Genetically modified food helping countries without water
Using genetically modified foods could help countries that are running out of water.
A team reporting in the Nature Communications journal claims that a GM tobacco crop uses twenty five per cent less water for essentially the same harvest.
The researchers used tobacco crops as a test, but believe it has wide applications as the protein they modified is found in all plants.
Kangaroo culling documentary under criticism
A kangaroo cull documentary is being criticised for potentially crippling the kangaroo export market.
The film, Kangaroo: A Love-Hate Story, has been screened throughout the US and questions whether Australia is at risk of pushing the kangaroo to extinction.
However, the filmmaker, Michael Mcintyre, said he was only hoping to start a discussion and address the concerns of many of the future of kangaroos.
Gun lobbyists are investing more money in Queensland politics
Australian gun lobbyists have invested more than $500,000 in political parties in a push to weaken gun reforms.
To win seats in the Queensland state election, branches of the Sporting Shooters Association have pumped thousands of dollars into the war chests of One Nation and The Katter Australian Party.
In a statement, Sam Lee from Gun Control Australia said that the involvement of gun lobbyists in political parties is growing, using a National Rifle Association approach in an attempt to weaken current gun laws.
Queensland sparky catches python after it ate the cat
A Queensland electrician captures a python after it eats the family cat.
BME Electrical Services electrician Brydie Maro was called to the job in Mossman and eventually wrangled the eight kilogram snake, releasing it into the bush land.
Maro, a former wildlife handler, is no stranger to removing snakes, having previously having removed snakes from customers switchboards.
Gearing up for International Women's Day
Many organisations and communities are gearing up for International Women’s Day events, which are being held this Thursday the 8th of March.
There are breakfasts being held across the state including one at the University of Queensland. The Queensland University of Technology is hosting a panel and market stalls, with many societies getting involved with their own events.
Get searching online for more details on what’s on near you.
Review: Permission to Speak
Chamber Made’s ‘Permission to Speak’ played the Brisbane Powerhouse Theatre as part of the Australian Performing Arts Market (APAM) schedule for 2018. If you’ve not heard of it, APAM showcases contemporary performing arts to the international sector. This work is certainly one you can imagine touring the world.
Drugged gummy bears used to calm kids at daycare
Melatonin laced gummy bears have been used to drug children in a Chicago daycare.
Three workers have been accused of using the sickly sweets to calm kids before naptime, and neurologist Anna Ivanenko described it as a “very inappropriate and potentially dangerous act.”
They now face “endangering the life or health of a child and battery” charges.
Hope for last male white rhino after health improvement
Sudan, the last male northern white rhino, has seen a slight improvement in his health.
His carers are sceptical of a “miracle recovery,” but are encouraged by his recent “lifted spirits.”
The 45 year old, is one of only three northern white rhinos left, and mating attempts so far have failed, making his health of vital importance to the continuation of the species.
Jesus Loves Nachos
“Jesus Loves Nachos” graffiti in the Northern Territory is being trademarked in hopes to promote tourism.
The famous graffiti is carved into Katherine’s Railway Bridge, south of Darwin.
Author and Katherine town councillor, Toni Tapp Couts spent eight months getting the slogan trademarked and initially plans to sell tea towels and t-shirts bearing “Jesus Loves Nachos.”