QUT develops new cement production process

Researchers at QUT have developed a simple way to use the gas released as a by product of cement creation to create more cement.

At present, nearly 900 kilograms of carbon dioxide is emitted for over a thousand kilograms of cement. The cement industry contributes seven percent to overall emissions and this figure is expected to grow as urbanisation continues to increase.

Flammable material removed from Brisbane Square

The brightly-coloured external cladding on Brisbane Square was removed from the building as it contains a combustible central core that poses a fire risk. Hundreds of buildings in Queensland are clad by the panels. They are built of the same material that accelerated the fire in Grenfell Tower in 2017, which resulted in 72 deaths.

Vaccines deferred for patients with blood clot history

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has made a recommendation that the COVID-19 vaccine be deferred for people with a history of specific rare blood clotting disorders. The recommendation applied to both Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines after 18 cases of clotting were recorded in 20 million vaccinations.

Suez canal may remain blocked for weeks

A container ship could continue to block the Suez canal for weeks, as the company behind the excavation process says the situation remains unpredictable.

The 400 meter long ship became stuck on Tuesday, with efforts to excavate the ship free so far proving futile, with hundreds of boats remaining unable to pass through.  

World Science Festival takes off in Brisbane

Yesterday marked the first day of this year’s World Science Festival in Brisbane.

Hosted by Queensland Museum, this year’s festival is focused on the theme ‘Extremes and Adaptations’. It will tackle climate change, sustainability, and distrust in science.

Chief Executive of Queensland Museum Network, Dr Jim Thompson, said the festival has been providing 'world class' events since 2016. 

From fires to floods: Farmers loose crops due to rainfall

Recent flooding has destroyed some farmers' first decent crop in years along the Dumaresq river across both the New South Wales and Queensland border. 

After years of drought, expected increased rainfall meant farmers in the region planted crops for the first time in years, with the flooding causing millions in lost revenue.