Science Spin July 2009

Issue 35 - Digital Edition

Computers it seems have been around a lot longer than we thought. In this issue, Marie-Catherine Mousseau describes the mystery that surrounds the discovery of the world's oldest computer, which dates back to Ancient Greece. Landslides are the greatest natural hazard we face in Ireland, yet we know little about them. Seán Duke reports on new work by the GSI that aims to change all that. Elsewhere we challenge some dolphin myths; describe how 'bugs' can add value to our waste; and take a look at the new Natural History Museum - or 'Dead Zoo' - which has moved premises in Dublin.

Features in this issue

• Behold the world's first computer [ARCHAEOLOGY ]
• Landslides, Ireland's greatest natural hazard [GEOLOGY ]
• Dolphins, sorting facts from fiction [ZOOLOGY ]
• Bugs could stop plastic going to waste [ENVIRONMENT ]
• Visiting Ireland's wild past [NATURAL HISTORY ]