Science Spin March 2007

In the future will we live in some strange computer determined reality, or will computers be built into our own reality? It's a profound question and Marie-Catherine Mousseau provides some answers in a piece that investigates the lastest research into the use of tiny, intelligent devices. The vast majority of species that make up life on this planet are insects, but it is a world that remains largely unknown to the human eye. John Feehan describes his love of insects in general, and the 'Water Dragon' in particular. Elsewhere we cast our eyes towards the heavens, with Danielle Barron taking a look at recent works at Blackrock Castle, Cork city, where a robotic observatory and astronomy centre, operated by the CIT, has been built. In our regular Earth Science section, Seán Duke reports on the results of the first ever airborne geological surveys conducted in the Republic, and details some of the important potential applications of the new data sets. There is also a report from an Australian contributor and Science Spin reader, following on from a feature on music in issue 20, outlining the practical reasons why music has been so important to the Aboriginal people.

Features in this issue

• Computers and Humans: Whose reality will dominate? [Computer Science ]
• Results of first airborne geo survey released [Geology ]
• Insects deserve love too [Entomology ]
• Star gazing in Cork [Astronomy ]
• Using light diodes to detect poisons [Physics ]
• Botulism: Animal killer, bio-weapon & human cosmetic aid [Veterinary Science ]
• The importance of music to Aboriginal culture [Anthropology ]