Listen Now - 20112008 | Download Audio - 20112008
He was trained as both a doctor and an anthropologist, yet he made his name as a writer. Michael Crichton's death was overshadowed by the US presidential election. In this program we hear from the man himself on why scientists should not feel neglected or abused. They were not the villains of his novel Jurassic Park but, indeed, the heroes. Why the confusion? Read Transcript
Listen Now - 13112008 | Download Audio - 13112008
This is not a question on the lips of many Australians as we contemplate energy crises and upheavals on the land. Yet Sprigg was a pioneer who established so many aspects of Australian natural history. He helped discover the Ediacaran fossils in South Australia, showing that a different kind of life prevailed before the forms we recognise today. He was also an explorer who helped establish our oil industry. Paul Willis talks to Kristin Weidenbach, one of Sprigg's relatives, about his legacy. Read Transcript
Listen Now - 06112008 | Download Audio - 06112008
Our first NSW Scientist of the Year is Professor Martin Green, formerly of Queensland, now at the University of NSW. He has held the world record for the performance of photovoltaic cells for some years. Now his lead has been substantially increased. But why has this brilliant research often struggled for support? And what is the potential of the solar alternative to replace oil? Read Transcript
Listen Now - 30102008 | Download Audio - 30102008
Dr Laura Grant is a beguiling presence on British television. She both looks like a film star and knows her physical sciences -- hence the Nigella Lawson line that accompanied her write-up in The Sunday Times of London. Read Transcript
Thursday 7.35pm
Presented by
Robyn Williams
Thursday 27 November 2008
He became a junior professor at Harvard at a preposterously early age - and then said, thanks, and came back to Sydney. Is this rational behaviour? Bryan Gaensler assures us it is, because he has tremendous fun tracking supernovae with his astronomical mates back in Australia, but still maintains useful contact with his old crowd back in Boston. The best of both worlds! And in the cosmic one: he's just revealed a celestial gem.
1.30am AEDT
Saturday Extra
with Geraldine Doogue
Analysis of the week's events, with a special focus on business and foreign affairs
