Stories

Animals, Environment, Marine Ecology

Newborn sharks swim like 'ninjas' to avoid predator attacks

Yes, we’ve all heard the song “baby shark, do do do do do” but do you know what little ninjas these baby sharks can be? It turns out they are incredible escape artists and science is only just finding out the why and how behind their incredible manouvers. 4ZZZ's intrepid reporter, Anita Diamond interviewed Professor Jodie Rummer, who conducted a study looking into how these baby sharks swim to avoid predator attacks.

Science and Technology, Environment, Transport, Alternative Energy

Vehicle-to-Grad transition in Australia 2025

Vehicle-to-Grid is where electric vehicles draw power from the electricity grid to power their batteries as well as households, and it was one of the main focal points discussed at the Smart Energy Queensland Expo last week by industry leaders. Over the years, there’s been much discourse surrounding the technology… So where are we currently at in Australia in terms of shifting into this new way of powering vehicles? 4ZZZ's Toni Pankaluic spoke to Allan Edwards, Smart Transport and E-Mobility Lead at the Smart Energy Council to learn more.

Medical, Aged Care, Health

Misconceptions on Wound Care Is Slowing Recovery and Increasing the Risk of Infection

We often hear that letting a cut dry out and scab over is the best way to heal it, however could this ‘common belief’ actually be slowing recovery and raising infection risks? New research reveals that almost two-thirds of Australians cling to this myth, with nearly half changing plasters daily and disrupting the natural healing process. 4ZZZ's Eliot Rifkin chatted with Karen Carter, a pharmacist and owner of Carter’s Pharmacy (Gunnedah) about some common misconceptions on wound care which can slow recovery and sometimes increase the risk of infection.

Industry, Biosecurity, Agriculture, Animals

Where's our eggs and the flow-on effects of biosecurity strategies

Have you ever wondered why egg shelves are bare and prices are soaring? Did you know millions of chickens were culled due to bird flu outbreaks and this wasn’t the first time? Australia’s biosecurity system faces growing challenges, however could smarter strategies help balance ethics, economics and food security? 4ZZZ's Eliot Rifkin chatted about “Egg availability and Australia's broader biosecurity challenges” with Associate Professor Susan Hester from the University of Melbourne.

Agriculture, Plants, Biosecurity, Industry

Dodging Banana Diseases and Monoculture Farming Challenges

Many of us grab a banana for a quick snack, however have you ever considered what exotic diseases could wipe out our favourite fruit overnight? It’s happened before… once in the 1950’s. A new report from the Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation reveals that investing in disease prevention could save the Australian banana industry over $52 million, all the while shining a light on the dangers of monoculture farming. 4ZZZ's Eliot Rifkin chatted about dodging banana threats and building a resilient future for bananas with Professor Andrew Geering from UQ's Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI).

Animals, Disability, Social Services

Guide Dogs Queensland supporting vision loss

Have you ever wondered how a specially trained dog can transform the life of someone with vision loss, helping them navigate the world with confidence? Guide Dogs Queensland has been empowering Queenslanders with low vision or blindness for over 65 years, providing life-changing services through their remarkable dogs and dedicated volunteers. 4ZZZ's Eliot Rifkin is joined by Jock Beveridge, CEO of Guide Dogs Queensland to chat about their impactful work and how the community can support this vital mission.

Science and Technology, Emergency Services, Insects

Cyborg beetles and their use in search and rescue

Imagine if beetles could be heroes, just for one day? Well, that dream might just become a reality for darkling beetles, who are being studied at UQ to become cyborg beetles and could be used for search and rescue operations. 4ZZZ's Anita Diamond chatted with Lachlan Fitzgerald a PhD researcher from UQ on 'Cyborg' beetles and their use in search and rescue.

Animals, Animal Welfare and Rescue, Environment

Exploring conservation efforts to protect the vulnerable Brush-Tail Rock Wallaby

We often hear about species of bandicoots, bilbies or quolls facing the risk of extinction… but did you know there are populations of Brush-Tail Rock Wallabies facing serious decline. This Rock Wallaby subspecies is still relatively common in areas such as Southern Queensland, though in other regions of Australia… serious conservation efforts are now being done to protect this vulnerable marsupial from the numerous threats it faces. 4ZZZ's Toni Pankaluic spoke with Jessica Guidotti, Project Officer from the Wildlife Preservation Society of Queensland to learn more on protecting the Brush Tail Rock Wallaby as well as understanding the animal.

Homelessness, Education

New research and school curriculum unveiled by Orange Sky on Homelessness

With a housing and a cost of living crises, some Australians have no choice to sleep rough. However, a new research conducted by not-for-profit OrangeSky shows Australians lack an understanding of what being homeless is, with 1 in 10 saying they can clearly define homelessness. OrangeSky has also launched a school curriculum course to teach school kids about homes and what homelessness is, so they have a clear understanding of it and become more sympathetic towards this sector. 4ZZZ's contributor Eduardo Jordan spoke with Shayne Herriot, Chief Operating Officer at Orange Sky about the research and school curriculum Orange Sky launched last week.

Animal Welfare and Rescue

SEQ's Parvovirus outbreak affecting our pets

Have you ever wondered how a simple vaccine could save your pet from a deadly disease sweeping through Southeast Queensland? The The Animal Welfare League of Queensland (AWLQ) is tackling outbreaks of canine parvovirus and feline panleukopenia in suburbs like Ipswich and South Brisbane, offering free vaccinations to protect our furry friends.

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