The threats to wild platypus populations including disease and habitat degradation are currently being investigated by a Murdoch University researcher.

James Macgregor from the School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences' Conservation Medicine Program says there are several key gaps of knowledge about the health of platypuses which need to be addressed including the causes of mortality, locations of breeding sites and the relationship between environmental factors and health.

In a report, published in the "Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences" (PNAS), it has been shown that wild rice plants in hotter and drier parts of Australia tend to be more genetically diverse.

There is a gap between what is promised by clinics driving stem cell tourism & what is supported by scientific evidence.

So why are increasing numbers of Australians travelling overseas to undergo expensive and potentially harmful treatments?

Senior executive and educator, Dr Mark Stewart, has been appointed as Academic Director of AGSM MBA Programs and Adjunct Professor at the Australian School of Business.

Professor Chris Styles, the Deputy Dean and Director of AGSM says Mark Stewart has a unique blend of experience and skills from industry and academia that will enable him to foster both the rigour and relevance of AGSM programs.

Two University of Sydney scientists have won Australian Innovation Challenge awards for their research.

Marcela Bilek, from the School of Physics, & her team won Health award, while Professor Rick Shine from School of Biological Sciences won the Environment award.