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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Kedron Brook Catchment Branch
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DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Brisbane:20260822T133000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Brisbane:20260822T150000
DTSTAMP:20260818T123153
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SUMMARY:Fungi\, Drones and eDNA
DESCRIPTION:Don’t miss this trio of amazing speakers bringing us latest research and use of advanced robotics technology for conservation. The Royal Society of Queensland (RSQ)\, working  James Cook University Brisbane\, is excited to present this next edition of our Seminar Series during Queensland National Science Week 2026. \nDr Cecilia Villacorta-Rath from JCU Townsville and a RSQ Research Grant recipient\, will explore use of environmental DNA (eDNA) methods for detection of invasive invertebrates in northern Australia such as invasive ants. Also a RSQ Research Grant recipient (via his supervisor)\, Braden Willows from UniSQ Toowoomba will present his intriguing research into Eucalypt-fungi relationships associated  impact of invasive shrub Lantana. Meanwhile\, Alicia Dunn from Sweep Deep in Tasmania\, will be bringing up one of their underwater drones and explain how they are used to cull invasive sea urchins to protect vital marine habitats and give latest on development of world’s first marine debris-collecting underwater drone. \nThe Talks\n\nEucalypt-fungi relationships change in response to degrading health of Eucalypts associated  invasive shrub Lantana \nBraden Willows – UniSQ Toowoomba Masters student \nThe Eucalypt forests of South East Queensland are home to an incredible range of fungi that are foundational to health of these iconic ecosystems\, yet are relatively unknown. Illuminating relationship between these critical fungal symbionts of Eucalypts is crucial to understanding their health. By utilising promising field of eDNA\, this project aims to explore how Eucalypt-fungi relationships change in response to degrading health of Eucalypts associated  invasive shrub Lantana\, and to develop a practical\, rapid measure of Eucalypt ecosystem health based on these relationships. \nUsing environmental DNA methods to detect invasive invertebrates in northern Australia \nDr Cecilia Villacorta-Rath – JCU Townsville\, Senior Research Officer\, TropWATER \nCecilia will explore use of environmental DNA (eDNA) methods for detection of invasive invertebrates in northern Australia\, including species of biosecurity concern such as invasive ants. She will discuss current state of technology\, its applications for surveillance and early detection\, and key challenges for its implementation. \nUsing underwater drones to cull invasive sea urchins to protect vital marine habitats \nAlicia Dunn – Sweep Deep\, Tasmania \nInspired by work of Adam Cropp from Teleport.net who studying his PhD at James Cook University\, Alicia Dunn from Sweep Deep will explore use of cutting-edge robotics to tackle critical environmental challenges above and below water. Alicia will highlight their current mission in Tasmania\, where their underwater drones are actively culling invasive sea urchins (Centrostephanus rodgersii) to protect vital marine habitats. Finally\, Alicia will share insights on development of world’s first marine debris-collecting underwater drone and how such automated technology  is transforming ocean conservation. \n\nRegister through Humanitix https://events.humanitix.com/fungi-drones-and-edna
URL:http://www.kedronbrook.org.au/event/fungi-drones-and-edna/
LOCATION:James Cook University\, 349 Queen Street\, Brisbane\, Queensland\, 4000\, Australia
CATEGORIES:Talk
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DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Brisbane:20260827T183000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Brisbane:20260827T200000
DTSTAMP:20260818T123153
CREATED:20260815T055629Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260815T055629Z
UID:1273-1787855400-1787860800@www.kedronbrook.org.au
SUMMARY:The Explainer Series: Microplastics
DESCRIPTION:Overview\nThe Explainer Series is about making sense of questions we’re all asking.\n\n\nMicroplastics \nThey’re in our food\, our water\, our air – and increasingly\, our blood. Microplastics have gone from an environmental footnote to one of most talked-about and least-understood health concerns of our time. But in a media landscape full of alarming headlines\, it can be hard to know what science actually says. Are we in serious danger? Are studies reliable? And what can any of us actually do about it? This session will cut through noise  one of world’s leading researchers on plastics and human health – right here in Brisbane. \nMeet your speakers:\nDr Cassandra Rauert is a leading expert in measuring our exposures to microplastics and understanding if they can get into our bodies. They’re also an avid house plant collector who isn’t always successful and keeping them alive\, but tries very hard. They are most excited to talk about current microplatics myths (do we actually eat a credit card a week?) and ways we can all reduce our exposures. \nJessica van Vonderen is host of ABC TV’s flagship 7pm news bulletin in Queensland. From elections\, to cyclones\, fires and floods\, over more than two decades\, Jessica has reported on some of biggest stories affecting Queensland. She is stubbornly trying to avoid AI\, but has recently rekindled her love for crochet. The question she is most excited to ask: “Is my lipstick bad for me?” \nThe Explainer Series \nThe Explainer Series is a space for thoughtful conversations  people who really know their stuff\, sharing insights and context so we can better navigate big and small questions in our lives. \nFrom international law and cryptocurrency to climate change\, gut health and space junk\, these talks bring ideas\, trends and debates into focus\, helping us form our own understanding\, guided by curiosity and expertise. \nThere’s no spin and no hype\, just experts helping us think more clearly about world around us. \nCost $15 \nPurchase Tickets via Eventbrite \nThe Explainer Series is generously supported by Gina Fairfax AC and Tim Fairfax AC through Queensland Library Foundation.
URL:http://www.kedronbrook.org.au/event/the-explainer-series-microplastics/
LOCATION:SLQ Auditorium\, State Library of Queensland\, Brisbane\, Queensland\, 4000\, Australia
CATEGORIES:Talk
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