COSMOS magazine

Get COSMOS Teacher's Notes
G Magazine

Issue 6

THE SCIENCE OF SUPERHEROES

THE SCIENCE OF SUPERHEROES

We've all dreamed of saving the world with cosmic powers, high-tech gizmos and our underwear on the outside of our pants. While caped crusaders seem to exist only in comic books, is there an element of truth behind the story? Tim Dean examines the science behind the superheroes.

Cosmos Issue 6
OTHER FEATURES

HERE COME THE CLONES

HERE COME THE CLONES

With cloning in the spotlight since the arrival of Dolly the sheep in 1997, the technique is being trialled on more and more species. Elizabeth Finkel looks at the debates over whether a clone is "healthy" or not, and if cloning holds a place for the human race.

DEAD ON ARRIVAL

DEAD ON ARRIVAL

Autopsies, court appearances and saving lives: this is a role that requires more than a strong stomach. Amanda Burdon follows forensic pathologist Jo Duflou on a typical day.

STORMS OF FIRE

STORMS OF FIRE

The devastating Canberra fires of 2003 left us hoping that such destruction would never be seen again. But with world temperatures on the rise, Dan Drollette investigates whether bushfires could become commonplace.

MAN IN THE MIDDLE

MAN IN THE MIDDLE

Centre of the debate on the cause and solution to climate change, Michael Mann is the brain behind plotting humanity's effect on the global climate. By David Appell.

REGULAR SECTIONS
FIRST PERSON
In the wet, inhospitable jungles of Irian Jaya, Tim Flannery found more than he hoped for: a new species of ground-dwelling tree-kangaroo.
PORTRAIT
The stars look better from Down Under, according to Penny Sackett, astronomer with the Australian National University.
EXPRESS
The news stories everyone else missed. Edited by Be Bonham.
GALLERY
Discover the beautiful, vast and isolating world of space through the eyes of celebrated astronomer and renowned astro-photographer, David Malin.
DESIGN
Thinking of building? Bob Johnstone reports on new energy efficiency ideas for urban development.
BODY
Stop the biological clock from ticking. Elizabeth Finkel looks at a new study that might help to delay or even prevent menopause.
DIAGNOSIS
Ever had troubles sleeping? Imagine not being able to breathe when your head hits the pillow. But this is no folk story, says Rob Moodie.
SOCIETY
So you think you're smart? David Salt measures up and evaluates the intelligence behind the IQ test.
BIOSPHERE
Fighting desertification, Israel tries to restore the Holy Land to its former forested glory. Elizabeth Finkel sorts the wood from the trees.
MENAGERIE
Kate Holdsworth takes a look at an animal with one heck of a nose-job: the star-nosed mole.
TERRA
If there were an earthquake, wouldn't we feel it? Major earthquakes are happening right now … but in slow motion, reports Kim Griggs.
SPACE
"O star of wonder, star of light"; Marilyn Head discusses what might have guided the three wise kings of long ago.
ART
DNA, the building blocks of life, is now an inspiration for art. Michael Desmond looks at artists integrating the helix into contemporary works.
TIME TUNNEL
Alice Trend gets that sinking feeling as she reviews the history of the airship.
FLASHBACK
An Aussie will do anything for a cold beer. It drove James Harrison to build the first refrigerator. By Cristy Burne.
RETROSPECTIVE
The last days of Marshall McLuhan, the famous philosopher, scholar, media theorist and stroke victim, as told by Phillip Marchand.
TRAVELOGUE
Peter Calamai sets off to the Vézère Valley in south-central France to visit one of the world's most historic anthropological sites.
FICTION
In an original story, award-winning U.S. author Joe Haldeman imagines what the Christmas of the future might be like. In another story, New Zealander Michael McNeil tells of the strange rise of the 'beehave' phenomenon in southern USA.
WORLD
Could New Zealand have the answer to the world's oil crisis? Mic Dover reports on a new potential fuel alternative … trees!
OPINION
In the Intelligent Design versus evolution debate, David Millikan - a theologian and minister of the Uniting Church - takes an unexpected side.
HEAVENS ABOVE
David Malin gives a word of advice on where to get started in the world of telescope astronomy.
PRÊT-À-PORTER
Technology that's ready to wear. Edited by a guy who sure likes his gadgets, Tim Dean.
OMNIVORE
Reviews of the latest books, DVDs and television programs, and edited by the incorrigible Bob Guntrip.
EVENT HORIZON
Highlights of the best science events in Australia and New Zealand.
PANDORA
Featuring cartoons, weird news, a trivia quiz, a very strange Japanese pub and our magazine's own Pet of the Month. Edited by Sara Phillips.
WHATEVER
Famed for his blog, "The Darth Side", Matthew Frederick Davis Hemming, embarks on every childhood dream in the search for Santa Claus.