AusSMC Hot Topic archive by date

EXPERTS RESPOND TO GLACIER MELT DOUBTS
RAPID ROUNDUP: NZ and Aus SMC round-up of reaction to news The UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change is reexamining a report it issued that suggests Himalayan glaciers could vanish by 2035.
Thu 21 Jan 10

ALCOHOL DURING PREGNANCY AFFECTS GENE EXPRESSION
RAPID ROUNDUP: Experts react to new Australian research showing alcohol consumed during pregancy can effect fetal gene expression. Fri 15 Jan 10

EARTHQUAKE IN HAITI
RAPID ROUNDUP: An earthquake measuring 7.3 that hit Haiti has resulted in the deaths of over200,000. Experts respond. Thu 14 Jan 10

TV TIME MAY CUT LIFE SHORT
ONLINE BRIEFING: Australian researchers have tracked the TV viewing habits of 8,800 adults and found that every hour spent in front of the TV each day increased the risk of death. Tue 12 Jan 10

RIVER RED GUM FORESTS UNDER THREAT
RAPID ROUNDUP: The Natural Resources Commission (NRC) has today released a comprehensive assessment of the Riverina’s red gum forests. Mon 21 Dec 09

COP15 OUTCOMES
RAPID ROUNDUP: Experts give their initial reactions to the outcomes of the COP15 climate conference in Copenhagen. Sat 19 Dec 09

TIM FLANNERY LIVE FROM COPENHAGEN
ONLINE BRIEFING: As the COP15 Climate Change conference winds up, Tim Flannery discusses the outcome from his hotel in Copenhagen. Sat 19 Dec 09 at 9am AEDT

FLUORIDATION OF NORTH QLD WATER SUPPLY
BRIEFING AND ROUNDUP: Several experts discuss the science, health impacts and ethics of adding fluoride to drinking water. 17 Dec 09

POSSIBLE LINK BETWEEN VIT D DEFICIENCY AND FOOD ALLERGY
BRIEFING AND RAPID ROUNDUP: New research published by Australian and overseas researchers indicates a link between geographic location (and, by association, Vitamin D deficiency) and the incidence of food allergies.
11 Dec 09

SOY FOODS AND BREAST CANCER
RAPID ROUNDUP: An expert responds to a Chinese study which found that women who had breast cancer and a higher intake of soy food had an associated lower risk of death and breast cancer recurrence. Wed 9 Dec 09

GLOBAL CLIMATE 2009 - WMO STATEMENT
MEDIA BRIEFING : This briefing will cover the key global issues from the WMO release, with a particular focus on Australia’s climate during 2009. Wed 9 Dec 09

INSECT REPELLENT LINKED TO BIRTH DEFECTS
RAPID ROUNDUP : Experts respond to new UK research suggesting the use of insect repellent during the first three months of pregnancy seems to increase the risk of a particular birth defect (hypospadias). Tue 1 Dec 09

REPORT CARD ON MARINE CLIMATE CHANGE
RAPID ROUNDUP : Experts respond to the first-ever Australian benchmark of climate change impacts on marine ecosystems and options for adaptation. Fri 27 Nov 09

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF INCREASED FOOD WASTE
RAPID ROUNDUP : Experts comment on a US study indicating food waste has increased by about 50 per cent since 1974. Wed 25 Nov 09

ETS CLIMATE DEAL
RAPID ROUNDUP : Experts comment on the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme deal struck between the Federal Government and the Opposition. Wed 25 Nov 09

CLIMATE CHANGE STRATEGIES HAVE HUMAN HEALTH BONUS
ONLINE BRIEFING : A suite of studies to be published in The Lancet this week show that some strategies to reduce carbon emissions can also have human health benefits. Wed 25 Nov 09

FOLATE LINKED TO CANCER
RAPID ROUNDUP : Experts respond to a Norwegian study which found that patients with heart disease who were treated with folic acid had an increased risk of developing cancer. Wed 18 Nov 09

GLOBAL CARBON EMISSIONS STILL INCREASING
MEDIA BRIEFING: Experts from the Global Carbon Project provide the latest assessment of global carbon dioxide emissions. Wed 18 Nov 09

EMISSION REDUCTION TARGETS AND THE GREAT BARRIER REEF
ONLINE BRIEFING: The Federation of Australian Science and Technological Societies (FASTS) release a statement signed by 13 prominent experts and brief parliamentarians on the risks to the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) from climate change. Tue 17 Nov 09

MOBILE PHONES AND HEALTH: WHAT DO WE KNOW?
ONLINE BRIEFING: Recent media reports from around the country have again raised questions about the impact of mobile phones on our health. Hear the latest science on the issue from an international expert.
Tue 17 Nov 09

CLIMATE CHANGE RISKS TO AUSTRALIA'S COAST
RAPID ROUNDUP: Experts respond to major government report on the risk to coastal infrastructure from climate change. Sat 14 Nov 09

TRAVESTON DAM DECISION
RAPID ROUNDUP: Experts respond to Peter Garrett's decision to reject the Traveston Crossing Dam proposal in Qld. Wed 11 Nov 09

HORSE GENOME SEQUENCED
ONLINE BRIEFING: An Australian led project has successfully sequenced the horse genome. Join an online briefing with some of the researchers on the day the findings publish in Science. Fri 6 Nov 09

NANOPARTICLES AND DNA DAMAGE
RAPID ROUNDUP: Experts react to research suggesting medically used nanoparticles can damage the DNA of cells without crossing cellular barriers. Fri 6 Nov 09

NEW NATIONAL WASTE SCHEME
RAPID ROUNDUP: Experts react to news of a new national waste scheme which includes a recycling program for electronic waste. Thu 5 Nov 09

IS RAINWATER SAFE TO DRINK?
ONLINE MEDIA BRIEFING: More than 1 in 10 Australian households currently drink rainwater - Now a study by researchers at Monash University and Water Quality Research Australia into the health of families who drink rainwater has found that it is safe to drink. Wed 4 Nov 09, 10.00am AEDT

OIL LEAK IN WA - EXPERTS RESPOND
RAPID ROUNDUP: Experts respond to the longer term issues concerning the oil leak off the north-west coast of Western Australia. Tue 3 Nov 09

AN IDIOT'S GUIDE TO EMISSIONS TRADING
ONLINE MEDIA BRIEFING: Economic modelling and the impacts on industry are headlining the emissions trading debate. But what it will mean for the average Australian? Thu 22 Oct 09, 10.30am AEDT

NEW REPORT: EXPERTS CALL FOR FURTHER ETS GUIDELINES
ONLINE MEDIA BRIEFING: As Australia prepares to introduce an emissions trading scheme, experts are calling for some ground rules to govern how carbon is offset through land. Join Peter Cosier from the Wentworth Group of Concerned Scientists as he discusses the issues. Mon 19 Oct 09, 11am AEDT

CLIMATE CHANGE AND MENTAL HEALTH
BACKGROUND BRIEFING: The number of people suffering from mental health issues is predicted to increase as climate change becomes more widespread. - Experts discuss. Fri 16 Oct 09

MORE EARTHQUAKES NEAR VANUATU
RAPID ROUNDUP: A tsunami alert for the Pacific has been cancelled following a series of powerful quakes off Vanuatu today. An expert responds. Thu 8 Oct 09

AUSTRALIAN WINS NOBEL PRIZE FOR MEDICINE
RAPID ROUNDUP: Australian scientist, Elizabeth Blackburn is one of three winners of this year's Nobel prize for medicine. Experts respond. Tue 6 Oct 09

SUMATRAN EARTHQUAKE
RAPID ROUNDUP: A second devastating earthquake in Indonesia has followed yesterday’s earthquake and tsunami off the coast of Samoa. Experts respond. Thu 1 Oct 09

EARTHQUAKE AND TSUNAMI IN SAMOA
RAPID ROUNDUP: Experts respond to news of an earthqake and tsunami which hit Samoa. Wed 30 Sept 09

CHILDREN OF WORKING MUMS HAVE UNHEALTHIER LIFESTYLES
RAPID ROUNDUP: Experts respond to new research from the UK suggesting children whose mothers go out to work are likely to lead unhealthier lifestyles than those whose mums don’t work. Tue 29 Sept 09

RISKS FROM EMERGING POLLUTANTS
ONLINE BACKGROUND BRIEFING: New forms of pollution are emerging which could have huge implications for human health and the environment. This briefing will bring together experts from the CleanUp 09 conference being held in Adelaide.
Mon 28 Sept 09

WATER FOUND ON THE MOON
RAPID ROUNDUP: Data from three spacecraft indicate that water exists in the surface of the soil of the moon, a discovery that raises the possibility it could provide resources for future moon colonisation. Thu 24 Sept 09

CHANGING EL NINO PATTERNS
RAPID ROUNDUP: Research out of South Korea suggests a new kind of central Pacific El Niño is becoming more common and is expected to occur five times more often by the end of this century. Thu 24 Sept 09

DUST STORM IN NEW SOUTH WALES
RAPID ROUNDUP: Experts comment on the dust storm that has blanketed much of eastern Australia.
Wed 23 Sept 09

HIGH FIRE POTENTIAL FOR 2009-10 BUSHFIRE SEASON
RAPID ROUNDUP: New data released today by the Bushfire CRC shows above normal fire potential is expected over most of the south-east of Australia in the coming months. Experts respond. Mon 14 Sept 09

FOLATE BECOMES MANDATORY IN BREAD
RAPID ROUNDUP: From Sunday 13 September bread-making flour in Australia must have folic acid added to it to reduce the risk of babies being born with birth defects such as spina bifida. Experts respond. Fri 11 Sept 09

FIRST RESULTS OF AUSTRALIAN SWINE FLU VACCINE TRIAL (NEJM)
RAPID ROUNDUP: Experts respond to preliminary results from the first study of CSL’s pandemic H1N1 vaccine show a good immune response in adults. Fri 11 Sept 09

PEOPLE WITH SMALL THIGHS AT HIGHER RISK OF HEART DISEASE (BMJ)
RAPID ROUNDUP: Experts comment on new research published in the British Medical Journal which suggests people with thighs less than 60cm in circumference have a higher risk of heart disease. Fri 4 Sept 09

GEOENGINEERING REPORT FROM THE ROYAL SOCIETY
RAPID ROUNDUP: A major new report by the UKs Royal Society suggests geoengineering is not an easy or readily acceptable alternative solution to the problem of climate change. Wed 2 Sept 09

NATIONAL PREVENTATIVE HEALTH STRATEGY
ONLINE BRIEFING: The Federal Government will today release the first ever National Preventative Health Strategy - aimed at reducing the burden of obesity, tobacco and the harmful use of alcohol. Tue 1 Sept 09

NATIONAL PREVENTATIVE HEALTH STRATEGY
RAPID ROUNDUP: The Federal Government will today release the first ever National Preventative Health Strategy - aimed at reducing the burden of obesity, tobacco and the harmful use of alcohol. Tue 1 Sept 09

NEW IVF TECHNIQUE TO TARGET GENETIC DISEASES (NATURE)
RAPID ROUNDUP: A wide range of genetic diseases are linked to defects in mitochondrial DNA. An expert explains a new technique has been developed to treat mitochondrial diseases. Thu 27 Aug 09

VICTORIAN BUSHFIRE ROYAL COMMISSION INTERIM REPORT
RAPID ROUNDUP: The 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission has just released its interim report into the ‘Black Saturday’ Victorian bushfires. Experts comment. Mon 17 Aug 09

AUSTRALIA'S BIODIVERSITY AND CLIMATE CHANGE: NEW GOVERNMENT REPORT
RAPID ROUNDUP: The first national assessment of terrestrial biodiversity conducted in Australia was launched by Minister for Environment, Peter Garrett, in Brisbane this morning. Experts comment. Mon 17 Aug 09

SENATE REJECTS CARBON POLLUTION REDUCTION SCHEME
RAPID ROUNDUP: The Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS) proposed by the Rudd Government was rejected this morning in the Senate. Experts comment. Thu 13 Aug 09

USING ANTIVIRALS IN CHILDREN (BMJ)
RAPID ROUNDUP: Tamiflu and Relenza are unlikely to prevent complications in children who have seasonal flu, according to research published online at bmj.com. Tue 11 Aug 09

COALITION'S PROPOSED ETS- CLIMATE EXPERT RESPONDS
RAPID ROUNDUP: A climate expert comments on a new report prepared for the Coalition and Nick Xenophon on a proposed modifed emissions trading scheme. Mon 10 Aug 09

HENDRA VIRUS OUTBREAK CONFIRMED
RAPID ROUNDUP: A property near Rockhampton in Queensland has been placed under quarantine after an outbreak of the Hendra virus in horses. Mon 10 Aug 09

VACCINES MAY BE BETTER THAN ANTIVIRALS FOR FLU (LANCET)
RAPID ROUNDUP: A British study suggests that extending vaccination programmes may be a more effective response to flu than using antiviral drugs. Sat 8 Aug 09

PAPER ON GLOBAL TEMPERATURE CHANGE
RAPID ROUNDUP: A new paper from the Journal of Geophysical Research suggests Southern Oscillation is a stronger driver of global temperature change than CO2. Wed 5 Aug 09

CLOSURE OF PIGGERY IN NSW DUE TO SWINE FLU
RAPID ROUNDUP: An expert responds to the closure of a piggery in NSW due to an outbreak of Influenza H1N1 (swine flu). Mon 3 Aug 09

WHO OWNS DNA - SHOULD GENES BE PATENTED?
ONLINE BACKGROUND BRIEFING AND ROUNDUP: Key experts outline why gene patenting could threaten Australian medical research, diagnosis and treatment. Thu 30 Jul 09, 10am AEST

MOUSE CREATED FROM REPROGRAMMED STEM CELLS
RAPID ROUNDUP: Experts react to news that two research groups in China have created mice from reprogrammed adult cells. Fri 24 Jul 09

ANIMAL-TO-HUMAN TRANSPLANTS, A CURE FOR DIABETES?
ONLINE BRIEFING: Experts discuss a new diabetes treatment based on xenotransplantation - the transplantation of animal calles, tissues and organs into human patients. Thu 23 Jul 09

CROPS FOR A SALTIER FUTURE - NEW RESEARCH
ONLINE BRIEFING: New research describes a method of genetically manipulating plants so they are more resistant to salty conditions. Hear from a co-author and other experts about this research published in The Plant Cell. Wed 8 Jul 09

HUMANS TO BLAME FOR EXTINCTION OF GIANT KANGAROO (PNAS)
RAPID ROUNDUP: Experts comment on new Australian research suggesting human hunting is to blame for the extinction of the largest kangaroo ever to evolve. Tue 23 Jun 09

GLOBAL REPORT ON WHALES
RAPID ROUNDUP: The Australian Govt has just released the global Cetacean Summary Report in advance of the International Whaling Comission meeting. An expert comments. Fri 19 Jun 09

COPENHAGEN CLIMATE SYNTHESIS REPORT
RAPID ROUNDUP: Experts respond to a new report compling research presented at the 'Climate Change: Global Risks Challenges & Descisions' congress in Copenhagen in March. Thu 18 Jun 09

SWINE FLU ALERT LEVEL MOVES TO PROTECT
RAPID ROUNDUP: The Australian Govt has created a new response phase to manage the 'swine flu' outbreak. Experts comment. Wed 17 Jun 09

LINK BETWEEN CO2 AND TEMPERATURE
RAPID ROUNDUP: Climate scientists respond to Senator Stephen Fielding's question: Why have CO2 concentrations over the last decade been going up but temperatures have not? Mon 15 Jun 09

CARBON NANOTUBES SUPPRESS IMMUNE FUNCTION
RAPID ROUNDUP: Experts respond to new research which shows the inhalation of carbon nanotubes could suppress the immune function. Mon 15 Jun 09

DEATH OF QLD MAN STUNNED WITH TASER
RAPID ROUNDUP: Experts respond to the use of a Taser on a Queensland man who died on 12 June.
Fri 12 Jun 09

ANTARCTIC ICE IN CLIMATE CHANGE
ONLINE MEDIA BRIEFING: Hear from experts about two reports released from the ACE CRC that help clarify what we know about sea ice, ice sheets and climate change. Fri 12 Jun 09 at 10.30am AEST

WHO SWINE FLU PANDEMIC DECLARATION
RAPID ROUNDUP: The WHO has raised the global alert level for influenza A(H1N1) to Phase 6, the pandemic phase. Experts comment. Fri 12 Jun 09

DEFORESTATION AND CLIMATE CHANGE
ONLINE BACKGROUND BRIEFING: A mechanism to reduce deforestation in developing nations was left out of the Kyoto Protocol. Hear from two Australian experts at climate talks in Bonn on the latest negotiations.
Wed 10 Jun 09 at 3pm AEST

WORLD'S SCIENCE ACADEMIES WARNING ON OCEAN ACIDIFICATION
RAPID ROUNDUP: The world’s science academies, including the Australian Academy of Science, have warned that ocean acidification may be left off the agenda at the UN Copenhagen conference. Mon 1 Jun 09

HUMAN SWINE FLU: WHY ALL THE HYPE?
SCIENCE BLOG: Professor Robert Booy discusses the issue of hype in the reporting of swine flu.
Mon 1 Jun 09

STEM CELLS RESTORE SIGHT TO SUFFERERS OF CORNEAL DISEASE
RAPID ROUNDUP: Experts react to news that researchers at the UNSW have used patients' own stem cells to restore sight to sufferers of blinding corneal disease. Wed 27 May 09

HUMAN SWINE FLU MAY 22 UPDATE
RAPID ROUNDUP: Experts react to news that confirmed cases in Australia have reached double figures. Fri 22 May 09

THE GROWING PROBLEM OF E-WASTE
BACKGROUND BRIEFING: Where do our old computers and electronic devices end up? and what threat does this waste pose on human health and the environment? E-waste experts discuss.
Thu 21 May 09 at 11:10am AEST

AUSTRALIAN RESEARCH ON NEXT GENERATION DVDs
ONLINE BRIEFING: Australian research appears on the cover of Nature this week with a paper on DVDs with a storage capacity of 2,000 times current discs. Wed 20 May 09

BUDGET 2009/10
RAPID ROUNDUP: Scientists react to the Australian budget for 2009-2010. Wed 13 May 09

NEW OBESITY FIGURES FROM THE NATIONAL SURVEY OF HEALTH
RAPID ROUNDUP: Experts respond to the Australian Bureau of Statistics' National Health Survey 2007-08. The survey examines the key health issues in Australia including obesity, alcohol consumption and smoking.
Mon 11 May 09

DARK ENERGY AND THE FATE OF THE UNIVERSE
BACKGROUND BRIEFING: The invisible force causing the Universe to expand at an increasing rate has been called Dark Energy. Hear from three of the world's top experts on Dark Energy and why it matters.
Fri 8 May 09 at 10.40am AEST

LAND AND WATER AUSTRALIA FUNDING CUTS
RAPID ROUNDUP: Members of the Australian scientific community respond to reports that Land and Water Australia is expected to lose all its government funding. Thu 7 May 09

DROUGHT PROOFING HOMES COULD CAUSE DENGUE SPREAD
ONLINE BRIEFING: Australian research suggests the mosquito that carries dengue fever could spread to all capital cities as a result of our attempts to drought proof our homes. Tue 5 May 09

GOVT DELAYS START OF ETS
RAPID ROUNDUP: Experts react to the announcement that the start of Australia’s emissions trading scheme is being delayed until 2011. Mon 4 May 09

SWINE FLU OUTBREAK (April 27)
RAPID ROUNDUP: An outbreak of swine influenza in Mexico and the US is causing concern in Australia as we head into the winter flu season - experts comment. Mon 27 April 09

A STEP CLOSER TO A UNIVERSAL FLU VACCINE
ONLINE BRIEFING: Flu experts including one co-author discuss new Australian research published in PLoS ONE on a potential new universal flu vaccine. Wed 29 April at 10.30am AEST

RELEASE OF THE COW GENOME ANALYSIS
ONLINE BRIEFING & RAPID ROUNDUP: After 6 years of work, Australian and international researchers have released their analysis of the cow genome in the journal Science. Fri 24 April 09

INCREASING ICE IN EAST ANTARCTICA
RAPID ROUNDUP: With confusion in the media this week over whether ice is decreasing or increasing in the Antarctic, experts clarify the situation. Tue 21 April 09

MURRAY RIVER ALGAL BLOOM
RAPID ROUNDUP: Experts respond to the algal bloom spanning 800km on the Murray River.
Thu 9 April 09

COULD AUSTRALIA BE POWERED BY SAND AND SUNSHINE?
ONLINE BACKGROUND BRIEFING: Experts discuss Australia's renewable energy options ahead of the Renewable Energy Target legislation due mid-year. Thu 26 Mar 09

CLIMATE HEAT INCREASES THREAT TO HEALTH
BACKGROUND BRIEFING: Report authors discuss new research linking climate heat and increased health risks in Sydey and Melbourne. Wed 25 Mar 09

SCIENCE MEETS PARLIAMENT 2009
Hear experts briefing parliament at three forumson nanotechnology and safety, coasts and oceans into the future plus indigenous Australia and science. Wed 18 Mar 09 - online

OIL SPILL OFF THE QUEENSLAND COAST
RAPID ROUNDUP: Experts comment on the oil spill along the south east Queensland coast.
Thu 12 Mar 09

NEW ALCOHOL GUIDELINES
NATIONAL MEDIA BRIEFING & RAPID ROUNDUP: Experts discuss new alcohol guidelines released by the NHMRC. Fri 6 Mar 09

DIGGING THE DIRT ON BIOCHAR
ONLINE BACKGROUND BRIEFING: Experts explain biochar - its potential and how it compares to other methods of sequestering carbon. Wed 4 Mar 09

SHARK ATTACK IN SYDNEY
RAPID ROUNDUP: Experts comment on the third shark attack in Sydney in the past three weeks.
Mon 2 Mar 09

CAFFEINE PROTECTS SKIN FROM UV DAMAGE
RAPID ROUNDUP: US scientists have shown how caffeine may protect the skin against the damage of UV exposure - experts respond. Thu 26 Feb 09

EARLY SEX IN THE PREHISTORIC WORLD
ONLINE BRIEFING: New research has shown vertebrate sex and live birth are more ancient and common than previously thought. Wed 25 Feb 09

PEANUT ALLERGY ON THE RISE IN AUSTRALIA
ONLINE BRIEFING & RAPID ROUNDUP: Experts comment on new research which suggests peanut allergy is increasing in Australian children. Tue 24 Feb 09

CHILDHOOD ABUSE MODIFIES STRESS GENES
RAPID ROUNDUP: Experts respond to Canadian research showing child abuse modifies the expression of a gene which is critical to stress response. Fri 20 Feb 09

GENETICS OF OBESITY
RAPID ROUNDUP: Researchers have been able to directly link a gene to obesity development. Experts discuss. Fri 20 Feb 09

EXCESS SALT FOUND IN FAST FOOD
RAPID ROUNDUP: Experts react to a survey of salt levels in a range of foods sold by six major fast food chains in Australia. Wed 4 Feb 09

INDIAN OCEAN TO BLAME FOR DROUGHT
ONLINE BRIEFING: Authors of new research discuss their findings that show the Indian Ocean is a key driver of droughts in south eastern Australia. Wed 4 Feb 09

MONACO DECLARATION ON ACIDIC OCEANS
ONLINE BRIEFING: Experts discuss the declaration and their research which states that the ocean is becoming increasingly acidic. Fri 30 Jan 09

MONACO DECLARATION ON ACIDIC OCEANS
RAPID ROUNDUP: Experts comment on the declaration on ocean acidity signed by over 150 scientists from around the world including Australian and New Zealand. Fri 30 Jan 09

SURVIVING HEATWAVES
RAPID ROUNDUP: Experts comment on the severe heatwave in South Australia and Victoria.
Fri 30 Jan 09

BUSHFIRE THREAT
ONLINE BRIEFING: Are we underprepared for the bushfire threat this summer? Experts have their say.
Thu 29 Jan 09 at 10.30am AEDT

PAIN RELIEVING EFFECTS OF ACUPUNCTURE
RAPID ROUNDUP: Experts comment ona BMJ study which found the pain relieving effects of acupuncture are limited. Wed 28 Jan 09

WHALES BEACHED
RAPID ROUNDUP: Australian experts comment on the discovery of 50 beached sperm whales in Tasmania. Fri 23 Jan 09

ANTARCTICA WARMING
RAPID ROUNDUP: Australian experts comment on new research showing that for the last 50 years Antarctica has been warming more than scientists previously thought. Wed 21 Jan 09

DOG ATTACKS ON CHILDREN
RAPID ROUNDUP: Australian experts comment on why dog attacks occur and how to prevent them in the future. Mon 19 Jan 09

STATE OF THE WORLD 2009 REPORT
RAPID ROUNDUP: Australian experts respond to a report from Worldwatch Institute on the state of the world's environment. Wed 14 Jan 09

DETOX: DOES IT REALLY WORK?
ONLINE BACKGROUND BRIEFING: With the silly season over, experts discuss whether detox really works.
Thu 8 Jan 09 at 10.30am AEDT

SURVIVING CHRISTMAS - HOLIDAY HAZARDS
ONLINE BACKGROUND BRIEFING: Experts discuss how to survive the hazards we face over the Christmas and New Year holiday season. Thu 18 Dec 08

WHO REPORT ON CHILD INJURIES
RAPID ROUNDUP: Experts comment on the first comprehensive global assessment of unintentional childhood injuries released by the World Health Organisation. Wed 10 Dec 08

TIM FLANNERY LIVE FROM CLIMATE TALKS IN POLAND
ONLINE BRIEFING: Professor Tim Flannery discussed the COP14 climate talks he is currently attending in Poland. Tue 9 Dec 08 at 9.15am AEDT

NEW STEM CELL GUIDELINES
RAPID ROUNDUP: New international guidelines on stem cell therapies have been released today. Experts respond. Thu 4 Dec 08

MURRAY DARLING BASIN SUSTAINABLE YIELDS REPORT
RAPID ROUNDUP: Results of the most comprehensive modelling of water availability in the Murray Darling basin have been released today. Experts respond. Mon 24 Nov 08

WOOLLY MAMMOTH DNA DECODED
RAPID ROUNDUP: After thousands of years of extinction, the Woolly Mammoth has its DNA decoded this week in Nature. Experts respond. Thu 20 Nov 08

SOIL CARBON
RAPID ROUNDUP: Carbon released from Australian soils may be lower than previously predicted. Expert comments. Mon 17 Nov 08

ACID OCEANS
RAPID ROUNDUP: An Australian study finds that 450ppm carbon dioxide is a tipping point for marine organisms. Experts respond. Tue 11 Nov 08

WATER ISSUES
NATIONAL MEDIA BRIEFING: Experts discuss the water issues facing Australia over the coming summer months. Fri 7 Nov 08

CLIMATE CHANGE AND INFRASTRUCTURE
RAPID ROUNDUP: Australia’s water and energy infrastructure are most at risk from the consequences of climate change according to a new report by ATSE. Several Australian experts respond to the report. Wed 5 Nov 08

CAFFEINE AND PREGNANCY
RAPID ROUNDUP: Experts comment on news that consuming caffeine during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of fetal growth restriction. Tue 4 Nov 08

SAFETY OF RECYCLED WATER
RAPID ROUNDUP: Experts comment on the safety of recycled water in the water supply. Thu 30 Oct 08

CLIMATE: URGENT CHALLENGE
SCIENCE BLOG: A group of Australian scientists urge attention to climate change despite global financial crisis.
Tue 21 Oct 08

2008 PM's PRIZES FOR SCIENCE
RAPID ROUNDUP: Colleagues respond as the the 2008 Prime Minister's Prizes for Science winners are announced in Canberra. Thu 16 Oct 08

NEW CONCERNS OVER STEM CELL TOURISM
ONLINE BACKGROUND BRIEFING: Scientists discuss new concerns over 'stem cell tourism.'
Fri 17 Oct 08 at 10.30am AEDT

NEW CONCERNS OVER STEM CELL TOURISM
RAPID ROUNDUP: Australian scientists express concern over the promises of some overseas stem cell doctors. Thu 16 Oct 08

AUSTRALIAN FLU EXPERT, GRAEME LAVER, DIES
RAPID ROUNDUP: Professor Graeme Laver has died in London after a brief fight with cancer. Colleague Adrian Gibbs responds. Tue 7 Oct 08

GOOD BACTERIA MAY PROTECT AGAINST DIABETES
RAPID ROUNDUP: Australian experts comment on new research published in Nature this week that indicates ‘good’ bacteria in the intestine may lower the risk or severity of type 1 diabetes in mouse models. Mon 22 Sept 08

ECO-LABELS: A THREAT OR AN OPPORTUNITY?
ONLINE BRIEFING: Will the trend of counting 'food miles' pose a threat to Australia's exports? Join us online when three experts discuss the issue. Mon 22 Sept 08 at 11am AEST

GIVING CHILDREN PARACETAMOL INCREASES ASTHMA RISK - LANCET
ONLINE BRIEFING: A NZ co-author of new research published in The Lancet discusses findings that paracetamol given to young children can increase their risk of developing asthma.
Fri 19 Sept 08 at 12pm AEST

GIVING CHILDREN PARACETAMOL INCREASES ASTHMA RISK - LANCET
RAPID ROUNDUP: Experts comment on new research published in The Lancet that found paracetamol given to young children can increase their risk of developing asthma. Fri 19 Sept 08

NEW DISEASE THREATS TO AUSTRALIA
BACKGROUND BRIEFING: Experts discussed some of the under-reported disease and biosecurity threats facing Australia. Mon 15 Sept 08, Sydney

REVIEW OF AUSTRALIA'S INNOVATION SYSTEM
RAPID ROUNDUP: Experts comment on the Australian Government's Review of the National Innovation System report. Tue 9 Sept 08

GARNAUT SUPPLEMENTARY DRAFT REPORT
RAPID ROUNDUP: Experts respond to the Garnaut Climate Change Review's latest draft report on targets and trajectories. Fri 5 Sept 08

MENTAL HEALTH OF TRUCK DRIVERS
ONLINE BRIEFING and ROUND UP: New research examines the incidence of drug and alcohol abuse, mental health problems, marital difficulties and long working hours amongst heavy goods vehicle drivers in NSW.
Tues 2 Sept 08 at 10.30am AEST

WHO REPORT ON SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH
RAPID ROUNDUP: Experts react to a new report from the World Health Organisation examining how social factors influence health. Thu 28 Aug 08

POTENTIALLY FATAL HIGH CHOLESTEROL GENES REMAIN UNDETECTED
ONLINE BRIEIFNG: Many Australians are living undiagnosed with an inherited condition that could result in a fatal heart attack - Cholesterol experts discuss online. Wed 27 Aug 08 at 10.30am AEST

HRT IMPROVES QUALITY OF LIFE
RAPID ROUNDUP: Experts react to new research on Australian women showing HRT improves sleep, sexuality and joint pain in older women. Fri 22 Aug 08

ABANDONED BABY HUMPBACK WHALE
RAPID ROUNDUP: Whale experts discuss the options for the abandoned baby humpback whale near Sydney.
Thu 21 Aug 08

HENDRA VIRUS VET DEATH
RAPID ROUNDUP: An expert responds to the tragic death of a vet in Qld after contracting Hendra virus.
Thu 21 Aug 08

GEOTHERMAL DRILLING ANNOUNCEMENT
RAPID ROUNDUP: Energy experts react to the federal government's announcement that it will fund $50 million towards geothermal drilling. Wed 20 Aug 08

HUMANS RESPONSIBLE FOR MEGAFAUNA EXTINCTION
ONLINE BRIEFING: Join the authors of a new Australian study which implicates humans in prehistoric animal extinctions. Mon 11 Aug 08 at 10.30am

DRUGS AT THE OLYMPICS
ONLINE BRIEFING : Join a group of leading Australian experts online to discuss the facts on performance enhancing drugs; the cheats, the risks, the tests and the chances of fair play. Mon 4 Aug 08 at 10.30am AEST

WATER ON MARS
RAPID ROUNDUP: An Australian expert responds to the news that water has been discovered on Mars
Fri 1 Aug 08

GENETICS OF SCHIZOPHRENIA
RAPID ROUNDUP: Australian experts comment on new research published in Nature which indentifies areas of the genome linked to schizphrenia. Thurs 31 July 08

QANTAS PLANE DEPRESSURISATION
RAPID ROUNDUP: Experts comment on rapid aircraft cabin depressurisation after media reports of an incident involving a Qantas plane en route from London to Melbourne. Fri 25 July 08

CAN EFFECTIVE HIV TREATMENT REALLY STOP INFECTION?
ONLINE BRIEFING: New Australian research published in The Lancet questions whether effective HIV treatment stops infection. Fri 25 July 08 at 10am AEST

30 YEARS OF IVF
RAPID ROUNDUP: Experts comment on how far IVF has come since the first test tube baby was born in 1978 and look at what the future may hold. Thu 24 July 08

FARMERS PREPARE TO COUNT CARBON
ONLINE BACKGROUND BRIEFING: Experts discuss the issue of agriculture in a carbon trading scheme. Where is the science up to and where is it heading?
Tue 22 July 08

GREEN PAPER ON EMISSIONS TRADING SCHEME
RAPID ROUNDUP: Experts respond to the governments green paper, on a carbon pollution reduction scheme for Australia. Wed 16 July 08

REPORT INTO NANOTECHNOLOGY REGULATION
RAPID ROUNDUP: An Australian expert reponds to a new report highlighting gaps in nanotechnology regulation. Mon 14 July 08

HENDRA VIRUS OUTBREAK
RAPID ROUNDUP: Experts respond to the Hendra virus outbreak affecting horses in Qld. Wed 9 July 08

COAG - WATER EXPERTS RESPOND
RAPID ROUNDUP: Experts react to water announcements made at today's COAG meeting. Thu 3 July 08

BROCCOLI AND PROSTATE CANCER
RAPID ROUNDUP: Experts react to research showing men on a broccoli-rich showed genetic changes which could reduce their risk of developing prostate cancer. Wed 2 July 08

STORING NUCLEAR WASTE IN AUSTRALIA
BACKGROUND BRIEFING. Leading experts discuss the issue of where to store nuclear waste in Australia.
Thu 26 June 08

WATER - WHAT'S NOT BEING SAID
BACKGROUND BRIEFING: In the lead up to the July COAG meeting, some of the country’s best water experts brief the media on the current water situation and the harsh realities we still haven’t confronted. Tues 24 June 08

WARMING AND RISING OCEANS
RAPID ROUNDUP: Experts react to Australian research in the journal Nature that shows rapid warming of the upper oceans helps to explain variations in sea-level rise. Thurs 19 June 08

POO - THE ULTIMATE IN RECYCLING
BACKGROUND BRIEFING: Experts attending a biosolids conference discuss the pros and cons of putting human waste into the agricultural cycle. Wed 11 June 08 at 12.30pm AEST

CANCER CLUSTERS
ONLINE BRIEFING: Experts discuss the science of cancer clusters.
Tue 10 June 08 at 11.30am AEST

PNG RUNNING OUT OF FORESTS TO PROTECT
ONLINE BRIEFING and RAPID ROUNDUP: A new report says Papua New Guinea is running out of forests to protect. Mon 2 June 08

HRT LINKED TO BREAST CANCER
RAPID ROUNDUP: Experts react to a study in the Medical Journal of Australia that links a drop in HRT prescriptions to a drop in breast cancer in Australian women. Mon 2 June 08

CLIMATE COOLING CORRECTION
RAPID ROUNDUP: A closer look at the apparent cooling trend in the 1940s indicates that it was an artefact of data collection. Fri 30 May 08

WORLD'S OLDEST MOTHER
RAPID ROUNDUP: A team of Australian scientists have uncovered the world’s oldest vertebrate mother and named it after Sir David Attenborough. Thu 29 May 08

FARMING FOR THE FUTURE
BACKGROUND BRIEFING: Hear from CSIRO scientists who are looking into Australian farms of the future. Wed 28 May 08

CSIRO AND ANSTO BUDGET CUTS
ROUNDUP: Members of the scientific community comment on recent science funding announcements effecting the CSIRO and ANSTO. Wed 21 May 08

ASBESTOS-LIKE RISKS OF CARBON NANOTUBES
RAPID ROUNDUP & FACT SHEET: Experts comment on the risks of carbon nanotubes after new research is published in Nature Nanotechnology. Wed 21 May 08

WARMING CHANGING THE WORLD - NATURE
RAPID ROUNDUP: Experts comment on new research that shows a vast array of physical and biological systems are being affected by global warming. Thu 15 May 08

BUDGET 2008
RAPID ROUNDUP: Scientists comment on the Federal Government's Budget 2008. Wed 14 May 08

CARDIOVASCULAR RISKS OF CANNABIS USE
RAPID ROUNDUP: A study in Molecular Psychiatry claims marijuana users are at significant risk of cardiovascular disorders. Experts respond. Wed 14 May 08

EARTHQUAKE IN CHINA
RAPID ROUNDUP: Australian earthquake experts respond. Tue 13 May 08

PLATYPUS GENOME SECRETS REVEALED - NATURE
FULL RESOURCES: An international team of 100+ researchers including 26 from Australia publish their findings. Audio files now avaliable. Updated Sat 10 May 08

NUTRIGENOMICS: DESIGNER DIETS FOR OUR GENES
BACKGROUND BRIEFING: Personally tailored diets dictated by your genetic makeup. In this back-ground briefing we look at how much we truly ‘are what we eat.’ Mon 5 May 08 in Melb

EXPANDING AGRICULTURE IN THE NORTH
RAPID ROUNDUP: CSIRO scientist, Leon Rotstayn warns that increased rainfall in north-west Australia might be temporary. Thu 24 April 08

GLOBAL FOOD REPORT
RAPID ROUNDUP: Australian experts comment on the long awaited international report on the future of agriculture. Updated Fri 18 April 08

WATSON'S GENOME PUBLISHED
RAPID ROUNDUP: Experts comment after the co-discoverer of the double helix, James Watson, had his genome published in the journal Nature. Fri 18 April 08

EDWARD LORENZ DIES
RAPID ROUNDUP: Experts comment on the death of a scientific icon who was best known for his pioneering work on chaos theory. Thu 17 April 08

LEAD CONTAMINATION
RAPID ROUNDUP: Toxicologists comment on two separate lead contamination reports - lead levels in Mt Isa children and lead levels in rainwater tanks. Mon 14 April 08

IS THE EARTH COOLING?
RAPID ROUNDUP: Several Australian experts respond to a statement by the WMO on recent cooling.
Updated Wed 16 April 08

GM CANOLA SEED PERSISTS IN THE ENVIRONMENT
RAPID ROUNDUP: Experts respond to research in Biology Letters which provides evidence that herbicide tolerant GM canola can persist for 10 years after cultivation. Wed 2 April 08

KANGAROO CULL IN CANBERRA
RAPID ROUNDUP: The culling of 400 kangaroos in Canberra is expected to begin shortly. The AusSMC has rounded up wildlife experts to offer a scientific perspective. Tue 25 Mar 08

THE GREAT BARRIER REEF IN 2050
ONLINE BRIEFING: Hear reef scientists express their concerns to Canberra politicians about the future of the GBR and discuss potential solutions. Wed 19 Mar 08

PROPOSED KANGAROO CULL IN ACT
SCIENCE BLOG: As the impending kangaroo cull in the ACT sparks national and international debate, two scientists write about the vexed issue. Updated Tue 18 Mar 08

TRIBUTES TO WATER EXPERT PETER CULLEN
RAPID ROUNDUP: Scientists react to the sad news of the death of Peter Cullen, one of Australia's leading water experts. Fri 14 Mar 08

ABORIGINAL HEALTH
ONLINE BRIEFING: Experts discuss two major culprits in the area of aboriginal health - smoking and racism. Thu 13 Mar 08

NEW BINGE DRINKING POLICY
RAPID ROUNDUP: The Federal Government has announced a new $53 million dollar stratergy to target binge drinking. Experts comment. Wed 12 Mar 08 (Updated 13 Mar)

VATICAN LISTS NEW SINS
RAPID ROUNDUP: The Vatican has announced seven contemporary sins, including pollution, experimenting on humans and genetic modification. An expert comments. Tue 11 Mar 08

PLASTIC SHOPPING BAGS
RAPID ROUNDUP: Read expert comment amid fresh claims to ban plastic shopping bags. Wed 11 Mar 08

IS THE 'HOBBIT' JUST A HUMAN WITH NUTRITIONAL DEFICIENCY?
ONLINE BRIEFING: Authors of the new paper suggesting Homo floresiensis was a human with a nutritional deficiency discuss their findings. Wed 5 Mar 08. AUDIO FILES AVAILABLE

ABORIGINAL HEALTH BETTER IN UTOPIA
RAPID ROUNDUP: A new study in Medical Journal of Australia shows health outcomes at the NT community of Utopia are significantly better than average - experts comment. Mon 3 Mar 08

IS AUSTRALIA STILL IN DROUGHT? POST SUMMER UPDATE
NATIONAL BRIEFING: To coincide with the release of summer data, key stakeholders come together to discuss the latest conditions. Mon 3 Mar 08 in Canberra. AUDIO FILES AVAILABLE

GM CANOLA: THE RISKS, REWARDS & REGULATION
MEDIA BRIEFING: As the moratoria lifts in two states, the Chair of the Vic review and three GM scientists discuss the risks and benefits of GM canola.
Fri 29 Feb at 10.30am AEDT in Melb. AUDIO FILES AVAILABLE

GM CANOLA: MORATORIA IN VIC & NSW LIFTED
RAPID ROUNDUP: A range of experts comment on the commercial release of GM canola as the moratoria lifts in two states. Thu 28 Feb 08

GARNAUT INTERIM REPORT RELEASED
RAPID ROUNDUP: Experts respond to the release of the Garnaut Climate Change Review interim report.
Thu 21 Feb 08

STEM CELL TREATMENT FOR DIABETES
RAPID ROUNDUP: Experts respond to new US research published in Nature Biotechnology where human embryonic stem cells have been used to treat a diabetes-like condition in mice. Thu 21 Feb 08

SOLAR PLANT FOR SA
RAPID ROUNDUP: Experts respond to today's announcement of a $7.1M solar power station to be built at Coober Pedy, SA. Tue 19 Feb 08

GOING SOLAR
ONLINE BRIEFING: How fast and how easily can Australia develop its solar industry? Mon 18 Feb 08

SOLAR SYSTEM SIMILAR TO OUR OWN
RAPID ROUNDUP: Two Australian authors and one other expert discuss a Science paper which describes a newly discovered solar system with two planets similar to Jupiter and Saturn. Fri 15 Feb 08

PROBIOTICS: NEW RESEARCH FINDINGS
RAPID ROUNDUP: Experts respond to two seperate studies about the effects of probiotics on patients with pancreatitis and athletes. Thu 14 Feb 08

APOLOGY TO THE 'STOLEN GENERATION'
RAPID ROUNDUP: Experts in Indigenous health and welfare describe the importance of the apology and its potential impacts on Aboriginal health. Tue 12 Feb 08

CALL TO BAN JUNK FOOD TV ADS FOR CHILDREN
RAPID ROUNDUP: SA's Health Minister calls on all states to ban junk food TV advertising during children’s television viewing times. Fri 8 Feb 08

SA EXTENDS GM MORATORIUM ON FOOD CROPS
RAPID ROUNDUP: SA Premier Mike Rann and Minister for Agriculture Rory McEwen say South Australia has chosen to stay GM free. Fri 8 Feb 08 (Updated Mon 11 Feb)

ATTEMPTED PLANE HIJACKING IN NEW ZEALAND
RAPID ROUNDUP: An attempted hijacking in New Zealand have highlighted the security measures in place at smaller airports. An expert discusses the potential implications on security at Australian airports. Fri 8 Feb 08

EMBRYOS WITH THREE PARENTS
RAPID ROUNDUP: UK Scientists have reportedly created human embryos containing DNA from two women and one man in the hope of one day treating inherited mitochondrial disorders. Wed 6 Feb 08

HURRICANES LINKED TO RISING SEA TEMPERATURES
RAPID ROUNDUP: This week's Nature reports that rising sea surface temperatures increase hurricane activity in the North Atlantic. Australian experts describe what this means for the Australian region. Thurs 31 Jan 08

CLIMATE CHANGE A THREAT TO HUMAN HEALTH
RAPID ROUNDUP: Climate change will have a huge impact on human health and bold policy decisions are needed now, according to an article in the British Medical Journal. Fri 25 Jan 08

FOODLAND PRODUCTS TO BE GM FREE
SCIENCE BLOG: A GM expert responds to Foodland's announcement that its products will remain GM free.
Fri 25 Jan 08

CANCER STEM CELLS CAUSING CHILDHOOD LEUKAEMIA FOUND
RAPID ROUNDUP: Confirmation of cancer stem cells as a cause of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia published today in Science. Fri 18 Jan 08

SA PARLIAMENT TO VOTE ON THERAPEUTIC CLONING RESEARCH
RAPID ROUNDUP: Australian scientists respond to claims that therapeutic cloning has been made redundant by the generation of non-embryonic iPS cells. Thu 17 Jan 08

CHARTER TO PROTECT SCIENTIFIC DEBATE
RAPID ROUNDUP: Read reaction to Senator Kim Carr's announcement of a new charter to protect scientific debate. Thu 17 Jan 08

WHAT'S BEHIND SOARING FOOD PRICES?
NATIONAL BRIEFING: Amid warnings of an emerging global food shortage, experts will brief journalists on the emerging issues of food costs and food security. Thu 17 Jan 08

CALCIUM SUPPLEMENTS LINKED TO HEART ATTACK RISK
RAPID ROUNDUP: Taking calcium supplements may increase the risk of heart attack in post-menopausal women - new report in the British Medical Journal. Wed 16 Jan 08

HEALTH BENEFITS OF A MEDITERRANEAN DIET
RAPID ROUNDUP: A Mediterranean diet during pregnancy could help reduce the risks of asthma and allergy in children - new report in Thorax. Tues 15 Jan 08

SCIENTISTS CREATE A BIO-ARTIFICIAL HEART
RAPID ROUNDUP: A technique to create a bio-artificial heart is described in Nature Medicine. Experts comment on the theoretical alternative for transplantation. Mon 14 Jan 08

SIR EDMUND HILLARY DIES
RAPID ROUNDUP: Australians comment on the legacy of Sir Edmund Hillary, the first person to reach the summit of Mt Everest, who died in New Zealand today. Fri 11 Jan 08

IPCC FOUNDER BERT BOLIN DIES
RAPID ROUNDUP: Leading Swedish climate scientist and co-founder of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Bert Bolin, has died aged 82. Thu 3 Jan 08

2007

CSIRO & CRC RELEASES TO BE CLEARED BY PM'S OFFICE
RAPID ROUNDUP: Read reaction to media reports that CSIRO and CRC media releases will have to be cleared through the PM's office. Fri 21 Dec 07

QLD FIRE STATION CANCER CLUSTER
RAPID ROUNDUP: An expert comments on a possible cancer cluster at a Qld fire station.
Tues 18 Dec 07

SMOKE & ALLERGIES
RAPID ROUNDUP: A study published today in Thorax looks at the role passive smoking may play in causing food and environmental allergies. Tues 18 Dec 07

BALI ROADMAP
RAPID ROUNDUP : Australian experts respond to outcomes of Bali climate talks.
Sun 16 Dec 07 (Updated Mon 17 Dec)

GLOBAL CLIMATE FOR 2007
NATIONAL BRIEFING: A national briefing in Melbourne to coincide with the release of the WMO's global climate statement for 2007. Fri 14 Dec 07 at 10.30am AEDT

CARBON CRISIS FOR CORAL REEFS
NATIONAL BRIEFING: Scientists announce the results of new research on the future of the planet's reefs. Fri 14 Dec 07 at 9.30am AEDT

ELECTIVE CAESAREAN INCREASES RISK OF BREATHING PROBLEMS
RAPID ROUNDUP: Expert comment on a new report in the BMJ warning of an increased risk of breathing problems in babies born by elective caesarean. Tue 11 Dec 07

MEAT LINKED TO INCREASED CANCER RISK
RAPID ROUNDUP: Experts comment on a new report that shows high intakes of red and processed meat is linked to an increased risk of some cancers. Tue 11 Dec 07

IMMUNOTHERAPY FOR HEPATITIS C
RAPID ROUNDUP: Research published today in Nature Medicine takes a significant step towards a Hepatitis C vaccine. Experts comment. Fri 7 Dec 07

BALI CLIMATE DECLARATION BY SCIENTISTS
RAPID ROUNDUP: 200+ climate scientists make a declaration at the Bali Climate Change conference.
Thu 6 Dec 07

AUSTRALIA RATIFIES KYOTO PROTOCOL
RAPID ROUNDUP: Scientists respond to today's announcement that PM Kevin Rudd has ratified the Kyoto Protocol. Mon 3 Dec 07

TROPICS EXPAND POLEWARD - NATURE
RAPID ROUNDUP: Experts comment on new findings in Nature which show the world's tropical regions are expanding. Mon 3 Dec 07

GM CROPS MORATORIUM LIFTED IN NSW & VIC
RAPID ROUNDUP: Experts respond. Tue 27 Nov 07

AUSTRALIA'S BIOFUEL FUTURE
MEDIA BRIEFING: Is Australia lagging behind on biofuel policy? Mon 26 Nov 07 at 11.30am AEDT

IPCC SYNTHESIS REPORT
RAPID ROUNDUP : Australian experts respond to the IPCC report. Sun 18 Nov 07

IPCC SYNTHESIS REPORT
ONLINE BRIEFING: David Karoly and Neville Nicholls discuss the report and its implications.
Sun 18 Nov 07

IPCC SYNTHESIS REPORT
BACKGROUND NOTES on the IPCC's Synthesis Report due out on Nov 17. Wed 14 Nov 07

CONFRONTING AUSTRALIA'S WATER SCARCITY HEAD-ON
NATIONAL BRIEFING: Peter Cullen discusses the issue of water scarcity in a national briefing.
Fri 16 Nov 07

SCIENTISTS VOTE TOO - ELECTION 2007
RAPID ROUNDUP: Here scientists have their say about the policies and changes they want to see. Fri 16 Nov 07

US REPORT - AUSTRALIA TOP CARBON EMITTER
RAPID ROUNDUP: Experts respond to a US report claiming Australia’s power sector is the world’s worst carbon emitter per capita. Thu 15 Nov 07

ECONOMIC IMPACT OF ALLERGIES
RAPID ROUNDUP : Experts Respond. Tue 13 Nov 07

INCREASED CERVICAL CANCER RISK LINKED TO PILL
RAPID ROUNDUP : Experts Respond. Updated Wed 14 Nov 07

BACK PAIN OFTEN OVER-TREATED
ONLINE BRIEFING. Thu 8 Nov 07

CLEAN COAL A FURPHY?
RAPID ROUNDUP : Experts respond. Updated Mon 5 Nov 07

WCRF GLOBAL CANCER REPORT
RAPID ROUNDUP : Experts respond. Thu 1 Nov 07

WMO UPDATE
RAPID ROUNDUP : Experts respond. Thu 1 Nov 07

HOSPITAL CLEANERS NEED TO TARGET INVISIBLE DANGERS
RAPID ROUNDUP : Experts respond. Wed 31 Oct 07

ANCIENT SECRETS EMERGE FROM PACIFIC CEMETERY
RAPID ROUNDUP : Experts respond. Tue 30 Oct 07

SOLAR CARS- WHEN DO WE GET ONE?
RAPID ROUNDUP : Experts respond. Updated Fri 26 Oct 07

CALIFORNIAN FIRES
RAPID ROUNDUP : Don't Evacuate Experts Say. Thu 25 Oct 07

TIME TO DITCH KYOTO?
RAPID ROUNDUP : Experts give their view. Updated Fri 26 Oct 07

SCIENTISTS FIND CENTRE OF OPTIMISM
RAPID ROUNDUP : Expert responds. Thu 25 Oct 07

EARTH LOSING THE CO2 RACE
RAPID ROUNDUP : Experts respond to paper in PNAS today. Tue 23 Oct 07

CARBON SINK SLOWDOWN
ONLINE BRIEFING : Australian co-author discusses. Tue 23 Oct 07

CAVE REVEALS SECRETS OF LONG AGO LIFE
ONLINE MEDIA BRIEFING: Two Australian members of the research team discuss.
Thu 18 Oct 07

BREAST CANCER NETWORKS
RAPID ROUNDUP: Experts comment on a breast cancer study that brings personalised treatment one step closer. Tue 16 Oct 07

SIDS AND SMOKING
RAPID ROUNDUP: Experts comment on the latest findings. Tue 16 Oct 07 (updated 19 Oct 07)

HIV/AIDS ANNUAL SURVEILLANCE REPORT 2007
RAPID ROUNDUP: Experts comment on the latest trends in HIV/AIDS and other STDs in Australia released by the NCHECR. Wed 10 Oct 07

TASMANIAN PULP MILL DECISION
RAPID ROUNDUP: Experts respond to the Australian government's decision to approve the pulp mill in Tasmania. Fri 5 Oct 07

MEDIA COVERAGE OF THE ENERGY DEBATE
RAPID ROUNDUP: Experts respond to a new research report on energy coverage in the Australian media.
Thu 4 Oct 07

HORIZON SCANNING: TRANSHUMANISM
INTERVIEW: Baroness Susan Greenfield discusses the emerging issue of transhumanism.
Thu 4 Oct 07

NEW CLIMATE CHANGE PROJECTIONS FOR AUSTRALIA
MEDIA BRIEFING: Authors from the CSIRO and Bureau of Meteorology release new climate change projections for Australia. Tue 2 Oct 07 in Sydney.

BIRD FLU VIRUS SPREADS BEYOND LUNGS - LANCET
RAPID ROUNDUP: Experts respond to a new study in The Lancet which shows the H5N1 virus spreads beyond the lungs in humans. Fri 28 Sept 07

PM's NATIONAL ENERGY TARGETS
RAPID ROUNDUP: Experts respond to the Prime Minister's announcement on national energy targets. Mon 24 Sept 07

OBESITY IN KIDS
RAPID ROUNDUP: Experts respond to CSIRO's 10-point plan. Fri 21 Sept 07

PM's PRIZE FOR SCIENCE
RAPID ROUNDUP: Experts respond to the announcment of the 2007 Prime Minister's Prize for Science. Thu 20 Sept 07

MOBILE PHONES AND HEALTH - UK REPORT
RAPID ROUNDUP: Experts respond to a major UK report on the health effects of mobile phones. Thu 13 Sept 07

SYDNEY DECLARATION ON CLIMATE CHANGE
RAPID ROUNDUP: Experts respond to APEC's Sydney Declaration. Mon 10 Sept 07

GLOBAL DEPRESSION STUDY
RAPID ROUNDUP: Depression makes sick people even sicker - New Lancet paper. Fri 7 Sept 07

IS AUSTRALIA STILL IN DROUGHT?
MEDIA BRIEFING: As winter ends, leading authorities come together for a drought update. AUDIO FILES NOW AVAILABLE. Thu 6 Sept 07 - Melbourne

POTENTIAL TSUNAMI RISK IN BAY OF BENGAL- NATURE
RAPID ROUNDUP: Tsunami experts comment on a Nature paper by Australian author Phil Cummins. Thu 6 Sept 07

AUSTRALIAN WATER: SELF INFLICTED WOUNDS?
BLOG: A visiting water expert comments on the current water situation in Australia. Fri 31 Aug 07

BUSHFIRES IN GREECE
BLOG: Fire researchers use the Australian experience to suggest ways of avoiding further tragedy in Greece. Thu 30 Aug 07

SEASONAL FLU - ARE WE GETTING IT RIGHT?
ONLINE BRIEFING: Flu experts discuss this year's flu season in an online background briefing. Tue 28 Aug 07

EQUINE FLU
RAPID ROUNDUP: Experts respond to Australia's equine flu outbreak. Mon 27 Aug 07

ANCIENT WA DIAMONDS SHED LIGHT ON EARLY EARTH
RAPID ROUNDUP: A report published in Nature describes the oldest identified fragments of the Earth's crust.
Thu 23 Aug 07

URANIUM SALES OVERSEAS
RAPID ROUNDUP: Nuclear and related experts respond to the Government's announcement of uranium sales to India and Russia. Fri 17 Aug 07

LATEST FLU DEATHS
RAPID ROUNDUP: Australian experts comment on this year's flu season. Tue 14 Aug 07

US BRIDGE COLLAPSE
RAPID ROUNDUP: Australian engineers comment on the bridge collapse in Minneapolis and whether it could happen here. Fri 3 Aug 07

AUSTRALIAN SYNCHROTRON
MEDIA BRIEFING: On the eve of its opening, synchrotron scientists talk about what this means for Australia.
Mon 30 July 07- Sydney

AUSTRALIA'S CLIMATE CHANGE POLICY
RAPID ROUNDUP: Climate scientists respond to the Australian Government's latest report on climate change policy. Wed 18 July 07

GREAT GLOBAL WARMING SWINDLE DOCUMENTARY
RAPID ROUNDUP: Scientists respond to the ABC's decision to air the British documentary. Updated Mon 16 July 07

AUSTRALIAN LINK TO UK TERRORIST PLOT - EXPERTS COMMENT
RAPID ROUNDUP: Terrorism experts comment on the latest developments. Tue 3 July 07

AUSTRALIA'S HAZARDOUS WASTE LEGACY
MEDIA BRIEFING: Contamination experts discuss our inability to deal with hazardous waste. Tue 26 June 07 (Audio files and transcripts available)

INTERNATIONAL DAY AGAINST DRUG ABUSE
RAPID ROUNDUP: Drug experts explain how science can help save lives and free communities of drug abuse.
Mon 25 Jun 07

TROPICAL FORESTS MORE IMPORTANT FOR CLIMATE THAN FIRST THOUGHT
RAPID ROUNDUP: Climate experts respond to the findings of a new paper in the journal Science.
Fri 22 June 07

CHINA BECOMES BIGGEST CO2 EMITTER
RAPID ROUNDUP: Climate scientists respond to the news that China has overtaken the US as the world's top CO2 emitter. Updated Fri 22 June 07

MEDIA COVERAGE OF THE WATER DEBATE
RAPID ROUNDUP: Water experts respond to a new, independent analysis of the media's coverage of water issues. Wed 20 June 07

VICTORIA TO BUILD AUSTRALIA'S LARGEST DESALINATION PLANT
RAPID ROUNDUP: Experts respond. Tue 19 June 07

PM's TASK GROUP REPORT ON EMISSIONS TRADING
RAPID ROUNDUP: Climate scientists and carbon trading experts react to the Prime Ministerial Task Group Report on Emissions Trading. Fri 1 June 07

CARBON EMISSIONS TRADING
MEDIA BRIEFING: Two climate scientists discuss carbon emissions trading. Thu 31 May 07 (Audio files and transcripts available)

BREAST CANCER GENETICS RESEARCH
RAPID ROUNDUP: Scientists respond to new research on breast cancer genetics. Mon 28 May 07

NEW BREAST CANCER GENES DISCOVERED
MEDIA BRIEFING in Melbourne. Mon 28 May 07 (Audio files available)

GREAT GLOBAL WARMING SWINDLE DOCUMENTARY
RAPID ROUNDUP: Scientists respond to the ABC's decision to air the British documentary. Fri 25 May 07

CO2 EMISSIONS ACCELERATING IN AUSTRALIA AND GLOBALLY
RAPID ROUNDUP: Scientists respond. Tue 22 May 07

BUDGET 2007-08
RAPID ROUNDUP: Scientists react to the Federal Budget for 2007-08. Wed 9 May 07

DNA RESEARCH CLAIMS ABORIGINES EVOLVED FROM AFRICA
RAPID ROUNDUP: Australian scientists respond to a new paper providing further evidence on the origins of Australian aborigines. Tue 8 May 07

MITIGATION OF CLIMATE CHANGE - IPCC WG3 AUTHORS AVAILABLE
NATIONAL BRIEFING - Several Australian Lead Authors from the IPCC's Working Group 3 discuss this latest report on climate change mitigation. Mon 7 May 07 AUDIO FILES NOW AVAILABLE

CLIMATE CHANGE - IPCC WORKING GROUP 3 REPORT ON MITIGATION
RAPID ROUNDUP - Australian Lead Authors and other climate experts respond to the IPCC's latest Report from Working Group 3 on climate change mitigation. Fri 4 May 07 at 4pm

CLIMATE CHANGE - IPCC WORKING GROUP 3 REPORT ON MITIGATION
BACKGROUND information and summaries on the Working Group 3 Report due out on Fri 4 May 07

EARTH-LIKE PLANET
RAPID ROUNDUP: European astronomers have discovered the most Earth-like planet outside our Solar System to date. Thu 26 April 07

MURRAY-DARLING CONTINGENCY REPORT
RAPID ROUNDUP: Water experts comment on the latest contingency planning report on water shortages in the Murray-Darling Basin. Updated Fri 20 April 07

SCIENTIST CALLS FOR AN END TO CREMATION
NATIONAL BRIEFING - A Melbourne scientist calls for an end to cremation to help prevent further global warming. Wed 18 April 07

NEW RESEARCH ON DRUGS AND INJURY
RAPID ROUNDUP: Scientists respond to a study that may change the way we look at drug driving. Fri 13 April 07

CLIMATE CHANGE - WHAT TO EXPECT FOR AUSTRALIA
NATIONAL BRIEFING: Australian Lead Authors from the IPCC's Working Group 2 discussed regional aspects of the latest Report. Tue 10 April. (Audio files available)

NEW CLIMATE CHANGE REPORT
RAPID ROUNDUP: Australian Lead Authors, Review Editors and other climate experts comment on the IPCC's latest Report from Working Group 2. Fri 6 April 07

CLIMATE CHANGE - IPCC WORKING GROUP 2 REPORT
BACKGROUND RESOURCES:
Australian background information and summaries on the Working Group 2 Report. Includes new Media Releases and Fact Sheets. Updated Fri 6 April 07

SOLOMON ISLANDS EARTHQUAKE AND TSUNAMI
RAPID ROUNDUP: Tsunami and earthquake experts respond to the magnitude 8.0 earthquake in the Solomon Islands. Mon 2 April 07

PRODUCTIVITY COMMISSION REPORT ON SCIENCE
RAPID ROUNDUP: Scientists respond to the Productivity Commission's report on "Public Support for Science and Innovation." Tue 27 Mar 07 (Updated 29 Mar 07)

KIDS' HEALTH
MEDIA BRIEFING: Our 21st Century health crisis - Unlocking the secrets of childhood obesity and disease.
Wed 14 Mar 07 (Audio files available)

INDONESIAN PLANE CRASH
RAPID ROUNDUP: Expert reaction to the Garuda air crash in Yogyakarta. Wed 7 Mar 07

NEW CLIMATE BOOK
RAPID ROUNDUP: Scientists respond to the new book "Nine Facts about Climate Change." Thu 1 Mar 07

LIGHT BULB BAN
RAPID ROUNDUP: Scientists respond to the Government's decision to phase out inefficient light bulbs. Mon 26 Feb 07

PM's DISCUSSION PAPER ON EMISSIONS TRADING
RAPID ROUNDUP: Experts respond to discussion paper from the joint government-business Task Group. Updated Thu 8 Feb 07

IPCC - CLIMATE CHANGE
MEDIA BRIEFINGS: Listen to presentations from Melbourne and Adelaide briefings.
Updated Mon 5 Feb 07 (Audio files available)

IPCC CLIMATE CHANGE REPORT - EXPERTS COMMENT
RAPID ROUNDUP: Climate scientists respond to the IPCC Climate Change Report. Fri 2 Feb 07

ESAA ENERGY REPORT
RAPID ROUNDUP: Experts respond to Energy Supply Association Report. 31 Jan 07

FLANNERY NAMED AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR
RAPID ROUNDUP: Colleagues of Tim Flannery respond. Thu 25 Jan 07

PM's WATER OVERHAUL
RAPID ROUNDUP: Experts respond to the Australian Government's planned $10 billion water management overhaul. Thu 25 Jan 07

NULLARBOR CAVES FOSSIL DISCOVERY
RAPID ROUNDUP: Experts comment on remarkable new findings. Thu 25 Jan 07

2006

MEDIA BRIEFING: Held in conjunction with the global release of climate data for 2006. Updated Friday 15 Dec 06.

RAPID ROUNDUP: Scientists respond to Australia's most comprehensive environmental report card. Wed 6 Dec 06

RAPID ROUNDUP: Scientists respond to a new report on Australia's uranium resources. Mon 4 Dec 06

RAPID ROUNDUP: Experts respond to new analysis showing sharp acceleration in fossil fuel emissions.

RAPID ROUNDUP: Australian experts react to the draft Uranium Mining, Processing and Nuclear Energy Review.

RAPID ROUNDUP: Scientists respond to the findings of ancient DNA from 38,000 year old Neanderthal Bones.

RAPID ROUNDUP: Beijing - Experts respond to new analysis showing sharp acceleration in fossil fuel emissions. Sat 11 Nov 06

RAPID ROUNDUP: Experts respond to issues surrounding the listing of the cervical cancer vaccine Gardasil.

RAPID ROUNDUP: Water experts react to the outcome of the Murray Darling Basin Water Summit. Wed 8 Nov 06

RAPID ROUNDUP: Experts react to the landmark UK report by Nick Stern on the Economics of Climate Change. Updated Tue 31 Oct 06

RAPID ROUNDUP: Scientists react to the Australian Government''s announcement of funding for low emissions technology projects. Wed 25 Oct 06

RAPID ROUNDUP: Scientists react to Richard Branson's climate pledge. Updated Tue 26 Sept 06

RAPID ROUNDUP: Australian experts comment on the significance of the find. Updated Thu 21 Sept 06

RAPID ROUNDUP: Water scientists respond to the Business Council of Australia's report on water. Mon 18 Sept 06

RAPID ROUNDUP: Members of the scientific community comment on Al Gore's new climate change film. Updated Tues 12 Sept 06

RAPID ROUNDUP: Stingray experts respond to the tragic death of Steve Irwin. Updated Wed 6 Sept 06

BACKGROUND BRIEFING: A background briefing for journalists on the science of terrorism. Mon 21 Aug 06

RAPID ROUNDUP: Scientists add their voice to the debate on the future of stem cell research in Australia. Mon 7 Aug 06

RAPID ROUNDUP: Experts explain the science behind testosterone doping and testing. Mon 7 Aug 06

RAPID ROUNDUP: Experts react to reports of a nuclear reactor incident in Sweden. Fri 4 Aug 06

RAPID ROUNDUP: Experts react to the 'no' vote in water recycling referendum. Updated 31 July 06

RAPID ROUNDUP: Experts available to comment on the Toowoomba referendum. Fri 28 July 06

RAPID ROUNDUP: Experts comment on the cluster of earthquakes in Indonesia and discuss tsunami early warning systems. Fri 21 July 06

RAPID ROUNDUP: Scientists freed to speak on controversial issues. Thu 13 July 06

RAPID ROUNDUP: Stem cells in a mouse can produce offspring. Scientists comment. Wed 12 July 06

The World Cup may be over but the navel gazing continues. We list some experts in the science of the beautiful game. Tue 27 June 06

RAPID ROUNDUP: Scientists comment on the significance of the latest report. Fri 23 June 06

RAPID ROUNDUP: Scientists comment on the issues currently facing the IWC. Fri 16 June 06

RAPID ROUNDUP: Critical new fossil evidence of early life must be conserved, say experts. Thu 8 June 06

RAPID ROUNDUP: Evidence for earliest life on Earth. Experts comment. Wed 7 June 06

ADULT STEM CELL CENTRE
RAPID ROUNDUP: Experts react to new adult stem cell centre anouncement. Tue 2 May 06

STEM CELL RESEARCH
BACKGROUND BRIEFING: Stem Cell research in Australia - languish or flourish? Thu 20 April 06

KICKING THE CARBON HABIT
BACKGROUND BRIEFING: Kicking the Carbon Habit: The climate-carbon nexus. Wed 12 April 06

NUCLEAR DEBATE
RAPID ROUNDUP: Scientists respond to the latest nuclear debate. Fri 31 March 06

DRUGS IN SPORT
MEDIA BRIEFING: Can science keep up with the cheats? Wed 22 March 06

DRUG TRIAL TRAGEDY
RAPID ROUNDUP: Australian scientists react to the UK trial of an anti-inflammatory drug that went horribly wrong in March 2006. Friday 17 March 06 (Updated 26 May 06)

RU486
MEDIA BRIEFING: RU486 - A demonised drug or a worry for Australian women? Wed 8 Feb 06

CSIRO FUTURE RESEARCH PRIORITIES
RAPID ROUNDUP: Australian experts react to CSIRO's investment decisions for 2006/07. Tue 31 Jan 06

RAPID ROUNDUP: Bushfire experts respond to the bushfires in south-eastern Australia in Jan 2006. Tue 24 Jan 06

DEATH OF JUSTICE JOHN LOCKHART
RAPID ROUNDUP: Stem cell scientists pay tribute to Justice Lockhart on the news of his death. Sun 15 Jan 06

STEM CELL FRAUD
RAPID ROUNDUP: Korean scientist faked cloning research. Tue 10 Jan 06

STEM CELL REVIEW
RAPID ROUNDUP: Scientists react to Lockhart Review of Stem Cell Legislation. Mon 19 Dec 05

DIET DEBATE
RAPID ROUNDUP: Dietary fibre and colorectal cancer: A new study fires up the debate. Thu 15 Dec 05