The Environment Institute

🎙️ Stefan's Insights on Plant Sensitivity Featured on ABC Radio Adelaide 🎙️

On Thursday, 29 August, Stefan Caddy-Retalic of The University of Adelaide of Adelaide was interviewed on ABC 891 Radio Adelaide’s segment “The Producer’s Challenge” with Nikolai Beilharz. This time, Stefan addressed an intriguing listener question: Can plants feel pain?

🌱 The short answer is no. Unlike animals, plants lack nerves and brains, so they don't experience pain in the way we do. However, Stefan explained that plants do have sophisticated ways to respond to stress and damage:
Chemical Signals: When plants are attacked by herbivores, they might release volatile chemicals. These chemicals can deter the herbivores or attract predators that help fend off the attackers. Nearby plants can also pick up on these signals and enhance their own defensive responses.
Ultrasonic Bursts: Plants produce ultrasonic sounds when stressed, though these sounds are beyond human hearing. Other animals, however, can detect these bursts, which can play a role in their interactions with the plants.

Stefan’s insights help deepen our understanding of plant behavior and their complex responses to environmental challenges.

🌿 Announcing 2024 Nature Foundation Research Grant Success! 🌿

In celebration of National Science Week (10-18 August 2024), The Foundation have announced Rebecca Greening (University of Adelaide) as the recipient of this year’s Roy and Marjory Edwards Scholarship, supporting crucial work in biodiversity and conservation.

Rebecca Greening’s PhD research builds on her previous work, exploring soil microbial communities and their role in plant recruitment in arid rangelands.

Congratulations Rebecca! Your innovative research is vital for understanding and preserving our unique biodiversity.



📷 credit Nature Foundation latest news

🔥 SA Govt reviewing regulation banning use of underground shelters 🔥

South Australia’s approach to bushfire shelters highlights a significant regulatory and safety debate. While private fireproof bunkers, like the one Daniel Katz installed, are seen by some as a last resort for those in high-risk areas, SA authorities currently do not approve these structures, unlike Victoria which has recognized and accredited certain designs.

Daniel Katz’s situation is particularly concerning. Despite the fact that his bunker meets Victorian standards, it is not permitted in SA, leaving him unable to use it while he appeals a removal notice. This regulatory discrepancy raises questions about the safety and practicality of bushfire preparedness in different regions.



The Environment Institute’s Dr. Phillipa McCormack’s research underscores the need for consistent and practical bushfire shelter regulations. She advocates for a model similar to Victoria’s, suggesting that accreditation for fireproof bunkers could enhance safety and preparedness across the country. The push for such regulations reflects a broader debate about the balance between evacuation plans and the availability of protective structures for those living in fire.

See the ABC report here: https://shorturl.at/OoHCy

🌟 Exciting News! 🌟

We are delighted to welcome to the team our new Environment Institute Manager, Dr Marina Delpin, PhD.

Marina is passionate about connecting people and creating opportunity to grow their research. She has a successful track record in supporting researchers and institutions to uplift research income, capability and capacity and maximise research translation, implementation and impact. Marina has worked as an environmental microbiologist and in research management roles within Australian and Scandinavian universities, national research institutes and research networks, as well as in the For-Purpose sector. Her research work focused on multispecies marine biofilm dynamics in the development of antifouling technologies, novel antimicrobial discovery, marine nutrient cycling and microbial fuel cells.

More recently, Marina has worked in senior strategic and operational management roles across the research-lifecycle, including research -development, -funding strategy, -communications, -project and -program management and researcher career development, with a focus on talent attraction and retention strategies.

Welcome onboard Marina, and we look forward to working with you!

🌍 Support a Better Future for Wildlife on 5 September! 🌿

The University of Adelaide’s “Giving Day” is a 24-hour fundraising challenge aimed at contributing to causes that you’re passionate about. The Environment Institute has highlighted the Combating Environmental and Wildlife Crime Research Fund as a key cause that can help address the serious threat posed by environmental and wildlife crime in Australia and combat these issues through:

🔬 Boosting Critical Research: Improve policing and enforcement against environmental crime.
👀 Promoting Awareness: Enhance public understanding of wildlife protection.
🎯 Ensuring Direct Impact: Funds are used solely for University of Adelaide research.

Your support will make a difference in preserving Australia’s unique landscapes and biodiversity. See how you can donate here: https://bit.ly/4dAK29j

🌟 Exciting News from the Australian Research Council! 🌟

On Saturday (24 August), the Australian Research Council announced the outcomes for Scheme Round 1, Discovery Early Career Research Award 2025.

We’re thrilled to share that The University of Adelaide had 10 successful recipients!

A special congratulations to the The Environment Institute’s Future Making Fellow Dr. Phillipa McCormack for her project, “Preparing Australia for a Fiery Future: Five Strategies to Guide Law Reform.” This groundbreaking research aims to enhance Australia's legal frameworks for bushfire mitigation through innovative law reform and international case studies. Her work promises to deliver practical pathways for improved fire prevention, benefiting fire agencies, communities, and ecosystems.

Also, congratulations to Dr. Cheryl Law for her project on “Law on Shark-Inspired Remote Sensors,” contributing to advancements in technology and safety.

Kudos to all our outstanding researchers for their contributions to advancing knowledge and making a positive impact!

🌍 Honoring World Environment Day: A Deep Dive into the Flinders Ranges’ UNESCO World Heritage Nomination 🌍

On World Environment Day 2024, the SA Division of the United Nations Association of Australia hosted an engaging and insightful event at the historic Urrbrae House, Waite Campus, University of Adelaide. 🎉

The President, Lidia Moretti, welcomed 50 distinguished guests to explore the significance of the Flinders Ranges region’s UNESCO World Heritage nomination.

Key Highlights:

🔬 Professor Andy Lowe, Director of the Environment Institute, provided an illuminating overview of South Australia’s geological significance and its ancient history.

🌟 Associate Professor Diego Garcia-Bellido from the University of Adelaide and the South Australian Museum shared a compelling narrative on the Ediacaran fossils, emphasizing the unique and diverse fossil record found in the new Nilpena Ediacara National Park. These fossils represent some of the earliest complex life forms on Earth and play a pivotal role in the region's World Heritage bid.

🌱 Mary Lou Simpson, Chair and Founder of the Flinders Ranges Ediacara Foundation, discussed the Foundation’s efforts in conserving these invaluable fossils and supporting educational and scientific initiatives. Her presentation underscored the Foundation’s dedication to preserving our natural heritage and contributing to the World Heritage nomination.

Let’s continue to champion the preservation and understanding of our planet’s ancient history! 🌏💚

Read more here: https://bit.ly/3WTg9ep

📷(L-R) Jack Batty MP, Member for Bragg (representing the Shadow Minister for Environment, David Spiers), A/Prof Diego Garcia-Bellido (School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide/Senior Researcher, South Australian Museum), Tammy Hubycz (DFAT), Lidia Moretti (UNAA SA President), Genevieve Theseira Haese (Former Mayoress of Adelaide), Prof Andy Lowe (EI Director)

🌊 Innovative Marine Research: Sea Lions as Underwater Explorers 🦭

Exciting developments in marine science are underway! Researchers at the South Australian Research and Development Institute and The University of Adelaide (UoA) have employed a unique approach to map and understand the ocean floor off Australia’s southern coast. By equipping sea lions with underwater cameras and tracking devices, they’ve gathered unprecedented footage of previously unexplored marine environments. 🦭🌊

The study, led by Nathan Angelakis of the University of Adelaide, has revealed vibrant seaweed meadows, craggy coral-covered rocks, and even captured a rare moment of a mother Australian sea lion teaching her pup to hunt—an invaluable insight into their behavior and foraging skills. This novel method not only provides a new perspective on sea lion habitats but also aids in developing predictive models of the ocean floor using machine learning. 🦭🌊

Dan Costa of the University of California, Santa Cruz, aptly describes this research as a “really novel take” on studying marine environments. By combining wildlife behavior with advanced technology, this approach could be key to better managing and protecting endangered species like the Australian sea lion. 🦭🌊

Kudos to the team for their groundbreaking work and for advancing our understanding of these incredible animals and their habitats! 🙌

Link to article: https://bit.ly/3yNDepo

📷 Credit to Nathan Angelakis; a sea lion with its camera mount resting on the shore.

Move over, robots: Sea lions with cameras can map the ocean floor Daphne, Phoebe, Iris and Pasithea demonstrated how marine mammals can help scientists understand mysterious places that humans may never visit.

🌿🏙️ Urban Green Spaces and Your Health: A Game-Changer! 🏙️🌿

Did you know that the way we design our cities can have a huge impact on our health? 🌍✨ Recent research from the University of Adelaide and Flinders University reveals that incorporating more green spaces in urban areas can significantly boost our immune systems!

Here's why it matters:
🌱 Diverse Microbes: Exposure to a variety of bacteria from green spaces helps our immune systems stay strong and prevents overreactions that can lead to allergies and asthma.
🏞️ Healthier Environments: Well-designed urban landscapes with parks, gardens, and indoor plants can help us reconnect with nature and improve our overall health.
🧩 Design Matters: The World Health Organization recommends having public green spaces close to where people live. This isn't just about aesthetics—it's about creating healthier cities!

As more people move to urban areas, let's push for city designs that include these vital green spaces. 🌳💪 Not only does it enhance our living environment, but it also supports our well-being.

Together, we can create healthier, happier cities! 🏙️❤️

Read more here: https://bit.ly/3YCxdXc

Designing healthier cities with good bacteria Login Home Environment News 2024 07 31 Current: Designing healthier cities with good bacteria Designing healthier cities with good bacteria Posted on Jul 31 2024 by Belinda Gosden Credit: winluk06 The urbanisation of towns could be contributing to poor health outcomes in our communities, research fr...

In a significant new video, the Financial Times investigates how World Forest ID is tackling global deforestation.

Featuring:
🌳 The science and data science driving the work of World Forest ID, with insights from its Director of Science, Dr Victor Deklerck, and data scientists Dr Jakub Truszkowski and Dr Thomas Mortier.

🌳Partnerships with leading scientific institutions including The University of Adelaide, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and Meise Botanic Garden, featuring Professor Andrew Lowe, Dr Tony Hall, Dr Peter Gasson, and Dr Cady Lancaster.

🌳 The devastating effects of the illegal timber trade on landscapes and biodiversity, as described by World Forest ID's Executive Director, Jade Saunders.

This is an excellent piece of reporting.

https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/TZyzCk814lI0LBOwikC6uZjPD1?domain=channels.ft.com/

Forest detectives are tackling the illegal wood trade The trade in black market timber is now the third most profitable cross-border crime after counterfeiting and drug trafficking, according to Interpol. The global fraud is destroying critical forests, undermining international sanctions and decimating indigenous lands and livelihoods. But authorities...

📢 Coming soon! ✨Professor Andrew Lowe, EI Director, had the privilege of spending time on stage with living icon Dr Jane Goodall during a public lecture as part of the Jane Goodall Institute Australia's Reasons for Hope Tour’ in Adelaide last month.

🌿 We were all captivated by Dr Goodall’s presence, warmth and wisdom and we look forward to sharing this enlightening and engaging ‘fire side chat’ later this week on the Eco Futurist podcast library.

👂 Listen to a short snippet here: https://bit.ly/46Ib0cj

👀 Keep your eye out for the full discussion to be released this week.

🌏 Reasons for Hope Tour
https://janegoodall.org/event/reasons-for-hope-tour-australia-adelaide-australia-adelaide-town-hall/

📷 Jane Goodall Institute, Adam Oswell

🎉 Come and work with us! 🎉

Applications are now open for the University of Adelaide Future Making Fellowship Scheme.

The scheme has been established to attract and support early-career and mid-career researchers of outstanding research calibre and potential, who will be based in the University’s Research Institutes.

For all the details, visit:

2024 Future Making Fellowships - applications now open Login Home Environment News 2024 07 11 Current: 2024 Future Making Fellowships - applications now open 2024 Future Making Fellowships - applications now open Posted on Jul 11 2024 by Belinda Gosden Applications are now being accepted for the University of Adelaide's Future Making Fellowships Scheme....

🐕 Exciting findings from a groundbreaking study, co-led by Dr. Yassine Souilmi from The University of Adelaide’s Australian Centre for Ancient DNA, reveals that the distribution of modern dingoes across Australia predates European colonisation and the dingo-proof fence.

The team analysed 42 ancient dingo specimens, dating from 400 to 2,746 years ago, comparing their DNA with modern dingoes and global dog populations 🧬

The study, published this week in PNAS, clarifies dingo genetic heritage and stresses the importance of ancient DNA in wildlife conservation. Dingoes hold cultural importance for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and play a vital role in Australia's ecosystem.

This research underscores the urgency of protecting dingo populations in national parks and beyond for future generations.

Read more here: https://www.adelaide.edu.au/environment/news/list/2024/07/10/ancient-dna-uncovers-dingos-hidden-heritage

📷: A dingo jaw, collected from Curracurrang Rockshelter, Royal National Park on Tharawal country, NSW. Credit: Sally Wasef.

👏 Great to witness the groundbreaking research happening in Wildlife Crime here at the The University of Adelaide, and showcased on the ABC Australia's 7.30 Report last night! 🦎 🐍

Also exciting to see the newly launched Wildlife Crime Research Hub featured in the episode 🤩

Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology

👀 ICYMI, the video is available here:

Forensic science is helping combat wildlife trafficking Sarah Ferguson presents Australia's premier daily current affairs program, delivering agenda-setting public affairs journalism and interviews that hold the powerful to account. Plus political analysis from Laura Tingle.

🐠 Recent findings by a research team led by the EI's Ivan Nagelkerken reveal that ocean acidification is simplifying coral structures, affecting vital fish habitat in the coral reefs of Papua New Guinea.

🔍 Ocean acidification, linked to rising CO2 levels, reduces coral complexity. Certain fish species find simplified coral less appealing as habitat which may lead to biodiversity loss and impact fisheries. This underscores broader concerns beyond heat-induced coral bleaching.

👉 Read more over at our blog: https://www.adelaide.edu.au/environment/news/list/2024/07/02/ocean-acidification-turns-fish-off-coral-reefs

🎥 🎬 Andrew Lowe had an amazing time recently with Tony Armstrong and Phill Cassey filming for an exciting upcoming doco series with Matthew Bate, Poppy Fitzpatrick and the team from Closer Productions – watch this space for more details coming soon! 🤫

A recent study led by the EI's Dr Camille Mellin and Assoc Prof Damien Fordham paints a concerning picture for the future of coral reefs. Their research, published in Science Advances, utilises climate modeling and supercomputing to predict the devastating impact of marine heatwaves on coral bleaching.

Key Findings:
🪸 Earlier and Longer Bleaching: Coral bleaching events are projected to begin earlier in the year and last longer than previously anticipated.
🪸 Disrupted Reproduction: This shift in timing could significantly disrupt coral spawning, a crucial event for reef survival.
🪸 Equatorial Reefs at Highest Risk: Coral reefs along the equator, known for their rich biodiversity, are predicted to face near-constant bleaching by 2100.

This research highlights the urgency of prioritising coral conservation efforts and will help reef managers identify regions of lower bleaching risk where coral conservation actions can be prioritised and corals best saved.

Read more 👉 https://www.adelaide.edu.au/environment/news/list/2024/06/27/future-risk-of-coral-bleaching-set-to-itensify-globally

📷 Credit: Neal Cantin, Australian Institute of Marine Science.

The University of Adelaide | Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology

The University of Adelaides latest research impact story highlights the incredible work of Dr. Dominic McAfee and Prof. Sean Connell in reviving lost oyster reefs! 🪸

Their innovative approach combines multi-species restoration with "ocean music" to create a thriving ecosystem for marine life. 🌊 🎵

This work paves the way for a future where we not only restore, but create even healthier marine environments.

Read about their inspiring work here: https://www.adelaide.edu.au/research/news/list/2024/06/19/restoring-lost-reefs-bringing-oysters-back-from-extinction

📷: Stefan Andrews

🚨📢 Calling Young Changemakers in South Australia!

the Jane Goodall Institute is searching for a passionate volunteer to lead the South Australian chapter of their Roots & Shoots program.

Roots & Shoots empowers young people to become compassionate leaders who care for animals, the environment, and each other.

To learn more and apply, visit: https://janegoodall.org.au/join-us/.

Together, let's create a brighter future for our planet!

What a great way to end the week 🎉 👏 Australian Research Council Linkage Project Success!

Congratulations to Environment Institute's Associate Professor Damien Fordham, Dr Jamie Wood, Associate Professor Jeremy Austin, Dr Liz Reed and Australian Museum's Professor Kristofer M. Helgen on their successful Linkage Project 'Preventing extinctions of threatened mammals with DNA in sediment archives'. The project was awarded $540,500.

The project's partner organisations include Bush Heritage Australia , World Wildlife Fund, Australian Museum , Department of Planning and Environment, Australian Wildlife Conservancy.

Australia's mammal fauna is among the most distinct in the world. However, since European colonisation, they have suffered severe population declines and extinctions. This project will use ancient DNA and ecological models to reconstruct threatened Australian mammals' historical distribution and habitats. This data will support evidence-based ecological restoration of many of Australia's most endangered species and reinstate their important ecosystem services.

Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology

📷 : The endangered numbat were once wide spread across southern Australia. They are now only found in southern Western Australia.

A new study led by Dr Ferry Slik in Brunei and co-authored by Prof Andrew Lowe, sheds light on why some trees reach record-breaking heights, while others remain shorter.

The researchers analysed data from over 5,300 tree species across three continents and found a strong connection between a tree's maximum height and how it disperses its seeds. This makes sense – wind can carry seeds high above the forest floor, helping them reach new areas to germinate. Trees that remain shorter are more likely to use animal dispersal to carry seeds within the forest itself, scattering them over shorter distances.

This research, published in Global Ecology and Biogeography, strengthens our understanding of how diverse rainforest ecosystems function.

To read the article visit https://www.adelaide.edu.au/environment/news/list/2024/06/20/new-paper-exploring-the-ecological-implications-of-the-height-of-tropical

Forget Jurassic Park - this week we bring to you research which delves into real ancient DNA, not movie magic! ⛏ 🦖

Our guest blogger, Siobhan Evans, is a PhD candidate at The University of Adelaide's Australian Centre for Ancient DNA, and Siobhan is using a fascinating technique for extracting DNA from cave sediments (sedimentary ancient DNA).

Sedimentary ancient DNA preserves traces of past life – animals, plants, microbes – offering a window into ancient ecosystems. This helps us track how species distributions changed over time, and whether potentially linked to climate or environmental shifts. 🐾 🍃🦠

Most ancient sedimentary DNA studies focus on cold environments but Siobhan's research breaks new ground by applying it to Australia's warm temperate zones. Siobhan explains how factors like temperature, humidity, and mineral composition all play a role in influencing DNA survival in cave sediments, and how her research will tackle that gap.

Read Siobhan's blog on the EI website here: https://www.adelaide.edu.au/environment/news/list/2024/06/12/a-glimpse-into-the-past-what-digging-for-dna-in-cave-dirt-tells-us-about

Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology

🦆 🦆🦆 🦆 🦆 🦆 Wildlife research!

Last month GPS trackers were deployed on 12 Chestnut Teal (ducks) in the Coorong, South Australia. Honours student Freya Harrihill will use the data to gain valuable insights into their movement and habitat use. Chestnut Teal numbers have been declining over the past 40 years, and they have never been tracked before.

Freya is supervised by Dr Steven Delean and Dr Thomas Prowse.

Are you interested in find out more on her research? Follow the account below for updates on their movements.

Facebook: https://bit.ly/3V2HZnq



Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology
📷 :
1 - Chestnut teal being released
2 - GPS track on a chestnut teal

🏆 On , we celebrated the 2024 SA Environment Award winners, recognising environmental champions and advocates across the state. We heard inspiring speeches from Deputy Premier and Minister for Climate and Environment Dr Susan Close MP and Uncle Mickey and the evening was MC by the charismatic Tiahni Adamson.

The Environment Institute had an impressive 5 finalists at the event, showing our commitment and impact in environmental research.

🌊 We are thrilled for Prof Sean Connell and Dr Dominic McAfee who received the 2024 Conservation Science Prize Award for their innovative work to restore lost oyster reefs along the SA coast line.

🐝 Congratulations also to Dr Katja Hogendoorn, who received a Pelzer Prize Certificate of Merit for her work with plant-insect interactions and to former EI Board Member Dr Susannah Eliott FTSE who recieved a Certificate of Merit for innovative science communication.

Read more about our finalists and other winners here: https://www.adelaide.edu.au/environment/news/list/2024/06/06/2024-sa-environment-awards-success

👏 Let's celebrate these achievements and continue to support SA's environment throughout the year!

The SA Environment Awards are presented by Conservation SA in partnership with Green Adelaide, the Department for Environment and Water and the University of Adelaide Environment Institute and sponsored by Adelaide Cemeteries.

2024 SA Environment Awards Success Login Home Environment News 2024 06 06 Current: 2024 SA Environment Awards Success 2024 SA Environment Awards Success Posted on Jun 6 2024 by Leah Panakera-Thorpe Yesterday, on World Environment Day, we celebrated the 2024 SA Environment Award finalists and winners. The evening was a fantastic celeb...

A new study published in PNAS has shed light on the extinction of the Woolly Rhino. The international team, led by researchers from The University of Adelaide and Københavns Universitet - University of Copenhagen, used computer models, fossils, and ancient DNA to create a high-resolution picture of the woolly rhino population across Eurasia for the last 52,000 years.

The study suggests that from 30,000 years ago, a combination of cooling temperatures and low but sustained hunting by humans caused the woolly rhinoceros to contract its distribution southward, trapping it in a scattering of isolated and rapidly deteriorating habitats at the end of the Last Ice Age. Then, as the climate changed, the woolly rhinoceros were unable to colonise new habitats opening up in the north, bringing about their extinction.

The research sheds light on the threats large animals face today due to habitat loss from human activity and climate change. By understanding past extinctions, we can develop better conservation strategies to protect endangered species.

Read the study here: https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2316419121

👏 Congratulations to Prof Alan Collins for successfully gaining an Australian Research Council Laureate Fellowship this week.

Alan's fellowship aims to use abundant geological information to build a digital twin of the Earth’s surface through its middle age (1800–500 million years ago) then apply this to investigate how deep earth processes including earthquakes, volcanos and plate tectonics endowed our planet with critical metals and built a habitable world. Outcomes will include ground-breaking data-driven geology and deep-time full-earth modelling, which have not been attempted before, as well as de-risking mineral exploration. 🌏 We look forward to the outcomes!

Read more here: https://www.adelaide.edu.au/newsroom/news/list/2024/05/29/grants-support-transformative-research

🎉 Congratulations to all the finalists in the 2024 SA Environment Awards.

We are very excited to have five EI members recognised for their contributions to our natural environment:

🌱 Isabelle Onley, PhD - Conservation Science Prize Award and Leif Justham Young Achiever Award

🐝 Dr Katja Hogendoorn - Pelzer Prize

🌊 Dr Dominic McAfee and Prof Sean Connell - Conservation Science Prize Award

👨‍🔬 Prof Peng Bi - Conservation Science Prize Award.

We look forward to celebrating with the finalists at the awards evening next Wednesday on World Environment Day. Limited tickets still available: https://www.saenvironmentawards.org.au/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR1I8XqwBMRkZgkbeG7puaaxBK34dq1BQy9oD7q4wI43K5xGOzCzR-VFbjU_aem_AbhWxIf6wB6gfprdaxSstbirjf4RUMLqGYwDweD4bwWIVjHVcgkD1mNSqR1qsGidSsgK1d6YpJWe2gkjFo0jinEA

Sponsors: Conservation SA, Environment Institute, Green Adelaide and Dept of Environment and Water (Environment SA News).