January 2008 issue - Science and Research Updates

FISHERIES SCIENCE | How the moon affects fish activity
New light has been thrown on the relationship between the moon and fish activity by NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) scientists.
http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/research/updates/issues/january-2008/how-the-moon-affects-fish-activity

WEEDS | Giant Parramatta grass manual out
A new manual to help landowners tackle giant Parramatta grass and other weedy Sporobolus grasses has been jointly published by the NSW and Queensland Department of Primary Industries (DPI).
http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/research/updates/issues/january-2008/giant-parramatta-grass

CROP AND PASTURE PRODUCTION | Closer to the aluminium gene
Molecular biologists at Wagga Wagga have developed functional gene markers associated with aluminium tolerance in barley.
http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/research/updates/issues/january-2008/aluminium-gene

ENERGY | Cowie heads up IEA biofuels research
A NSW government scientist has been appointed co-leader of a key International Energy Agency (IEA) collaborative research program examining biofuels as alternatives to fossil-based fuels.
http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/research/updates/issues/january-2008/cowie-heads-up-iea-biofuels-research

BIODIVERSITY | Dingoes tracked by satellite
Dingoes in the Crescent Head and Maria River areas have been wired with satellite-tracking collars to help improve wildlife management.
http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/research/updates/issues/january-2008/dingoes-tracked-by-satellite

FORESTRY SCIENCES | Patchy burns better for flora and fauna
The patchiness of prescribed burns in shrubby dry Eucalypt forests reduces the potential impact of these fires on flora and fauna, a NSW DPI study has found.
http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/research/updates/issues/january-2008/patchy-burns

SOILS SCIENCE | More 'beam time' needed to map cadmium
NSW DPI scientist Paul Milham is planning a return for more valuable ‘beam time’ at the Advanced Photon Source (APS) near Chicago in his bid to develop a method for mapping the micro-scale concentration of cadmium in soils.
http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/research/updates/issues/january-2008/more-beam-time-needed

SOILS SCIENCE | Developing Aceh's compost from the ground up
Stronger linkages between the fledgling compost industry of tsunami-affected Aceh, (Indonesia) and Australia continue to be strengthened with a $2,000 donation.
http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/research/updates/issues/january-2008/developing-acehs-compost