AUGUST 2001

FEATURES

Australia’s Atomic Conspiracy Theory
Anna Binnie questions claims that the Snowy Mountains Hydroelectric Scheme was constructed to provide power for the development of nuclear weapons.

“Big Science” Projects Culled
Peter Pockley examines the contenders fighting for funds to establish major research facilities.

Testing Oils in Antarctic Soils
New Zealand scientists are examining the impacts of fuel spills on the most pristine soils in the world. Diana Leufkens reports.

Biotech’s Crisis in Confidence
Tess Holderness examines the reasons behind the poor public image of biotechnology.

Peter Doherty’s “Towards a Knowledge Nation”
Peter Doherty releases an edited version of his submission to the ALP’s Knowledge Nation Taskforce, and says that the issues at stake are national imperatives that transcend party political debates.

A Brain Drained
Craig Moritz describes why he has abandoned Australia to work overseas.

SPACE

Mission to Mars
Jennifer Laing talks to Australian scientists pushing space technology to the red frontier.

The Search for Life on Mars
Nick Hoffman argues that liquid water never existed on Mars, so the search for life should concentrate on its giant volcanoes.

SPACE

The Race to Mach 8
Later this month Australian scientists will attempt to fire a rocket at hypersonic speeds. Pat Shiel reveals how their scramjet program has been run on the smell of an oily rag.

Infinity is Getting Bigger
Simon Grose tries to find out where our infinite Universe is expanding to.

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

Nuclear Veterans Extend Campaign for Compensation

ALP Stakes All on Knowledge Nation

Cold Water Killer

Do Mobiles Damage the Senses?

Doherty Decides to Return to Australia

Morphine Minus Addiction

A Shot in the Arm for Back Pain Sufferers

Device Monitors Driver Fatigue

Non-Invasive Genetic Testing of Unborn Babies

Weird Wasps Discovered

FedSat and Christmas Island Launch on Track

Andromeda Galaxy a Cannibal

Search for Old Earth and Cosmic Life

BRIEFS

Artificial Heart Beaten

Dengue Virus Hope

Starch Stops Cancer

Mouth Ulcer Treatment

Farmers Log onto Pastures

Sensitive Bacteria

Weather Forecast Is Worse