AUGUST 2003
FEATURES
Herto Fossils
Clarify Modern Human Origins
Colin Groves explains the implications of the Herto fossils for
human evolution and our concept of race.
Sediments Reveal Hole in Carbon Sink Theory
Carbon accountants have long considered continental shelves as
a bank where organic material is locked away. Kerie Hull reports
that new findings are causing a rethink.
The Legal Helix
Fifty years ago James Watson and Francis Crick unravelled the
structure of DNA. Now, with several genomes sequenced, Matthew
Rimmer explains the legal issues over access to sequence data
that are unravelling public research.
Fantastic Photonics
Demand for faster communications is driving fibre optic technology
to important physical limitations. Maryanne Large describes how
photonics researchers are manipulating materials to bring fibre
off the street and into the home.
Weapons of Mass Spectrometry
Simon Grose profiles two technology exporters that are expanding
offshore for entirely different reasons. While one has potential
orders of $1 billion for its military technology, the other has
declared war on the government for placing export controls on
equipment it has categorised as a weapon of mass destruction
Submersible Scientists
Harry Breidahl dives 1 km below the ocean surface to study a deep
sea creature that’s wreaking havoc on commercial fishing.
Olympics Make Waves over Ferry Wakes
The 2000 Sydney Olympic Games provided unique opportunities for
science as well as sport. Melanie Bishop explains how this event
added to our understanding of the effects of boat wakes on aquatic
animals.
Incredible Invasion of the Massive Molluscs
Geoff Baker describes the threat to agriculture, the environment
and human health posed by football-sized snails if they become
established here.
The Real Cost
of Agriculture
Bottling groundwater would be more profitable than using that
water to grow rice, according to Derek Eamus, who says Australia’s
water budget is in deficit due to inappropriate agricultural practices.
Sulfur, Sputnik, Scramjets and Spin-offs
Peter Macinnis recalls the eccentric dreamers behind the development
of rockets.
A Venomous Life
Ann Westmore witnesses a panel’s dissection of Struan Sutherland’s
contribution to venom research.
Science Infiltrates Parliament
Toss Gascoigne reveals a plan to intern scientists within the
corridors of power.
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conScience
Public Good in
an Absurdly Patented World
Richard Jefferson says trite and incorrect dogma concerning ownership
and control of IP is stifling innovation.
BROWSE - GENETICS SPECIAL
King of Junk DNA Files New Patents
Wallaby
Genome a Short Hop Away
Memory
Research Leads to Schizophrenia Gene
Dingoes Diluted
Public Support for Stem Cell Research
Mechanism
for Ageing Identified
Triple Helix Could Be Rare Form of DNA
Skippy
to Boost Protein in Cow’s Milk
Cholesterol Implicated in Birth Defects
Glowing Fish to Warn of Pollution
Dentist
Rewrites Calcium’s Role in Diseases
Prenatal
Test to Reduce Miscarriage Risk
Genome
Gaps Can Now Be Filled
The Truth about Antibiotic Resistance
Gene Legislation Must Keep Pace with Technology
Bacterial Link to Arthritis
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