Australasian Science Magazine - the only monthly magazine dedicated to Australian and New Zealand science

JUNE 2009

FEATURES

Testing Einstein
By Adam Deller, Matthew Bailes & Steven Tingay
Precise measurements of a double pulsar system are providing the most stringent tests of Einstein’s theory of general relativity.

High Hive
By Andrew Barron & Eirik Søvik
The response of honey bees to cocaine is providing valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms of drug addiction.

Do Sponges Get Nervous?
By Gemma Richards
Despite lacking neurons, sponges are providing some intriguing insights into the evolutionary origins of nerve cells.

An Icier Ice Age
By Ceridwen Fraser
New evidence from seaweed genes reveals that the last ice age might have been colder than previously thought.

Health Risks from HIV Drugs
By Katherine Samaras
While anti-retroviral drugs have reduced the direct mortality rate of HIV there are increased risks from long-term complications such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Why the Big Dry?
Caroline Ummenhofer & Alex Sen Gupta
The “Big Dry” and other iconic 20th century droughts are driven by Indian Ocean temperatures, not Pacific Ocean conditions as traditionally assumed.

A Twisted Question
By Angela Moles & Will Edwards
A global study reveals that 92% of vines climb their hosts in an anticlockwise direction, regardless of where in the world they are growing.

Endangered Endemics
By Joanne Isaac
Climate change is predicted to impact on species and ecosystems worldwide, but Australia’s unique tropical rainforest animals may be more at risk than most.

conSCIENCE

Can Experts Be Trusted?
By Mark Burgman
Expert opinion in environmental decision-making are a necessary evil. We can do better to harness expert knowledge to avoid its worst social and psychological pitfalls.