Building more apartments won't ease housing crisis

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Innovative solutions and technological advancements are being explored and implemented across various fields, from housing and genomics to space exploration and cybersecurity. However, these developments also raise concerns and challenges that need to be addressed.

What Happened

A recent study found that building more apartments may not solve Australia's housing affordability crisis unless policymakers address rising house prices and investor activity. The research, published in Cities, analyzed housing data across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide over nearly three decades and found that price movements are led by the house market, affecting the whole system.

In contrast, a bold satellite rescue mission was successfully launched in record time to save a $500 million astronomy mission at risk of crashing back to Earth. NASA awarded a $30 million contract to Katalyst Space Technologies to build, test, and launch a small satellite to chase down the Swift spacecraft and latch onto it with three robotic arms.

Why It Matters

The impact of genomic selection on genetic diversity in five European cattle breeds was also investigated in a recent study. Researchers found that while genomic selection has revolutionized animal breeding and accelerated genetic gains in breeding programs, it has also been associated with increased inbreeding rates, raising concerns about the potential effects on genetic diversity in smaller or local breeds.

Meanwhile, an analysis of 352 probiotic supplements found mismatched microbes across marketed health benefits. The study revealed that despite limited understanding of the microbes' connections to their marketed use, sophisticated computer models could lead to more effective products to shape our microbiomes to improve health.

What Experts Say

"We came back with a response that was technically and programmatically plausible, and then we were like, 'Yeah, let's do it.'" — Shawn Domagal-Goldman, director of NASA's astrophysics division

"The introduction of genomic selection in some cosmopolitan breeds has also been associated with increased inbreeding rates, raising concerns about the potential effects of genomic selection on genetic diversity in smaller or local breeds." — Researchers from Wageningen University & Research, Animal Breeding and Genomics

Background

The housing affordability crisis in Australia has been a longstanding issue, with rising house prices and investor activity contributing to the problem. Genomic selection has revolutionized animal breeding, but its impact on genetic diversity is a concern. The satellite rescue mission is a groundbreaking achievement, but it also highlights the risks and challenges associated with space exploration.

What Comes Next

As innovative solutions continue to emerge, it is essential to address the concerns and challenges associated with them. Policymakers, researchers, and experts must work together to ensure that these developments benefit society as a whole. The implications of these breakthroughs will be significant, and it is crucial to monitor their progress and address any issues that arise.

Key Facts

• Who: NASA, Katalyst Space Technologies, Wageningen University & Research
• What: Satellite rescue mission, genomic selection study, probiotic supplement analysis
• When: August 2022 (satellite rescue mission contract awarded), 2022 (genomic selection study published)
• Where: Australia, Europe, United States
• Impact: Potential to solve housing affordability crisis, advance genomic selection, and improve health through probiotics