Stories

Foreign Affairs

Caribbean Confrontation - Venezuela and the US

US President Donald Trump has recently announced the seizure of a large Venezuelan oil tanker, marking the latest escalation between the two nations. Over the past few months, the United States has sent covert CIA operatives to Venezuela as well as increasing its military presence in the region. So what has led to the current political situation between Venezuela and the United States to further deteriorate? To answer this question and more, 4ZZZ’s Toni Pankaluic spoke with Lecturer and PhD Candidate of Political Science, International Relations and Constitutional Law at the University of the Sunshine Coast, Juan Zahir Naranjo Caceres.

Taste of Palestine cookbook is about more than just recipes

The Taste of Palestine cookbook is a collection of over 40 traditional recipes and personal stories from the Palestinian diaspora in Brisbane. It will be launched tomorrow at the Christmas Markets for Palestine in Orleigh Park.

4ZZZ reporter Andy Paine spoke to contributor Nadine Littledale about the cookbook and the importance of traditional food for Palestinians forcibly removed from their homeland.

The North Ipswich Free Shop defies the Department of Transport

The North Ipswich Free Shop is a volunteer run community initiative with a simple idea - people donate things they don't need, and can take anything they do need. It has been running for a year and a half, mostly known only to its local community. But that changed this week, when the Department of Transport and Main Roads ordered the Free Shop to be removed. 4zzz reporter Andy Paine spoke to free Shop volunteer Mina Lib to find out more.

Animals, Environment, Marine Ecology

Newborn sharks swim like 'ninjas' to avoid predator attacks

Yes, we’ve all heard the song “baby shark, do do do do do” but do you know what little ninjas these baby sharks can be? It turns out they are incredible escape artists and science is only just finding out the why and how behind their incredible manouvers. 4ZZZ's intrepid reporter, Anita Diamond interviewed Professor Jodie Rummer, who conducted a study looking into how these baby sharks swim to avoid predator attacks.

Science and Technology, Environment, Transport, Alternative Energy

Vehicle-to-Grad transition in Australia 2025

Vehicle-to-Grid is where electric vehicles draw power from the electricity grid to power their batteries as well as households, and it was one of the main focal points discussed at the Smart Energy Queensland Expo last week by industry leaders. Over the years, there’s been much discourse surrounding the technology… So where are we currently at in Australia in terms of shifting into this new way of powering vehicles? 4ZZZ's Toni Pankaluic spoke to Allan Edwards, Smart Transport and E-Mobility Lead at the Smart Energy Council to learn more.

Medical, Aged Care, Health

Misconceptions on Wound Care Is Slowing Recovery and Increasing the Risk of Infection

We often hear that letting a cut dry out and scab over is the best way to heal it, however could this ‘common belief’ actually be slowing recovery and raising infection risks? New research reveals that almost two-thirds of Australians cling to this myth, with nearly half changing plasters daily and disrupting the natural healing process. 4ZZZ's Eliot Rifkin chatted with Karen Carter, a pharmacist and owner of Carter’s Pharmacy (Gunnedah) about some common misconceptions on wound care which can slow recovery and sometimes increase the risk of infection.

Industry, Biosecurity, Agriculture, Animals

Where's our eggs and the flow-on effects of biosecurity strategies

Have you ever wondered why egg shelves are bare and prices are soaring? Did you know millions of chickens were culled due to bird flu outbreaks and this wasn’t the first time? Australia’s biosecurity system faces growing challenges, however could smarter strategies help balance ethics, economics and food security? 4ZZZ's Eliot Rifkin chatted about “Egg availability and Australia's broader biosecurity challenges” with Associate Professor Susan Hester from the University of Melbourne.

Agriculture, Plants, Biosecurity, Industry

Dodging Banana Diseases and Monoculture Farming Challenges

Many of us grab a banana for a quick snack, however have you ever considered what exotic diseases could wipe out our favourite fruit overnight? It’s happened before… once in the 1950’s. A new report from the Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation reveals that investing in disease prevention could save the Australian banana industry over $52 million, all the while shining a light on the dangers of monoculture farming. 4ZZZ's Eliot Rifkin chatted about dodging banana threats and building a resilient future for bananas with Professor Andrew Geering from UQ's Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI).

Animals, Disability, Social Services

Guide Dogs Queensland supporting vision loss

Have you ever wondered how a specially trained dog can transform the life of someone with vision loss, helping them navigate the world with confidence? Guide Dogs Queensland has been empowering Queenslanders with low vision or blindness for over 65 years, providing life-changing services through their remarkable dogs and dedicated volunteers. 4ZZZ's Eliot Rifkin is joined by Jock Beveridge, CEO of Guide Dogs Queensland to chat about their impactful work and how the community can support this vital mission.

Science and Technology, Emergency Services, Insects

Cyborg beetles and their use in search and rescue

Imagine if beetles could be heroes, just for one day? Well, that dream might just become a reality for darkling beetles, who are being studied at UQ to become cyborg beetles and could be used for search and rescue operations. 4ZZZ's Anita Diamond chatted with Lachlan Fitzgerald a PhD researcher from UQ on 'Cyborg' beetles and their use in search and rescue.

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