This podcast is closing. We really love having you listen to RN but we need to let you know that we’ll be closing our subject based podcasts (don’t worry—we aren’t cancelling any shows). To keep hearing stories and interviews from RN, search for your favo This podcast is closing. We really love having you listen to RN but we need to let you know that we’ll be closing our subject based podcasts (don’t worry—we aren’t cancelling any shows). To keep hearing stories and interviews from RN, search for your favourite shows in the ABC Radio App or subscribe in your preferred podcasting app. If you’re looking for something new to wrap your ears around, visit the RN website where there’s plenty for you to discover. http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/ Copyright 2016, Australian Broadcasting Corporation. All Rights Reserved. en-AU http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/image/3820234-1x1-100x100.jpg 100 100 http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/ ABC Radio National ABC Radio National info_rn@your.abc.net.au This podcast is closing. We really love having you listen to RN but we need to let you know that we’ll be closing our subject based podcasts (don’t worry—we aren’t cancelling any shows). To keep hearing stories and interviews from RN, search for your favourite shows in the ABC Radio App or subscribe in your preferred podcasting app. If you’re looking for something new to wrap your ears around, visit the RN website where there’s plenty for you to discover. no Sat, 03 Sep 2016 12:05:35 +1000 Tom Morton continues his report of struggles against coal on three continents as local people fight to protect, homes, farmlands and forests. Tom Morton continues his report of struggles against coal on three continents as local people fight to protect, homes, farmlands and forests. http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/scienceshow/beyond-the-coal-rush-part-2:-the-age-of-coal/7784790 Sat, 03 Sep 2016 12:05:35 +1000 http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/scienceshow/beyond-the-coal-rush-part-2:-the-age-of-coal/7784790 ABC Radio National 00:53:28 coal, solar, germany, energy, transition Jaenschwalde power plant Germany (Lothar M Peter) Beyond the coal rush part 2: The age of coal. Beyond the coal rush part 2: The age of coal. http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/scienceshow/beyond-the-coal-rush-part-2-the-age-of-coal/7784818 Sat, 03 Sep 2016 12:05:00 +1000 http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/scienceshow/beyond-the-coal-rush-part-2-the-age-of-coal/7784818 ABC Radio National 00:53:28 coal, wind, solar, protest, germany Beyond the coal rush part 1: The march of coal Beyond the coal rush part 1: The march of coal http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/scienceshow/beyond-the-coal-rush-part-1:-the-march-of-coal/7782122 Sat, 27 Aug 2016 12:05:37 +1000 http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/scienceshow/beyond-the-coal-rush-part-1:-the-march-of-coal/7782122 ABC Radio National 00:54:13 coal, alternative energy, renewables, climate change Tom Morton visits Germany, India and northern NSW where plans are underway for new and bigger coal mines. Local people are fighting back, to save their traditional lands, their ancient villages, animal corridors and rich agricultural lands, all of which a Tom Morton visits Germany, India and northern NSW where plans are underway for new and bigger coal mines. Local people are fighting back, to save their traditional lands, their ancient villages, animal corridors and rich agricultural lands, all of which are threatened by the ongoing march of coal. http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/scienceshow/beyond-the-coal-rush-part-1:-the-march-of-coal/7782022 Sat, 27 Aug 2016 12:05:06 +1000 http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/scienceshow/beyond-the-coal-rush-part-1:-the-march-of-coal/7782022 ABC Radio National 00:54:13 coal, climate change, germany, india, liverpool plains nsw A farmer protests again coal mining on the Liverpool Plains of NSW (Sally Alden Photography) We're keeping tabs on barramundi; the Yandina farmers market explodes in a riot of colour; we meet a young woman with a passion for her hairy belted galloways; and we do the rounds during lambing time We're keeping tabs on barramundi; the Yandina farmers market explodes in a riot of colour; we meet a young woman with a passion for her hairy belted galloways; and we do the rounds during lambing time http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/countrybreakfast/a-big-country/7784024 Sat, 27 Aug 2016 06:20:00 +1000 http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/countrybreakfast/a-big-country/7784024 ABC Radio National 00:24:31 The rare breed lambs have been grown on this property since the 1950's (Margot Foster) We really love having you listen to RN but we need to let you know that we’ll be closing our subject podcasts (don’t worry—we aren’t cancelling any shows). To keep hearing stories and interviews from RN, search for your favourite shows in the ABC Radio Ap We really love having you listen to RN but we need to let you know that we’ll be closing our subject podcasts (don’t worry—we aren’t cancelling any shows). To keep hearing stories and interviews from RN, search for your favourite shows in the ABC Radio App or subscribe in your preferred podcasting app. http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/specialbroadcasts/this-subject-podcast-is-closing/7760188 Fri, 26 Aug 2016 15:00:00 +1000 http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/specialbroadcasts/this-subject-podcast-is-closing/7760188 ABC Radio National 00:01:02 RN's subject podcasts are being switched off but there's still lots of great listening to discover. (Daniele Margaroli; Flickr.com/CC/BY-NC-ND/2.0) A kindly offer of a lift — or something much darker? A kindly offer of a lift — or something much darker? http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/pocketdocs/free-ride/7784722 Fri, 26 Aug 2016 11:20:24 +1000 http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/pocketdocs/free-ride/7784722 ABC Radio National 00:05:09 (Getty Images/Oliver Strewe) MS Explorer was the first cruise ship to hit an iceberg since the Titanic. MS Explorer was the first cruise ship to hit an iceberg since the Titanic. http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/pocketdocs/adrift/7784162 Fri, 26 Aug 2016 11:15:30 +1000 http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/pocketdocs/adrift/7784162 ABC Radio National 00:06:42 Antarctic Peninsula (Getty Images) How long until we can send someone to the newly discovered earth-like planet, Proxima b? RN Drive puts the latest science news through the Research Filter. How long until we can send someone to the newly discovered earth-like planet, Proxima b? RN Drive puts the latest science news through the Research Filter. http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/drive/research-filter-proxima-b-global-warming-and-the-zika-virus/7786238 Thu, 25 Aug 2016 18:45:00 +1000 http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/drive/research-filter-proxima-b-global-warming-and-the-zika-virus/7786238 ABC Radio National 00:07:46 patricia karvelas, rn drive, radio national, rn, abc An artist's impression of a view of the surface of the planet Proxima b. (AFP/M. Kornmesser/European Southern Observatory) Corruption in many Pacific countries appears endemic, the Pacific has the world’s fastest growth rate of HIV infection and the Pacific is predicted to surpass Africa as the world’s poorest region in the foreseeable future Is the Pacific not sinking but b Corruption in many Pacific countries appears endemic, the Pacific has the world’s fastest growth rate of HIV infection and the Pacific is predicted to surpass Africa as the world’s poorest region in the foreseeable future Is the Pacific not sinking but being sunk? http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/bigideas/the-pacific-is-sinking/7747572 Tue, 23 Aug 2016 20:05:00 +1000 http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/bigideas/the-pacific-is-sinking/7747572 ABC Radio National 00:53:57 abc, radio national, paul barclay, big ideas, pacific, poverty, climate change, refugees Pacific island (Robert Young / Flickr CC BY 2.0) Corruption in many Pacific countries appears endemic, the Pacific has the world’s fastest growth rate of HIV infection and the Pacific is predicted to surpass Africa as the world’s poorest region in the foreseeable future Is the Pacific not sinking but b Corruption in many Pacific countries appears endemic, the Pacific has the world’s fastest growth rate of HIV infection and the Pacific is predicted to surpass Africa as the world’s poorest region in the foreseeable future Is the Pacific not sinking but being sunk? http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/bigideas/pacific/7747526 Tue, 23 Aug 2016 20:05:00 +1000 http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/bigideas/pacific/7747526 ABC Radio National 00:54:44 pacific, poverty, climate change, refugees Activists and scientists around the world agree with Sheila Watt-Cloutier: 'You save the Arctic, you save the planet'. Activists and scientists around the world agree with Sheila Watt-Cloutier: 'You save the Arctic, you save the planet'. http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/drive/inuit-activist-sheila-watt-cloutier-talks-climate-change-arctic/7767720 Tue, 23 Aug 2016 19:06:00 +1000 http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/drive/inuit-activist-sheila-watt-cloutier-talks-climate-change-arctic/7767720 ABC Radio National 00:08:52 patricia karvelas, rn drive, radio national, rn, abc, arctic, climate change, inuit, canada Inuit activist and writer Sheila Watt-Cloutier. (Supplied/Sheila Watt-Cloutier) Water is pumped using power from a renewable source, from a low level to a high level and stored. The water acquires potential energy. When released, it drives turbines and generates hydro electricity. Water is pumped using power from a renewable source, from a low level to a high level and stored. The water acquires potential energy. When released, it drives turbines and generates hydro electricity. http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/scienceshow/pumped-hydro-for-the-cloudy-windless-days,-and-nights/7767724 Sat, 20 Aug 2016 12:51:15 +1000 http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/scienceshow/pumped-hydro-for-the-cloudy-windless-days,-and-nights/7767724 ABC Radio National 00:08:30 pumped, hydro The Kidston gold mine site west of Townsville Qld (Genex) Standard silicon cells only capture infra red light. But there is more energy in other wavelengths hitting solar panels. New materials will capture this light and boost the output of solar cells. Standard silicon cells only capture infra red light. But there is more energy in other wavelengths hitting solar panels. New materials will capture this light and boost the output of solar cells. http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/scienceshow/tandem-solar-cells-to-capture-even-more-light/7767682 Sat, 20 Aug 2016 12:42:54 +1000 http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/scienceshow/tandem-solar-cells-to-capture-even-more-light/7767682 ABC Radio National 00:08:33 perovskites, solar, niraj Niraj Lal with his silicon solar panel module (Winifred Cunningham) Plastic is a problem. Rh Fitri Faradilla at UNSW is looking for a replacement material, strong and safe, one which will easily break down without causing harm. Plastic is a problem. Rh Fitri Faradilla at UNSW is looking for a replacement material, strong and safe, one which will easily break down without causing harm. http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/scienceshow/a-replacement-for-plastic/7767642 Sat, 20 Aug 2016 12:29:41 +1000 http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/scienceshow/a-replacement-for-plastic/7767642 ABC Radio National 00:03:59 plastic Rh Fitri Faradilla with her banana tree-based cellulose plastic replacement (Sylviana Wong) Specific temperature-related calls made in the final days before hatching alters the behaviour of the developing chick. Specific temperature-related calls made in the final days before hatching alters the behaviour of the developing chick. http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/scienceshow/zebra-finches-program-offspring-for-a-hotter-world/7767572 Sat, 20 Aug 2016 12:05:41 +1000 http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/scienceshow/zebra-finches-program-offspring-for-a-hotter-world/7767572 ABC Radio National 00:10:14 zebra, finch, begging A male zebra finch incubating some eggs (Mylene Mariette) There are fewer numbats than there are pandas or orangutans in the world, and keeping the captive breeding numbats in peak condition is a full time job. There are fewer numbats than there are pandas or orangutans in the world, and keeping the captive breeding numbats in peak condition is a full time job. http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/offtrack/recipe-fit-for-a-numbat-queen/7735808 Sat, 20 Aug 2016 10:30:00 +1000 http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/offtrack/recipe-fit-for-a-numbat-queen/7735808 ABC Radio National 00:16:08 numbat, food, termite, vicki power, perth zoo, native species breeding, ann jones off track A captive born numbat pup at Perth Zoo. (Perth Zoo) It's been a year since the Iranian nuclear deal was reached. Was it worth it? What if anything has changed in not only Iran but across the Middle East? It's been a year since the Iranian nuclear deal was reached. Was it worth it? What if anything has changed in not only Iran but across the Middle East? http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/betweenthelines/iranian-nuclear-deal/7763054 Thu, 18 Aug 2016 19:30:00 +1000 http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/betweenthelines/iranian-nuclear-deal/7763054 ABC Radio National 00:14:11 iran, iraq, obama, nuclear, middle east, israel A poster of Iran's foreign minister and chief negotiator Mohammad Javad Zarif is held as people celebrate after the nuclear agreement was announced on Vali Asr Avenue, in Tehran, Iran. (Kaveh Kazeni/Getty) A project enlisting citizen scientists to identify Australian wildlife is helping conservation, and reconnecting people with nature. And we follow the day of a scientist through Snapchat. A project enlisting citizen scientists to identify Australian wildlife is helping conservation, and reconnecting people with nature. And we follow the day of a scientist through Snapchat. http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/rnafternoons/citizen-science-spotters/7761546 Thu, 18 Aug 2016 14:06:00 +1000 http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/rnafternoons/citizen-science-spotters/7761546 ABC Radio National 00:16:47 citizen science, conservation, ecology, wildlife spotter A frog leaps while a dingo drinks, and a dozen other frogs quietly look on. (Supplied) A fleet of solar-powered drones promise internet connectivity to the developing world — but do they come with a catch? A fleet of solar-powered drones promise internet connectivity to the developing world — but do they come with a catch? http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/rnafternoons/facebook-drone/7756434 Wed, 17 Aug 2016 13:06:00 +1000 http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/rnafternoons/facebook-drone/7756434 ABC Radio National 00:13:35 facebook, drone solar powered internet Facebook's 'Aquila' aerial internet platform has the same wingspan as a 737 airliner. (Supplied) Former US Secretary of Defence, William J. Perry, warns that the risk of nuclear catastrophe is greater than it was during the Cold War and is growing every year.  Former US Secretary of Defence, William J. Perry, warns that the risk of nuclear catastrophe is greater than it was during the Cold War and is growing every year.  http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/latenightlive/the-nuclear-brink/7747886 Tue, 16 Aug 2016 22:20:00 +1000 http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/latenightlive/the-nuclear-brink/7747886 ABC Radio National 00:34:56 William Perry, former US Secretary of Defence (JAMAL A. WILSON/AFP/Getty Images) An exploration of cultural attitudes to human waste. An exploration of cultural attitudes to human waste. http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/earshot/sh*t-happens/7701310 Mon, 15 Aug 2016 11:05:00 +1000 http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/earshot/sh*t-happens/7701310 ABC Radio National 00:28:25 Glass poo ( Joe Amon / GETTY) In the far south-west of New South Wales we meet a team of environmental rangers who are trying to bring country back to life by coaxing animal populations back, constructing 'fish hotels' to keep the fry safe from predators and protecting cultural herita In the far south-west of New South Wales we meet a team of environmental rangers who are trying to bring country back to life by coaxing animal populations back, constructing 'fish hotels' to keep the fry safe from predators and protecting cultural heritage sites. http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/awaye/the-next-generation-of-river-people/7730040 Sat, 13 Aug 2016 18:25:00 +1000 http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/awaye/the-next-generation-of-river-people/7730040 ABC Radio National 00:21:29 Shell middens along the dry creek beds near the junction of the Murray and Darling Rivers in far south-western New South Wales. (image courtesy Barkindji Maraura Elders Environment Team) Jodie Rummer is modelling scenarios for the world’s oceans by the end of the century and investigating whether and how fish might be able to adapt to warmer waters. Jodie Rummer is modelling scenarios for the world’s oceans by the end of the century and investigating whether and how fish might be able to adapt to warmer waters. http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/scienceshow/options-for-tropical-fish:-adapt,-move-or-die/7728156 Sat, 13 Aug 2016 12:38:30 +1000 http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/scienceshow/options-for-tropical-fish:-adapt,-move-or-die/7728156 ABC Radio National 00:05:35 fish, climate change, barrier reef Adult Epaulette shark poised on top of fins (C.Gervais and T.Nay) Bob Beale says the Earth is sending strong messages that things are seriously out of balance. Bob Beale says the Earth is sending strong messages that things are seriously out of balance. http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/scienceshow/response-to-rapidly-changing-climate---deflect,-distract,-deny/7726580 Sat, 13 Aug 2016 12:20:03 +1000 http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/scienceshow/response-to-rapidly-changing-climate---deflect,-distract,-deny/7726580 ABC Radio National 00:06:34 climate change, environment, policy Bob Beale Prior to 1956, women were banned form being in Antarctica. Today women lead major research institutes in Antarctic science. Prior to 1956, women were banned form being in Antarctica. Today women lead major research institutes in Antarctic science. http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/scienceshow/women-in-antarctica-making-up-for-lost-time/7721512 Sat, 13 Aug 2016 12:05:01 +1000 http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/scienceshow/women-in-antarctica-making-up-for-lost-time/7721512 ABC Radio National 00:07:17 antarctica, women Jan Strugnell with friends at the Argentinian research station Carlini Base. The vessel is the British research ship, RRS James Clark Ross (Rachel Malinowksa) Behind the scenes at Perth Zoo is a room full of small glass aquariums. And within each enclosure is one of Australia's rarest marsupials. The dibbler. Behind the scenes at Perth Zoo is a room full of small glass aquariums. And within each enclosure is one of Australia's rarest marsupials. The dibbler. http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/offtrack/dibbler-breeding-segment/7712422 Sat, 13 Aug 2016 10:30:00 +1000 http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/offtrack/dibbler-breeding-segment/7712422 ABC Radio National 00:28:20 perth zoo, dibbler, breeding program, endangered, dasyurid, marsupial, cute, ann jones off track A dibbler, one of Australia's carnivorous marsupials. (Perth Zoo) This week it's all about climate - from the parched Queensland channel country, to rural communities building their own renewable energy projects. This week it's all about climate - from the parched Queensland channel country, to rural communities building their own renewable energy projects. http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/countrybreakfast/country-breakfast-features-sat-13th/7719586 Sat, 13 Aug 2016 06:45:00 +1000 http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/countrybreakfast/country-breakfast-features-sat-13th/7719586 ABC Radio National 00:19:30 Water starting to flow into channels near Windorah. (Supplied: Helen Kidd) Climate change plots, characters and product placement could fire audiences to act on climate change. Climate change plots, characters and product placement could fire audiences to act on climate change. http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/lifematters/will-hollywood-change-your-mind-about-climate-change/7721692 Fri, 12 Aug 2016 09:25:00 +1000 http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/lifematters/will-hollywood-change-your-mind-about-climate-change/7721692 ABC Radio National 00:20:07 movies and climate change, product placement and climate change, life matters, eco-friendly products The electric powered Renovo Coupe (production prototype) - perhaps the type of product that might be placed in movies to prompt filmgoers to think about climate change (Getty Images News) David Attenborough has become a household name having taken viewers to every part of the globe, sharing the intimate workings of the natural world. As he celebrates his 90th birthday, David reflects on his life on Earth, the changes he has observed, and t David Attenborough has become a household name having taken viewers to every part of the globe, sharing the intimate workings of the natural world. As he celebrates his 90th birthday, David reflects on his life on Earth, the changes he has observed, and the challenges that confront a world full of people. http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/scienceshow/david-attenborough-reflects-after-90-years/7695498 Sat, 06 Aug 2016 12:37:51 +1000 http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/scienceshow/david-attenborough-reflects-after-90-years/7695498 ABC Radio National 00:21:59 attenborough Gretchen Miller, Keir Meredith-Miller and David Attenborough The ABC’s citizen science project allows everyone to join in the identification of a million wild animals. The ABC’s citizen science project allows everyone to join in the identification of a million wild animals. http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/scienceshow/identify-animals-in-the-wild-with-wildlife-spotter/7695094 Sat, 06 Aug 2016 12:16:04 +1000 http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/scienceshow/identify-animals-in-the-wild-with-wildlife-spotter/7695094 ABC Radio National 00:06:12 wildlife, spotter Bandicoot (Flickr/Aston Clulow) It is covered in flamboyantly coloured sausages, it’s a hermaphrodite, breathes through its skin, goes through metamorphoses AND this new species needs a name. It is covered in flamboyantly coloured sausages, it’s a hermaphrodite, breathes through its skin, goes through metamorphoses AND this new species needs a name. http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/offtrack/name-this-nudibranc/7686532 Sat, 06 Aug 2016 10:30:00 +1000 http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/offtrack/name-this-nudibranc/7686532 ABC Radio National 00:28:20 nudibranch, name this creature, name a species, new, science, taxonomy, conservation, new species, discovery, nerida wilson, nudibranchia, moridilla This species of nudibranch was previously confused with Moridilla brockii, but it's a different species and it needs a name! (Clay Bryce) Four seasons just aren't enough for some people. Tim Entwisle's come up with 'Sprinter' and, with Matthew Crawford, he investigates some harbingers of the new season — native orchids and migrating cuckoos. Four seasons just aren't enough for some people. Tim Entwisle's come up with 'Sprinter' and, with Matthew Crawford, he investigates some harbingers of the new season — native orchids and migrating cuckoos. http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/blueprintforliving/in-season-sprinter-2016/7683236 Sat, 06 Aug 2016 10:05:00 +1000 http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/blueprintforliving/in-season-sprinter-2016/7683236 ABC Radio National 00:25:08 seasons, spring, climate change, orchids, native orchids, phenology, birds, bronze-cuckoo, kings park festival, tim entwisle, matthew crawford, in season, abc, rn, radio national Signs of Sprinter — Shining Bronze-cuckoo (David Cook / Flickr CC BY-NC 2.0) German consumers and farmers are trying to understand each other better, thanks to the push toward sustainable agriculture. German consumers and farmers are trying to understand each other better, thanks to the push toward sustainable agriculture. http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/countrybreakfast/country-breakfast-features-sat-6th-august/7690096 Sat, 06 Aug 2016 06:45:00 +1000 http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/countrybreakfast/country-breakfast-features-sat-6th-august/7690096 ABC Radio National 00:19:35 A side by a roadside farming plot near Germany promoting the need for modern farming techniques. Farmers in Europe are in a race to show the wider public the need for the farm chemical before a possible ban starting in January 2017. (Warwick Long) Telstra's chief scientist says driverless cars are coming, and that they'll force a rethink about how we design our roads. Telstra's chief scientist says driverless cars are coming, and that they'll force a rethink about how we design our roads. http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/drive/will-driverless-cars-rule-the-road-by-2030/7683344 Tue, 02 Aug 2016 18:43:00 +1000 http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/drive/will-driverless-cars-rule-the-road-by-2030/7683344 ABC Radio National 00:05:57 patricia karvelas, rn drive, radio national, rn, abc Driverless electric busses are among the new technologies hitting our roads. (Supplied: RAC WA) New innovative software combined with local generation and storage is changing the way we generate, use, buy and sell electricity. New innovative software combined with local generation and storage is changing the way we generate, use, buy and sell electricity. http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/scienceshow/batteries-and-software-energise-renewables/7673166 Sat, 30 Jul 2016 12:05:32 +1000 http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/scienceshow/batteries-and-software-energise-renewables/7673166 ABC Radio National 00:16:22 renewables, energy, solar, batteries, software (Getty Images) The largest rodent in Australia is amphibious, fulfils the same niche as an otter and could be used to get rid of the pest black rat. AND, it's got a golden, fluffy belly. It's the water rat. The largest rodent in Australia is amphibious, fulfils the same niche as an otter and could be used to get rid of the pest black rat. AND, it's got a golden, fluffy belly. It's the water rat. http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/offtrack/rat-cultural-cringe/7632328 Sat, 30 Jul 2016 10:30:00 +1000 http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/offtrack/rat-cultural-cringe/7632328 ABC Radio National 00:28:20 water rat, pest management, hydromys chrysogaster, peter banks, jenna bytheway, ann jones Water rat - hydromys chrysogaster. (deography / Dylan O'donnell) ABC Science journalist Bernie Hobbs takes us through the latest stories - in this case how fire that brought warmth and comfort to early humans may also have triggered the emergence of deadly tuberculosis and how Jupiter's Great Red 'Hot Spot' may explain ABC Science journalist Bernie Hobbs takes us through the latest stories - in this case how fire that brought warmth and comfort to early humans may also have triggered the emergence of deadly tuberculosis and how Jupiter's Great Red 'Hot Spot' may explain atmospheric mystery. http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/rnafternoons/sciencetalk:-jupiter's-hot-spot-and-the-relationship-between-ca/7668512 Thu, 28 Jul 2016 14:06:00 +1000 http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/rnafternoons/sciencetalk:-jupiter's-hot-spot-and-the-relationship-between-ca/7668512 ABC Radio National 00:08:37 jupiter, campfires, tuberculosis, science Early humans started using fire in a controlled way around 400,000 years ago. (Getty Images) New Zealand Prime Minister John Key has announced a radical new plan to rid the country of pests. New Zealand Prime Minister John Key has announced a radical new plan to rid the country of pests. http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/drive/new-zealand-to-exterminate-all-pests-by-2050/7662526 Tue, 26 Jul 2016 18:25:00 +1000 http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/drive/new-zealand-to-exterminate-all-pests-by-2050/7662526 ABC Radio National 00:06:46 patricia karvelas, rn drive, radio national, rn, abc New Zealand hope to exterminate their rat population by 2050. (Flickr/Dan Davison/CC BY 2.0) How technology can save the world from climate change. How technology can save the world from climate change. http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/rnafternoons/rn-scientist-in-residence-talks-innovation-and-climate-change/7653598 Mon, 25 Jul 2016 13:06:00 +1000 http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/rnafternoons/rn-scientist-in-residence-talks-innovation-and-climate-change/7653598 ABC Radio National 00:16:03 technology, climate change, environment, innovation, rn afternoons, science Finding technological solutions to the problem of climate change. ((Flickr/mattwalker69//ccby.sa2.0)) Identifying the microbes and knowing their distribution will be one more important step in understanding the carbon cycle, and of monitoring and predicting emissions of greenhouse gases. Identifying the microbes and knowing their distribution will be one more important step in understanding the carbon cycle, and of monitoring and predicting emissions of greenhouse gases. http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/scienceshow/soil-microbes-burp-co2-after-drought-breaking-rain/7652800 Sat, 23 Jul 2016 12:30:31 +1000 http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/scienceshow/soil-microbes-burp-co2-after-drought-breaking-rain/7652800 ABC Radio National 00:05:40 soil, microbes, carbon, dioxide, climate Catherine Osborne takes her soil samples (Romain Barnard) Reports of health effects from wind farms do not match where wind farms are found. Other factors are at play. Fiona Crichton explains. Reports of health effects from wind farms do not match where wind farms are found. Other factors are at play. Fiona Crichton explains. http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/scienceshow/expectation-influences-reporting-of-adverse-health-effects-from/7652768 Sat, 23 Jul 2016 12:24:23 +1000 http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/scienceshow/expectation-influences-reporting-of-adverse-health-effects-from/7652768 ABC Radio National 00:06:17 wind farms, health, nocebo Wind Farm at Windy Point WA USA (David Fisher) At UNSW, researchers are investigating the economics and practicalities of e-waste recycling saving the embodied energy, and keeping rare resources, skills and jobs in Australia. At UNSW, researchers are investigating the economics and practicalities of e-waste recycling saving the embodied energy, and keeping rare resources, skills and jobs in Australia. http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/scienceshow/e-waste-a-rich-source-of-rare-metals/7652684 Sat, 23 Jul 2016 12:10:45 +1000 http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/scienceshow/e-waste-a-rich-source-of-rare-metals/7652684 ABC Radio National 00:13:01 waste, rare, earths, recycling, veena Components of a nickel metal hydride battery. (A) Positive and negative terminals (B) Metal body casing (C) Positive electrode (D) Negative electrode (E) Separator (SMART UNSW) Imagine Melbourne without the bay, Perth without the beach and Sydney without the Harbour. Imagine if there was no standing water in your town. Imagine Melbourne without the bay, Perth without the beach and Sydney without the Harbour. Imagine if there was no standing water in your town. http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/offtrack/ouyen-lake/7628526 Sat, 23 Jul 2016 10:30:00 +1000 http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/offtrack/ouyen-lake/7628526 ABC Radio National 00:28:20 ouyen, mallee, murray river, water, lake, reservoir, allocation, recreation, mental health, deane munro ouyen lake committee chairman simon grigg, ouyen lake committee, walpeup lake committee, bert hallam, president of the lake lascelles committee of management, peter walsh, victorian minister for water, peter crisp, member for mildura peter vogel, gwm, grampians wimmera mallee water. Wooroonook, a recreational lake, Victoria. (Ann Jones) Can we trust a computer to choose between running over a child or crashing into a wall? This is just one of many ethical issues that arise with autonomous cars. Can we trust a computer to choose between running over a child or crashing into a wall? This is just one of many ethical issues that arise with autonomous cars. http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/blueprintforliving/self-drive-car/7641094 Sat, 23 Jul 2016 10:05:00 +1000 http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/blueprintforliving/self-drive-car/7641094 ABC Radio National 00:12:21 self driving car, technology, safety, google self drive car, tesla, self drive car It's cute, but is it safe? (Flick/Marc van der Chijs/CC BY-ND 2.0) Eleven endangered southern brown bandicoots have been translocated to Booderee National Park. They haven't been seen in the area since World War One. Eleven endangered southern brown bandicoots have been translocated to Booderee National Park. They haven't been seen in the area since World War One. http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/rnafternoons/the-bandicoots-are-back!/7653256 Fri, 22 Jul 2016 14:06:00 +1000 http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/rnafternoons/the-bandicoots-are-back!/7653256 ABC Radio National 00:09:48 bandicoots, translocation, extinction ABC Science journalist Bernie Hobbs takes us through the latest stories - in this case how naphthalene (from mothballs) can aid in the dream of quantum computing, and a new data mine of global diversity shows many biomes are desperately unsafe. ABC Science journalist Bernie Hobbs takes us through the latest stories - in this case how naphthalene (from mothballs) can aid in the dream of quantum computing, and a new data mine of global diversity shows many biomes are desperately unsafe. http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/rnafternoons/sciencetalk:-mothballs-for-quantum-computing,-and-global-biodiv/7649334 Thu, 21 Jul 2016 14:06:00 +1000 http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/rnafternoons/sciencetalk:-mothballs-for-quantum-computing,-and-global-biodiv/7649334 ABC Radio National 00:11:53 quantum computing, biodiversity global Burning naphthalene (left) creates a new type of carbon-based material (right) (Supplied: Mohammed Choucair) Steven Freeland outlines the case for new international laws to deal with crimes against the environment during war. Steven Freeland outlines the case for new international laws to deal with crimes against the environment during war. http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/bigideas/crimes-against-the-environment/7570056 Tue, 19 Jul 2016 20:05:00 +1000 http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/bigideas/crimes-against-the-environment/7570056 ABC Radio National 00:53:58 An Unidentified firefighter tries to put out a fire on August 9, 1991 at Greater Burhan oilfield in Kuwait. When the Gulf War ended in February 1991, Iraqi forces retreated and hundreds of wells were blown up. The fires were eventually put out in October 1991 (Pe-Anders Pettersson / Getty images) PHD student David Kainer believes the energy density of oils drawn from biomass and foliage of species like Mallee is not only fit for aircraft fuel, it could be grown and harvested sustainably. PHD student David Kainer believes the energy density of oils drawn from biomass and foliage of species like Mallee is not only fit for aircraft fuel, it could be grown and harvested sustainably. http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/rnafternoons/from-mallee-to-jet-fuel---eucalypt-oil/7638934 Mon, 18 Jul 2016 13:06:00 +1000 http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/rnafternoons/from-mallee-to-jet-fuel---eucalypt-oil/7638934 ABC Radio National 00:13:48 mallee eucalypt oils jet fuel This year, the Great Barrier Reef has been hit by the most severe coral bleaching event on record, with climate change causing an increase in ocean temperatures. This has compounded existing strains on the reef with poor water quality, increasing industri This year, the Great Barrier Reef has been hit by the most severe coral bleaching event on record, with climate change causing an increase in ocean temperatures. This has compounded existing strains on the reef with poor water quality, increasing industrial development, unsustainable fishing practices and other pressures causing a decline in corals and other marine animals. http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/rearvision/protecting-the-great-barrier-reef/7583386 Sun, 17 Jul 2016 12:00:00 +1000 http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/rearvision/protecting-the-great-barrier-reef/7583386 ABC Radio National 00:28:50 great barrier reef, climate change, coral bleaching, unesco (Supplied: Coral Watch, University of Queensland)