New research shows that variation in mating behaviours, parental care and differences in ornamentation of the sexes in bird species is driven by demographics rather than vice versa.

An origami-inspired reflectarray antenna developed by researchers at Institute of Science Tokyo enables CubeSats to achieve high antenna gain while fitting within the tight size constraints of small satellites. Weighing just 64 grams, it folds compactly inside a 3U CubeSat for launch and expands in space. Such designs could support higher data-rate communications, expanding the capabilities of future CubeSat missions, including deep-space and lunar exploration.

A cross-disciplinary team led by Prof. QU Jianan, Professor from the Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering and Prof. Julie L. SEMMELHACK, Visiting Assistant Professor from the Division of Life Science at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has developed a powerful laser control technique. Functioning as a “smart dimmer”, it can selectively adjust the brightness of every pixel during laser scanning, and prevent unintended neural activation, thereby significantly enhancing the precision of all-optical brain manipulation and imaging. This innovation will drive research into brain disease mechanisms and facilitate small animal disease models for new drug development. The finding results, titled “Active pixel power control for crosstalk-free all-optical neural interrogation” have been published in the prestigious international journal Nature Communications. 

Curtin University has appointed global tech industry leader Carl Solder as Adjunct Professor in a move designed to fast-track innovation and develop the next generation of tech talent. Mr Solder - the Chief Technology Officer of Cisco Australia and New Zealand - brings a wealth of global expertise to Curtin following a 40-year career in Australia, New Zealand, the Asia-Pacific region, and the United States, including 19 years in Silicon Valley.

New research has highlighted how inadequate environmental regulations and assessments of contaminated industrial land in India are endangering human populations and wildlife ecosystems.