Congratulations to our 2026 Australian Museum Eureka Prize finalists! @eurekaprizes.bsky.social A/Prof. Quan Bai and Prof. Jane Alty have been named finalists in Excellence in Interdisciplinary Scientific Research, while Prof. Melissa Hart is a finalist for Outstanding Mentor of Researchers.
University of Tasmania
@utas.edu.au
Stories, research and more from the University of Tasmania. #1 in climate action globally. CRICOS Code 00586B
More than a decade of research into a second contagious cancer affecting Tasmanian devils suggests the disease is spreading more slowly than scientists first feared. Stable populations indicate Tasmanian devils may have a greater capacity to coexist with the disease: utas.au/jF
The wait for PFAS test results could soon be measured in hours, not days. Our researchers have successfully trialled a mobile laboratory that can detect "forever chemicals" in soil and water on site, providing an early indication of contamination within six hours: utas.au/PFAS_testing
🌊 New Antarctic research shows the deepest layer of the Southern Ocean – Antarctic Bottom Water, or AABW – is shrinking faster than scientists realised, with the rate of change accelerating over the past decade. This is important because we all depend on it. ▶️ aappartnership.org.au/antarctic-ch...
Antarctic change drives slowdown of global ocean circulation - AAPP
Deepest layer of the Southern Ocean is shrinking faster with accelerated change
aappartnership.org.au
Australia’s reefs are under pressure from the voracious crown-of-thorns starfish and long-spined sea urchins. However, our new study shows that while they present high but differing risks, investing in control programs and innovative research could help tackle these two prickly problems: utas.au/jl
Extreme heat, heavy rain and storm surges are affecting Australian seals and seabirds during a critical period of their development: as pups and chicks. ⛈️ New research shows that high-resolution weather and population monitoring can help us better protect them. More: utas.au/SealsSeabirds
A new @imas-utas.bsky.social monitoring report shows that Maugean skate juveniles in Macquarie Harbour have now reached adulthood and offering hope for the future of this unique, endangered Tasmanian species. Read more: utas.au/j9
Species discovery has always depended on the tools available. Early naturalists relied on what they could collect. Today, whole genomes tell us if animals have different coding. Recognising “hidden biodiversity” in this way helps us ask better questions in the face of climate change: utas.au/JY
Endangered Antarctic fur seals may all look alike, but a new study reveals that individual seals adopt dramatically different foraging strategies to survive in a changing ocean. The research, led by @imas-utas.bsky.social, draws on a study of 80 female seals at Marion Island 🦭 More: utas.au/seals
Why should fishers trust science, when it's never certain? Professor Gretta Pecl from @imas-utas.bsky.social says uncertainty is a normal part of science – reflecting how confident we are in the evidence – and shouldn't stand in the way of making informed decisions for the future. More: utas.au/SCA
❄️ Ever wondered how to become an ice-core technician? Let Chelsea Long tell you her way — and how it led to a PhD project @utas.edu.au
How I became an ice core technician
YouTube video by Australian Antarctic Program Partnership
youtube.com
Seagrass specialist Liz from @utas.edu.au shares their wish for the ocean And it involves long-term thinking #MakeAWishOnAFish
Using old satellite radar techniques, scientists have developed a new way of measuring the true extent of Antarctica’s dynamic Marginal Ice Zone (MIZ). Dr Alec Fraser from @antarctic.bsky.social says their findings provide a more realistic picture of how the system works. 🌊 More: utas.au/MIZ
New research from Tasmania's Macquarie Harbour shows that oxygen can be added to low-oxygen waters at depth without adverse impacts. The research comes amid interest in low oxygen levels, which are linked to concerns about potential impacts on the endangered Maugean Skate: utas.au/MacquarieHar...
With Southern calamari numbers falling in parts of Tasmania, @imas-utas.bsky.social scientists are diving into how environment and fishing pressure shape spawning over the next three years, helping keep calamari thriving in Tasmanian waters: utas.au/iX
👏 Congratulations to ACEAS Chief Investigator, Associate Professor @jaxhalpin.bsky.social from @imas-utas.bsky.social at @utas.edu.au, who has recently been awarded the Max R. Banks Medal by the Royal Society of Tasmania. Learn more ▶️ antarctic.org.au/aceas-chief-...
Global wheat production is under threat of heat stress due to climate change. Abu, PhD candidate at @tia.utas.edu.au, has received a prestigious Grains Research and Development Corporation Research Scholarship to support his research into improving heat tolerance of the important grain: utas.au/Abu
Antarctica’s icy surface may look hostile and devoid of life, but the sea floor below is extremely biodiverse. A new digital mapping platform from @imas-utas.bsky.social is making data about the remote continent more accessible for scientists, policy makers, educators and the community: utas.au/Sea
“We talk about the kitchen as the heart of the home, but actually we've been designing the heart out of it for a long time.” Caroline had been an interior designer for 30 years before beginning a PhD on the re-use of materials with a focus on kitchens and their social value: utas.au/Kitchens
Marine scientist Lara Denis-Roy snapped this big-belly seahorse while diving in Bicheno, Tasmania as part of her PhD research at IMAS @imas-utas.bsky.social. "I appreciate that I am able to directly observe the reefs that I study," she said. Read about Lara’s eDNA work here: utas.au/LD
🔥Fuel on the fire: How the Iran War is affecting Tasmania 🔥 Topical new PIMBY! We break down the impact of rising fuel prices on Tasmanian households and key industries. #Tasmania #EnergyMarkets #EnergySecurity #FuelCrisis #costofliving #FuelPrices #Freight #politas tinyurl.com/v2axbuw3
21 - Fuel on the Fire
The Iran War has sparked a global fuel crisis, so we've decided to take a look at what this might mean for our island state. In the first PIMBY of a two-part series, we provide an overview of the impa...
policyinmybackyard.org
How did Earth’s most powerful ocean current form? New research led by Hanna Knahl from @awi.de, with colleagues including ACEAS Research Associate Dr @hochmuth.bsky.social from @utas.edu.au, has revealed a surprising finding. Learn more: www.awi.de/en/about-us/...
How did Earth’s most powerful ocean current form?
It transports far more than 100 times as much water as all of the Earth's rivers combined: The Antarctic Circumpolar Current rushes around the southern continent unhindered by land masses and is there...
awi.de
The emperor penguin and Antarctic fur seal are now officially endangered. Researchers at IMAS @imas-utas.bsky.social say a fast reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and sustained conservation action are needed to give these beloved species a future. Read more: utas.au/emperorpenguin
A new study from the University of Tasmania's Fire Centre finds that logged forests burn more severely in a bushfire than old growth. Researchers used a natural experiment to provide the strongest evidence yet on a question with real consequences for how the state manages its forests: utas.au/lf
Himanshu's PhD at @menzies-research.bsky.social explores what rare genetic differences can tell us about multiple sclerosis. His studies combine family-based research with large-scale ANZgene data, helping to build a clearer picture of how MS develops and strengthen foundations for future research 👏
We’re proud to recognise PhD student Mohammed Obsa, who is helping us better understand pain in people living with MS. Originally from Ethiopia, Mohammed has adapted to a new research environment at @menzies-research.bsky.social and bases his work on national data and real-life experiences.
As the planet warms, how can fisheries tackle invasive species? A new study by international researchers, including Dr John Keane from IMAS @imas-utas.bsky.social, provides a practical guide for fishery managers worldwide. Read more: utas.au/InvasiveSpec...
A new study by Dr David Green draws on more than 20 years of data from over 600 elephant seals. It offers insights into how seals make decisions underwater and how scientists can interpret seals' behaviour to detect ocean ecosystem change. More: utas.au/ElephantSeal antarcticsciaus.bsky.social
A rogue Longspined sea urchin has been discovered in Tasmania’s remote southwest waters, marking the most westerly sighting of the species in the state. Read more: utas.au/LonelyUrchin
Yesterday #Antarctic and Southern Ocean scientists from @utas.edu.au and @antarcticsciaus.bsky.social chatted with Tasmanian politicians from all levels of government and across the political spectrum about 'Why Antarctica Matters for Tasmania.' ▶️ aappartnership.org.au/tasmania-uni...
Tasmania unites for Antarctic science - AAPP
Politicians and staff from three levels of government focus on Antarctica and the Southern Ocean
aappartnership.org.au