Termite Transplants May Benefit Rainforests

We often think of termites as pests that chew through our homes, however could they hold the secret to reviving our rainforests?
A new research paper on Queensland’s Daintree Rainforest suggests ‘termite transplants’ may be necessary to help regenerating forests thrive.
4ZZZ's Eliot Rifkin chatted about how these tiny creatures might help shape the future of our planet’s forests with Dr Alex Cheesman of James Cook University.

Environment, Far North Queensland

Termite Transplants May Benefit Rainforests

We often think of termites as pests that chew through our homes, however could they hold the secret to reviving our rainforests?
A new research paper on Queensland’s Daintree Rainforest suggests ‘termite transplants’ may be necessary to help regenerating forests thrive.
4ZZZ's Eliot Rifkin chatted about how these tiny creatures might help shape the future of our planet’s forests with Dr Alex Cheesman of James Cook University.

Space, Science and Technology

What you need to know about the Solar Maximum 2025

Did you know our sun operates on a natural 11 year cycle, alternating between high and low magnetic activity?

In October 2024, U.S space agencies such as the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced the sun had reached its solar maximum phase and would continue into 2025.

However, has the maximum phase already peaked or will it do so later in the year?

To find out the answer as well as learning from past solar storm activity, 4ZZZ’s Toni Pankaluic spoke with Dr Benjamin Pope, an Associate Professor of Statistical Data Science at Macquarie University to find out more.

Film and Movies, Television

How the US Tariffs could impact Australia's Film & TV Industry

In early May, US President Donald Trump announced a 100 per cent tariff on films produced in foreign lands, marking the first instance of these trade policies extending to the entertainment industry.

The announcement has sparked fears for the future of the Australian film and television industry, while our streaming services are saturated with overseas content leaving little room for locally made stories.

To discuss the situation and possible future ramifications, 4ZZZ’s Toni Pankaluic spoke with Stephen Luby, a Lecturer in Screen Producing from the Victorian College of the Arts, University of Melbourne.

Communication Strategies in the 2025 Federal Election

Olivia Middleton interviewed Dr Elena Block, Lecturer in Strategic and Political Communication at the University of Queensland, to shed some light on the uncivil and discursive communication strategies in the Federal Election.

World History, Arts and Culture

Cinco de Mayo and Mexican Culture

5th of May is Cinco de Mayo, a day when we all celebrate Mexico, sort of like a Mexican Saint Patrick’s day… however do you know the story behind Cinco de Mayo? Do you realise how much Mexican culture has enhanced our lives? Mexico is not just burritos.

4ZZZ's Eliot Rifkin chatted about Mexico with Eduardo Martínez Curiel, the Deputy Head of Mission at the Mexican Embassy in Canberra.

Technology, Data and Information

Data Wiping: How Second Hand Devices may be a Cybersecurity Concern

When it comes to selling or disposing of phones and computers, simply deleting personal files or performing factory resets may not be enough to protect our data from hackers.

A study by cybersecurity firm Kaspersky found 90 percent of second-hand devices contained leftover sensitive information, such as passwords, medical files or tax documents.

However there are steps to protect and discard personal data responsibly.

4ZZZ's Toni Pankaluic spoke with Ritesh Chugh, an Associate Professor in Information and Communications Technology at Central Queensland University Australia to find out these protective steps as well as exploring the current situation involving device data breaching.

Aged Care, Science and Technology, Research, Seniors, Medical

New Study disputes 'Digital Dementia' hypothesis for Elderly People

A new study by neuropsychologists finds no supporting evidence technology causes 'digital dementia' in older people.

The research found the use of digital technology, such as the internet, may have beneficial effects for people over 50.

To find out more, 4ZZZ's Toni Pankaluic spoke to Nikki-Anne Wilson, a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the University of New South Wales (Sydney) and Neuroscience Research Australia. Nikki was not involved in the study, but the new findings provided an interesting discourse on the impact technology may have on the aging brain.

Horticulture and Gardening, Plants

Are You Afraid to Grow Orchids

Are You Afraid to Grow Orchids?
Do you feel that orchids are the most evolved plants and are too complex for you to grow? We dove into the hidden world of orchids. Did you know the Queensland state flower is an orchid?
4ZZZ's Eliot Rifkin chatted with Paul McCarthy from Brisbane Orchid Supplies, who helped us befriend these fascinating plants.

Girls in Afghanistan still waiting and still fighting for education

After girls in Afghanistan were banned from going to school by the Taliban, Brisbane woman Mahnaz Abbasi decided to use online technology to enable to girls to learn together. This weekend marks the one year anniversary of her organisation Daneshland, and it will be marked by an exhibition at the Inala Art Gallery where young women from Afghanistan tell their stories. 4ZZZ reporter Andy Paine spoke to Mahnaz about the exhibition.

World History, Foreign Affairs

Greenland: Election Aftermath and Future Prospects

Greenland’s Demokraatit party has recently won the parliamentary election amidst talks of a possible takeover by the United States.

The Centre-right party won nearly 30 percent of votes, and is described as being ‘pro-business,’ supporting a gradual approach towards independence from Denmark.

As times are changing, Greenland is now becoming a heated battleground between major powers over strategic influence in the North Atlantic.

To discuss the election outcome and what the future may entail for the Arctic island, 4ZZZ’s Toni Pankaluic spoke with Professor Matthew Qvortrup, Senior Research Fellow at Australia National University’s Centre of European Studies.

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