Australian marine scientists have unearthed evidence of an historic coral collapse in Queensland's Palm Islands following development on the nearby mainland.

The Soldier beetle is the first animal found to produce the exotic fatty acid dihydromatriciaria. New antibiotic and anti-cancer chemicals may one day be synthesised using biotechnology, following CSIRO's discovery of the three genes that combine to provide soldier beetles with their potent predator defence system.

The Classic Maya culture thrived in rainy times and then collapsed in turmoil as the weather turned to drought, according to new research.