The Royal Society of New South Wales Bulletin and Proceedings 329 ABN 76 470 896 415 ISSN 1039-1843 September 2009

Future Events 2009 Lecture 7 October 2009, Darlington Centre at 7pm Lectures in Sydney are held in Lecture The SKAMP Project - a telescope reborn to look Room 1, Darlington Centre, University back in time of Sydney at 7 pm on the first Prof Anne Green, Head of School of Physics, University of Sydney Wednesday of the month with drinks available from 6 pm. or more than 40 years the University of Sydney has operated the Molonglo Wednesday 7 October 2009 7pm FObservatory. Recently, the Molonglo Observatory Synthesis Telescope completed The SKAMP Project - a a detailed imaging survey of the southern sky at a frequency of 843 MHz. What next? We are undertaking a complete renewal of the signal pathway as part of Australia’s telescope reborn to look contribution to the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project, a powerful new radio back in time telescope. Our project is the SKA Molonglo Prototype (SKAMP), which will be a new Prof Anne Green low frequency spectrometer with wide-field imaging and polarisation capability. This Head of School of Physics talk will describe the project and how it builds on the previous telescope and its University of Sydney scientific achievements. Two of the key science goals to be undertaken initially will be a survey of red-shifted neutral hydrogen gas and a study of the transient radio sky. Friday 30 October 2009 5.30pm With the subsequent polarisation capability, we will map the magnetic field structure Clarke Memorial Lecture of our Galaxy and explore cosmic magnetism. Climate Change through the rofessor Anne Green is a radio astronomer lens of the geological record: Pwhose main research focus is the study of the the example of sea level structure and ecology of our Milky Way Galaxy with particular interest in supernova remnants, Professor Kurt Lambeck, the relics of exploded stars. She was Director of President, the Molonglo Observatory for ten years and is Australian Academy of Science now Head of the School of Physics and Director Venue: Eastern Avenue Lecture Theatre of the Science Foundation for Physics within the University of Sydney University of Sydney, the first woman to hold these posiitons. Professor Green is a graduate of both Melbourne and Sydney Universities and Wednesday 4 November 2009 7pm was the first female PhD graduate in the School Hominid Biogeography in of Physics at the University of Sydney. She held South East Asia; the real an Alexander von Humboldt Postdoctoral significance of Hobbits Research Fellowship at the Max-Planck-Institut Mike Morwood, Professor of für Radioastronomie in Bonn, Germany, before continued on page 3 Archaeology, University of Friday 30 October 2009 5.30pm Wollongong CLARKE MEMORIAL LECTURE Southern Highlands Branch Climate Change through the Meetings are held on the third Thursday lens of the geological record: of each month in the Drama Theatre at the example of sea level Frensham School, Mittagong (enter off Professor Kurt Lambeck, President, Waverley Parade), at 6.30pm. Australian Academy of Science next talk Venue: Eastern Avenue Lecture Theatre Thursday 15 October, at 6.30pm University of Sydney The Sun Goes on Strike! Dr Ken McCracken Patrons of The Royal Society of NSW Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce AC Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia Bulletin Editor, Bruce Welch Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO Governor of NSW

RSNSW Bulletin and Proceedings 329 1 Weird Animal Genomes and Professor Jenny Graves, Head, Comparative Genomics Research Group, Australian National University Director, ARC Centre of Excellence for Kangaroo Genomics, Professorial Fellow, Department of Zoology, Lecture delivered for the Society’s 1174th Ordinary General Meeting held on 2 September 2009

rofessor Jenny Graves explained to a serve as a back up. However, males have one multipart X chromosome, and Plarge and very interested audience only one copy of this chromosome which similarly there is effectively one multipart at the September OGM that the sex is so important for brain function and Y chromosome.) chromosome systems of vertebrates reproduction. This absence of a back up range from the weird, to the almost copy explains why men have a much higher Some years ago Jenny and her co- unbelievable. And their evolutionary rate of mental retardation and reproduction workers mapped the kangaroo’s genome history is even stranger. Who would problems compared to women. (last common ancestor to humans have guessed that the platypus has 144 million years ago). They have now Professor Graves and others have TEN sex chromosomes? Or that in some shown that the marsupial XY is made spent a great deal of effort in trying to rodents the Y chromosome has vanished up from bits and pieces from five of unravel the evolutionary history of sex completely, and it may be only a matter the monotreme’s 10 sex chromosomes. chromosomes. For many reptiles sex is of time before this happens in humans? The kangaroo Y chromosome also has determined solely by temperature. The a SRY gene, new in the evolutionary key gene is DRT1 on their chromosome record. And as for the bird’s DRT1 gene? 5. Birds have a ZW sex chromosome That is relocated to chromosome 1 system with ZZ male and ZW female. where it now has nothing to do with Bird’s key sex-determining gene is sex-determination (it is also on the also DRT1 on their Z chromosome, homologous human chromosome 9). which is very closely related to reptile’s The human X chromosome is basically chromosome 5. Birds and reptiles are the kangaroo’s X-chromosome plus a separated by 310 million years from large chunk of the bird’s chromosome humans. How did their sex systems 1 (plus various brain genes from all over evolve into our XY system? the place). And our Y chromosome is a RSNSW President, John Hardie, presents the The key turns out to be the genome shrivelled up degenerate remnant of speaker medal to Professor Jenny Graves of the platypus, which was recently the X chromosome. Which, if present decoded by Jenny and her co-workers. trends hold good, may disappear in a Humans, like most placental mammals, The platypus (separated by only 166 few million years. have a simple XY sex chromosome million years from humans) has 10 sex system: XX is female and XY is male. The Ain’t sex chromosomes weird? chromosomes, 5 X and 5 Y. These are default status of the foetus is female im Franklin, largely made up from bits and pieces of which can be changed to male by the ZW chromosome. (Note that platypi JCouncillor, Activities Coordinator hormones controlled by Y chromosome. have only two , not 10: all the X The key sex-determination gene is Prof Graves’ slides (25 MB PDF) can be found at chromosomes group together during SRY, co-discovered by one of Jenny’s http://nsw.royalsoc.org.au/talks_2009/2009.09_ reproduction, so that there is effectively Graves_Talk.pdf students. More images - page 5 Over evolutionary time there has been considerable rearrangement of the genes between chromosomes. The human X chromosome now has 1340 genes with a considerable excess of genes for brains and reproduction over what would be expected by chance. The Y chromosome, which started out as a copy of the X chromosome, has shrunk to the point where it now only has 45 functioning genes, mostly testes specific. The rest of this diminutive chromosome is junk. The Y chromosome shrinks and accumulates junk over time because there is frequent mutation, deletion and insertion, but inefficient selection and lots of drift because of the absence of recombination. Females have two X chromosomes. So if one is defective, the other can usually Latest draft of the human X and Y chromosomes – viva la difference!

2 RSNSW Bulletin and Proceedings 329 From the President continued from page 1 ince meeting with the Sydney Prof Anne Green SHarbour Foreshore Authority about Science House in July, I have retiring from academia to travel Europe, met with the Director of the Sydney live in Belgium and Switzerland and have Region of the NSW Schools portfolio, two children. After a return to Sydney and Dr Phil Lambert, to pursue a stronger fifteen years away from astronomy, she educational agenda for the building. resumed her research career. She is now Dr Lambert sees a great deal of merit in leader of the SKA Molonglo Prototype the project and has offered to help us (SKAMP) project, which is prototyping with the venture. technology and undertaking science projects as a forerunner to an amazing It was a pleasure to travel to Mittagong new telescope for the future called the on 5 September to be part of the Square Kilometre Array. Professor Green wonderful ‘Harmonious Revolutions’ I will be representing the Society at a is also the Chair of the International presentation given by Andrew State Dinner being held in Adelaide Astronomical Union Working Group Byrne and his consort of musicians in early October to mark the opening whose goal is to improve the status of to accompany the wonderful of the new Science Exchange in women in astronomy. astronomical photographs by David Adelaide. This will be a vital cog in the Malin. The Southern Highlands science communication community. New Members Branch was fortunate in being able It will also house the Royal Institution to attract Professor Brian Schmidt wo new members were announced of Australia, which, as you know, has from Mt Stromlo Observatory, this Tat the August meeting of the Society: already involved the Society in several year’s Pollock Memorial Lecturer, to of its activities. We hope to build up an introduce proceedings by giving a Michael Archer - Full Member ongoing relationship with the Adelaide broad astronomical overview in this the Peter Ralph - Full Member Science Exchange in all its aspects. International Year of Astronomy. ohn Hardie Over the past few weeks I have been We welcome them into the Society. negotiating with Sydney University J about a change in venue for our The Society’s website now has pdf copies of some speakers’ slides. See the links accommodation at the university. They at the end of the speakers’ abstracts or on the website at http://nsw.royalsoc. have informed us that the terrace house org.au/talks_2009/index_2009.html we currently occupy will be better used as student accommodation, and I couldn’t agree more. This potential crisis has turned into an opportunity in that it might enable us to occupy more appropriate and modern space within the university. It has also provided us with the possibility of providing a suitable home for our collection housed at Prestons at the moment. We are in the process of finalising negotiations so I should be able to provide more information for our next Bulletin. We will provide you with details of any relocation of the Society’s office as far in advance of the event as possible. I was delighted to be able to represent the Society at a reception at Admiralty House on 26 August for NSW organisations of which the Governor- General is patron. I was able to speak Society’s office hours extended briefly to Her Excellency and wish The Society’s office in Darlington Rd, Darlington is now open on Mondays from 3.00 her well for the future. It provided an – 6.00 pm, Tuesdays from 11.00 am – 6.00 pm, Wednesdays from 10.00 am – 6.00 pm, opportunity for the Society to become Thursdays from 9.00 am – 6.00 pm, and Fridays from 10.00 am – 6.00 pm. We welcome more widely known among the other members to visit the office during these hours. However, it is advisable to telephone not-for-profit and non-government in advance to make a time just to be certain. Telephone and email messages are organisations represented at the attended to regularly. function.

RSNSW Bulletin and Proceedings 329 3 Southern Highlands Branch NOTICES Report of August Meeting would have included, among others, Australian Institute of Physics Re-Trying Galileo: Philosophy, Science erroneous beliefs, scandalous beliefs, NSW Branch temerarious beliefs, dangerous beliefs, & Religion by Dr Peter Slezak, School necromancy, evil spells, witchcraft and 8th General Meeting 2009 of History and Philosophy of Science, black magic. Tuesday 27 October 2009 at 6:30pm University of New South Wales Space Science in Australia: The next 10 Peter Slezak quoted the views of Stillman years On 25 August 1609, Galileo demonstrated Drake, “…I think that if Galileo’s case Professor Iver Cairns University of his first telescope to Venetian lawmakers. symbolizes anything, it symbolizes the Sydney Almost 400 years later to the day, Galileo inherent conflict between authority and Location of talks: Slade Lecture Theatre, was again the centre of attention when freedom rather than any ineradicable School of Physics, University of Sydney. Dr Peter Slezak addressed an audience hostility of religion towards science. It Refreshments are available from of 64 at the August meeting of the was an accident of Galileo’s time that 6:00pm. Entrance to all events is free. Southern Highlands Branch in his lecture authority happened to be vested in entitled Re-Trying Galileo. a particular religious institution and Dinner to follow at Buon Gusto that his field of independent thought Galileo was an Italian physicist, Restaurant, Abercrombie St. happened to be the creation of modern Please contact Dr Fred Osman on 0418 mathematician, astronomer and science.” philosopher, whose achievements 444 477 to book. were legendary. He has been called the At the conclusion of this well attended “father of modern physics”, the “father of lecture, many philosophical questions modern observational astronomy” and were asked by the audience. The vote of the “father of science”. Stephen Hawking thanks was given by Anne Wood. Australian Nuclear Association says of him, “Galileo, perhaps more than nne Wood ANA 2009 Conference any other single person, was responsible A Theme: Nuclear Science and Technology for the birth of modern science.” for Australia and the World Controversy dogged Galileo when 08.30-18.00 Friday 2 October 2009 at he championed Copernicanism at a Sydney Mechanics School of Arts, 280 time when numerous philosophers  Pitt Street Sydney, NSW and astronomers held firmly to the  The keynote speaker will be Dr Ziggy geocentric view. When Galileo began  supporting heliocentrism openly, To continue to celebrate the International Switkowski. Year of Astronomy, and following Dr the opposition to his views became  For information on the program Peter Slezaks lecture on Galileo, the extremely bitter. Eventually in 1633,  and a registration form go to www. Southern Highlands Branch offered just he was tried by the Inquisition, found  nuclearaustralia.org.au/ “vehemently suspect of heresy”, forced two weeks later the musical multi-media event Harmonious Revolutions: Galileo to recant, and then spent the rest of his  Registered delegates are invited to tour & The Music of the Spheres at Clubbe the OPAL reactor, the Neutron Guide Hall life under house arrest.  Hall, Frensham on 5 September 2009. and the ANTARES accelerator at ANSTO Peter Slezak discussed at length the  from 2:00 to 4:30pm on Thursday, 1 The performance was introduced by nature of heresy as defined in Galileo’s  October, before the conference. Please time, and then placed the Inquisition’s Professor Brian Schmidt, astronomer at  contact Dr Peter Airey at pairey@ finding of “vehemently suspect of heresy” the Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics at A.N.U. What followed optusnet.com.au or tel:0404 257 515 for in context. Heresy was seen at that time  further details.. as the worst crime conceivable, a crime was an extraordinary blending of astro-  photography by Professor David Marlin,  against God which signified the death   live Italian baroque music, and narrated  of the soul. The heretic was viewed as  Socratic dialogues. Soprano Anna Fraser  having committed spiritual suicide. It   followed that should such a heretic was captivating. So too was Consort induce others to embrace his opinions, Astraea with its beautiful and haunting RACI News music played on baroque violins and then he would also become guilty of eekly E-News violas. Andrew Byrne’s performance on spiritual homicide. ( i n c l u d i n g the lute was unforgettable. W Being found guilty of “vehemently forthcoming events) suspect of heresy” was not the worst As the audience chatted over a glass of of The Royal Australian Chemical finding the Inquisition could have made. wine at interval, it was clear that they Institute Inc. NSW Branch are obtainable More serious still would have been the were delighted with this multi-media on their web site at http://www.chem. finding of “formal heresy”. Galileo was production, which so skillfully integrated unsw.edu.au/raci/News.html charged with “suspected heresy” of which science and the arts. there were three categories: Strong, nne Wood Vehement and Slight. Lesser charges A

4 RSNSW Bulletin and Proceedings 329 Weird Animal Genomes and Sex Selected slides from Professor Graves’ lecture (see page 2)

Evolution of vertebrate sex determination Vertebrate sex chromosomes TSD Birds Platypus Kangaroo Human reptile Reptiles and birds Monotremes Marsupials Placentals XYXYXYXYXY X Y X Y X Y X Y X Y TSD,XY,ZW XY XY 5 ZW 1 9 XY ZW DMRT1 DMRT1 DMRT1 DMRT1 DMRT1

1 1 18 Amphibians 5 SRY 148 15 ZW 166 Fish ZW Mammals 4 4 X Y 6 X Y SRY SOX3 SOX3 SRY 310 SOX3 SOX3 SOX3 ZW Amniotes

410 Tetrapods 450

Warren et al et al 2008

• smallish (2.6 Gb) • 52 (weird) chromosomes • milk genes The New York Times, December 2004 • egg yolk genes

Other birds? Emu ratite bird, ~80MY Z W

Famous scientists explain Famousexamples scientists of apparently explain dumb examplesdesign in natureof apparently dumb design in nature Sex chromosomes ZZ / ZW Paint emu chromosomes with chicken Z • chicken Z= emu Z • emu Z= emu W

Visit the web site www. science.org.au/unintelligentdesign especially http://www.science.org.au/unintelligentdesign/designs/ cells/platypus-graves.htm

RSNSW Bulletin and Proceedings 329 5 One Hundred Years Ago . . . Dear Members, rudder. ... Then Brennan span [sic] his Given the recent problems that General tops on horizontal axes on a mono-rail Motors is facing in the United States car, and found that it would not capsize: I thought I would provide you with and now I want you to see that there something to do with motor cars. is a great advantage in spinning the top on a car with one wheel only; and The One-Wheeled Car that by so doing, any country [that is] By Lawrence Hargrave not precipitous can be negotiated by a Read before the Royal Society of N. S. motor car so fitted, the car being always Wales, September 4, 1907 on an even keel. It is the special privilege of members On the English principal that if it is of this Society to have a journal as a possible to make one part have two or sort of bank in which they can safely more functions, it is good mechanics deposit ideas of a more or less bizarre to combine the top and motor. You are nature, which when first presented therefore, referred to Plate V., Vol. XXIII., appear ridiculous, but when printed 1889, Plate III., Vol XXIV., 1890, and figures and circulated have a way of being first 3, 4 pages 62, 63 Vol. XXXII., 1898 of our looked into and examined critically Society’s Journal for samples of motors by the most remote people, and their in which the cylinders revolve on merits recognised and acted on. Then, it fixed crank shafts instead of using the may be after many years, the invention, ordinary method of fixing the cylinders or an application of well known laws, and rotating the crank shaft. There are is brought to its place of origin as a many ways of arranging radial cylinders valuable foreign production. This being and vertical shafts, but in all of them the the unalterable way in which humanity cylinders act as a powerful gyroscope is built, must be accepted without at right angles to the shafts, and the little push is required, leaving a large demur. The particular idea that is here pistons and rods gyro on the crank pins. balance to speed up the gyro and carry described is a method of simplifying The two-stroke oil motor is particularly a large weight. If the car is on a steep land locomotion by making one suitable for a gyro-engine, the speed and stony hillside, plenty of push is wheel suffice where two or more have of rotation removing several air cooling wanted, and some of the live load must previously been used. and lubricating difficulties. walk to leave enough gyro to sleep the After many millions of boys had spun The power may be taken from the gyro- remainder. and whipped tops, it was discovered engine to the tired wheel either by the From: Journal and Proceedings of the that when the top is spun in fixed friction pulley and disc, or by the worm Royal Society of N. S. Wales. Vol. XLI 1907. bearings in a surrounding cage, the top gear as in the models. ... pp. 88-94 and cage will remain in any position, [Hargrave then proceeds, over the next apparently defying gravity. This is the PS. This particular volume in my personal two pages, to describe in great detail gyroscope, and after thousands of collection has the following text written the mechanical construction of this men had spun gyroscopes, one man on the front inside page: contraption. He concludes with the substituted a torpedo for the cage and Professor T.W.E. David following paragraph.] rd span [sic] the top with its axis coinciding Received June 23 08 with that of the torpedo; thus, as in the The division of the power is a matter of Dr Michael Lake Howell torpedo, combining motor and interest. If the car is on a perfect track, September 2009

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The Bulletin and Proceedings is issued monthly by the Royal Society of New South Wales Office address: 121 Darlington Road, UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY, NSW 2006, AUSTRALIA Postal address: Building H47, UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY, NSW 2006, AUSTRALIA Phone: 61 2 9036 5282 • Fax: 61 2 9036 5309 Liz de Rome, Office Manager • Sonia Chan, Administrative Assistant Email: [email protected] • Web page: http://nsw.royalsoc.org.au

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