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JUNE 2008
FEATURES
Afterblast
Half a century after nuclear tests shook Bikini Atoll, some corals are flourishing again while others are locally extinct.
Pleistocene Goliath
Analysis of thousands of Diprotodon fossils has resolved the debate about how many species of this ancient giant wombat existed – and uncovered some clues to their behaviour.
Nanotech Approach to Nerve Regeneration
Regeneration of nerves lost due to spinal cord injury may be possible using a nanofibre scaffold to deliver stem cells to the site of injury.
Communicating in Colour
Rather than blending into the background, dwarf chameleons change colour to stand out from the crowd and attract mates and intimidate their rivals.
Virus Invades the Koala Genome
A retrovirus that causes leukaemia in gibbons has jumped species and is now inserting itself in the koala genome.
Chicken Research Crosses the Road
New research reveals that the search for a poultry vaccine has been unsuccessful because scientists have been targeting the wrong toxin.
Sex Invaders
The silverleaf whitefly uses sex to eliminate its native opposition.
Don’t Feed the “Patent Trolls”
The government is sitting on its hands when an overhaul of the patent system is necessary to keep up with advances in technology in the 21st century.
reminiSCIENCE
From Telescopes to Sleep Apnoea
Dr Bob Frater’s diverse successes in research illustrate the value of a solid grounding in basic science and personal networks in creating opportunities for industrial application.
conSCIENCE
Hurdles for Free Debate Charter
Science Minister Kim Carr wants “charters” that oblige scientists to engage openly in debates on science-based issues, but implementing this worthy aim is not straightforward and protecting it requires funding and formal provisions.
BROWSE
Science Sidelined at Summit
Astronomers up to Speed
Smell the Trauma
Economic Edge to Ecology
Radical Cause of Asthma Identified
Asymmetrical Ear Bones Tune Fish Out
Fish Food from Flying Fox Faeces
Yabbies Never Forget
Tumours Starved of Blood Supply
Best Weighed Plans of Mice and Men
Bitter Medicine for Diabetes
The Matter with Matter
ACE Protein’s Unexpected Role in Diabetes
Underground Ears Guide Drilling
The Dangers of Tiredness
Betting on Rain
Bushfires Reduce Water Yields
Water Loss Minimised