RSS (Latest In Depth web feed) Analysis
Dissent over animal to human transplants
The Australian National Health and Medical Research Council should not have lifted the ban on animal to human transplants before consulting the public, says a former member of the Council.
Calls to debate 'fertility outsourcing'
In a world where rich countries look for cheap labour in poor ones, bioethicists, lawyers and women's health advocates are raising questions about the outsourcing of baby-making - especially to countries like India.
Dark questions remain over dark energy
The recent discovery of a new kind of type 1A supernovae has raised fresh questions about their use in identifying the mysterious force known as dark energy.
1 in 4 breast cancers 'not threatening'
Around one in four invasive breast cancers diagnosed in women aged 50 to 69 are not life threatening, a new Australian study has found.
New call for e-waste controls
The world needs global standards for the reuse and recycling of electronic goods to curb growing e-waste exports to developing countries, a recent meeting in the Netherlands heard.
Reflexology debate heats up
A debate over the merits of reflexology has been triggered by a new report on the effectiveness of the practice.
Experts debate swine flu mutation
The recent outbreak of swine flu at an Australian piggery has raised questions over whether this will cause the virus to mutate and become more deadly.
Illness prevention under the spotlight
A damning report on Australia's health system, which calls for greater attention to preventative health, has been welcomed by public health experts.
Scientists risk becoming 'PR hacks'
Calls for scientists to do a better job at framing research for public consumption threaten to turn scientists into "spin" merchants, says one expert.
Call for control of nano-silver use
The widespread use of antibacterial silver nanoparticles in consumer products should be kept in check, say experts. 
Looming El Nino sets up gloomy forecast
South-east Australians can expect little relief from below average rainfall with weather experts saying the chances of an El Nino weather pattern developing are twice as strong as normal.
No quick fix for River Murray acid problem
An emergency plan to prevent an acid sulphate soil disaster on Australia's River Murray is a sharp reminder tough action is needed to save the iconic system, say experts.
Sustainable farm research 'under threat'
Sustainable farming research in Australia is facing a lack of strategic leadership, say experts.
Science and unis are winners in the budget
Science, innovation and education have been given a historic boost by the Australian government, say commentators, who are surprised given the tough economic environment.
Hobbit feet reignite debate
The hobbit had much longer feet than modern humans, suggests a new paper, which has reignited debate on the origins of the tiny creature.
