Fran Molloy, Freelance Journalist Profile

Articles

Gaming addiction starts in primary school as screen time soars, research shows

2 weeks ago | medicalxpress.com | Fran Molloy |Sadie Harley |Andrew Zinin

A new study has found children as young as 10 show clinical-level gaming disorder, which researchers say could affect 100,000 Australian children, with a further 350,000 at risk of smartphone addiction. Australian children are spending up to nine hours a day on screens, with new Macquarie University research showing that gaming addiction and smartphone overuse are starting much earlier than previously thought—in upper primary school rather than the teenage years.
Gaming addiction starts in primary school as screen time soars: new research

2 weeks ago | lighthouse.mq.edu.au | Fran Molloy

Faculty Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences A new study has found children as young as 10 show clinical-level gaming disorder, which researchers say could affect 100,000 Australian children, with a further 350,000 at risk of smartphone addiction.
Eureka! The global warming maths problem that took 15 years to solve

1 month ago | lighthouse.mq.edu.au | Fran Molloy

In solving the complex maths to calculate how irregular atmospheric particles affect global warming, a Macquarie university mathematician has built equations that could transform climate modelling, medical imaging and material design. Tiny particles high in our atmosphere play a key role in our climate, but deciphering the mathematics to calculate their impact on global warming has been a 15-year labour of love for Macquarie University mathematician Associate Professor Stuart Hawkins.
A breakthrough discovery for Earth's geological history

1 month ago | ausbizmedia.com | Fran Molloy

A study published today in Nature reveals that Earth’s first crust, formed about 4.5 billion years ago, probably had chemical features remarkably like today’s continental crust. This suggests the distinctive chemical signature of our continents was established at the very beginning of Earth’s history. Professor Emeritus Simon Turner from the Faculty of Science and Engineering at Macquarie University led the study, which included researchers from around Australia and the UK and France.
Climate and health litigation mounting in Australia as exposure to extreme heat grows

2 months ago | lighthouse.mq.edu.au | Fran Molloy

Faculty Faculty of Science and Engineering Australia’s exposure to extreme heat continues to grow while the country has emerged as a global hotspot for climate change litigation, according to the latest MJA–Lancet Countdown report published this week. Australia has experienced a 37 per cent increase in health-damaging heat waves over the past 20 years, according to the new Medical Journal of Australia–Lancet Countdown report published this week.
Earth's first crust composition discovery rewrites geological timeline

2 months ago | lighthouse.mq.edu.au | Fran Molloy

Faculty Faculty of Science and Engineering Researchers have made a breakthrough discovery that changes our understanding of Earth’s early geological history, challenging beliefs about how our continents formed and when plate tectonics began. A study published today in Nature reveals that Earth's first crust, formed about 4.5 billion years ago, probably had chemical features remarkably like today’s continental crust.
Smart solutions for sustainable mining: meet CSIRO's next generation

Mar 31, 2025 | csiro.au | Fran Molloy

By Fran Molloy 1 April 2025 6 min read Key points Our Sustainable Mining Technologies Research program focuses on mine safety, environmental performance, automation and digital connectivity. The program develops safer and more sustainable mining solutions. Meet three early career researchers who work in this field, in the areas of data-informed decisions, underground fibre optic sensing, and mobile mission control centres.
Could Australia be left behind in the AI revolution?

Mar 13, 2025 | lighthouse.mq.edu.au | Fran Molloy

Faculty Faculty of Science and Engineering Topic Australia is at risk of being left behind in AI development without urgent investment, warns Macquarie University Professor of Data Science, Amin Beheshti. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping the world, but while major global players are pouring billions into AI development, Australia risks being left behind.
Should I drop maths? – Careers with STEM

Mar 9, 2025 | careerswithstem.com.au | Fran Molloy

Should I drop maths in Year 11? Ask yourself these questions firstMaths is the language of STEM and there are so many benefits of studying it in high school. But if the question has been on your mind lately, we’re here to help you decide what’s the best path for you and your future career. 1. Do you know for sure that your career won’t need maths? Y/NStudying maths seriously prepares you for any career. It’s great for developing excellent problem-solving skills and thinking critically.
Powering the future: our rising stars in critical minerals processing.

Mar 5, 2025 | csiro.au | Fran Molloy

By Fran Molloy 5 March 2025 5 min read Key points Our Mineral Processing program develops energy and resource-efficient innovations that reduce costs, minimise environmental impacts, and boost productivity across the minerals industry. Two flagship projects are advancing battery technology: a pilot plant for cathode precursor materials and innovative approaches to graphite purification for battery anodes. These are essential for the green energy transition.