Both benevolence and selfishness inspired Josh McGrane to take part in the University of Oxford vaccine trialsCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageThe world is watching the Covid-19 vaccine trials conducted by the University of Oxford’s Jenner Institute closely. Australian Josh McGrane is an associate professor and educational researcher living in Oxford. He decided to...

Physical distancing, far more than washing hands, is the most critical factor in preventing spread of the virusCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageThe latest drive to help halt the spread of Covid-19 has been criticised by senior scientists for placing insufficient emphasis on the issues of ventilation and the need to stay apart from others.They say the government’s...

Many parts of the Earth’s climate system have been destabilised by warming, from ice sheets and ocean currents to the Amazon rainforest – and scientists believe that if one collapses others could followThe warning signs are flashing red. The California wildfires were surely made worse by the impacts of global heating. A study published in July warned that the Arctic is undergoing “an abrupt...

Scientists face potential struggle to convince people of vaccine safety as celebrities join misinformation chorus Full report: engagement with anti-vaccine Facebook posts treblesCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageOn one side is the “anti-vax” movement, a constellation of groupings drawn from across the ideological spectrum, far-right opportunists and celebrities...

Dart rocket, which is just 3.4m long, is part of Australia’s $7bn investment in space technologiesA small commercial rocket has been launched from Australia to the edge of space for the first time.The Dart rocket, carrying an air force radio prototype, was launched from the Koonibba rocket range in South Australia on Saturday. Continue...

State’s chief health officer says it was ‘inappropriate’ to single out migrant community in CaseyVictoria’s chief health officer, Brett Sutton, has apologised for comments he made singling out Melbourne’s Afghan community in relation to a Covid-19 outbreak in Casey. Sutton made the apology as the Victorian premier, Daniel Andrews, announced 21 new coronavirus cases and seven more deaths...