Science Spin May 2007

In this issue, John Moore writes that the discovery of new planets brings us closer to finding that we humans might not be the only inhabitants of the Universe. Clodagh O'Brien describes a parasite that causes pregnant women to have a higher propensity to have sons. Elsewhere, we report on the attempts to catalogue important shipwrecks in Irish offshore waters, and the discovery of a number of previously unknown wreck sites. Meanwhile, Marie-Catherine Mousseau reports on the future for wireless technology, and Enda Gallagher writes about a number of pioneering surveyors who mapped Ireland's rocks. We also have some stunning underwater photographs by John Collins, and the work of an award winning Northern Ireland bird photographer.

Features in this issue

• Earth-like planets increase chances of ET life [Astronomy ]
• Ireland's geological pioneers [Geology ]
• Parasite causes women to have more sons [Medicine ]
• Lab life under the microscope [Bio-engineering ]
• Mapping shipwrecks in Irish waters [Marine geology ]
• Sustaining Ireland's high-wire act [Science Education ]