Australasian Science - May 2016

(Nancy Kaufman) #1
MAY 2016|| 3

CONTENTS

118


24


27


31


FEATURES


14 A Diet that Calms the Schizophrenic Mind
The ketogenic diet favoured by bodybuilders also normalises
schizophrenia­like behaviours.


18 How Reliable Is an Eyewitness?
Eyewitness identification of criminals is notoriously unreliable, but a
new study based on police records has identified factors that can
determine which witnesses are accurate and which are guessing.


21 The Stomach as a Target for Obesity
Obesity permanently changes the way our body processes
gastrointestinal signals about satiety. While appetite suppressants
have had limited success, the identification of an appetite­regulating
nerve channel offers a new approach to keeping weight off.


24 A Gene for Speed
A gene that may have enabled ancient humans to spread to colder
climates may also be the difference between power athletes and the
rest of us, and play a role in muscle diseases.


27 About Schmidt
Nobel Prize winner Brian Schmidt discusses global warming, exploding
stars, politics and Star Warswith JAY FURBY.


31 Why Are Bigger Offspring Better?
Bigger offspring have greater energy needs, so why do they survive
and reproduce more successfully than their smaller siblings?


34 Generation Multi
As technology continues to become more richly embedded in our daily
lives, so too comes the increased demand and temptation to
multitask. But can we improve our ability to do two things at once?


36 Plant Viruses Threaten Crops as Climate Warms
Climate change will exacerbate the spread of a virus that reduces the
yield of infected wheat by 70%.


conSCIENCE


38 Mega­Banks Unleash an Infrastructure Tsunami
The rise of investment bank lending for infrastructure projects in
developing countries is driving a “feeding frenzy” of developments
with lower environmental controls.


39 Stem Cell Industry Must Tread a Fine Line
The emerging stem cell industry needs to be able to fast­track
therapies into clinical trials without clearing the way for clinics to offer
unproven therapies to vulnerable patients.

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