All stories
18 March 2025
Scientists discover 15 million-year-old Australian fish fossil
A new species of ancient Australian fish has been named after the ANU researcher who discovered it.
24 April 2023
Aussie prehistoric predator’s last meal revealed
ANU researchers have used X-rays to learn more about the diet of a prehistoric reptile that lived in Australian waters during the time of the dinosaurs.
23 November 2022
World’s oldest meal offers food for thought
The contents of the last meal consumed by the earliest animals known to inhabit Earth more than 550 million years ago has unearthed new clues about the physiology of our earliest animal ancestors, according to scientists from ANU.
3 February 2021
New software allows scientists to “walk inside” samples
New software will allow scientists to see data in 3D and create life-like models of objects like fossils and mummies, making it possible to "zoom in" on smaller details without damaging the original.
24 November 2020
Study reveals true origin of oldest evidence of animals
Two teams of scientists have resolved a longstanding controversy surrounding the origins of complex life on Earth.
4 December 2024
Picking your brain: the new techniques tracing brain evolution
To better understand how modern human brains work, one ANU expert is using cutting-edge technology to study skulls from our ancient ancestors.
1 November 2024
Indigenous cultural burning has protected Australia’s landscape for millennia
New ANU research shows how the intensity of forest fires in fire-prone southeastern Australia decreased over time alongside an increase in Indigenous populations in the area.
11 July 2024
Tatts all, folks: Graduate leaves ANU with more than just a PhD
Some graduates hang their diploma up on a wall to mark their achievements. Tim McInerney got a tattoo on his butt.
10 July 2024
Ancient DNA study sheds new light on dingo ancestry
Analysis of ancient dingo DNA has revealed today's dingoes share little ancestry with modern domestic dog breeds, a new study involving ANU shows.
23 April 2021
Philippines once home to extinct giant “cloud rats”
The Philippines was once home to three previously unknown species of an unusual group of rodents with fluffy tails known as "giant cloud rats", according to a new fossil discovery.
14 June 2023
Monkey magic: how they adapted to become better communicators
New research shows that monkey brains changed as certain species evolved to cope with their environments.
8 December 2023
Turning the tap off slowly – why Australia's decision to end overseas fossil fuel finance matters
Australia's decision to end overseas fossil fuel finance will be welcomed by its climate-exposed neighbours.
26 May 2022
Perplexing fish-like fossil finally classified
For the first time since its discovery 130 years ago, one of the most mysterious fossil vertebrates has finally been classified, increasing our possible understanding of the first animals to crawl on Earth.
17 February 2025
Power plants: the green way to sustain the global energy transition
ANU scientist Professor Caitlin Byrt is harnessing the power of plants to create a sustainable future for people and the planet.