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01 Customers

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A knock out result for the Penthrox green whistle

Did you know we worked with Medical Developments International (MDI) to create the manufacturing process that’s used to produce the green whistle? The iconic medical device beats out other analgesics, such as nitrous oxide and morphine, in that it is fast acting, self-administered, non-addictive, non-narcotic and very safe to use. Our processing chemists got together with MDI and developed a new method for manufacturing Methoxyflurane (the key ingredient) that speeds up the production process while cutting costs. And to help keep up with demand MDI has opened an even bigger and better factory in Victoria.

02 Research

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Glove gives the right swipe for toxic chemical scans

You gotta hand it to our scientists on this one. In collaboration with the University of San Diego, California, they've developed a new wearable technology that allows the user to scan for toxic chemicals by simply swiping a surface. This 'lab-on-a-glove' tech has an in-built chemical sensor that can single-handedly identify organophosphate compounds. It was designed specifically with the defence and forensic industries in mind, providing reliable, real-time and on-site chemical screening for rapid response to terror threats. But it could fit (like a glove) into food and agriculture uses as well.

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We see ewe: keeping track of Australia's sheep

In the same way that wearable devices such as Fitbits log your activity and health, activity trackers could soon be a vital tool for Australian farmers to monitor the health and behaviour of their sheep. With approximately 74 million sheep in Australia – and more than a billion worldwide, managing the welfare of their flocks is a big logistical problem for farmers. Our researchers are looking to solve this problem by developing customised activity trackers for sheep using GPS and accelerometers that measure 3D movement. And the results have been wooly great.

03 Discoveries

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04 People

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Zoom in on the faces behind the world's largest radio telescope

When it's constructed, the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) will give radio astronomers a view of the past, a million years after the Big Bang, when the universe first evolved to what is referred to as the “cosmic dawn”. The SKA, a next-generation radio telescope that will be vastly more sensitive than the best present-day instruments, is a massive international project with teams across the world working on its design and construction. Our very own Mia Baquiran is one of the research engineers involved. Find out about her role in this incredible collaboration.

JOBS

This'll teach you

As a Learning & Development Associate Consultant at CSIRO, you will have the opportunity to utilise your engagement, design, facilitation and evaluation expertise. Addressing enterprise-wide issues through developing enduring and practical e-learning and face-to-face solutions is the name of the game. Located in either Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra or Melbourne, you will support organisational culture and help with the achievement of our 2020 strategy.

Secure this position

As an IT Automation Specialist in the Systems Team within Scientific Computing Platforms in CSIRO IM&T, you will be a part of a group responsible for continuing support and maintenance of CSIRO enterprise and HPC systems. But take note: This is a security assessed position. Applicants must be an Australian Citizen; with successful candidate either holding or having the ability to obtain a Negative Vetting 1, Australian Government security clearance. Canberra based.

05 Participate

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Our Interronauts podcast talks carp herpes, tardigrades, and noses

Have you tuned into Interronauts, the CSIRO podcast? Every fortnight we explore the weird, wacky and wonderful world of science news from here and abroad. In this episode, you can learn about tardigrades and how they can survive in space; the origins of the human nose, and how we're using herpes to tackle Australia's carp pest problem. Come and get an earful.

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3D printing goes back to the future in old but new car engine

No, we haven't 3D printed a time-travelling DeLorean (yet). But we did help with the engine of a restored 1914 Delage Type S French race car. Our team was approached by an Australian car enthusiast who was restoring his Type S, which also happens to be the only one left in the world. After 103 years the engine block was looking a little worse for wear so he asked us to help him out. And we did... using Australia's only 3D sand printer.

Watch RV Investigator footage: when squid attack!
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