JULY 2003

FEATURES

Premature Birth Determined at Conception
An accidental discovery has opened a new way of understanding the control of birth, Peter Pockley reports.

Tectonic Theory Shakes the Earth
Stephen Luntz reports on a controversial theory proposing that the extinction of the dinosaurs may have been caused by plate tectonics rather than an asteroid strike.

Farmers Reject GM Canola
Anne Parkinson and Richard Hindmarsh survey canola farmers to determine their concerns with genetically modified canola.

Time Is Running Out to Destroy Weapons of Mass Destruction
The US and Russia have 4 years to dispose of their chemical weapons stockpile under the terms of the Chemical Weapons Convention. Stanley Sandler questions whether they will beat the deadline.

Lifting the Lid on an Ancient Curse
New weapons are emerging for the war on salinity. Julian Cribb reports.

Crystal Glazing: Art or Science?
Jane Johnston finds experimental chemistry behind some exquisite pottery.

Better Ceramic Water Filters Help East Timorese
Water quality is a critical issue in developing countries, but ceramicists are devising low-cost ways for villagers to filter their water. David Salt reports.

Reef Plan Backed by New Research Warning
Claims that coral researchers are overstating the dangers facing the Great Barrier Reef have been further discredited by new research on the effects of runoff from land clearing and farming practices, reports Peter Pockley.

Deep Sea Canyons: A Voyage of Discovery
Katrina Haig describes life at sea as she joins an international team mapping the Murray Canyons, an underwater geological feature that’s bigger than the Grand Canyon and home to a vast range of fauna.

conScience

Improve Well-being, Not Ways of Killing
Susan Wareham warns against Australia’s complicity with US nuclear war plans.

BROWSE

Vaccine Targets Flu’s Weak Spot

We’re Overdue for an Earthquake

Replant Your Own Carbon Emissions

Temporary Brain Regain

Solar Research in Hot Water

Solar Solution to Hospital Waste

Solution to Zeno’s Paradoxes

Health Risks of Greenhouse Quantified

Buffalo Flies Trapped by the Light

Australians Join the SARS Hunt

Forensic DNA Test Catches Poacher

Intensive Apple Orchards Take New Shape

Science Education Supports Afghan Children

Cold Valleys Getting Even Colder

Swede Success for Monash Accident Research

Compound to Halt Sandstone Decay

Australasian Science Prize: Call for Nominations