the conversation
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8 Strange Signals AI Has Found in Its Search for Alien Life
Some 540 million years ago, diverse life forms suddenly began to emerge from the muddy ocean floors of planet Earth. This period is known as the Cambrian Explosion, and these aquatic critters are our ancient ancestors. All complex life on Earth evolved from these underwater creatures. Scientists believe all it took was an ever-so-slight increase…
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Solar Farms Can Actually Double as Havens for Wildlife
Australia’s renewable energy transition has prompted the construction of dozens of large-scale solar farms. The boom helps reduce Australia’s reliance on fossil fuels, but requires large areas of land to be converted to host solar infrastructure. Solar farms are mostly built in rural areas. This has raised concerns about a potential decline in both agricultural…
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The Hype Is Out of This World, but Mining in Space Won’t Save the Earth
We know the world must move to cleaner energy sources to head off the worst effects of climate change, but the technology required for the transition is very mineral-intensive. So where will all these resources come from? Many in the space industry are pointing beyond Earth. Asteroids and the Moon are thought to contain abundant…
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One of These Underrated Animals Should Be Australia’s 2032 Olympic Mascot
Australia is set to host the 2032 Olympic games in Queensland’s capital Brisbane, captivating an audience of billions. With so many eyes on Australia, the burning question is, of course, what animal(s) should be the official mascot(s) of the games, and why? Summer Olympics past have featured recognisable animal mascots such as Waldi the daschund…