May 2005

FEATURES

Oil & Water Do Mix
David Salt reports that this astounding discovery has implications for detergent-free cleaning and may also reduce the side-effects of many pharmaceuticals.

The Next Tsunami
Phil Cummins analyses the geological events leading to last year’s tsunami in the Indian Ocean, and warns that the danger has not passed.

Australia’s Ancient Sea Monsters
Ben Kear uncovers the marine creatures that once inhabited Australia’s vast inland sea.

Preparing for a Future Bird Flu Pandemic
Research efforts will be critical in the event of a bird flu pandemic. Wendy Laursen reports.

Nanotechnology’s Holy Grail
William Price describes the barriers to achieving the “Holy Grail” of nanotechnology: the ability to control how complex proteins interact.

Flowerpots Go Overboard for Climate Change
Christopher Watson tells how two plastic flowerpots trailing behind a fishing boat in Bass Strait are playing a crucial role in measuring changes in sea levels due to climate change.

Ancient Mangroves Reveal Rapid Sea Rise
Kerie Hull finds evidence of an abrupt rise in sea levels 20 times faster than the most conservative global warming predictions.

How to Reduce CO2 Emissions by 50%
Mark Diesendorf explains how efficient energy use and existing renewable energy technologies could replace most of Australia’s coal-fired power stations cost-effectively by 2040 if there’s sufficient political will.

Mixed Report Card on Science in Media
Peter Pockley reflects on how science has been conveyed to the Australian public over the first four decades of concerted coverage in the media.

Does CRC R&D Spell PR?
Rob Morrison argues that trust in science communication is being eroded by sensationalism, and argues that a code of conduct is required to guide PR operators, journalists, scientists and their institutions.

conSCIENCE

Listening to Our Conscience (201 kb PDF)
Scientific independence is slipping away as a result of corporate self-promotion, commercial hype and a growing secretiveness, says Julian Cribb.

Browse

Bee Memory “Robust and Flexible”

Animation Gets Fluid

More Quakes to Come

Maldive Reefs Survive Tsunami

The Oldest Star?

Magnetar Formation Explained

Galaxy Thrives on Chaos

Cassowaries Needed for Toxic Fruit Tree

Geological Data Gets On Track

New Hearing Test for Babies

Cholera’s Signals Jammed

Australians Corner Hunt for New Planets

Wheat to Tackle Salinity

White as Night, Black as Day

Malaysia Eyes Australian Bionics

Bionic Ears to the Future

Mind Switch to Trigger Quadriplegic Cough