RSS (Latest In Depth web feed) Analysis
Biofuels attacked as food prices soar
Until only months ago biofuels were hailed as a silver bullet in the fight against global warming. But now they are accused of snatching food out of the mouths of the poor.
Global farming report 'underplays' tech role
Australian authorities say they have not signed off on a new global vision for agriculture because it focuses too much on economics and not enough on biotechnology.
Laser ban an 'overreaction'
Australian scientists have attacked the federal government ban on importing high-powered laser pointers as using a "sledgehammer to crack a nut".
Cute animals 'skewing' extinction debate
Global extinctions are rarer than commonly believed and the extinction debate is too narrowly focused on pin-up images of charismatic birds and mammals, an Australian zoologist says.
Nanotech in food poses 'unknown risks'
The food industry's increasing use of nanotechnology in ingredients, additives and packaging has prompted two new reports calling for better consumer protection.
'Laws needed' to protect scientific debate
Australian researchers are calling for laws to protect scientists' freedom to participate in public debate as well as encouragement and rewards from their institutions to do so.
US says satellite's fuel tank likely hit
The Pentagon says it is confident that a missile has destroyed the toxic fuel tank of a defunct US spy satellite.
Do animals think like autistic savants?
Animals can think like autistic savants, which might explain some of their more puzzling behaviour, a US researcher says.
Solar plant a 'small but important step'
The announcement this week of plans for Australia's largest solar power plant of its kind is a small but significant step, say commentators.
Aussie bees cleared of US colony collapse?
Claims that Australia exported a virus that may have caused US bee colonies to collapse have been questioned with the release of new scientific findings.
Urea 'climate solution' may backfire
Plans by an Australian company to sink hundreds of tonnes of urea into the ocean to combat climate change may backfire and exacerbate global warming, critics say.
Muslim leaders advise on faith in space
Oh, the worries of rookie astronauts. Will microgravity make me sick? Just how does that space potty really work? And, if you're an observant Muslim flying during the holy month of Ramadan, which of the 16 daily orbital dawns and dusks should be prayer time and how do you find Mecca in space, let alone kneel in its direction?
Pulp mill effluent may not flush away
Tasmanian ocean currents may not adequately disperse effluent from the newly approved Gunns pulp mill, suggests one expert.
Could Kyoto Protocol learn from Montreal?
Could the solution to global warming be as simple as a switch of cities?
NASA's reputation in the dock
The US space agency has done its best to distance itself from the drama unfolding in an Orlando courtroom that involves two former astronauts.