BIODIVERSITY BONUS

A new book published by Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, shines a light on the National Research Collections Australia to show how natural history specimens are used by researchers to discover and understand biodiversity so that it can be conserved and used.

AmAZed! CSIRO’s A to Z of Biodiversity will be launched at an event in Canberra today with a group of primary-school students, written to encourage an appreciation for the natural world and to consider a career in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics).

Author and CSIRO Communication Manager, Andrea Wild, said she was inspired by the scientists working with biodiversity specimens to make life better for everyone.

“I have two sons – one who loves nature and one who loves experiments – I would read them the draft of the book at night and ask them ‘was that interesting?’,” Ms Wild said.

“My hope is that this is a book will spark curiosity and be something people have on their shelves and can refer back to for fascinating information about Australia’s biodiversity.”

The book includes the stories behind the CSIRO invention Aerogard, curious flies, newly named species, sparkling microbes in the sea and mysterious metal nests.

It also introduces CSIRO scientists including entomologist Dr Bryan ‘Bry the Fly Guy’ Lessard, marine ecologist Dr Cindy Bessey, ichthyologist Dr Will White, and molecular biologist Dr Luana Lins.

Dr Lins grew up in Brazil and is working with CSIRO to find ways to more quickly identify pest insects by taking miniature labs into the field.

“I am fascinated by what molecular biology can tell us about different creatures, and I’m investigating how we can identify pests by their DNA really quickly, like at airports where they could be a threat to our biodiversity,” Dr Lins said.

Teacher at Burgmann Anglican School in Canberra Annie Nygh said the book had been very well received by her students.

“My students and I loved learning new facts about the weird and wonderful living things. The mix of photos and illustrations is fabulous and engaging,” Mrs Nygh said.