New Atlas

Science Audio available

New study finds oldest evidence of life may just be boring old rocks after all

Michael Irving October 17, 2018

A few years ago, researchers studying stromatolites in Greenland dated them to 3.7 billion years old, making them the oldest evidence of life on Earth. However, a new study has now taken another look at the rocks and found that they probably weren’t biological in origin.

An earlier study found the conical structures (highlighted) appeared to be biological in origin, but a ...

Materials

Ultra-rare mineral points to huge impact crater in Australia

Michael Irving October 17, 2018

Woodleigh Crater in Western Australia is one of the largest on Earth. But now, researchers from Curtin University have discovered new evidence that the crater could be bigger than previously thought – thanks to the presence of one of the rarest minerals ever found.

The incredibly-rare mineral reidite has been found in an impact crater in Western Australia

Space

20 new deep-space radio signals detected by Outback telescopes

Michael Irving October 14, 2018

A huge radio telescope array spread across the Australian Outback is helping identify the mysterious fast radio bursts. Astronomers have now announced the discovery of 20 new FRBs in a bit over a year, including the brightest and closest events yet seen.

An artist's rendition of fast radio bursts, being detected by the ASKAP telescope in Western Australia

Computers

Apple slams Australia's anti-encryption bill, calling it "dangerously ambiguous"

Rich Haridy October 14, 2018

In an expansive submission to the Australian Parliament, Apple has strongly condemned the government’s prospective anti-encryption legislation, arguing “this is no time to weaken encryption,” and calling the draft outline “extraordinarily broad” and “dangerously ambitious.”

Australia's prospective anti-encryption legislation may be passed over the next few months

Automotive

Holden's Time Attack Concept is an audacious look at single-lap kings of the future

Nick Lavars October 9, 2018

Australian automotive company Holden has revealed an aggressively named and aggressively framed conceptual vehicle for parent company General Motors. Billed as a "plausible" racer of the future, the Time Attack Concept is Holden's exploration of advanced racing technologies.

Billed as a “plausible” racer of the future, Holden's Time Attack Concept is an exploration of ...

Architecture

Manmade gorge splits spectacular Iron Maiden House in two

Nick Lavars September 24, 2018

Architecture firm CplusC took a very creative approach to privacy in crafting its spectacular Iron Maiden House in Sydney. The home is made of two volumes split down the middle by a gorge-inspired void, creating inward-facing connections with nature that shield the interior from prying eyes.

The Iron Maiden House was completed this year, and has since made the shortlist for the ...

Digital Cameras

Stark and stunning images from the 2018 Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year competition

Michael Irving August 24, 2018

The winners of the 2018 Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year have been crowned. Designed to celebrate the natural beauty of Australia and surrounding regions, the competition includes some stunning shots of animals and stark reminders of the impact humans are having on the world.

Animal portrait runner-up: Luminous, Bluebottle (Physalia utriculus), by Matty Smith – an eerie image of a ...

Architecture

Twisting greenery-covered skyscraper on track to become Australia's tallest

Adam Williams August 17, 2018

Following the high-profile Southbank by Beulah architecture competition, Melbourne, Australia, is slated to receive a major addition to its skyline. Assuming it goes ahead as planned, the aptly-named Green Spine will include the tallest building in the country, as well as the Southern Hemisphere.

The Green Spine's taller building will rise to a height of 356.2 m (1,168 ft), while ...

Environment

Dead coral recruited to help keep the Great Barrier Reef alive

Michael Irving July 24, 2018

The ultimate fate of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is looking pretty dire. Now, researchers from the University of Queensland have outlined a plan to recycle dead coral into structures that can help protect the remaining reef and promote new growth.

In an effort to help protect the Great Barrier Reef, Australian researchers have proposed recycling dead ...

Architecture

Curved glass lodges nestle into the bush on Tasmania's coastline

Nick Lavars July 23, 2018

Tasmania's Freycinet Peninsula is home to some spectacular scenery, and those looking to take in the sights of this coastal pocket of southern Australia can now do so from a luxurious set of pavilions built to blend in with the landscape.

The Freycinet Lodge Coastal Pavilions opened their doors in March