September 2008

Velocity this quarter tackles a variety of subjects. From an article about how rare earths can be a boon to the Australian economy and to why orchids can send some insect's crazy with desire, there's always something new to learn in Velocity. But it doesn't stop there! Also learn more about the why boys seem to be better map readers than girls, new brain disease interventions, and the process behind making robots good soccer players. It doesn't get much better than this, so be sure to forward Velocity on to a friend!     Glorious mud... a gold mine     Sexually deceived by orchids? Well I never!     Robots rule!     Electrifying mind matter brings new hope     It's still a man's world - in map reading     OPAL reactor back-in-business

Glorious mud... a gold mine Many don't know that for a new i-phone or state of the art flat screen to work, earth's atomic elements are needed. Resembling a lot of old mud to some, to those in the know, these chemical elements are gold dust. Now, thanks to a lot of chemistry and engineering, Australia is forging ahead in becoming a key player in this new industry. Sexually deceived by orchids? Well I never! Man has admired the beauty and scent of the orchid for centuries but many are unaware that they possess other charms and can be sexually deceptive, particularly to insects. New research shows that one Australian wasp is particularly susceptible to the wiles of the orchid. Robots rule! Humans have long dreamed of a mechanical counterpart doing those jobs we don't want to do - washing up, making the bed and doing ones home work - but the reality may not be long away. Researchers now have two legged robots winning soccer tournaments and the programming technology being used has amazing potential for the robotic future.

Electrifying mind matter brings new hope The mysteries of the human mind have long baffled scientists especially when disease steps in and sends the brains signalling into disarray. Now, exciting new research is showing promise for those who suffer daily symptoms like trembling, mood swings and other neurological dysfunction, and want to regain control. It's still a man's world – in map reading For years finding out which sex is better at what task has been debated and many arguments over the dinner table have ensued. But when it comes to the subject of map reading, unfortunately the girls will have to put up with a back seat. It's now official: boys are better map readers than girls. OPAL reactor back-in-business Australia's new research reactor OPAL is back on-line after nearly a year of being shut down due to early teething problems caused by a fuel design fault. Now that the fault is fixed, OPAL is getting about its science business as more neutron beam instruments come on-line.

© Copyright 2008 - Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) | Privacy policy | Unsubscribe | Subscribe | Enquiries |