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We know climate change is bringing all sorts of trouble to Earth’s oceans. But scientists have recently learned one massive and mysterious sea creature is firmly in the firing line – the iconic giant clam.
Giant clams are the largest aquatic mollusc on Earth, weighing up to 250 kilograms. Far from being the man-eating creature of Pacific Island legend, giant clams are, in fact, gentle bottom-dwelling creatures that generally mind their own business.
They’re still common in Australian waters. But around the world, giant clams are highly sought-after for their shells and flesh. In fact, nine species of giant clams are considered globally vulnerable to extinction.
As Sue-Ann Watson and Mei Lin Neo write today, climate change now poses a major new threat to giant clams as oceans warm and become more acidic.
But it’s not game over yet. Their new research, which brought together recent work from lab groups around the world, identified ingenious ways to buy time for these gentle giants. They include getting baby clams used to warmer water, and raising public awareness of what might soon be lost.
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Nicole Hasham
Section Editor: Energy + Environment
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Sue-Ann Watson, James Cook University; Mei Lin Neo, National University of Singapore
The old ways of keeping giant clam species healthy won’t work with climate change. We need new techniques - and fast.
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Michelle Grattan, University of Canberra
A vaccine manufacturing facility will be built in Victoria to produce mRNA vaccines under an in-principle agreement between the federal government, the state government and global mRNA company Moderna
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Jodi McAlister, Deakin University
Festive romance, miracles and a happy ever after: the tropes of Christmas rom-com films (and why we love them).
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Angel Zhong, RMIT University
Buy now, pay later is a booming business. But be warned before you invest in it – or use it as a customer.
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Peter Hurley, Victoria University; Melinda Hildebrandt, Victoria University
Australia’s major competitors in the international education market are already rebounding from the pandemic and have issued record numbers of student visas.
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Adam Deller, Swinburne University of Technology; Richard Manchester, CSIRO
Astronomers watched a pair of pulsars for 16 years to test the theory of general relativity, which has stood unchallenged for over a century.
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Malcolm Mackerras, Australian Catholic University
Each day seems to bring a new announcement of an independent taking on a high-profile Liberal candidate.
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Politics + Society
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Michelle Grattan, University of Canberra
Michelle Grattan speaks with Sean Kelly and Anne Tieran about where the political battle stands as we look to the 2022 federal election
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David Robie, Auckland University of Technology
French President Emmanuel Macron is hailing the independence referendum as a victory for France. But many in the region see it differently.
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Hannah McGlade, Curtin University
Senate Inquiry report “A way forward” recommended Aboriginal heritage protection be co-designed with Aboriginal people. However WA’s new Aboriginal Heritage Act seems to prioritise mining interests.
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Health + Medicine
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Jennifer Martin, University of Newcastle; Catherine Lucas, University of Newcastle
The TGA gave low-dose cannabis sales without prescription the green light in February. But no product has jumped through all the regulatory hoops to market yet.
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Eleonora Leopardi, University of Newcastle; Conor Gilligan, University of Newcastle
It’s time to make caring doctors the norm, not the exception.
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Science + Technology
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Caitlin Curtis, The University of Queensland; James Hereward, The University of Queensland
The Australia Federal Police is set to start using controversial technology that predicts the ancestry and appearance of suspects from DNA samples.
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Environment + Energy
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Tim Nelson, Griffith University; Joel Gilmore, Griffith University
A new report predicts an incredibly rapid closure of coal-fired power stations. Continuing to deny this is simply not in the interest of coal workers and their communities.
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Hannah McGlade, Curtin University
Senate Inquiry report “A way forward” recommended Aboriginal heritage protection be co-designed with Aboriginal people. However WA’s new Aboriginal Heritage Act seems to prioritise mining interests.
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Nathan Cooper, University of Waikato
In several countries, court rulings have forced governments to make stronger cuts to emissions. But New Zealand courts have so far stayed clear of imposing legal steps, calling for regulation instead.
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Education
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Helen Joanne Adam, Edith Cowan University
Research shows reading books with diverse characters and story-lines helps children develop a greater understanding and appreciation of people different to themselves.
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Arts + Culture
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Susie Emery, University of South Australia; Fae Heaselgrave, University of South Australia
The modern home is a digital home – so why are mothers who game so overlooked?
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Featured jobs
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— Canberra ACT, Australia
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— Canberra ACT, Australia
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— Auckland CBD, Auckland, New Zealand
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Featured Events & Courses
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— Victoria, Australia — The Conversation Weekly Podcast
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— Australian Capital Territory, Australia — Politics with Michelle Grattan
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— online webinar, Perth, Western Australia, 6009, Australia — The University of Western Australia
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— Virtual event, Caulfield East, Victoria, 3145, Australia — Monash University
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