SEPTEMBER 2001

MEGAFAUNA EXTINCTIONS

Australia’s Lost Kingdoms
A new exhibition at the National Museum of Australia reveals a lost heritage of remarkable Australian fauna.

Where Is the Smoking Gun?
Did the first Australians kill the megafauna or was climate change responsible? Guy Nolch examines the arguments.

Mystery of Megafaunal Extinctions Remains
Stephen Wroe and Judith Field question the science behind claims that the arrival of humans was responsible for the extinction of Australia’s large native animals.

GENETIC MODIFICATION

NZ Paves the Way for Controlled Use of Genetic Modification
Peter Pockley tracks a groundbreaking inquiry that has global ramifications.

The New Quarantine
Adam Bostanci questions whether Tasmania can become a GM-free island.

The Public Perception of Risk
Robert Hunter compares the risks involved in genetic modification with other risks that are taken for granted.

Ethical Practice for Biotechnology or Defending the Status Quo?
Richard Hindmarsh and Kees Hulsman question whether the Code of Ethical Practice for Biotechnology in Queensland will be a rubber stamp for the biotech industry.

SCIENCE CAREERS

Why Do a Science Degree?
Guy Nolch picks through a survey of science graduates to see how valuable their degrees have been.

Graduates with Thinking Skills Will Be the Big Winners
Rory McGuire finds that four huge industries in various stages of emergence will offer great opportunities for science graduates.

Opportunities in the Information & Communications Technology Revolution
Brian Anderson says that Australia’s ICT industries must grow.

INSIGHT

Boost or Bust for R&D?
Peter Pockley reports on yet another grim set of figures.

ABC Science Catalysed as Newton Falls
Peter Pockley reviews the ups and downs of science in the Australian media.

UPDATE

Technology Purifies the Blood

Synaesthesia Throws Light on Brain Function

Universities Combine to Provide New Tissue-imaging Facility

Asthma Affected by Family Environment

Parents and Teenagers Disagree on Depression

NZ Nuclear Veterans Proceed with UK Legal Action

Nuclear Reactor Alternatives

Solar Future Is Clear

Solar Hits its Price Point

Australian Innovation Analyses World’s Weather

E-commerce Will Increase Transport

Bilbies are Back

Fewer Roos in the Headlights

Too Little Salt for Coorong

Jurassic Flies Save Endangered Taxonomists

BRIEFS

Hyshot Delay

Stop Bogus Greenhouse Sinks

Smarter Species Play More

South African Origin for Humans

Overfishing an Age-old Problem

Asexual Australian Plants

Gemini Team Catches “Smoking” Star