==== ABC Science Updates, December 20, 2007 ==================
Science Updates is a weekly email alert about recent online science coverage and upcoming TV and radio science programs from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)
==== NEW ON ABC SCIENCE ONLINE ==== http://www.abc.net.au/science ====
SUMMER SCIENCE
Wishing you a happy holiday and festive season from all at ABC Science Online. We've turned our website into relaxed summer mode, featuring some great fodder for holiday reading, listening and viewing. Enjoy!
http://www.abc.net.au/science/
Wishing you a happy holiday and festive season from all at ABC Science Online. We've turned our website into relaxed summer mode, featuring some great fodder for holiday reading, listening and viewing. Enjoy!
http://www.abc.net.au/science/
ACE DAY JOBS – Experimental Psychologist
Chris Sutton conducts scientific research into the human aspects of flight. This involves looking into issues such as teamwork, perception, work environments and training. http://www.abc.net.au/acedayjobs/cooljobs/profiles/s2116498.htm
Chris Sutton conducts scientific research into the human aspects of flight. This involves looking into issues such as teamwork, perception, work environments and training. http://www.abc.net.au/acedayjobs/cooljobs/profiles/s2116498.htm
SLEEK GEEKS ON TV
Relax into the armchair in January with the Sleek Geeks – Dr Karl and Adam Spencer. Yes, they have their own TV show! Their mission is to reveal the surprising science that lies hidden in our homes, offices and backyards. Starting January 3, 8pm
http://www.abc.net.au/science/sleekgeeks/
Relax into the armchair in January with the Sleek Geeks – Dr Karl and Adam Spencer. Yes, they have their own TV show! Their mission is to reveal the surprising science that lies hidden in our homes, offices and backyards. Starting January 3, 8pm
http://www.abc.net.au/science/sleekgeeks/
==== TOP NEWS STORIES FROM NEWS IN SCIENCE =====
TRACHOMA PROGRAMS FAIL INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIANS (News in Science 19/12/07)
Trachoma remains entrenched among outback Indigenous Australian communities more than 30 years after a national program was launched to eradicate the disease, a new survey shows.
http://www.abc.net.au/science/articles/2007/12/19/2114236.htm
Trachoma remains entrenched among outback Indigenous Australian communities more than 30 years after a national program was launched to eradicate the disease, a new survey shows.
http://www.abc.net.au/science/articles/2007/12/19/2114236.htm
FRAGILE X SYNDROME PARTLY CURED IN MICE (Health & Medical, 20/12/07)
Genetic engineering can correct the worst symptoms in mice of fragile X syndrome, the most common inherited cause of mental retardation and autism, US researchers report.
http://www.abc.net.au/science/articles/2007/12/20/2123905.htm
Genetic engineering can correct the worst symptoms in mice of fragile X syndrome, the most common inherited cause of mental retardation and autism, US researchers report.
http://www.abc.net.au/science/articles/2007/12/20/2123905.htm
BALI DEAL A 'STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION' (Environment & Nature, 17/12/07)
The new treaty to tackle climate change signed in Bali at the weekend has been welcomed by Australian scientists as a "step in the right direction" and a vindication of their work in the field.
http://www.abc.net.au/science/articles/2007/12/17/2120563.htm
The new treaty to tackle climate change signed in Bali at the weekend has been welcomed by Australian scientists as a "step in the right direction" and a vindication of their work in the field.
http://www.abc.net.au/science/articles/2007/12/17/2120563.htm
BULLY GALAXY ZAPS NEIGHBOURS (Space & Astronomy, 18/12/07)
Astronomers have spotted a distant galaxy zapping its smaller neighbour with a deadly particle beam.
http://www.abc.net.au/science/articles/2007/12/18/2121572.htm
Astronomers have spotted a distant galaxy zapping its smaller neighbour with a deadly particle beam.
http://www.abc.net.au/science/articles/2007/12/18/2121572.htm
DEER PUT TOE IN WATER, TURNED INTO WHALE (Ancient Worlds, 20/12/07)
Whales, dolphins and porpoises evolved from a tiny deer-like mammal that adapted to living at sea millions of years ago, a new study says.
http://www.abc.net.au/science/articles/2007/12/20/2123804.htm
Whales, dolphins and porpoises evolved from a tiny deer-like mammal that adapted to living at sea millions of years ago, a new study says.
http://www.abc.net.au/science/articles/2007/12/20/2123804.htm
PINOT NOIR GENES OUT OF THE BOTTLE (Innovation & Technology, 19/12/07)
Italian scientists have cracked open the genetic make-up of pinot noir in a move that may lead to hardier vines and cheaper fine wines.
http://www.abc.net.au/science/articles/2007/12/19/2122930.htm
Italian scientists have cracked open the genetic make-up of pinot noir in a move that may lead to hardier vines and cheaper fine wines.
http://www.abc.net.au/science/articles/2007/12/19/2122930.htm
MORE NEWS IN SCIENCE - updated daily
http://www.abc.net.au/science/news/
http://www.abc.net.au/science/news/
==== IN THE SKY THIS WEEK ====
The Full Moon is Monday December 24. Mars rises progressively in the northeastern sky, and is near the Moon on Sunday December 23. On Christmas Day, Mars is at opposition – you can best view the planet through a telescope between December 20 and January 3. Even without a telescope, you can see Mars forming a triangle with the red stars Alderbaran in Taurus and Betelgeuse in Orion, with the beautiful Pleiades cluster nearby. In the early morning Saturn can be seen high above the northeastern horizon and Venus can be easily seen above the eastern horizon. On Friday December 28 the Moon will be near Saturn. Venus enters the head of Scorpius in January, and on Thursday January 3 Venus is very close to the bright star Beta Scorpii. On the morning of January 5 the crescent Moon, Venus and the bright star Antares form an attractive triangle. Mercury enters the evening twilight sky in January, on Wednesday January 9 the thin crescent Moon is just below Mercury.
http://home.mira.net/~reynella/skywatch/ssky.htm
The Full Moon is Monday December 24. Mars rises progressively in the northeastern sky, and is near the Moon on Sunday December 23. On Christmas Day, Mars is at opposition – you can best view the planet through a telescope between December 20 and January 3. Even without a telescope, you can see Mars forming a triangle with the red stars Alderbaran in Taurus and Betelgeuse in Orion, with the beautiful Pleiades cluster nearby. In the early morning Saturn can be seen high above the northeastern horizon and Venus can be easily seen above the eastern horizon. On Friday December 28 the Moon will be near Saturn. Venus enters the head of Scorpius in January, and on Thursday January 3 Venus is very close to the bright star Beta Scorpii. On the morning of January 5 the crescent Moon, Venus and the bright star Antares form an attractive triangle. Mercury enters the evening twilight sky in January, on Wednesday January 9 the thin crescent Moon is just below Mercury.
http://home.mira.net/~reynella/skywatch/ssky.htm
==== ABC HEALTH & WELLBEING == http://www.abc.net.au/health/ =====
THE PULSE: Danger under the X-mas tree
Some toys are safe to give kids this Christmas, others aren't. How do you tell?
http://www.abc.net.au/health/thepulse/stories/2007/12/20/2123769.htm
Some toys are safe to give kids this Christmas, others aren't. How do you tell?
http://www.abc.net.au/health/thepulse/stories/2007/12/20/2123769.htm
Health Updates provides the latest ABC Health information online. You can join at: http://www.abc.net.au/health/subscribe/
==== NEW RADIO AND TV SCIENCE TRANSCRIPTS NOW ONLINE ====
PROF PAUL EHRLICH RIDES AGAIN (In Conversation: 13/12/2007)
http://www.abc.net.au/rn/inconversation/stories/2007/2109181.htm
http://www.abc.net.au/rn/inconversation/stories/2007/2109181.htm
HUMAN RIGHTS AND PSYCHIATRY (PART 2 OF 2): WHO SPEAKS FOR THE CHAINED AND INCARCERATED? (All In The Mind: 15/12/2007)
http://www.abc.net.au/rn/allinthemind/stories/2007/2115342.htm
http://www.abc.net.au/rn/allinthemind/stories/2007/2115342.htm
LOBSTERS ON THE INCREASE IN TASMANIA (Science Show: 15/12/2007)
http://www.abc.net.au/rn/scienceshow/stories/2007/2119490.htm
http://www.abc.net.au/rn/scienceshow/stories/2007/2119490.htm
VOYAGER 2 – WAY BEYOND PLUTO, AND STILL GOING (Science Show: 15/12/2007)
http://www.abc.net.au/rn/scienceshow/stories/2007/2119487.htm
http://www.abc.net.au/rn/scienceshow/stories/2007/2119487.htm
OTILITHS REVEAL WHERE FISH HAVE BEEN (Science Show: 15/12/2007)
http://www.abc.net.au/rn/scienceshow/stories/2007/2119488.htm
http://www.abc.net.au/rn/scienceshow/stories/2007/2119488.htm
THE UNNATURAL HISTORY OF THE SEA (Science Show: 15/12/2007)
http://www.abc.net.au/rn/scienceshow/stories/2007/2119482.htm
http://www.abc.net.au/rn/scienceshow/stories/2007/2119482.htm
TIPS TO CONVINCE YOUNGER PEOPLE TO ALTER THEIR BEHAVIOUR (Science Show: 15/12/2007)
http://www.abc.net.au/rn/scienceshow/stories/2007/2119483.htm
http://www.abc.net.au/rn/scienceshow/stories/2007/2119483.htm
ANTARCTIC ICE CORES (Science Show: 15/12/2007)
http://www.abc.net.au/rn/scienceshow/stories/2007/2119479.htm
http://www.abc.net.au/rn/scienceshow/stories/2007/2119479.htm
CHANGES IN THE OCEAN AS WATERS WARM (Science Show: 15/12/2007)
http://www.abc.net.au/rn/scienceshow/stories/2007/2119476.htm
http://www.abc.net.au/rn/scienceshow/stories/2007/2119476.htm
CORALS AND CRUSTACEANS IN DISTRESS (Science Show: 15/12/2007)
http://www.abc.net.au/rn/scienceshow/stories/2007/2115399.htm
===== COMING UP - ABC RADIO ===========
http://www.abc.net.au/science/programs/
Podcasts and downloads
http://www.abc.net.au/science/programs/podcast.htm
http://www.abc.net.au/rn/scienceshow/stories/2007/2115399.htm
===== COMING UP - ABC RADIO ===========
http://www.abc.net.au/science/programs/
Podcasts and downloads
http://www.abc.net.au/science/programs/podcast.htm
SCIENCE SHOW - Meso 2 + Krill explosion
Saturday 22 December, 12.05pm & Monday 24 December, 7.05pm RN
Dr Jim Holmes, a rural psychiatrist, presents a second extract from a Science Show diary on what it is like to receive a diagnosis of mesothelioma. Since his first broadcast, two weeks ago, Dr Holmes has sung in the choir at the University of Sydney (despite having only one working lung) in a performance of the Messiah, and flown to Britain to say goodbye to relatives. We shall also visit a lab in Hobart where they are breeding krill. This is a prawn-like creature flourishing in shoals up to 300 kilometers long in the Southern Ocean where whales gobble them up by the tonne.
http://www.abc.net.au/rn/scienceshow/
Saturday 22 December, 12.05pm & Monday 24 December, 7.05pm RN
Dr Jim Holmes, a rural psychiatrist, presents a second extract from a Science Show diary on what it is like to receive a diagnosis of mesothelioma. Since his first broadcast, two weeks ago, Dr Holmes has sung in the choir at the University of Sydney (despite having only one working lung) in a performance of the Messiah, and flown to Britain to say goodbye to relatives. We shall also visit a lab in Hobart where they are breeding krill. This is a prawn-like creature flourishing in shoals up to 300 kilometers long in the Southern Ocean where whales gobble them up by the tonne.
http://www.abc.net.au/rn/scienceshow/
ALL IN THE MIND – Deep listening: Working with Indigenous mental distress
Saturday 22 December, 1.05pm, & Monday 24 December, 1.05pm RN
'How do I get them to talk?" Mental health and other professionals inexperienced at working with indigenous clients struggle – with the limits of their cultural awareness, with language barriers and with the historical legacies of mistrust and misunderstanding. Cultural competency is more than sharing a joke. So what is it? And how can psychologists, doctors and others acquire it?
http://www.abc.net.au/rn/allinthemind/
Saturday 22 December, 1.05pm, & Monday 24 December, 1.05pm RN
'How do I get them to talk?" Mental health and other professionals inexperienced at working with indigenous clients struggle – with the limits of their cultural awareness, with language barriers and with the historical legacies of mistrust and misunderstanding. Cultural competency is more than sharing a joke. So what is it? And how can psychologists, doctors and others acquire it?
http://www.abc.net.au/rn/allinthemind/
THE PHILOSOPHER'S ZONE – Unforgettable speeches: The Apology of Socrates
Saturday 22 December, 1.30pm, & Monday 24 December, 1.35pm RN
The Apology of Socrates is not about saying sorry but it is one of the great speeches in the history of philosophy. The Greek philosopher defends himself against his accusers and ultimately invites them to condemn him to death. Why does he do that? Find out this week on The Philosopher's Zone.
http://www.abc.net.au/rn/philosopherszone/default.htm
Saturday 22 December, 1.30pm, & Monday 24 December, 1.35pm RN
The Apology of Socrates is not about saying sorry but it is one of the great speeches in the history of philosophy. The Greek philosopher defends himself against his accusers and ultimately invites them to condemn him to death. Why does he do that? Find out this week on The Philosopher's Zone.
http://www.abc.net.au/rn/philosopherszone/default.htm
OCKHAM'S RAZOR - Science and religion
Sunday 23 December, 8.45am RN
Dr Richard Eckersley researches progress and well-being and is a Visiting Fellow at the National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health at the ANU. In this talk he ponders the question: Is there a road to peace in the war between science and religion? Dr Eckersley suggests that science and religion can co-exist, but both sides need to give ground.
http://www.abc.net.au/rn/ockhamsrazor/
Sunday 23 December, 8.45am RN
Dr Richard Eckersley researches progress and well-being and is a Visiting Fellow at the National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health at the ANU. In this talk he ponders the question: Is there a road to peace in the war between science and religion? Dr Eckersley suggests that science and religion can co-exist, but both sides need to give ground.
http://www.abc.net.au/rn/ockhamsrazor/
INNOVATIONS
Sunday 23 December (0830hrs UT), Monday 24 December (1330 & 1705hrs UT), Wednesday 26 December (0430hrs UT), Radio Australia
Our Summer Series begins on Innovations where we look back over stories from the past twelve months. This week we are highlighting our environment as we check out some nifty ways of improving the health of our planet. There's a domestic on-site sewerage treatment system that does it cheaply; a hi-tech biodegradable disposable diaper that's aimed at reducing landfill and, how to make topsoil from industrial waste.
http://www.abc.net.au/ra/innovations/
Sunday 23 December (0830hrs UT), Monday 24 December (1330 & 1705hrs UT), Wednesday 26 December (0430hrs UT), Radio Australia
Our Summer Series begins on Innovations where we look back over stories from the past twelve months. This week we are highlighting our environment as we check out some nifty ways of improving the health of our planet. There's a domestic on-site sewerage treatment system that does it cheaply; a hi-tech biodegradable disposable diaper that's aimed at reducing landfill and, how to make topsoil from industrial waste.
http://www.abc.net.au/ra/innovations/
HEALTH REPORT - Arthritis – advances in treatment
Monday 24 December, 8.30am and 8.05pm RN
Arthritis is the main cause of pain and disability in Australia with as many as one in six people affected. Latest advice from an international rheumatology meeting is that early diagnosis is the key to improved quality of life and achieving remission is now a reality.
.
http://www.abc.net.au/rn/healthreport/
Monday 24 December, 8.30am and 8.05pm RN
Arthritis is the main cause of pain and disability in Australia with as many as one in six people affected. Latest advice from an international rheumatology meeting is that early diagnosis is the key to improved quality of life and achieving remission is now a reality.
.
http://www.abc.net.au/rn/healthreport/
IN CONVERSATION - Dial a Green Solution
Thursday 27 December, 7.35pm RN
Katie Patrick is the force behind Greenpages, a new kind of directory. She says it is both a guide to sustainability, with articles on major green themes, and a source, with phone numbers and references to outfits providing reliable services. But what happens to those deemed unreliable – environmentally unsound? Are they given the push?
http://www.abc.net.au/rn/inconversation/
Thursday 27 December, 7.35pm RN
Katie Patrick is the force behind Greenpages, a new kind of directory. She says it is both a guide to sustainability, with articles on major green themes, and a source, with phone numbers and references to outfits providing reliable services. But what happens to those deemed unreliable – environmentally unsound? Are they given the push?
http://www.abc.net.au/rn/inconversation/
==== COMING UP - ABC TV ===========
http://www.abc.net.au/science/programs/
http://www.abc.net.au/science/programs/
DRAGONS ALIVE! – Smart Reptiles
Tuesday 25 December, 8:30pm
Explores the incredible skills of today's reptiles which have been some of the most adaptable and successful creatures on earth. Evolved from ancestors that watched grazing herds of dinosaurs, this incredible species is the ultimate evolution success story.
Tuesday 25 December, 8:30pm
Explores the incredible skills of today's reptiles which have been some of the most adaptable and successful creatures on earth. Evolved from ancestors that watched grazing herds of dinosaurs, this incredible species is the ultimate evolution success story.
BINDI THE JUNGLE GIRL – Devil Island (For kids)
Wednesday 26 December, 4:10pm
From her tree-house perched high in the jungle, Bindi Irwin will take us to every corner of the globe, to meet cute to not-so-cute animals and learn how all animals need to be protected.
http://abc.net.au/children/bindi/
Wednesday 26 December, 4:10pm
From her tree-house perched high in the jungle, Bindi Irwin will take us to every corner of the globe, to meet cute to not-so-cute animals and learn how all animals need to be protected.
http://abc.net.au/children/bindi/
SLEEK GEEKS
Thursday January 3, 8pm
Sleek Geeks is a six-part factual series featuring Dr Karl Kruszelnicki and maths whizz Adam Spencer. Developed off the back of their successful stage show of the same name, the series is an everyday look at science in Dr Karl and Adam's eclectic and energetic style.
http://www.abc.net.au/science/sleekgeeks/
Thursday January 3, 8pm
Sleek Geeks is a six-part factual series featuring Dr Karl Kruszelnicki and maths whizz Adam Spencer. Developed off the back of their successful stage show of the same name, the series is an everyday look at science in Dr Karl and Adam's eclectic and energetic style.
http://www.abc.net.au/science/sleekgeeks/
==== COMING UP ON ABC2 - ABC DIGITAL TV ================
http://www.abc.net.au/tv/abc2/
PRIMAL INSTINCTS - Fear– Saturday 5pm
NAKED SCIENCE – Thursday 8am
TREKS IN A WILD WORLD - Thursday 5:30pm
http://www.abc.net.au/tv/abc2/
PRIMAL INSTINCTS - Fear– Saturday 5pm
NAKED SCIENCE – Thursday 8am
TREKS IN A WILD WORLD - Thursday 5:30pm
