the defunding of universities and cultural institutions that enable or fail to prevent anti-Semitism. Staff and students describe a pervasive "culture of fear" at one of Australia's top universities following a furore over pro-Palestine encampments. University policies had led to self-censorship, restricting their ability to speak openly about pro-Palestinian movements on campus, they told an inquiry convened by Greens senator Mehreen Faruqi, the National Union of Students, the Australia Palestine Advocacy Network and others. Encampments sprung up at university campuses around the world, with students calling on their institutions to cut ties with weapons manufacturers and condemn Israel's war in Gaza. The University of Melbourne ordered protesters to leave its Parkville campus in May 2024 after they occupied a building they named 'Mahmoud Hall' in honour of Mahmoud Alnaouq, a young Palestinian man killed in the Israel-Gaza war who had been set to begin his studies at the university. At the time, deputy vice-chancellor Michael Wesley said protesters had crossed a line and police had advised on how to end the indoor demonstration. Sophie Rudolph, a senior lecturer at the university, told the inquiry there was an "atmosphere of fear" among staff members. "We had a number of concerns over the actions the university has taken that (have) repressed speech and action around solidarity with Palestine, and with the universities' links with weapons manufacturers," she said. Dr Rudolph cited an example of a staff member who was not allowed to display posters supporting Palestine on their office door or wear symbols that expressed their support. "These are minor but they are part of the insidiousness of the repression and they contribute to other staff members who may not feel as confident," she said. "(They) are self-censoring and they are thinking about when they can and cannot have these conversations." Dozens attended the inquiry on Wednesday, while security guards patrolled the building where the gathering took place. A Melbourne University spokesperson said protesting on campus must be conducted peacefully and respectfully. The university said it did not support protest activity that "unreasonably disrupts activities or operations of the university" or the safety and wellbeing of staff and students. "Freedom of speech, and the right to lawful peaceful protest, are respected and supported at the University of Melbourne and are central to our values and identity," the spokesperson said. Organiser Jos Downey detailed conditions protesters faced during their encampment at Monash University, claiming intimidation, abuse and threats from campus security and opposing groups. Jasmine Duff, a leader of the Deakin University encampment, told the inquiry she had been tipped off that gardeners were instructed to disrupt the protesters' sleep, including one incident where they were woken at 2am. Ms Duff, the co-convenor of Students for Palestine, testified that universities had been "extraordinarily repressive" towards students who wished to protest. "Students have been put through serious disciplinary procedures, risking their degrees, for participating in peaceful protests against the genocide in Gaza," she said. "Universities should be havens of free speech and debate, but instead those who speak out against the brutal onslaught in Gaza are punished." The inquiry comes shortly after the federal government received recommendations from a major anti-Semitism report. The nation's special envoy against anti-Semitism, Jillian Segal, called for the defunding of universities and cultural institutions that enable or fail to prevent anti-Semitism. Staff and students describe a pervasive "culture of fear" at one of Australia's top universities following a furore over pro-Palestine encampments. University policies had led to self-censorship, restricting their ability to speak openly about pro-Palestinian movements on campus, they told an inquiry convened by Greens senator Mehreen Faruqi, the National Union of Students, the Australia Palestine Advocacy Network and others. Encampments sprung up at university campuses around the world, with students calling on their institutions to cut ties with weapons manufacturers and condemn Israel's war in Gaza. The University of Melbourne ordered protesters to leave its Parkville campus in May 2024 after they occupied a building they named 'Mahmoud Hall' in honour of Mahmoud Alnaouq, a young Palestinian man killed in the Israel-Gaza war who had been set to begin his studies at the university. At the time, deputy vice-chancellor Michael Wesley said protesters had crossed a line and police had advised on how to end the indoor demonstration. Sophie Rudolph, a senior lecturer at the university, told the inquiry there was an "atmosphere of fear" among staff members. "We had a number of concerns over the actions the university has taken that (have) repressed speech and action around solidarity with Palestine, and with the universities' links with weapons manufacturers," she said. Dr Rudolph cited an example of a staff member who was not allowed to display posters supporting Palestine on their office door or wear symbols that expressed their support. "These are minor but they are part of the insidiousness of the repression and they contribute to other staff members who may not feel as confident," she said. "(They) are self-censoring and they are thinking about when they can and cannot have these conversations." Dozens attended the inquiry on Wednesday, while security guards patrolled the building where the gathering took place. A Melbourne University spokesperson said protesting on campus must be conducted peacefully and respectfully. The university said it did not support protest activity that "unreasonably disrupts activities or operations of the university" or the safety and wellbeing of staff and students. "Freedom of speech, and the right to lawful peaceful protest, are respected and supported at the University of Melbourne and are central to our values and identity," the spokesperson said. Organiser Jos Downey detailed conditions protesters faced during their encampment at Monash University, claiming intimidation, abuse and threats from campus security and opposing groups. Jasmine Duff, a leader of the Deakin University encampment, told the inquiry she had been tipped off that gardeners were instructed to disrupt the protesters' sleep, including one incident where they were woken at 2am. Ms Duff, the co-convenor of Students for Palestine, testified that universities had been "extraordinarily repressive" towards students who wished to protest. "Students have been put through serious disciplinary procedures, risking their degrees, for participating in peaceful protests against the genocide in Gaza," she said. "Universities should be havens of free speech and debate, but instead those who speak out against the brutal onslaught in Gaza are punished." The inquiry comes shortly after the federal government received recommendations from a major anti-Semitism report. The nation's special envoy against anti-Semitism, Jillian Segal, called for the defunding of universities and cultural institutions that enable or fail to prevent anti-Semitism. Staff and students describe a pervasive "culture of fear" at one of Australia's top universities following a furore over pro-Palestine encampments. University policies had led to self-censorship, restricting their ability to speak openly about pro-Palestinian movements on campus, they told an inquiry convened by Greens senator Mehreen Faruqi, the National Union of Students, the Australia Palestine Advocacy Network and others. Encampments sprung up at university campuses around the world, with students calling on their institutions to cut ties with weapons manufacturers and condemn Israel's war in Gaza. The University of Melbourne ordered protesters to leave its Parkville campus in May 2024 after they occupied a building they named 'Mahmoud Hall' in honour of Mahmoud Alnaouq, a young Palestinian man killed in the Israel-Gaza war who had been set to begin his studies at the university. At the time, deputy vice-chancellor Michael Wesley said protesters had crossed a line and police had advised on how to end the indoor demonstration. Sophie Rudolph, a senior lecturer at the university, told the inquiry there was an "atmosphere of fear" among staff members. "We had a number of concerns over the actions the university has taken that (have) repressed speech and action around solidarity with Palestine, and with the universities' links with weapons manufacturers," she said. Dr Rudolph cited an example of a staff member who was not allowed to display posters supporting Palestine on their office door or wear symbols that expressed their support. "These are minor but they are part of the insidiousness of the repression and they contribute to other staff members who may not feel as confident," she said. "(They) are self-censoring and they are thinking about when they can and cannot have these conversations." Dozens attended the inquiry on Wednesday, while security guards patrolled the building where the gathering took place. A Melbourne University spokesperson said protesting on campus must be conducted peacefully and respectfully. The university said it did not support protest activity that "unreasonably disrupts activities or operations of the university" or the safety and wellbeing of staff and students. "Freedom of speech, and the right to lawful peaceful protest, are respected and supported at the University of Melbourne and are central to our values and identity," the spokesperson said. Organiser Jos Downey detailed conditions protesters faced during their encampment at Monash University, claiming intimidation, abuse and threats from campus security and opposing groups. Jasmine Duff, a leader of the Deakin University encampment, told the inquiry she had been tipped off that gardeners were instructed to disrupt the protesters' sleep, including one incident where they were woken at 2am. Ms Duff, the co-convenor of Students for Palestine, testified that universities had been "extraordinarily repressive" towards students who wished to protest. "Students have been put through serious disciplinary procedures, risking their degrees, for participating in peaceful protests against the genocide in Gaza," she said. "Universities should be havens of free speech and debate, but instead those who speak out against the brutal onslaught in Gaza are punished." The inquiry comes shortly after the federal government received recommendations from a major anti-Semitism report. The nation's special envoy against anti-Semitism, Jillian Segal, called for the defunding of universities and cultural institutions that enable or fail to prevent anti-Semitism.
Canberra Times
5 days ago
- Politics
- Canberra Times
Protest crackdown creates 'culture of fear' on campuses
The University of Melbourne ordered protesters to leave its Parkville campus in May 2024 after they occupied a building they named 'Mahmoud Hall' in honour of Mahmoud Alnaouq, a young Palestinian man killed in the Israel-Gaza war who had been set to begin his studies at the university.
