SEPTEMBER 2004

FEATURES

Ancient DNA Solves Sex Mystery of Moa
Forensic analysis of ancient DNA has shed light on the life and behaviour of the giant moa.

Supersize Moa
New Zealand’s micronutrient-poor environment may explain why the moa were more successful than marsupials there.

Factors Behind the Rarity of Large Mammalian Carnivores
What influence did Australia’s poor soils, land mass and isolation have on the size and abundance of its native fauna.

The Core of Sleep Problems
A non-drug treatment for insomnia may result from studies of the mechanisms by which body temperatures affect sleep.

The Engine Room of Life Revealed
Photosynthesis is a finely tuned chemical reaction that is “like avoiding burning your straw house down while cooking a big roast dinner for every meal”, but an understanding of how this balance is struck could lead to applications in renewable sources of high-energy, storable and transportable fuels.

Molecular Clues to the Myopia Pandemic
Genetic research aimed at understanding the molecular pathways involved in the development of myopia could lead to better pharmacological treatments.

Coral Reefs in Crisis
Scientists have set new criteria for confronting, gauging and managing the crisis for corals around the world, including Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.

25 Years of World-Class Science: Terrific Technology
Australasian Science is celebrating its 25th year of publication. In the second of a four-part series Peter Pockley recalls some of the most memorable achievements by Australian and New Zealand scientists during this time by tracing significant scientific applications.

HIV Outwits Vaccine Researchers
Simon Grose reveals why a vaccine for HIV is still decades away.

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Medical Research Careers Facing Collapse
For Australia to continue benefiting from health and medical research, the NHMRC Research Fellowship scheme must be fixed urgently.