July 2005

FEATURES

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Darryl Eyles finds that the amount of sunshine a mother is exposed to may be important in the development of her baby’s brain, and could even affect the onset of neuropsychiatric disease.

The March of Toads
Ben Phillips says that cane toads are changing the ecology of Kakadu and will soon have spread into the Kimberley region in Western Australia.

Gender Gene’s Role in Cancer
Neville Young describes how research into the determination of gender has uncovered a trigger for cancer.

Fish Food from Cattle Waste
Pepita Maiden describes research aiming to transform wastewater from agriculture into useful products such as fish and livestock feeds, fertiliser, recycled water and biogas.

From Frog Venom to Solar Panels
Niall Byrne reveals how research into the venom of a South American frog has led to the use of light-emitting plastics in flat panel displays and the potential for cheap solar panels.

Deadly Parasites Reveal Achilles Heel
Drugs that treat deadly diseases like tuberculosis, malaria and leishmaniasis affect our cells too, but new research has revealed a new vulnerability that can be exploited. Niall Byrne reports.

Big Brother’s Friends Are Watching You
Stephen Luntz discusses some of the ways that new technologies are stealing our privacy.

Kangaroos and Sheep: The Unequal Contest
Hugh Tyndale-Biscoe explains how kangaroos are better adapted to the Australian climate and soils than sheep, and provide valuable lessons for sustainable use of the land.

Drought Relief in a Warming World
Simon Grose looks for longer-term measures than the government’s drought relief package for farmers.

Can Nuclear Energy Reduce CO₂ Emissions?
Nuclear energy is being touted as a means of greenhouse-friendly energy. Mark Diesendorf analyses the claims being made.

The First Step in Human Genetics Regulation
Natasha Stott Despoja questions the independence of the newly created Human Genetics Advisory Committee.

conSCIENCE

Private vs Public Good Research: The Unequal Contest (225 kb PDF)
CSIRO’s reliance on substantial income from external sources is preventing it from fulfilling its statutory obligation to do research for the public good, says Hugh Tyndale-Biscoe.