MAY 2002

FEATURES

The Devil or the Deep Blue Sea?
Marine ecologists and fisheries scientists have conflicting views about the value of marine parks. Guy Healy examines how they are interpreting the scientific evidence.

New Zealand Identifies CORE Research Priorities
Peter Pockley reports on teams of Kiwi scientists who can rightly claim to be at the leading edge of their fields.

The Future Fertility of Mankind
Government efforts to turn away asylum-seekers will inevitably be futile if world population projections prove correct, says Roger Short.

A Tyre-some Problem Is Recycled
Australian chemists are developing new types of rubber, reports Stuart Prescott.

Resilience the Key to Sustainability
How much change can an ecosystem cope with before it collapses? Stephen Luntz reports on efforts to measure environmental resilience.

Peeping into Our Planet’s Depths
Aerial surveys measuring magnetic variations in the Earth have enabled geologists to piece together how Australia evolved from colliding land masses. Sarah Belfield reports.

conScience

Time for Scientists to Rock the Boat
Bryan Gaensler launches our new column for scientists to express forthright views on national issues.

2002 CRC REEF
MARINE SCIENCE
JOURNALISM PRIZE

STEM CELLS

Embryo Research: The Next Battle
Medical researchers almost let promising opportunities arising from embryonic stem cell research slip from their grasp last month. Stephen Luntz and Guy Nolch report that they have vowed not be so complacent next time and are already preparing for their next battle.

The Case for Adult Stem Cells
Amin Abboud argues that the successes of adult stem cell research are extraordinary, and therefore embryos don’t need to be destroyed.

INSIGHT

Nuclear Reactor Licensed
Construction of Australia’s largest science facility has been sealed, but Peter Pockley learns that opposition continues in the builder’s country.

Standstill Year Ahead for S&T
Peter Pockley previews the seventh Budget of the Howard era.

Museums as Agents for Social and Political Change
The National Museum is now a year old. Dawn Casey reflects on its reputation for controversy.

UPDATE

Dementia Linked with Diabetes

Non-drug Treatment for A Beautiful Mind

Cholesterol’s Vital Role for Lungs

Global Climate History Challenged

New Wave Ocean Robots

Plan to Farm Algae for Carbon Sinks

Falling Oxygen Levels in the Ocean Point to Climate Change

Desalinating Adelaide’s Water

Harnessing Wave Energy

Environmental Footprints of Science School Measured

Change of Tack for CSIRO Public Affairs

Possums Choose Offspring’s Gender

Tranquillisers a Driving Menace

BRIEFS

Wider Net Searches

Malarial Spread Not Due to Warming

“Fight the Fox”

Iron Rations Required

Targeting Drug Treatments

Eureka Prize for Students

Life’s a Beach

Distinguishing Fruit Flies

Advanced Guttering Saves Water

Artist in Residence Supports Science