Science / Year 9 / Science as a Human Endeavour / Use and influence of science

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The human immune system's role is to deal with the threat of infection. However, sometimes the immune system fails to stop an infection that can lead to disease. Vaccines are used to prevent some diseases. Discover how a vaccine helps the immune system respond to the threat of infection. Find out why vaccination is a controversial ...

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Have you ever looked at tall buildings or massive bridges and wondered what keeps them standing? Or have you wondered why these structures have been designed the way they have? Alexandra Devlin is a civil and environmental engineering student at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) and these are the questions that ...

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Dr Paul Fraser has been part of the Greenhouse Gas team at the CSIRO for over 40 years. His team measures the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, by taking and analysing air samples from different locations around the world. Paul explains that there are a number of versions of carbon dioxide, made up of different isomers ...

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How do we balance protecting the environment and allowing mining-related activities near World Heritage listed areas? In this clip you will see underwater footage of marine life on the Great Barrier Reef and images of liquefied natural gas (LNG) processing and shipping operations on the Queensland coast. Listen to the issues ...

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Can you imagine a wetland so acidic that its pH levels are similar to the acid in a car battery? It's part of a problem that scientists call acid mud. In this clip from 2008, see how it forms and what scientists are doing to better understand this environmental disaster.

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Did you know that Australia is the most flammable continent on Earth? Watch this clip to discover how bushfires impact natural ecosystems, and how the increasing global threat of bushfires may affect Australia. Australian scientists explain the ecological consequences of fire and a US expert describes his concerns for the future.

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This is a video clip of TEDMED speaker Ashley Atkinson describing a community program that promotes growing food together to transform the environment and to address issues of declining access to affordable, fresh produce. The video focuses on how the program, Keep Growing Detroit, provides resources to assist in the establishment ...

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Explore options for houses, work, food and transport in 2024 in this multimedia presentation from Radio National. A useful resource for stimulating discussion about applications of science and implications for society and the environment as well as current issues and developments in science. Gives examples of how different ...

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Ask and expert' ABC article exemplifies some creative approaches of scientists to the significant problem of predicting earthquakes. The science behind the various methods is outlined, their successes and failures and problems for possible future developments.

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Some humorous examples of scientists thinking outside the square and doing some unusual research. Download the audio or view the transcript of this ABC radio interview.