Stories in this month's edition include:

Declared the 'Year of Biodiversity' by the United Nations, 2010 provides an opportunity to celebrate life on earth and to safeguard biodiversity, the variety of life. University of Melbourne Research has re-evaluated the number of species on the planet and explores innovative ways of keeping those species alive.

Dr Siobhan O'Sullivan, from the School of Social and Political Sciences is spearheading research in human-animal studies. Dr O'Sullivan is the leader of the 75-person strong human-animal studies reading group called Animal Issues Melbourne and is working on the book Animals, Equality and Democracy.

PhD candidate Yoriko Otomo looks at the significance of a developing area of research in animal law, which considers how we relate to and regulate biodiversity.

Professor Peter Bardsley, from the Faculty of Business and Economics is looking at how game theory, auctions and a little financial incentive can help restore tiger habitat in the Western Ghats in India.

Working with Indian-based partners, University of Melbourne researchers are assessing the effects of watershed developments and climate change on the Krishna River basin in India and comparing this to potential impacts and adaptation strategies in place for Australia's Murray Darling basin.

Two University of Melbourne law students have created SEW - Supporting+Empowering Women - a development project that aims to help women with HIV in Arusha, Tanzania.