AUGUST 2004

FEATURES

One in How Many Trillion?
Jane Goodman-Delahunty and Ben Newell explain why miscarriages of justice can result when experts exaggerate the statistical significance of DNA evidence to help secure a conviction.

25 Years of World-Class Science:
Earth and Universe
Australasian Science is celebrating its 25th year of publication. Peter Pockley recalls some of the most memorable research by Australian and New Zealand scientists during this time. In the first of a four-part series he traces significant discoveries in astronomy and nature.

Pre-Natal Origins of Adult Disease
Marelyn Wintour explains how adult health may be programmed by the prenatal environment of the womb.

Oestrogen Treatment for Schizophrenia
Jayashri Kulkarni reveals that oestrogen may be a useful treatment in schizophrenia because it appears to have an antipsychotic action in the brain.

Marine Riches Bring Challenges for the Solomon Islands
Louise Goggin finds extraordinary marine diversity is under threat in the Solomon Islands .

The Day After Tomorrow
Peter Kershaw and Chris Turney find evidence for catastrophic global climate change in the Atherton Tablelands.

Poison’s Children
Peter Macinnis explores accidental and intentional tales of poisons and their use throughout history.

The Economics of Leaves
Plants build leaves as investments that vary in cost, revenue and lifespan, report Ian Wright and Mark Westoby.

Vaccine Approach to Livestock Parasites
John Dalton and Nick Sangster describe efforts to reduce the billion-dollar cost of parasites to livestock farmers.

Australia ’s Fossil Future
Simon Grose reveals why renewable energy is being overlooked as state governments commission fossil fuel-based power stations to cope with increasing demands for energy.

conScience

Old King Coal Is Still A Merry Old Soul
Government policy on energy is grinding down a promising young industry that could contribute greatly to Australia ’s manufacturing capability and abatement of climate change, says Andrew Blakers.