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Australia’s fastest camera has revealed the time it takes for molecules to break apart.
The experimental research, conducted by Griffith University’s Centre for Quantum Dynamics, aims to help in the design of new molecules for materials science or drug discovery.
The Centre is the only place in the country to have the machine in its Australian Attosecond Science Facility.
Research published in Nature Communications shows how scientists can measure, in real-time, the time that it takes and the separation distance of two atoms when the bond is broken in the simplest diatomic molecule.
The result in an astonishing 15 millionth of a billionth of a second at a distance of half a billionth of a metre.
The research was led by Associate Professor of Physics Igor Litvinyuk and conducted in collaboration with theorists from Shanghai Jiao Tong University.
Associate Professor Litvinyuk said the molecule was made of two protons and one electron which they shared.
“That electron

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One of Griffith University’s senior lecturers has won a prestigious Queensland Day Award during the 2017 annual celebrations.
Dr Tapan Sarker, from the Department of International Business and Asian Studies in Griffith Business School, was awarded the honour by the Minister for Innovation, Science and Digital Economy, Hon Leeanne Enoch MP at an event on June 10.

Dr Sarker was recognised for his contribution to community works including organising fundraising events for local schools, participating in a community tree planting program and organising multicultural events to promote social inclusiveness and cultural heritage of South Asian communities living in Brisbane.
Dr Sarker says he was honoured to receive such a commendation. “I am so excited to win the prestigious Queensland Day Award 2017,” he says. “I would like to thank Griffith Business School for all the support that I have received so far in furthering my civic duty and to help the broader

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By Dr Samara McPhedran, Senior Research Fellow, Violence Research and Prevention Program
After 18 months of false starts, Australia is about to hold another gun amnesty for three months from July 1.
Last week, Justice Minister Michael Keenan claimed the amnesty would take illegal guns off Australian streets. He went on to link the amnesty with terrorism, citing the Lindt Cafe siege and the murder of Curtis Cheng as examples.
In a time when the spectre of terrorism is increasingly used as both a shield to prevent scrutiny of policies and a sword to attack anybody who criticises government decisions, we would do well not to accept at face value Keenan’s claims. So, are gun amnesties an effective way of tackling serious criminal activity?
What is an ‘illegal gun’?
Dr Samara McPhedran
To legally own a firearm in Australia, you must have a licence.
Since 1996, all firearms must be registered. Unregistered firearms are illegal.
Anyone who possesses a firearm

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One of  Australia’s leading transport experts believes significant misconceptions prevail around Brisbane’s proposed Cross River Rail project.
“Yes, it’s creating new stations downtown and a big new tunnel,” said Associate Professor Matthew Burke, noting that’s often all that’s shown when a map features in the media.
“But the greatest impacts aren’t in the city centre – they’re in increased train frequencies and better travel times for people living in around 140 suburban stations.
“It’s places like Birkdale, Booval and Bald Hills that will finally be able to get decent train frequencies.”
The Queensland Government announced this week is would proceed with the $5.4 billion project with or without help from its federal counterparts, a move that Assoc. Prof Burke said is understandable.
“The timings are such that if we don’t get building soon, and if we get the projected growth in passengers, the rail system will again be plunged into crisis.”
Assoc. Prof Burke, of Griffith’s

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From August 2017, prospective teaching students will be required to submit a 1000-word essay on why they want to teach before being accepted into Queensland universities.
As well as meeting academic requirements, applicants will have to write 500 words about their motivation and suitability to teach and another 500 words about their learning or leadership activities that demonstrate a commitment to learning.
In this section they are encouraged to describe examples from school or work or personal experience.
Developed by the Queensland Council of Deans in collaboration with the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre, the new requirement aims to select candidates with personal qualities that predispose them to become better teachers.
Attributes such as motivation to help others learn, organisation skills and being conscientious are all attributes that will be favourably looked upon.
Professor Donna Pendergast, School of Education & Professional Studies Dean.
Griffith University Dean of Education and Professional Studies and Chair of the Queensland Council

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This is just one of the Griffith University School of Nursing and Midwifery good news studies up for discussion at the upcoming International Confederation of Midwives Triennial Congress.
To be held in Toronto, Canada, on 18-22 June, the Congress represents and works to strengthen professional associations of midwives throughout the world and represents 114 countries.
Dr Kathleen Baird from Griffith’s Menzies Health Institute Queensland will discuss the training program that has been implemented with midwives from the Logan, Redland and Gold Coast areas, to promote antenatal enquiry and effectively reduce the incidence of domestic violence in this group of women.
Improved confidence to undertake enquiry
Results from the study showed that following a full day training workshop, 93 per cent of the participating midwives reported improved confidence to undertake routine enquiry.
“We know that in Australia between one and two women a week continue to be murdered and within Queensland alone from 2006 to 2016,

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