AusSMC Hot Topic archive by date

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