JULY 2001

FEATURES

Extreme G
Adapting to extreme gravitational forces can be a matter of life and death for pilots and astronauts. Jennifer Laing finds out about Australian research into the effects on the human body of exposure to low and high G-forces and the importance of these findings for the defence forces and space program.

Aircraft Simulation Puts Humans in the Loop
With the increasing power of computers, simulation of fixed and rotary wing aircraft has become a valuable tool for the Australian Defence Force. Peter Blanchonette and Timothy Fagan report.

Gone Fishing in the Gene Pool
Peter Doherty explains how the human genome project is revolutionising his research.

You Must Have Been A Beautiful Baby
Jeff Christiansen describes the search for hundreds of new genes that are needed to make our heads and faces.

Forensic DNA Databases: The New Zealand Experience
As Australian forensic jurisdictions begin to implement a national DNA database, Simon Walsh and Delia Moss describe the experiences of New Zealand’s criminal justice community, which has had a functional forensic DNA database in operation since 1996.

Bombs Return to Irradiate Resistant Governments
Peter Pockley uncovers secret documents revealing that the military denied blood tests to veterans of nuclear bomb trials in Australia to avoid liability, although DNA tests may now set the record straight.

Senate Report Damns Plan for New Reactor
Nuclear analyst Jim Green finds support for his long-standing criticism of the government’s plan to replace the HIFAR nuclear reactor.

Science Communication, Warts-and-All
Sara Phillips has sparked a debate about how science should be communicated to attract the attention of the public.

POLITICS

Science on Government Backburner
Peter Pockley unravels fact from claims in the Coalition’s scene-setting Budget for this year’s election.

Gate Opens to Election Trail
Seeking directions for the long campaign that began with the May Budget, Peter Pockley identifies in each major party a “gang of four” responsible for research, universities and innovation, but finds that their balance and leadership differ.

BIOSPHERE

Renewable Energy Targets in Hot Water
Simon Grose explains how power companies are taking the credit for renewable energy from solar water heaters.

The Curious Creature that Baffled the World
Ann Moyal explains how the platypus became the centre of an international scientific conflict and played a significant part in formulating new theoretical frameworks for biology.

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

Scramjet Blows Its Nose

Aussies Join Ruskies in Space Club

Green Cars – Made from Hemp

Anti-greenhouse Cow Vaccine

Planets in Formation

Huge Claims for Organic Insecticide

Growth Hormone’s Role in Obesity

Monitor Rings Diabetes Alarm

Search for Disease Goes Ape

CPR Made Easy

Hope Is Vital for Mental Health

Canada Shows the Way

Wonky Holes Hark Back to Colder Times

The Parasite and the Cultural Cringe
 

BRIEFS

The End of the PAP Smear

Jumper Ant Role in Cancer Fight

Timber Line Rising

Microwaved Tree Roots

Garden of Discovery

Reprieve for Venom Research

The Disappearing Y

Canberra's Record Cold