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👋 G’day everyone, Archie here.
We’ve got a bit to get into, and I’ve spent too much of the day reading about mouse sperm, so let’s crack on 🗞️.
Beneath the surface, they were carrying molecular changes that could affect the next generation
🗣️ Why did he say that?
Professor Nixon was among the researchers studying how “forever chemicals” (PFAS) affect mouse sperm, using exposure levels found in real-world contaminated areas like Williamtown, NSW.
The scientists looked at how PFAS exposure affected sperm production, hormone levels, and signals carried by sperm that are important for embryo development in mice.
They found that while the sperm looked normal and could still function, they carried hidden molecular changes that could affect early embryo development.
For my full breakdown check out today’s video:
💻 BOM blunder
After a weekend of severe weather across Victoria and Queensland, the Bureau’s redesigned website has continued to attract criticism from across the political spectrum.
Nationals leader David Littleproud said locals in his regional Queensland electorate of Maranoa can no longer enter GPS coordinates for their specific properties, with searches now limited to towns or postcodes.
“As a result, families, businesses and farmers are unable to access vital, localised data such as river heights and rainfall information,” he said.
Environment Minister Murray Watt conceded the overhaul had fallen short of expectations and said he had spoken with the Bureau’s acting chief executive, Peter Stone, about fixing the issues as soon as possible.
Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen agreed, saying the website was clearly not up to scratch.
“The Bureau has work to do. It has lost community confidence in the new website. Minister Watt has made his expectations clear,” Bowen said.
Around the Grounds 🦘
Across the country, things are happening at a local level that have an impact nationally. Here are the stories you might not hear about in the traditional media.
🐮 Robo-milker 3000
It sounds like something out of Wallace and Gromit, but a dairy in Victoria’s Gippsland region is now using 16 robotic machines to milk its 1,150 cows.
Alister Clyne told Jacob Wallace at the Gippsland Monitor that the system, which is mostly powered by solar, lets cows choose when to be milked (it’s 24/7) and manages pasture rotation.
While the upfront investment is large, Clyne says it’s improving productivity, safety and quality of life for his farm and workers.
Read that story by clicking below 👇
🛍️ A trip back to the 1970s
Boronia Mall in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs is keeping its vintage charm alive while finding new ways to attract shoppers. From mosaic walls to old-fashioned tiles, the centre has been a community hub for five decades.
Shoppers might not know it, but the mall has hosted Australian icons like Kylie Minogue and Humphrey B. Bear. And Jason Donovan.
Local shop owners, including a new generation moving in like Matthew Thompson, told Matthew Sims at the Eastern Melburnian the mall is “a part of living history”, a small but thriving community alternative to the mega shopping centres dominating the suburbs.
Matthew’s video is 100% worth a watch; I’ve never seen such a retro-looking shopping mall before, it’s bloody cool.
Watch that story by clicking below 👇
🏄♂️ Crescent Head makeover
After years of debate on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales, Crescent Head’s foreshore and surrounding precincts have a final concept design approved.
The plan for the popular tourist destination includes car parking, green space, a playground, a skate park, markets and a surf-check zone.
Maria Johnson from the Save Crescent Head Point Car Park group told Ellie Chamberlain at the Mid North Coaster that locals are “stoked” the point car park has been preserved after five years of advocacy.
Read that story by clicking below 👇
Impairment not presence 🍃
Yesterday I reported on how the NSW Government will investigate a medical defence for people who use medically prescribed cannabis and also drive.
The state government will consider the recommendations from an expert working group, which is currently assessing the evidence and reform options.
Unions NSW Secretary Mark Morey said a straightforward solution would be amending the Road Transport Act to treat medicinal cannabis like any other prescription medication.
The union says thousands of NSW workers legally prescribed medicinal cannabis are forced to choose between following their doctor’s orders or keeping their driver’s licence — and in some cases, their job.
Morey said police are trained to detect impaired drivers, and that “we should focus on impairment, not presence”.
“Unimpaired patients following their doctor's orders shouldn't face court summons or potentially lose their livelihoods,” he said.
I did a video version of this story here.
Thanks for catching up with me. I hope you enjoyed this issue, and I’d love to hear your thoughts. Just reply to this email and I’ll be on the other side 👋.
I’ll be back on Friday.
Cheers, Archie
Photo by Nikolett Emmert on Unsplash