My research has attracted significant media interest both in Australia and internationally, spanning radio, television, online features, and print media. Below are highlights from some of the most prominent media engagements related to my research.
1. Marsupial Evolution, Ancient Predators and Early Human Ancestors
My research on the thylacine (Tasmanian tiger) and other ancient mammals and birds has generated wide-ranging media coverage, capturing public interest in evolutionary biology and paleoecology. Research on the adaptations and feeding ecology of extinct species has been prominently featured in top science and news outlets. Highlights includes:
- ABC News (Australia)
- Multiple radio and TV interviews, including segments on ABC PM and ABC Science Radio with Robyn Williams, exploring thylacine dietary habits and extinction causes. Articles like “Tasmanian tiger was no sheep killer” by Selina Bryan offered in-depth coverage of my findings.
- Article, “Ancient marsupial tougher than Tassie tiger” by Stuart Gary on ABC Science, discussing insights into prehistoric marsupial adaptations.
- Article, “Australian cassowary and emu no replacement for New Zealand’s missing moa” highlighting my research on ratite feeding strategies and coexistence between moa species.
- Australian Museum
- Article, “How do we know if they could speak?“, referenced my work on the hyoid bone in Neanderthals, contributing to ongoing discussions on early human communication abilities.
- BBC News
- BBC TV feature titled “Extinct Tasmanian tiger had jaws too weak to trap sheep,” spotlighting thylacine bite force limitations and their role in the species’ extinction.
- Article, “Neanderthals could speak like modern humans, study suggests” on BBC Newsround covered the evolutionary implications of similarities in hyoid bone shape and mechanical performance between Neanderthals and modern humans.
- PHYS ORG
- Article, “Study sheds light on the diversity of carnivore skull shapes and their function” discussed my research on skull morphology across 132 carnivore species, focusing on bite force and velocity trade-offs.
- Sydney Morning Herald
- Article, “Tasmanian tiger’s bark worse than its bite,” widely republished across Australian newspapers, detailing key discoveries about the thylacine’s physical limitations.
- Scientific American
- “Mini ‘Tasmanian Tiger’ took down large prey,” a high-profile feature on ancient marsupial predation, providing an international perspective on my findings.
- UNSW Newsroom
- Feature, “Riversleigh fossil reveals a fearsome ancient killer,” brought attention to new fossil discoveries and their implications for understanding ancient ecosystems.
2. Avian Eggshell Research
My research on the structure and properties of avian eggshells has shed light on how different species have adapted to environmental challenges. This work began at the University of New England, advanced at the University of Sheffield and continued with broader macroevolutionary studies at Royal Holloway University of London. These findings have drawn attention from notable media outlets and scientific platforms.
- David Attenborough’s Wonder of Eggs
- Aired on 31 March 2018, this episode featured our research on guillemot eggs and the unique eggshell properties of avian eggshells. The episode was widely promoted, including by the Natural History Museum, Tring.
- Was advertised on multiple outlets including through the Natural History Museum.
- University of Sheffield
- Feature, “Long-standing mystery of extinct Great Auk’s chicks solved,” presented our discoveries on Great Auk eggshells and their implications for incubation.
- Royal Holloway University of London
- University news article, “Water adhesive properties of bird eggshells linked to climate and nest environment” highlighted findings from our study on how eggshell water-repelling properties correspond to environmental factors.
3. Seabird Monitoring and Conservation Research
Funded by two Darwin Plus grants (DPLUS132 and DPLUS187), this research focuses on developing remote sensing methods to monitor endangered seabird populations, with a particular emphasis on albatross conservation. Media coverage has showcased the innovative use of satellite technology in tackling conservation challenges.
- British Antarctic Survey (BAS)
- News article, “Albatrosses from space: wildlife detectives needed!” created in collaboration with BAS media office—coincided with the citizen science campaign, drawing additional coverage from major outlets.
- Falkland Islands Television
- Segment titled “Counting Albatrosses from Space” promoted the Albatrosses from Space citizen science campaign, encouraging public participation in conservation efforts.
- RSPB
- Featured online article, ‘Watch birds from Space‘, publicised the Albatrosses from Space campaign to engage citizen scientists in monitoring endangered seabird populations.
- Polar Journal
- Published article, “Albatross – Detectives wanted” to further attract participants for the Albatrosses from Space campaign.
Additional Mentions and Recognitions
My work has been cited in encyclopaedias and recognised in scientific reviews:
- Wikipedia
- My findings are referenced in the “Thylacine” entry, adding to publicly accessible knowledge on the species.
- ABC News
- Named my thylacine research one of the “Greatest Scientific Discoveries of 2011,” solidifying its impact within both scientific and public domains.
Marie Attard 