Our stories from 2021

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Science and Technology 8 min read

How two satellites packing lasers and microwaves are helping us predict floods

by Joe Frost

Using satellites, lasers and microwaves, Professor Shin-Chan Han is working with some of the most accurate measurements of gravity humankind has ever recorded. But while these instruments are hundreds of kilometres above our heads in space, their applications could change the way we prepare ourselves for flooding here on Earth.

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The surprising new role power plants will have in our green energy future

Environment 6 min read

The surprising new role power plants will have in our green energy future

by Joe Frost

One of Australia’s oldest energy hubs, the Hunter Valley is approaching an uncertain future as the world's carbon crisis reaches a crescendo. But a company that has spun off from research done at the University of Newcastle is showing there is new life to be found in our old systems and infrastructure – and could see the region become a world-leader in clean, green power.
Building belonging

Education 9 min read

Building belonging

by Gemma Wolk

For many young refugees, the collision of their old and new lives transpires in the schoolyard. Helping our educators create spaces of belonging is more important than ever.
Deadly in the Water

Arts, Culture and Society 6 min read

Deadly in the Water

by Gemma Wolk

How the story of the Irukandji carried Jasmine Miikika Craciun's talents from the rippling shores of Newcastle to the Olympic waves of Japan.
Let our powers combine! Art meets science to battle climate change in the South Pacific

Environment 5 min read

Let our powers combine! Art meets science to battle climate change in the South Pacific

by Joe Frost

When you think of a tropical island paradise, scenes of white sand beaches, lush, verdant jungle, colourful birds, and crystal-clear water spring to mind. But for Silvia Frisia, a trip to Atiu, in the tropical South Pacific, was all about the caves.
Australians are embracing ‘mindful drinking’ – and the alcohol industry is also getting sober curious

Health and Wellbeing 5 min read

Australians are embracing ‘mindful drinking’ – and the alcohol industry is also getting sober curious

by Dr Tamara Bucher and Melanie Pirinen

Alcohol-free wines, beers and spirits are increasingly sophisticated, driven by consumers taking more care in what they drink — and how they choose to drink.
Reasonable doubt shines new light on injustice

Business, Law and Politics 6 min read

Reasonable doubt shines new light on injustice

by Gemma Wolk

Across Australia, hundreds of cold cases lie unsolved. And yet, the family and friends of victims remain frozen in time without answers. So, who fights for justice when the world has moved on?
Mother Tongue

Arts, Culture and Society 5 min read

Mother Tongue

by Rosemarie Milsom

People in the Hunter and around the country are using a unique community program to keep Indigenous languages alive.
Young crime is often a phase, and locking kids up is counterproductive

Business, Law and Politics 4 min read

Young crime is often a phase, and locking kids up is counterproductive

by Joel McGregor

Rising tensions have led to an Australia-wide spotlight on youth detention, but with offenders often having experienced childhood trauma, could better interventions be explored?
What is extradition and how does it work?

Business, Law and Politics 5 min read

What is extradition and how does it work?

by Associate Professor Amy Maguire

Many are watching closely after former Melbourne principal Malka Leifer, who is facing 74 charges of child sexual assault, was extradited from Israel after a battle of more than six years.
Net-zero, carbon-neutral, carbon-negative

Business, Law and Politics 5 min read

Net-zero, carbon-neutral, carbon-negative

by Dr Jessica Allen

Confused by all the carbon jargon? Then read this...
A leap of faith

Environment 8 min read

A leap of faith

by Rosemarie Milsom

Citizen scientists are teaming up with University of Newcastle researchers leading Australia’s effort to prevent the extinction of precious amphibians.
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