Science Spin July 2008

In this issue, Marie-Catherine Mousseau describes the history of gold mining in Ireland, and the prospects for gold mining here following the discovery of 'recoverable' gold in county Tyrone. Meanwhile, Lenny Antonelli reports on the national biodiversity programme, which aims to find many useful new compounds in the large Irish offshore area.. Elswhere, we report on efforts to control the pine weavil pest by harnessing its natural enemies, a project to place 2,000 letters from famous scientists on the web, and the progress made to date by INFOMAR, a massive marine survey project, run jointly by the GSI and the Marine Institute - the first systematic survey of Irish waters since the British Navy conducted 'lead line' surveys in the 19th century.

Features in this issue

• The colossal squid: An elusive, reclusive giant [Marine Biology ]
• Tyrone gold mine opens: Ireland's first in 2,000 years [Mining ]
• Pharmaceutical treasures to be sought in Irish waters [Marine Science ]
• In the age of industry, universities need protection [OPINION ]
• The letters of famous scientists [Science History ]
• Mapping Ireland's offshore [Marine Mapping ]
• Pools of creation [Earth Science ]