JUNE 2001

NANOTECHNOLOGY SPECIAL

Nanomachines: The New Industrial Revolution
Mick Wilson describes how atoms can be engineered into molecular switches. gears, pumps and pistons.

Photosynthetic Factories and Nanosponges
Stephen Luntz discovers some “blue sky” projects that may mop up atmospheric pollutants.

Our Body’s Nanosensors
Don Martin explains how molecular studies could yield specific drugs to combat tumours and arterial disease.

Artificial Muscles Stronger than Steel
Gordon Wallace describes how conducting polymers can behave like muscles that are stronger than the real thing.

Can Nanotechnology Deliver Our Dreams?
Erol Harvey describes how nanotechnology may find its way into everyday life.

Ethics in the Nanoworld
John Weckert discusses the dangers posed by nanotechnology and asks whether research should be halted.

BIOSPHERE

Saving Fish Without Fences
Australian researchers are developing new ways to design marine parks that preserve biodiversity. Peter Pockley reports.

A Dingo Stole My Baby – Again
Struan Sutherland and Guy Nolch examine cases of dingo attack in the wake of last month’s fatality on Fraser Island.

Dingo Cull Misguided
Jonathon Howard says that a cull of the Fraser Island dingoes does not make sense on ecological, economic or social grounds.

INSIGHT

Venom Research at a Dead End
Guy Nolch says that the impending closure of the Australian Venom Research Unit is small-minded on the part of the Victorian and Federal governments.

Maths Decline Is Bad Economics
Rory McGuire says that if the government is serious about “backing Australia’s ability” it will address the decline of mathematics.

Fancy a Ménage à Trois, Baby?
Guy Nolch asks whether rogue scientists are solely to blame for producing genetically modified babies with three parents.

Science Sexy? Who Are You Kidding!
Sara Phillips says that attempts to jazz up science’s image will be seen for the farce it is.

DEBATE

Why the ABC Needs a Quantum Leap
Simon Grose explains why he has not mourned the loss of Quantum from our TV screens.

Quantum’s Long Path to Oblivion
Sandy Ross warns that all of the ABC’s science programming is under threat.

BOOKS

Dangerous Australian Animals: Sydney Funnel-Web Spider
Struan Sutherland and Guy Nolch profile a deadly spider in an extract from their book, Dangerous Australian Animals.  

UPDATE

Foot-and-Mouth Action Plan
More Infants Exposed to Passive Smoking
Be Prudent on EME, Expert Warns
Brain Damage? Phone Home
Artificial Heart in Trials
Dolly’s Sickness Causes Concern
A Shining Dome
Ageing the Ice Ages
Truffle Hunt to Save Endangered Bettong
Eureka as Quantum Farewelled
Dinosaur Nursery Discovered
Communication Imperative, Doherty Says
Frustration Ahead for Major Facility Applicants
Batterham Spreads the Gospel
Photonics Expand
Icebergs on the Run

BRIEFS

Oestrogen Treats Schizophrenia
Award for Skin Cancer Researcher
Virtual Earth Reconstructs the Planet
Breaking the Parasite Cycle
Even Fewer Blackouts
Painful Life in Ancient Egypt
Unsung Wheat Hero
Posting an Environmental Win