Science Spin November 2007

In this issue, we report on how the Red Squirrel is coming under pressure from the Grey Squirrel (introduced in 1911); how a community of huge Fin Whales has appeared somewhat mysteriously in Irish offshore waters; on the disturbing trend of falling biodiversity among plant and animal species in the Irish countryside; on how long-distance space travel can lead to dangerous psychological pressures building up among astronauts; how the worrying melting of Arctic ice could make life easier for shipping, if not ultimately for the rest of us; how there is more to evolution than simply the notion of 'survival of the fittest'; as well as an award-winning essay from a school student describing why music is an important element in our lives.

Features in this issue

• Irish countryside species in decline [Biodiversity ]