The story of Jigsaw Farms in Australia once celebrated for achieving carbon neutrality in beef farming, now serves as a cautionary tale about the complexities and challenges involved in sustaining such practices. The initial success of Jigsaw Farms in achieving carbon neutrality by 2011 was attributed to its strategic approach, including planting thousands of trees, nurturing the soil, and implementing regenerative farming practices. However, a recent report indicates that the farm’s carbon balance turned negative in 2017, with emissions surpassing the farm’s capacity for sequestration. The study, led by Prof Richard Eckard, emphasizes the difficulty in maintaining the delicate balance as trees mature, soil becomes saturated, and the law of diminishing returns sets in. Jigsaw Farms now faces the reality that it may absorb only half of the emissions it did in 2012 by 2031, highlighting the ongoing challenges in achieving and sustaining carbon neutrality in beef farming.

While Jigsaw Farms grapples with its carbon balance, other farms worldwide are exploring various strategies to mitigate the environmental impact of livestock farming. These approaches range from cutting methane emissions by selecting specific cattle breeds to experimenting with alternative feed options, such as seaweed, to reduce methane production. The use of perennial plants, like the Holdfast GT Phalaris grass, is also gaining traction, as these plants form stronger relationships with bacteria and fungi, reducing erosion and drawing down more carbon. Despite these efforts, the broader issue remains: achieving carbon-neutral farming on the scale demanded by current meat consumption is a formidable challenge. With a significant portion of habitable land already dedicated to agriculture and the need for further land conservation to address climate change and biodiversity loss, the quest for carbon-neutral beef farming reveals the intricate balance required for sustainability on a global scale.

Researchers at Western Sydney University in Australia, in collaboration with tech giants Intel and Dell, are set to unveil a supercomputer named DeepSouth, designed to simulate neural networks at the scale of the human brain. The computer is capable of emulating networks of spiking neurons at a rate of 228 trillion synaptic operations per second, mirroring the estimated processing speed of the human brain. Instead of aiming to be the most powerful conventional supercomputer, DeepSouth is focused on simulating the brain’s network of neurons using a neuromorphic system, mimicking biological processes and making it more efficient and less power-hungry. The researchers hope the system will advance understanding of the brain and contribute to the development of brain-scale computing applications in fields such as sensing, biomedical research, robotics, space exploration, and large-scale AI applications.

The DeepSouth supercomputer, scheduled to become operational in April 2024, is expected to offer researchers unprecedented insights into how the human brain processes information. Neuromorphic computing, the basis of DeepSouth, involves performing numerous operations simultaneously with minimal data movement, leading to reduced energy consumption. The researchers believe that simulating spiking neural networks on standard computers using graphics processing units (GPUs) and multicore central processing units (CPUs) is slow and power-intensive, and they aim to address these limitations with their neuromorphic system. The project has the potential to significantly impact the development of advanced smart devices and more energy-efficient AI models, opening up new possibilities for research in neuroscience and AI engineering solutions.

The real estate market in Fitzroy is currently abuzz with excitement over the remarkable transformation of a historic bluestone church, as it hits the market with a staggering price tag ranging between $5.7 million and $6.2 million. Built in 1871, the Presbyterian church underwent a breathtaking conversion by Glenn Morris, the owner of ZEST Developments. The result is extraordinary, as the church now stands as a testament to luxurious living with a unique touch.

The conversion includes a private north-facing rooftop terrace, accessible via a small bridge, providing residents with a serene and exclusive outdoor space. Nelson Alexander director Arch Staver emphasizes the grandeur of the 443 square meters of living space, showcasing opulent timber materials and a charming mezzanine area accessed by a ladder. The versatile design opens up possibilities for various uses, with Staver suggesting it could serve as a fun camping spot for kids, a home office, or even a dynamic space for hosting events like parties, with the potential to position a DJ in the mezzanine area.

Glenn Morris’s vision for the church goes beyond a single dwelling, as he successfully transformed the entire church site into a stunning redevelopment featuring 13 units, including his residence. The attention to detail and preservation of historical elements combined with modern luxury make this property a residence and a piece of art that captivates the imagination of potential buyers seeking a truly unique and awe-inspiring home in Fitzroy.

The escalating cost of living crisis in Australia has not spared the traditional Christmas lunch, with a recent study revealing significant spikes in the prices of festive ingredients. As a result of soaring food prices contributing to an overall increase in the consumer price index (CPI), Australians now find themselves paying 16 percent more for goods and services than they were in December 2019, just before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The latest victim of this financial squeeze is the cherished Christmas feast, typically the occasion for lavish spending on quality foods. According to the study’s calculations, a traditional family Christmas lunch featuring turkey with all the trimmings and ham would set Australians back $192, which is $27 more than pre-pandemic prices and $21 higher than the cost in Christmas 2021.

The study further delves into the breakdown of costs, revealing a 16 percent increase in the price of traditional Christmas fare since December 2019 based on the Sydney CPI for each sub-category. With Australian households already allocating 17 percent of their budgets to food—the second-highest expenditure category after housing—this upward trend in Christmas lunch costs adds to the financial strain on families. Notable increases in the price of cheese (up by 15 percent) and bread (up by 12 percent) are cited, with the rising cost of dairy products attributed to increased farmgate milk prices, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). Despite the concerning overall trend, the study suggests a slight slowdown in the rate of increase this year, offering a glimmer of relief for consumers facing budget constraints.

The festive menu detailed in the study includes 1 kilogram of prawns, a 3.8kg turkey, a 4.5kg smoked half leg of ham, along with potatoes, carrots, parsnips, Brussels sprouts, Christmas pudding, pavlova with cream, and bottles of white and sparkling wine. This assortment, designed to feed about eight people with leftovers, is based on average prices from popular grocery stores like Coles, Aldi, or Woolworths. Despite the challenges presented by rising costs, the study emphasizes that the December quarter CPI data, to be released next year, may bring some relief based on positive trends observed in the monthly inflation data for October 2023.

Scientists from Monash University in Australia have made an astonishing discovery by identifying an enzyme with the potential to turn air into energy, offering a new and clean source of power. Microbiologist Dr Rhys Grinter and PhD student Ashleigh Kropp focused their research on a bacterial cousin associated with tuberculosis and leprosy. In their study, they unearthed an enzyme named Huc that exhibits the remarkable ability to convert hydrogen into electricity. This finding opens up the possibility of harnessing energy directly from the atmosphere, presenting a promising avenue for sustainable and eco-friendly power generation.

The implications of this discovery extend beyond theoretical possibilities, as the enzyme Huc could be instrumental in creating a novel energy source capable of powering various small portable electrical devices, from mobile phones to computers. This innovative approach to energy production aligns with global efforts to transition towards cleaner and more sustainable technologies. The research, published in the journal Nature on March 8, 2023, marks a significant step forward in the quest for alternative energy solutions, demonstrating the potential of microbial enzymes to unlock new sources of power that are not only efficient but also environmentally friendly.

Nestled in the picturesque Lower Mangrove region of New South Wales, Australia, the Growers Cottage stands as a unique holiday retreat, creatively repurposed from a shipping container. Administered by Pascale, this charming accommodation is available for rent on Airbnb, offering guests a minimalist and wonderful experience. The Growers Cottage is a meticulously restored original farmer’s dwelling, providing a fully equipped and secluded haven that caters specifically to couples seeking a tranquil escape.

The interior of Growers Cottage exudes a minimalist charm, featuring a modern main living area, a cozy bedroom, a stylish bathroom, and a functional yet minimalist kitchen. The thoughtful design emphasizes simplicity and functionality, creating an inviting space for relaxation. Surrounded by lush greenery, the cottage boasts a stunning garden where Pascale cultivates fresh vegetables and fruits. Guests have the unique opportunity to collect these homegrown delights directly from the branch, savouring the joy of farm-to-table dining in the serene and natural surroundings of Lower Mangrove.

The Growers Cottage is not just a holiday accommodation; it’s an immersive experience that allows guests to connect with nature and relish the simplicity of rural living. With its carefully curated design and emphasis on sustainability, this tiny house exemplifies the transformative possibilities of repurposing shipping containers into comfortable and stylish dwellings. For those seeking a respite from the hustle and bustle of urban life, Growers Cottage offers a peaceful retreat where the beauty of the natural landscape and the freshness of homegrown produce create a truly memorable escape.

In an applaudable move towards sustainability, South Australia is witnessing the revival of refillable milk bottles, thanks to the initiative led by the Fleurieu Milk Company based in Myponga. This environmentally conscious endeavor aims to reduce single-use plastic waste and promote a more eco-friendly approach to daily consumption. The reintroduction of refillable milk bottles, available in both full cream and low-fat varieties, is not only a positive step for the environment but also a testament to the growing awareness and commitment of businesses to adopt practices that prioritize long-term ecological health.

Fleurieu Milk Company’s effort to establish 28 locations across South Australia for the convenient refilling of these milk bottles underscores a broader shift towards sustainable and circular economies. This initiative not only caters to the increasing demand for environmentally responsible products but also encourages consumers to actively participate in reducing their ecological footprint. As South Australians embrace the return of refillable milk bottles, it sends a powerful message about the importance of individual choices in fostering a more sustainable future for our planet. It would be great to see more dairy companies engaged in similar initiatives worldwide.

A group of scientists decided to track a large turtle’s journey in the ocean after spending 20 years in captivity and being set free, and their findings are truly amazing.

Yoshi is a loggerhead turtle that weighs 180 kilograms and the group of scientists believes that she is originally from Australia.
Her journey of 37,000 kilometers across the Indian Ocean to Western Australia’s Pilbara coastline was carefully observed and monitored by scientists.
They first began following her two years ago in Cape Town and they think that the reason for her journey is to help her return to her original hatching site.

According to Sabrina Fossette, who is a researcher at WA’s Department of Biodiversity, what is truly amazing is that even after 20 years of captivity Yoshi knew exactly where to head after being set free in the ocean.
She first arrived at Cape Town’s Two Ocean Aquarium after being rescued by Japanese fishermen who found her with a damaged shell.
The aquarium has a rich history in caring for injured turtles, as they saved and released more than 600 so far in the last 12 years.
They also got very attached to Yoshi, so that’s why they are still keeping an eye on her and tracking her journey around the world to learn more about her final destination.

Aquarium chief executive, Maryke Musson said that Yoshi’s journey had been followed, and celebrated, around the world.

She said it was believed to be the first recorded movement of a sea turtle between Africa and Australia.

Yoshi also navigated, and survived, hazards such as plastic pollution, fishing gear and vessels, swimming around 50km a day.

“It’s a very impressive distance for a turtle her size,” Ms Musson said.

“When we released her she was 180kg, which is on the bigger side for an adult loggerhead.

“I think it’s helped her a lot, it’s kept her safe and she’s strong.

“We are incredibly proud of what she’s done and what she’s achieved thus far.”

Yoshi the turtle has gained widespread attention, and support, from ocean-lovers around the world.(Supplied: Two Oceans Aquarium)

Plastic pollution won’t stop being a big issue anytime soon, so ingenious ideas of preventing the pollution of the environment and waters are always welcome.
According to National Geographic, around 18 billion pounds of plastic waste is thrown into the oceans in a year, at this number is truly alarming. But the good news is that Australia is among the first countries that managed to find such a solution to prevent plastic waste from spilling into their waters.
The solution is a very simple one as they installed nets on the outlets of drainage pipes, thus preventing plastic waste spill into their waters. The project was first implemented in the city of Kwinana and it was a great success. The pipes are full of trash as they drain water from residential areas, which means all the waste thrown out from the households, end up in them.
Heavy rains in the area also make it hard to keep the trash flux under control. The first two nets that were installed, caught 800 pounds of trash in just a few weeks, so the city council decided to install more.

The cost of one net, including installation, is approximately $10,000, but their positive impact on the environment is priceless. Hopefully, more cities will follow the example of this Australian town as these trash catching nets are much needed in other areas too.