OCTOBER 2001

FEATURES

“Big Science” Pie Sliced into 15 Pieces
Peter Pockley reports on the ambitions of the new Major National Research Facilities and analyses how much they are worth to Australian research as a whole.

The Origin and Control of Pandemic Influenza
Graeme Laver and Elspeth Garman question whether the world is adequately prepared for a virulent strain of influenza.

Phantom Legs and Neglected Arms
John Bradshaw describes why amputees can still feel pain in their missing limbs, and why some stroke victims no longer notice objects to one side.

Deep Sea Worm Lights the Way
Engineers of fibre optic cables are looking to some amazing deep sea creatures for their inspiration. Stephen Luntz reports.

Home Alone?
Stephen Luntz speaks to astrobiologists looking for signs of life in the cosmos.

MEGAFAUNA EXTINCTIONS

The Last Australian Megafauna
Richard (Bert) Roberts and his team respond to criticism in Australasian Science last month about their study of the cause of megafaunal extinctions in Australia.

The Importance, or Impotence, of Cuddie Springs
Richard Gillespie and Bruno David outline why an archaeological site may not be a reliable guide to what caused the extinction of Australia’s megafauna.

SCIENCE IN THE MEDIA

Trust Me, I’m a Science Communicator!
Rob Morrison reveals how science news is packaged for the media and calls for a healthy dose of scepticism about claims that are sometimes made.

Cost of Journals Blows Out
Rory McGuire asks whether scientists can afford comprehensive access to the latest scientific information as the cost of some journals goes through the roof.

Financial Transparency Sought to Keep Researchers “Clean”
Peter Pockley reports that journals are putting scientists and their sponsors on ethical notice.

INSIGHT

Science Meets Parliament
Peter Pockley reports that annual lobbying of politicians has become a fixture.

Spitting: A Deadly Practice?
Celebrity spitting is reviving a health hazard, says Patricia Poppenbeek.

Looking for an S&T Policy
Chrys Gunasekara says that science will remain disenfranchised from the wider community without an S&T policy.

UPDATE

Corals in Decline

Australian Company Defends its Patents

DNA Evidence from Dead Sea Scrolls

Solar Spin-off for LEDs

Clues to Galactic Evolution

Galactic Bubble

Return of Expat Scientists Supported

War of the Fungi

Isotopic Clues to Aboriginal Way of Life

Tunnel Forms Geological Test Tube

Magpies Bad for New Zealand Birds

Temperatures Specify the Sex of Skinks

Straightening out Blinky Bill

Difficult Lizard labour

BRIEFS

There's Gold in Them There Volcanoes

Alzheimer's Treatment Works in Mice

Bananas to the Rescue

Winteriing wasps

Keeping Your Cool

Escaping Burning Buildings

Modeller Interests Military