OCTOBER 2000

FEATURES

Needle money not put to smart use
While hundreds of millions of dollars are spent each year in the battle to curb illicit drug use, overdose deaths have continued to soar. Guy Nolch looks for alternative approaches to the drug problem.

New drug balances the diabetic see-saw
Nikki Farrar reports that new drugs developed in Sydney are offering hope to diabetics.

Give us this day our daily needle
We understand how diabetes affects the body, but we are less able to understand how diabetes affects a young person’s quality of life, says Lucy Cutler.

Gulf War legacy investigated
New research will assess the physical and psychological costs of the Gulf War. Ann Westmore reports.

Designer arteries
Julie Campbell and Gordon Campbell reveal that artificial arteries could soon be grown to replace or bypass diseased arteries.

Detergent approach to nanomachines
Tim Davey reveals the role of shampoos and conditioners in the development of nanomachines.

BIOSPHERE

Inquiry to probe reactor contract
A Senate inquiry this month promises a major battle over nuclear science in Australia. Peter Pockley reports.

Self-defence in the plant world
Karin Lyon investigates how the "immune system" of plants responds to threatening attacks.

Organic approach saves the soil
Citrus farmers have found that economic sustainability relies on ecological sustainability. Leane Regan reports.

Burning issue of fire management
Being burnt too often – even by low-intensity management fires – is a serious threat to our native plants and animals, writes Elizabeth Tasker.
 

INSIGHT

The make-up of a champion
Last month, Nelson Mandela headlined a forum that sought to determine the qualities that make a champion. Peter Doherty reflects on what makes a champion in science.

Dollar to halve its value if R&D slump continues
Peter Pockley wades through a rash of reports propelling support for science into big news.

SERIAL

Dangerous Australian Animals: The Most Venomous Snake in the World
Struan Sutherland and Guy Nolch profile a snake more deadly than 1000 rattlesnakes in an extract from their book, Dangerous Australian Animals.

UPDATE

End of the world 38 hours away

Guarantee of ripe melons

Scheme tries to find work for 1000 scientists

Scientists dispute IT outsourcing

Carmen takes on technology

Radioactive measure of wine quality

Now it’s battery worms

Smoke and mirrors for solar generator

What makes a champion?

Climate catastrophe could result from ocean changes

Artificial intelligence keeps getting smarter

Land clearing may outstrip salinity measures

Internet maps improve mine safety

CSIRO unveils Discovery

New test for endometrial cancer
 

BRIEFS

Fish are getting smarter

Spicing up pregnancy

Quiet phone zone

Adult antibodies for babies

Women’s health float

2000 km to the tank

Science for bushwalking

Shrinking trees

Keep cows cool