In a wide ranging discussion on ageing, Professor Dame Linda Partridge delves into the research findings on longevity in humans and animals, and ponders evolutionary perspectives on the ageing process. Presented by Dr Shane Huntington.
Evolutionary biologist Dr Devi Stuart-Fox explains how bird species in which plumage color form varies from member to member evolve into new species at a faster rate than species of a uniform plumage color form -- confirming a half century-old evolutionary theory. Presented by Dr Shane Huntington.
Fisheries scientists Dr Tim Dempster and Dr Reg Watson discuss the pressures on wild fish stocks and debate the role of aquaculture in feeding an increasingly populous world. With science host Dr Dyani Lewis.
Political scientist Professor Robyn Eckersley proposes a framework for protecting the environment that allows for armed intervention. With host Jennifer Cook.
Australopithecus sediba, discovered in 2008 in southern Africa, is the most significant paleo-archeological find in recent years. These fossilized specimens have anatomical features lying somewhere between those found in Australopithecus africanus and Homo erectus. Geochemist Dr Robyn Pickering discusses the significance of the find, and how the age of A. sediba was determined. With science host Dr Shane Huntington.
Geneticist Dr Andrew Weeks and animal behaviourist Dr Michael Magrath discuss diverse ways of dealing with threatened animal populations. Australia's Mountain Pygmy Possum is one such endangered species for which a combination of genetic and breeding solutions are being tried. With science host Dr Shane Huntington.
Science historian Professor Naomi Oreskes explains why limits in the predictive capacity of climate models present a challenge to those favoring adaptation above emissions mitigation as a strategy in dealing with climate change. With host Eric van Bemmel.
Historian, literary critic and author Professor Deirdre Coleman connects naturalist Henry Smeathman's years in West Africa to the social norms and intellectual life 18th century England. With host Jennifer Cook.
Agricultural scientist Dr Andrew Hamilton explains how risk and uncertainty can be better modelled in both managing waster water and estimating species richness. With science host Dr Shane Huntington.
PhD students Kate Naughton and Felicity Jackling discuss their respective research into ocean refuges and applying genetics to the commercial breeding of alpacas. With science host Shane Huntington.
