April 2005

FEATURES

Fertility, Infertility and the Ovary
Jock Findlay reveals the processes responsible for the development of eggs in the ovary, and how this information might be used to treat infertility.

Meet the Ancestors
John Long explains how the development of every major part of the human body can be traced back hundreds of millions of years to the evolutionary development of fish.

Hobbits Stir Old Scientific Rivalries
Simon Grose reveals how long-standing animosity between archaeologists is behind polarised views on the true identity of small humanoid fossils found in Indonesia.

A Baptism of Ice and Fire
Kath Grey examines evidence in Australia for how massive ice ages and a meteor impact may have affected the evolution of life on Earth. 

Why Swordfish Heat their Eyes
Kerstin Fritsches finds that swordfish can dramatically improve their ability to see fast-moving prey by heating their eyes when diving deep into cold water.

Drug May Reduce Cancer Legacy of Kidney Transplants
After 30 years of immunosuppression the risk of acquiring a cancer is 80%. Wendy Laursen reports on a promising drug for kidney transplant recipients.

The Biology of Civilisation
Stephen Boyden says that the human capacity for cultural development has changed the planet, but questions whether we also have the capacity to abandon maladapted cultural practices.

Semiconducting Coral
David Salt reports that nanostructures resembling corals, kelp and sponges can emerge when materials scientists manipulate semiconductors.

The Insider
Norman Abjørensen worked close to CSIRO’s chief and director of communications for 20 weeks, more than enough for a highly experienced journalist to assess them and CSIRO’s other managers. This is his first-hand story.

conSCIENCE

Climate Challenge Is Here,
Now and Urgent
Graeme Pearman calls for a portfolio approach to global warming that draws more on science.

Browse

Monster Flare Brighter than the Full Moon

Study Rejects Evidence of Sperm Damage from Mobile Phones

Hydrogen Storage Solution

Wallaby Gene Is Two-Thirds Human

Good Vibrations for Termite Evictions

Study Fishes for Fishing Effects in Marine Park

How Much Information Is Too Much?

Red Wine and Chocolate on the Health Menu

Nobel Prize Winner Airs Global Warning

Big Leap Forward for Vanadium Batteries

Release of Parasitic Wasp Approved

Insects Smell the Solution

Hydrogen Buses Trackable Online

Nursery Test for Phytophthora

Prentice Prediction Proves Perfect

Too Few Statisticians to Count

Reactor Named