Tag: Oceania
Australian scientist discovers South Pacific island isn't real
If you look at a map of the Coral Sea, you might happen to see Sandy Island. But if you look at the island on Google Maps, it's merely a black blob. That's because the island doesn't really exist. It's actually just a mistake on a map, one that's been propagated for perhaps centuries....
Australia's prime minister ignites controversy by labeling opposition leader a 'misogynist'
Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard went on the offensive, recently, telling her opponent he had no right to lecture her on sexism — because of his own behavior. In a 15-minute speech, she cited multiple examples of his "misogyny" — and in the process ignited a discussion about the meaning of the word, which might change the dictionary itself....
VIDEO: Australia plans to offshore handling of refugee review
Australia has thousands of refugees clamoring for asylum every year. In a bid to get a handle on the problem, the country has decided to setup refugee processing centers on small, Pacific islands where the refugees will remain until a decision is made on their status....
New Zealand on high alert in an effort to protect island nation from bio-invaders
New Zealand has some of the most unique wildlife of any large location in the world. That's due in large part to the fact that the two islands broke away from the rest of the world's landmass before the rise of mammals. So the island's birds evolved in special ways. But that diversity is threatened by introduced animals and bacteria....
New research points to big changes, not necessarily disappearance, for coral reefs
Scientists who study climate change and ocean environments have made several recent discoveries. Their findings have challenged the conventional wisdom that climate change could eliminate coral reefs. What they've found is that they probably won't disappear, but they will see major changes....
Movie director James Cameron makes history with dive to deepest part of ocean
James Cameron traveled some seven miles down into the ocean, as many miles below the Earth's surface as miles modern jetliners fly above the surface. He engineered a new deep sea submersible for the journey....
VIDEO: Clever crows show remarkable ability to use tools to improve their lives
Crows can sled down roofs, of course, but distinguish between styrofoam and rocks to help make their lives easier to eat? They can do that too, according to new research....
VIDEO: In Australia, officials prohibit TV stations from airing video of asylum seekers
Australian media are angry that immigration officials have pushed through new government restrictions that would ban them from showing video of asylum seekers in Australia....
VIDEO: Cryogenics may be the key to saving Australia's Great Barrier Reef
Scientists from the United States and Australia are teaming up to try and help save disappearing coral reefs, by freezing coral eggs and sperm, so that endangered species aren't lost. The coral can be grown in the lab, and then implanted on the reefs....
VIDEO: Obama visits Australia, announces new military base there
As China seeks to assert itself in Asia, President Barack Obama visited Australia to announce deeper ties between the nations' militaries, including a new Marine base for the United States. The move was seen as a counter-balance against China's growing presence....
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