Technology - Artificial Intelligence is a perceived threat - Australian survey results

 

Australians see AI as leading threat to people and businesses: survey

Michelle Grattan, University of Canberra

Threats relating to technology, disinformation, economic security and foreign interference are overshadowing traditional security concerns in Australians’ minds, according to data released by the Australian National University National Security College.

More than 12,000 people were asked across two surveys, in November last year and July this year, to rate the seriousness of 15 potential threats over the next decade.

Combining the categories of “major” and “moderate” the five most serious concerns were rated in July 2025 as:

• the use of artificial intelligence to attack Australian people and businesses (77%)
• a severe economic crisis (75%
• disruption to critical supplies due to a crisis overseas (74%)
• the deliberate spread of false information to mislead the Australian public and harm their interests (73%), and
• a foreign country interfering in Australia’s politics, government, economy or society (72%).

Climate change rated sixth (67%), although a high proportion of people (38%) rated it as a “major” threat. This was second only to threats relating to AI (40%).

The possible threat of Australia being involved in military conflict came in seventh (64%).

Anxiety about security issues is increasing. In July half the respondents agreed with the statement “I am worried about Australia’s national security”. This was an 8% rise between November 2024 and July.

Over that time, threat perceptions increased across all 15 possible threats that were asked about.

The table below shows the threat perceptions of about 6000 Australians in July.

Threat Perceptions July 2025

The November 2024 research also asked, from a list of four, what Australians want to nation to prioritise in the next five years.

The leading priority was safe and peaceful communities, nominated by 35%. When second preferences are included, this rises to 64%.

This priority ranked top across a wide range of demographics, including age, gender, cultural background, education , income and location.

The survey found three other national priorities rated in this order:

.. increasing Australia’s economic prosperity (26%)

.. upholding Australia’s democratic rights and freedoms (23%)

.. strengthening Australia’s security (15%).

The research also included more than 300 interviews across Australia.

The consultations found national security was “consistently framed as being about the peaceful continuity of everyday life”.

National priority for the next 5 years (%)

NSC head Professor Rory Medcalf said: “On the one hand, Australians know what they want to protect, especially in terms of peace, safety, community, democracy and prosperity, On the other hand, they recognise that a complex set of rapidly emerging threats can put these cherished priorities at risk.”

The full research results will be released early next year.

The ANU National Security College is a joint initiative of the federal government and the university.

The College undertook the community consultations as an independent research initiative.

Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Use of AI in this blog

 
Sentinel Owl uses AI applications (such as ChatGPT or GPT-5) for the generation of graphics and other images only. Actual factual content in blog postings is either originally researched and written or republished under license from reputable sources.

Environment - Microplastics, an increasing menace to human health

                            Microplastics on the shore         GPT-5 AI generated

Microplastics are defined as being plastic particles less than 5 mm in size and have permeated/infiltrated nearly every part of the environment, including food, water, and air. Multiple recent studies published in peer-reviewed journals such as Nature Medicine and Environmental Science & Technology have shown mounting concern about their potential impacts on human health as well as the survival of multiple species of wildlife on the planet.

The use of plastics remains almost out of control despite effects to reduce the use of soft plastic shopping bags and plastic drinking straws. As a result the contamination from microplastics has become both widespread and continuing.

Exposure pathway

Humans are exposed to microplastics primarily through:

• Ingestion: Found in seafood, bottled water, salt, and even vegetables.
• Inhalation: Airborne microplastics from synthetic textiles and urban dust.
• Dermal contact: Though less studied, skin exposure may occur via some types of cosmetics or contaminated water.

The biological effects of microplastic exposure

Once inside the body, microplastics can interact with tissues and cells in several harmful ways:

• Inflammation and oxidative stress: Studies show that microplastics can trigger immune responses and generate reactive oxygen species, leading to cellular damage.
• Disruption of gut microbiota: Ingested microplastics may alter the composition of intestinal flora, affecting digestion and immunity.
• Translocation to organs: Nanoplastics (smaller than 1 µm) can cross biological barriers and accumulate in organs such as the liver, kidneys, and brain.

Physical and chemical hazards of microplastics

Microplastics are not inert and these substances carry:

• Additives: Plasticizers, flame retardants, and stabilizers that may be endocrine disruptors.
• Adsorbed pollutants: Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and heavy metals that bind to plastic surfaces.
• Physical abrasiveness: Their shape and size can cause mechanical irritation in tissues.

A 2025 review in Nature Medicine highlights several key findings:

• Microplastics have been detected in human blood, placenta, and lung tissue.
• The toxicity depends on polymer type, particle size, shape, and surface chemistry.
• The presence of a biocorona, layer of proteins and biomolecules that forms around microplastics, can influence how the body reacts to them.

Despite continuing research on microplastic infilration, there remains considerable knowledge gaps. Long term exposure and chronic impact studies, dose-reponse relationships including level of toxocity, and population-level epidemiogical data do not exist. In the interim, the only action that people can take is to reduce their reliance on plastic - whether this be in food storage items, utensils, bottles and when cooking (including microwave heating of plastic food trays).

Health - safety of mosquito repellents

 

Are mozzie repellents safe to use? And do I really need them in Australia?

Cameron Webb, University of Sydney

Summer’s here and after a wet spring in many parts of Australia, mosquitoes are out in force. Insect repellent has become a routine requirement for time outdoors.

But how safe are they? And do we really need them?

What can go wrong after a mosquito bite?

A bite from a mosquito can be itchy and irritating. Even a mild reaction can have us scratching, especially if you’re one of the people who are irresistible to mosquitoes.

The swelling and itchiness usually resolves in a few days. But scratching can result in secondary infection, especially for young children, if dirt and germs from underneath the fingernails get into the sore.

A mosquito bite can also cause disease. Not all diseases are life-threatening but they can be severely debilitating.

These diseases are a risk in most parts of Australia. Even cooler regions such as Victoria and Tasmania have mosquito-borne diseases which can be seriously debilitating.

Stop the bite, stop getting sick

There are no specific cures for our local mosquito-borne diseases. While there is a vaccine available for Japanese encephalitis, preventing bites in the first place is the best way to prevent illnesses caused by Ross River, Murray Valley encephalitis and a range of other pathogens spread by mosquito bites.

Australian health authorities regularly review the recommendations for insect repellent use. But the range of formulations filling our supermarket shelves can change from summer to summer.

The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) assesses insect repellents for their safety and effectiveness. Packaging should clearly display an APVMA registration number, along with directions for safe use and any required warnings, on their label.

Products sold as mosquito repellents in Australia must be registered with the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority. Cameron Webb (NSW Health Pathology & University of Sydney), CC BY

What’s in popular mozzie repellents?

The most widely available active ingredients are diethyltoluamide (DEET), picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE).

Plant-derived products, including eucalyptus and tea tree oil, are also popular alternatives. These strongly smelling products are registered by the APVMA and provide some protection but need to be reapplied more frequently than other repellents.

Are mosquito repellents safe?

Insect repellents are often thought to be unpleasant to use, or even a health risk themselves, but the inconvenience of using a repellent is easily outweighed by the benefit of reducing mosquito bites.

Research and reviews from scientists and health authorities show mosquito repellents are a safe and effective way to prevent mosquito bites if used as recommended.

Scientists investigate each active ingredient to determine whether it’s safe. DEET has been the subject of many studies. Picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus haven’t been used for as long and haven’t been as thoroughly studied as DEET, but remain among those recommended by health authorities in Australia and overseas.

Natural repellents, especially unregistered and DIY formulations, may may cause skin reactions or come with other risks, so stick with products that have been registered after being tested for safety or effectiveness.

However, even if a product has been deemed safe, it is important to follow the directions for use on label. There will always be a risk if products are ingested in large quantities or intentionally misused.

What about babies and young children?

Most mosquito repellent formulations in Australia are registered for use on children over 12 months of age, although not all formulations list a specific age restriction.

International studies have shown that DEET and picaridin are safe for children. Recommended age limits for some mosquito repellents vary between countries and product type. In the United States, for example, there is no age limit for the use of DEET, while oil of eucalyptus is recommended only for children over three.

A 2024 study reviewing reports of adverse outcomes from mosquito repellent use concluded DEET was the preferred insect repellent for children, as it was the safest and offered long-lasting protection against biting mosquitoes when used as directed. The researchers noted other active ingredients may provide similar protections but more assessments were required to determine their safety.

Mosquito bites can be annoying but also lead to illness. A/Prof Cameron Webb (NSW Health Pathology & University of Sydney)

Tips for parents of babies and young children

Always be guided by the current recommendations of the APVMA and limit the use of DEET-based repellent from 12 months. Check the label before using mosquito repellent on children.

When you’re applying repellent, ideally apply it to your hands, then rub it on their skin. If you’re using a spray, apply it carefully and never directly onto a child’s face.

Don’t allow children to apply their own repellent, as it may lead to accidental ingestion or over-exposure.

When babies and toddlers are outdoors, consider using an insect net for strollers, prams or playpens.

While wrist bands, patches and stickers are marketed as mosquito repellents for children, there is little evidence they are effective. Smouldering devices, such as coils and sticks, aren’t a good idea when there is a chance of breathing in the smoke.

How do different varieties compare?

Unlike sunscreens, which have a SPF rating, there isn’t a single measure with which to compare the different formulations of mosquito repellents and their effectiveness.

“Heavy duty” or “tropical strength” formulations often contain the same active ingredients as those known as “kid friendly”, but in higher doses that last longer. Lower concentrations still offer good mosquito bite protection, they just need to reapplied more often.

The secret to getting the best protection is to ensure mosquito repellents are applied correctly. Whether you use a cream, lotion, gel, roll-on, pump-spray or aerosol, make sure all exposed skin is covered. Reapply after swimming, sweaty exercise, or if it has rubbed off.

Cameron Webb, Clinical Associate Professor, School of Medical Science & Sydney Infectious Diseases Institute; Principal Hospital Scientist, University of Sydney

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Health - recommended steps by age group

 

In various lifestyle magazines and health journals, the benefits of daily walking have often been cited with varying distances and number of steps mentioned. Good evidence and factual information is missing from many of the published articles leaving the reader wondering, how much should I do ? Research does exist and a summary of findings reveals there are some recommended step counts by age group -

Children and teens: 10,000 - 14,000 steps per day for growth and fitness (this would include playing sports so the number of steps would be easily achieved),

Adults under 60 years of age: 8,000 - 10,000 steps per day for optimal cardiovascular and metabolic health,

Adults over 60 years of age: 6,000 - 8,000 steps per day to reduce chronic disease and maintain mobility. The estimation of 3,000 steps per day to reduce the risk of Alzeheimers from the Harvard University study is also valid in this context.

Overall large scale studies have shown that 7,000 steps per day is an optimum level linked to significant reductions in mortality risk. This matches with epidemiologists' recommendations, highlighting a range of 6,000 - 8,000 steps as a method for reducing dementia risk with significant protection against memory and cognitive functional decline.

Climate change - the past as a guide to the future - plants cannot quickly adapt to warmer temperatures

56 million years ago, the Earth suddenly heated up – and many plants stopped working properly

Vera Korasidis, The University of Melbourne and Julian Rogger, University of Bristol

Around 56 million years ago, Earth suddenly got much hotter. Over about 5,000 years, the amount of carbon in the atmosphere drastically increased and global temperatures shot up by some 6°C.

As we show in new research published in Nature Communications, one consequence was that many of the world’s plants could no longer thrive. As a result, they soaked up less carbon from the atmosphere, which may have contributed to another interesting thing about this prehistoric planetary heatwave: it lasted more than 100,000 years.

Today Earth is warming around ten times faster than it did 56 million years ago, which may make it even harder for modern plants to adapt.

Rewinding 56 million years

Plants can help regulate the climate through a process known as carbon sequestration. This involves capturing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere via photosynthesis and storing it in their leaves, wood and roots.

However, abrupt global warming may temporarily impact this regulating function.

Investigating how Earth’s vegetation responded to the rapid global warming event around 56 million years ago – known formally as the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (or PETM) – isn’t easy.

To do so, we developed a computer model simulating plant evolution, dispersal, and carbon cycling. We compared model outputs to fossil pollen and plant trait data from three sites to reconstruct vegetation changes such as height, leaf mass, and deciduousness across the warming event.

The three sites include: the Bighorn Basin in the United States, the North Sea and the Arctic Circle.

We focused our research on fossil pollen due to many unique properties.

First, pollen is produced in copious amounts. Second, it travels extensively via air and water currents. Third, it possesses a resilient structure that withstands decay, allowing for its excellent preservation in ancient geological formations.

A shift in vegetation

In the mid-latitude sites, including the Bighorn Basin – a deep and wide valley amidst the northern Rocky Mountains – evidence indicates vegetation had a reduced ability to regulate the climate.

Pollen data shows a shift to smaller plants such as palms and ferns. Leaf mass per area (a measure of leaf density and thickness) also increased as deciduous trees declined. Fossil soils indicate reduced soil organic carbon levels.

The data suggest smaller, drought-resistant plants including palms thrived in the landscape because they could keep pace with warming. They were, however, associated with a reduced capacity to store carbon in biomass and soils.

In contrast, the high-latitude Arctic site showed increased vegetation height and biomass following warming. The pollen data show replacement of conifer forests by broad-leaved swamp taxa and the persistence of some subtropical plants such as palms.

The model and data indicate high-latitude regions could adapt and even increase productivity (that is, capture and store carbon dioxide) under the warmer climate.

A glimpse into the future

The vegetation disruption during the PETM may have reduced terrestrial carbon sequestration for 70,000-100,000 years due to the reduced ability of vegetation and soils to capture and store carbon.

Our research suggests vegetation that is more able to regulate the climate took a long time to regrow, and this contributed to the length of the warming event.

Global warming of more than 4°C exceeded mid-latitude vegetation’s ability to adapt during the PETM. Human-made warming is occurring ten times faster, further limiting the time for adaptation.

What happened on Earth 56 million years ago highlights the need to understand biological systems’ capacity to keep pace with rapid climate changes and maintain efficient carbon sequestration.

Vera Korasidis, Lecturer in Environmental Geoscience, The University of Melbourne and Julian Rogger, Senior Research Associate, School of Geographical Sciences, University of Bristol

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.