MAY 2004

FEATURES

Mass Extinctions Caused by Australian Volcanism
Graham Shields and Lena Evins reveal that huge volcanic eruptions across northern Australia triggered global warming about 500 million years ago, causing the collapse of reef ecosystems worldwide.

The Scars of Asthma
Janette Burgess explains how the growth of scar-forming tissue is responsible for airways narrowing in asthmatics.

States Extend GM Canola Moratoria

Simon Grose says that state governments have shored up their green vote for upcoming elections by extending bans on genetically modified canola.

Rabbit Scourge Strips Macquarie Island Bare
Corey Bradshaw finds that rabbits are wreaking havoc on Macquarie Island, and says it's time they were eradicated.

Plants Spy on Bacterial Small Talk
Ulrike Mathesius finds that plants are smarter than they look when they eavesdrop on the communication between soil bacteria that are colonising their roots.

Polka Dots and Heavy Ions Lead to Tumours' End
David Salt explains how radiation therapy can be fine-tuned to target only cancerous tissue.

Viral Haven in the Water Supply
Michael Storey finds that bacterial slimes growing on the insides of water pipes can accumulate viruses, with serious health and socioeconomic implications.

Fountain of Youth from Coral Research
Melissa Lyne reveals how current research into the environmental
adaptations of coral reef organisms may have significant biomedical implications that will improve our health in old age.

Will Your Laser Eye Surgery Be A Success?
Mark Feltham analyses which factors are responsible for wide variations in the success of laser eye surgery.

Science for All Nations
Kofi Annan appeals for cooperation among the scientific and technological communities of different countries.

conScience

Ringing Off Essential Public Services
Sharon Beder contends there is no evidence that the full privatisation of Telstra would lead to greater efficiency.

BROWSE

Mitochondrial Evolution Explained

Irukandji Bred in Captivity

Snake Bite May Cure Cancer

Mt Stromlo SLR Facility Reopens

Robotic Wheelchair Goes off the Beaten Track

Condensate on a Chip Advances Quantum Computing

The Right Tree for the Job

Australian Scientists Protect Remarkable Reef

Aussie Astronomers Join the Search for Earth-like Planets

Two Comets to Cross Our Skies this Month

Drug's Effect on Brain Waves Explained

No Need for Omega-3 Genetic Modification

Pollution More Deadly than Car Accidents

Abalone Have Our Brain Genes

Study Revises Causes of Dryland Salinity

Higher Taxes Supported for Health Research

Australasian Science Journalist Wins Award

Martian Water Fits Prentice's Predictions

Unique Reefs Thrive on Oil

Mixed Showing in University Rankings