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   Opinion Two sides of the same coinFrom astrophysics to genetics, all published scientific research is subject to rigorous challenge by other scientists, scrutinised for errors and the evidence tested. So why are some disciplines treated differently, asks Matthew Bailes.  Why the Australian Synchrotron mattersFunding for the operation of the Australian Synchrotron is in crisis. Should you care? And what is it anyway?  Shock-jock tactics for climate debateAustralia has become a social experiment within which the climate change 'debate' has turned into a fact-free brawl, with Murdoch-owned newspapers at the centre, argues Stephan Lewandowsky.  Culling won't save the devilAustralia's iconic Tasmanian devil has been brought to the brink of extinction by highly contageous facial tumours. But selectively culling infected devils is not the answer, says Nicholas Beeton.  Breaking light speedA physicist at the front line takes us through the fall-out when an international team of physicists announced certain particles had broken light speed.  Rise of the scientist citizenWhat a scientist knows to be true should inform their personal opinions and values - and actions, argues Michael Brooks.  A cautious approach to nanotechnologyIt may hold an abundance of promise, but developing countries forging ahead with nanotechnology need regulation and research into local risk patterns.  Warning: contains nanotechRecent calls to place warning labels on nano sunscreens are ill advised, says Paul Wright, especially in a country with such a high incidence of skin cancer.  Do no harmNeuroscience research should be used to treat people with addiction, not as a way of controlling deviant social behaviour, argues neurobiologist Adrian Carter.  Diluted logicHomeopathy is a pseudoscience of the highest order and, just like astrology or clairvoyance, should not be funded by Australian taxpayers, argues Rachael Dunlop.  Oceans: the real final frontierTapping into our ocean wealth could not only change the face of food production for growing populations - it could also open up a new world of discovery.  Rethinking the human impact of climate changeThe humanitarian impacts of climate change will be massive and require ambitious plans, says Pablo Suarez.  The scientific methodScience is about discovering the strange and unexpected, so are scientists who try to predict the outcomes of their research missing the point?  Getting seriousGovernments have tried to deal with climate change and failed. The world has tried diplomacy, but this too has been found wanting. So why not try science?  Seismologists don’t play GodCharging scientists over failing to alert the public to an impeding earthquake sets a dangerous precedent, argues Heather Catchpole. 
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