Researchers with the University of Queensland have discovered the last common ancestor between humans and apes had an increased resistance to large amounts of snake venom.

The study focused on African and Asian primates and their abilities to survive snake bites, by exposing synthetic neuroreceptors to various types of venom.

African and Asian primates were shown to have a much higher rate of resistance to the venoms of cobras than South American monkeys, which due to lack of exposure to snakes did not develop such resistance, and also had poorer eyesight. 

A Queensland Palaeontologists has uncovered a one hundred and twelve million year old sea lizard in the region of Richmond. 

It was believed the creature, which has been described as a ‘monstrous dolphin’ around 6-5 meters in length, once thrived in the Great Artesian Basin.

Palaeontologist, Kevin Petersen found the fossils of the snout and jaw intact yesterday, and it has now been transferred to the Richmond Museum.

The Australian Army’s Seventh Battalion in Adelaide is currently under investigation for alleged “unacceptable behaviour.”

While the Army is yet to release details of the allegations at this stage, the new investigation has been launched by the Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force, following an internal investigation into claims of racial slurs and denials of justice earlier this year. 

South Australian senator Rex Patrick is determined to continue the investigation over concerns surrounding the lack of transparency from the Army’s prior inquiries.

The Australian government is making moves to impose new regulations on cryptocurrencies, following plans to launch its own digital currency. 

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has confirmed the Commonwealth and Reserve bank are working on the feasibility of central cryptocurrency in Australia. 

Frydenberg has also expressed that the government wanted cryptocurrency exchanges and business to apply for financial licenses, which aims to give consumers more certainty and confidence about parties they are dealing with. 

A Saudi man suspected of being involved in the murder of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi has been arrested in France.

Khalid Alotaibi is one of 26 suspects charged over the murder, which took place in Turkey in 2018.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has also been accused of authorising the killing by Western Intelligence Agencies, however these claims are yet to be substantiated.

Fiji is hoping to build on its high COVID-19 vaccination rates among adults, with its sights set on protecting more and more children. 

91 per cent of adults in Fiji have received both doses, which has come just months after conspiracy theories ran rampant in the village. 

Amidst criticism over lack of information and connectivity in remote areas, the high vaccination rates have been attributed to a vaccination drive supported by the nation’s ministry of health and Australian government funding. 

The Brisbane Airport has criticised Australia’s ‘confusing’ COVID guidelines for international arrivals. 

Brisbane Airport corporate executives have called upon the cabinet to reach an agreement on a consistent national approach to international arrivals, criticizing that it is currently hampering the nation’s recovery. 

Brisbane Airport have also expressed fears that international airports are consolidating inbound services to melbourne and sydney since they have reopened before queensland. 

Upgrades to the Nudgee Recreation Reserve community sports centre have been drastically downsized due to rising construction costs in Brisbane.

The planned upgrade would originally include a new clubhouse, dog park, and bmx track, however the council received tenders much higher than originally anticipated, leading to a renegotiating of prices, at the expense of fewer facilities.