Hear from ecologists tracking down invasive plants using DNA sampled from the air, and another who is mapping where plants can source nitrogen in a world of rising CO2 levels. Plus, a behavioural scientist describes how predation risk creates a “landscape of fear” for primate species.
Master of Ceremonies: Sridivya Bhagavatula (PhD candidate, John Curtin School of Medical Research, ANU)

Something in the Air Tonight – Dr Harry Eyck (Postdoctoral researcher, CSIRO)
We breathe it, we need it, we love it. Air is great. But it is also packed with information. Genetic information. In this talk, Harry will tell you how he is using this information to defend Australia’s environment with something straight out of science fiction.

Track nitrogen sources from space – Dr Jinyan Yang (Research Scientist, CSIRO)
As the global CO2 concentration rises, plants enjoy the so-called 'fertilisation effect' which could stimulate further growth. However, for the growth to be sustainable depends on whether plants can find extra nitrogen. This study constructed long term nitrogen observations globally to test if/where plants can find the nitrogen they need.

Landscapes of fear for monkeys and men – Dr Philippa Hammond (Postdoctoral researcher, CSIRO)
Animal behaviour is influenced by many environmental factors, including risk from predators. This risk changes spatially across a landscape, but also by time of day. Philippa’s research explores the effects of “landscapes of fear” on monkey behaviour and what it might mean for the evolution of primates – including humans.

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