Receive regular updates highlighting the latest in science from COSMOS.
|
|
OpinionInnovation has climate change in handA hundred years brings significant technological progress. Trying to find a solution today to the predicted climate catastrophes of 2100 may be mere vanity. The missing ingredient in our meals: genesTo properly tackle malnutrition, we need to consider nutrigenomics — the process of how nutrients interact with genes to alter metabolism. Powering the futureCan an oil-rich Gulf nation come to the rescue of a world desperate to find low-carbon energy solutions to combat a rapidly warming planet? Looking for life as we know itSome scientists are convinced life is common in the universe, but intelligence rare. As for how long civilisations last - and stay detectable - few are willing to hazard a guess. Of mice and menImmunology needs a major overhaul to remain relevant. It's time for a study of the immune system on a grand scale, something akin to the Human Genome Project. No climate for gamesThe hacked emails affair is a pointless distraction: the science of global warming is unequivocal, and it's time for governments meeting in Copenhagen to focus on action if we are to save millions of lives. Why we should not return to the MoonNASA recently slammed a probe into the Moon and found 'abundant' water. But a return to the Moon is pointless both scientifically and technologically, says astronomer Alastair Gunn. Bushfires: Spot by satellite, warn by phoneCombining satellite data with mobile phones offers a cheap and effective tool for managing fires. Mass hysteriaFrom wild speculation in financial markets to believing that aliens are visiting us, humans are prone to all sorts of personal and mass delusions - and have been for centuries. Happy 40th birthday, Internet!In 1969 a UCLA team sent the first message over ARPANET, the computer network that later became known as the Internet. Since then it has fundamentally changed humanity. Oil or orangutans?Illegal logging and palm oil plantations are destroying the forests of Borneo and Sumatra. We all have a part to play in resolving this, says Louise Boronyak. Why high-speed trains are vital for AustraliaA zero-emissions, high-speed train network linking Australian cities, would be visionary, nation building and go a long way to stemming our greenhouse gas emissions. Bumper brainsScience can help us stretch the limits of the human mind: but should we embrace brain enhancement, despite the risks? Green genesIf we choose to steer clear of GM agriculture, we risk running out of space to feed the world, and destroying more and more arable land. Enough climate science, now for the politicsScience can prove global climate change is happening, but it won't tell us what to do about it, says professor of climate change, Mike Hulme. |
COSMOS newsletter!Receive regular updates highlighting the latest in science from COSMOS. Latest News |