Topic: University of New South Wales

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How wind farms could cause local (but not global) warming

The atmospheric turbulence caused by large wind farms could cause local temperature increases, a new study indicates.
New human species discovered? How China fossils could redefine 'human'

Scientists have recently dated and described fossils from what may be a new species of hominid, the Red Deer Cave people. The discovery could shed new light on emergence of humankind in East Asia.
Possible new human species unearthed in China

Scientists in China have found what may be a new species of human. Fossils show a group of people with similarities to and differences from modern humans.
Scientists unearth fossil of SUV-sized wombat

Paleontologists have unearthed a nearly complete skeleton of a Diprotodon, a fearsome three-ton wombat that rampaged across Australia some 2.5 million years ago until the arrival of the first humans.
Vietnam Communists' new challenge: managing capitalism

As inflation rises and currency weakens, observers will be watching the Communist Party Congress for clearer signs about the government’s determination to stabilize Vietnam's economy.
Qantas A380 engine failure possibly caused by oil fire, European official says

Qantas A380 engine failure was possibly caused by an oil fire, according to Europe's top air safety official. The Qantas A380 flight last week had to make an emergency landing, due to the engine failure.
Ten-foot-tall prehistoric 'terror bird' had a fearsome bite

Andalgalornis, a prehistoric, flightless, carnivorous bird that lived in South America, subdued its prey using a repeated attack-and-retreat strategy, landing well-targeted, hatchet-like jabs with its massive beak.
Another thing humans are good at: Biting

Modern humans have surprisingly powerful bites, a new study has revealed.
Sagging in polls, Australia's government toughens stance on asylum seekers

Australia's Labor government, which recently fell behind in the polls for the first time since taking power, has imposed a freeze on asylum seekers from Afghanistan and Sri Lanka.
Global warming: Earth could become unbearably hot, researchers say

A new study found that, if greenhouse gas emissions continue at their current rate, global warming could bring potentially lethal temperatures.
Update: Gigantic NASA balloon crash in Australia (video)

NASA says no one was hurt in huge NASA balloon accident in Australia.
Humongous, expensive NASA balloon crashes in Australia

The unmanned NASA balloon, designed to scan the sky for gamma rays, crashed during takeoff, smashing through a fence and flipping over an SUV.
Australia Aboriginal youths 28 times more likely to end up in jail

The recent deaths of several Australia Aboriginal prisoners in custody has sparked fresh criticism over the state's perceived failure to heed longstanding recommendations of a royal commission on the issue.
Discoveries
Glacier melting a key clue to tracking climate change

Glaciers now occupy the center stage in the debate over causes and impacts of climate change.
Does Australia need a human rights code?

Australia is the only Western democracy where human rights are not formally protected, either by law or by the Constitution. Minorities, elderly, and disabled want a human rights charter. But a proposal for a charter has unleashed fierce opposition from church groups and opposition politicians.
Samoa tsunami lesson: Early warning system too slow

The Samoa tsunami demonstrates a problem for early warning systems - massive waves crashed ashore before researchers could analyze the earthquake and sound the alarm. A second earthquake struck near Samoa Wednesday, where the death toll has topped 150.
Malaysia's ruling party struggles to stay relevant with new leaders

Amid allegations of corruption and a drop in popularity, the party that has been in power for five decades tries to shore up support.
World’s oceans turning acidic faster than expected

Acidification caused by carbon emissions could bring some oceans to a tipping point.