381##2000

Moving service forMalcolm

NEARLY 1000 people in Canberra Prime Minister John Howard, sang a traditional Welsh melody, a and several hnndred at CSIRO sites Opposition Leader Kim Beazley, pianist gave us Grainger's Handel in the aronnd Australia celebrated the life Malcolm's younger brother Ian Siralld - one of Malcolm's favourites to which he had been known to dance - and of Dr Malcolm McIntosh, at a McIntosh, Allen Hawke, Defence Secretary and friend Bob Wylie, col­ finally, a lone piper, standing all the bal~ service held in the Great Hall, league and friend Darren Cundy and Jim cony above the hall, carried us to conclu­ Parliament HOllse. Peacock, CSIRO. sion upon the stmins of the McIntosh The ceremony on March 8 was direct­ Young Charles McIntosh made a Lament. telecast to Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, speech never to be forgotten by anyone It was an event undoubtedly unique in Hobart, Sydney and Brisbane. in the audience. CSIRO history. Dr Jim Peacock was Me. Amanda Hyatt's striking portrait of -WENDY PARSONS, CNA Speakers in praise of Malcolm were Malcolm was unveiled, a chapel choir • Legacy of adaptability - Page 2 Electrifying Australian car Australians trust By MEG~~I~ _ TIle surge-power unit or supercapaci­ A REVOLUTIONARY $30 million tors have not been used successfuUy in hybrid-electric car will be unveiled at electric vehicles before and were devel­ Parliament I-louse in Canberra on May oped by CSIRO to work with the battery us on biotech 31. pack and electric traction motor. 1t will show how vehicle fuel con­ The car can be charged overnight on AUSTRALIANS trust CSIRO the cent, would wear clothes made from sumption can be halved and pollution cut low-tariff electricity to reduce running most to provide truthful information genetically engineered fibre; lise by 90 per cent. costs even further. auout biotechnology, an independent genetically modified medicines, 64 per It is the second aXcessaustralia con­ Drive time: an artist has captured the Director of CSIRO's Australian survey has found. cent; or buy genetically modified cept car. innovative exterior o( the car. Automotive Technology Centre Mr The recent study found that 30 per fruits or vegetables if they tasted bet­ The first, a low-emission car, was 80 Australian component manufacturers. David Lamb said: "It's packed with cent of people would have the most ter, 51 per cent. unveiled to the world in 1998 at the The drive train incorporates features CSIRO technology and the best that confidence in CSIRO to tell them the And perceptions of a lacl~ of infor­ Detroit Exposition of the Society of such as a bank of five spedal leadMacid Australian industry can provide. truth about biotechnology. mation on gene technology ,vere "com­ Automotive Engineers. And it helped pounded by sensationalist media batteries, rather than one in a conven­ "Australia is one of only 10 countries The next most trusted groups were cov­ Australian component manufacturers scientists, 14 per cent, schools and uni­ erage", the report stated. tional car. in the world that can style, design, engiM achieve more than $730 million in new The CSIRO battery design contains versities, 11 pel' cent, and consumer The telephone and focus-gronp neer ancI rnanufnchlre almost evelY com­ export business. several innovations, is the subject of a organisations, 11 per cent. study, by Vano Hoare 'Wheeler, com­ ponent of the modem car." It toured the world for a year and was patent with the world's largest industrial In other results, about half of the 75 missioned by Biotechnology Australia, seen by more than a million people. battery manufacturer and includes a new The car will travel from Canberra to per cent of people aware of biotech­ surveyed almost 2,000 people through­ The new car uses hybrid-electric tech­ lead material that has been developed Fisita 2000, a major international auto­ nology expected it to provide benefits. out Australia. nology and has been put together with with Pasminco and that is now sold com~ motive-technology symposium in Seoul, Only 20 pCI' cent expected it to make It is available at www.iSl..gov.ull/ba innovative technology from more than merciatly. then to Japan, Chinn and Europe. things worse. The l11ajol"ity, 81 per -MEGAN BIRD Lucerne to mop up salinity "Life must be confusing fOf the citi­ zens ofMelbourne. Earlier this week the CSIRO released some figures on the EFFECTIVE pasture management may ers exploit lower-grade ore deposits, the river bottom. Phoslock absorbs and analysis of rainfall in the southern capi­ halt rising water tables and could pre­ extract metals more cheaply. clean up locks up large amounts of phosphorus. tal since 1910. The Herald-Sun and TIle vent dryland salinity, soil acidification waste streams and possibly improve If this and other trials are successful Age both ran the story but the fonner's ancI water logging. Solution to water hoggers mine safety. The volcanic systems to be they will provide managers of fresh­ headline read, 'Summer gets warmer. Plant Industry's Dr Mark Peoples says explored for these lifefonns are of the water bodies around Australia with a wetter' while the latter said, 'After a excess water costs Australia more than SMART meters that monitor thoughtless same type that fanned Australia's might­ new weapon against the toxic plague. teenagers taking extravagant showers is cenrury of rain on the rise, (he future is $600 million a year in lost agricultural iest ore bodies, like those at Broken Hill looking dry. It probably means production and is a serious problem a possible future water-use solution, and Mt Isa. Sydney water audit according to a CS1RO investigation. Melbourne's weather is nonnal - best to across agricultural land in Western SYDNEY'S water catchment is "moder­ carry a raincoat and a parasol.' Australia, NSW and Victoria. Off-peak water delivered to homes Gargle for health ately good", according to a recent audit. ~ Melba, The Australian, January CSIRO research has shown the vigor­ during the night and stored until it's time to use it is another option emerging from RINSING your mouth out could be the The research, conducted by CSIRO 13, page 9 ous deep roots of perennial pastures like devel~ the first national urban-water-use inves­ best way to gauge your chances of under the leadership of Dr John luceme are highly effective at removing oping hypertension. Williams, Deputy Chief, Land and "Why don't scientists get the same waler from deep in the soil and control­ tigation. Director of the Urban Water Program Me Andrew Speers said: "We A world-first diagnostic test uses Water, provides a snapshot of the cntch­ recognition as sportspersons? ... It's ling this problem. H now have evidence to suggest that by cheek cells to predict whether young ment environment, land-uses and the because scientists from the CSIRO con Dam pure water better managing water peaks and better aduJ ts and teenagers are at risk from the human activities that put pressure on dueting experiments proving genetic potentially fatal condition. water quality and catchment health. engineering can increase the yield of CSIRO is pioneering a new way to make matching pipe size to demand, the potential exists to save the nation tens of The CSIRO-developed test uses sorghum crops by 13.15 per cent can't polluted water safe, by storing it under­ 15,OOO~plus millions of dollars as we renew our $50 mouthwash to extract human cheek Test helps woolly exports draw crowds of at Bruce ground. epithelial cells that then have tbeir Stadium on a regular basis." Microbiologist Dr Simon Toze from billion urban water infrastructure." WOOLGROWERS will save money sodhlffi ion transport activity monitored. ~ Bruce Stuart, Letters to the Land and Water has shown that disease­ with a new test for pesticide residues that This activity is about half as likely in Editor, The Cnnberra Times, causing micro-organisms can be killed Bugs hold mining key will keep Australian wool at the fore­ adults with high blood pressure com­ December 16, page 10 by storing water in underground aqui­ EXTRAORDINARY lifefonns that can front of global markets. fiers for several months. survive at the temperature of boiling pared to those with normal blood pres­ CSIRO's Dr Ian Russell said: "The sure. new test will reduce residue testing costs "It must have been a slow news day Hnmlless microbes purify the water water and dine on a chemical soup con­ for The Age newspaper, which yester­ that has been polluted by sewage dis­ taining copper, gold and nickel will be to woolgrowers by at least two-rhirds." Fighting toxic algae The test has been developed by day ran a short piece Oll the bug, fOUf charges, leaky septic systems and sought out in active volcanic vents in the days after the embargo date. Could it be POISONOUS blue-greeu algae in CSIRO Textile and Fibre Technology to animals, the research indicates. depths of the Pacific Ocean. that the Millennium Bug was thus Perth's Canning River could be starved meet International Wool Textile These bugs reduced the polio virus to The pioneering search will be named because of its important role as by reducing one of its major food Organisation specifications. undetectable levels in less than 40 days mounted in April in the seabed of the an indicator of (he health of inland during laboratory studies. Manus Basin, north of Papua New sources, phosphorus. Australia exports most of its wool unprocessed, and this can be sold into freshwater bodies. a precious resource The geopurification technique is part Guinea, to help discover new processes In a world-fhst experiment scientists that must be protected for future gener­ sensitive environments subject to strin­ of a project to store water below ground. that will help Australia's .$37 billion will attempt to trap phosphorus in the ations? Or did the taxonomists merely gent environmental legislation. Underground dams would be cheaper, mining-export industry. water and river sediments by placing a have good PR in mind." • MEGAN BIRD and can be located closer to users and the The deepHsea bugs, known as thin layer of absorbent clay called - Melbn, on the CSIRO spin-doc­ environmental impact is far lower. extremophiles, will help Australian min- Phoslock, less than a millimetre deep, on KAREN ROBINSON, CNA tors, The Australian, January 6, page 9

"Richard Austin is determined to kill Malcolnl's the myth that science is boring." ~ Bundaberg News Mail, December 4, page 1, story about a local high­ school student travelling to the legacy of CSIRO-sponsored National Youth Science Forum in CanbCIT3 adaptability "The Federal Government must review its R&D policies and provide By Dr COLIN ADAM, greater opportunities for scientific dis~ coveries; not only within universities Acting Chief Executive but also throngh CSIRO and private STUDIES on organisations that have Head on: A recent visit to Sangiran unearthed the skull second from the Icrt, thought to be between 100,000 and 200,000 years old. enterprise.,. The s«ull on the far left is a cast of an ke-age Australian aboriginal slEngland in the 1920s. Professor Thorne have agreed to assem­ our staff, particularly our young scien­ Shaughnessy from Wildlife and Ecology on a motorbike with a plflstic shopping "The big difference was that, in this ble an expert Indonesian-Australian sci­ recently spent nearly a week on the tific leaders. In this way our collective bag swinging from the handlebars. A few case. the cranium was a genuine fossil. entific team to do this. south-west Victorian island marking input will serve to strengthen the organ­ seconds later, I'm staring into the face of from someone close to the borderline Mr Cribb said: "We hope this fortl1~ seal pups to calculate numbers as part of isation'5 ability to respond to the chang­ this incredibly old, incredibly ugly between erectus and sapiens. And fossils itous discovery, which hints at possible the Parks Victoria island-habitat rescue ing demands from a variety of sectors in skul]''' of that vintage are pretty rare." ancestral links between the two coun­ project. He said the only other compara­ the years ahead. We face both scientific Ofcourse, it was for sale. The region's To try to estttblish if there wns any tries. will come to have symbolic as well ble seal colony was Seal Rocks in and commercial challenges, and the villagers have a history of unearthing connection with Australian aborigines, as scientific significance and help to pro~ Western Port Bay where researchers had executive is welI~placed to continue fossils and selling them to colleclors, Mr Cribb called on the Australian mote understanding and cooperation." estimated 4,800 seal pups in the 1997-to with the journey Malcolm began. dating back to the 1920s' trade with National University's Professor Alan • JULIAN CRIBB, CNA -I998 summer.

381-2000 CoResearch------J Media releases add vital value, survey finds SCIENTISTS have reported that media lionnaires, 29 recorded making useful issued. The respondent who reported response was sustained for three weeks which enhanced the public profile of releases are a valuable tool that cnn help scientific contacts, Dnd 40 reported mak­ generating the most media coverage was and I'm still receiving a dribble of himself, his division and the organisa­ build awareness, new contacts and even ing new contacts with industry, govern­ Dr Kevin Hennessy of Atmospheric requests now four months later. tiOIl. And he experienced similar satura­ increase funding rather than a nuisance at ment and other key stakeholders. Two Research for his media release "Don't "It's not really a negative result but it tion coverage with another media the end of projects. respondents even reported a definite forget your umbrella", which reported on significantly reduced my research and release. Most scientists found releases helpful "yes" to help with funding, with a further Australia becoming wetter, with more management productivity for one Many of the comments made in the to their work, according to a recent sur­ 10 "highly likely". rainy days and more heavy rainfall. month." survey indicate that issuing a media vey of sources of media releases issued The email questionnaire was sent to He said the coverage he received was But it was worth it. Dr HeIUlessy made release at key points in a project is now last year by CSIRO National Awareness. the scientist listed as the contact on the almost too good. "I was prepared for two many new scientific, industry and media part of the whole project-planning Of the 128 respondents to 182 ques- media release two weeks after it was to three days of media demands, but the contacts. He had wide media coverage, process. - KAREN ROBINSON, CNA Ex-staffer on world power list

A FORMER CSIRO scientist has been chemistry and molecular biology at the rated more important than Viagra by Australian National University. Britain's Sunday Times newspaper. "It was the virus's ability to mutate Dr Peter Colman, along with the that enabled it to escape our immune sys­ AND's Dr Graerne Laver, was ranked tem. Development followed, but slowly, the 56th most powerful person in the and in August Relenza™, the drug made world. by Glaxo Wellcome, was licensed for He was rated ahead of the Pope, sale in America. ranked 81, and Posh Spice, at 91, who ''Relenza™ works by 'jamming' the just pipped Professor Stephen Hawking non-mutating part of the virus andpre~ in the Power List 1999. The pair came venting the bug from spreading to third in the list of Powerbrokers in healthy throat cells; scientists claim it Medicine. Viagra came in at number 20. can act as a preventative, ease conges­ Dr Colman and his colleagues at tion and reduce the duration of flu for CSIRO's then division of Biomolecular those already suffering from an average Engineering pioneered development of eight to six days. the drug Relenza™, The Sunday Times "Colman is now director of the reported: "There are few ovemight sci­ Biomolecular Research Institute in entific discoveries. Melbourne, joint winner of the Australia "The development of the drug to com­ Prize in 1996 for his efforts, and Laver, bat flu - which kills 4,000 people in 70, is still at the ANU." Britain every year - is a case in point. The most powerful people in the 500­ "In 1983 Colman, an Australian physi­ strong list were, respectively, Tony Blair, cist, was working for the Bill Gates, Alan Greenspan, Rupert Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Murdoch and Gordon Brown. Research Organisation on initial research - DOUG GALE and by Laver when he was professor of bio- WARRICK GLYNN, CHSN Leak in the non-drip hose story

LAST issue's story about a non-drip hose system invented in Australia, tested by CSIRO scientists and refined accordingly dtdn't mention the holes, a reader has advised CoResearch. Dr Jonathan Hodgkin from Molecular Science said: "It tickled me to read the story. We have been work· ing with a small manufacturer for years to help malre leakier hoses for garden irrigation." Multiwskilled: Bella Robinson stepped into a computer career. Photo:Andrew Campbell DSC Management also makes mouse mats, mats or horse floats and boats and scores of other niche prod­ Grounds to drink more coffee From ballet shoes to computing career ucts from combinations of waste plas­ Fll...TERED coffee can remove up to 90 lot of the heavy metals," Dr McLaughlin A QUEENSLAND dancer traded in her my mum said: 'There are lots of jobs in tic and recycJed paper or crumbed per cent of heavy metals from tap water, said. ballet shoes for a computing career a computers' . rubber. The leaky hose, made from polyeth­ according to an international team ofsci­ The researchers found filtered coffee decade "go. "I did some computing subjects at uni ylene and rubber crumb from tyres, is entists from the universities of Delaware removed between 78 and 90 per cent of Ms Bella Robinson was recently and liked them so followed them through purposely not very compatible so it and Santiago, and CSIRO Land and copper and lend from the water using and, four years later, found a job at rewarded in her career choice when she ends up fuJI of holes. Water. three commercial coffee brands. and a colleague beat the world's best to CSIRO." And the Ian Wark Laboratories CSIRO's Dr Mike McLaughlin won­ Positively charged heavy-metal ions develop a viewer for high~quality graph­ Bella, from Mathematical and Social Club, at Clayton, is benefiting dered how Chileans drank tap water after bind strongly to uncharged or negatively ics on the Internet. Infonnation Sciences in Canberra, is from IO\VMcost samples. hearing a Chilean scientist talk about charged coffee grounds. It was likely the Bena, 29, graduated from the working on the scalable vector graphics The enterprising manufacturer's heavy-metal contamination ofSantiago's process also removed other heavy metals Australian Ballet School 10 years ago. "I (SVG) viewer. SVG is an alternative to ideas for products from his recycled WaleI' supply. such as mercury, cadmium and zinc, couldn't get n job," she said. OIF. JPEG and other Intemet-graphics' material are a drop in the ocean, "If, as I thought, they drank a lot of although this has not been tested. Dr "When I couldn't get work as a dancer formats. - MEGAN BIRD Jonathan tells us. - MEGAN BIRD coffee, chances were it would absorb a McLaughlia said. - MEGAN BIRD 381-2000 CSIRO around the nation Indigenous science network CSIRO is helping to set up an indige­ participants and finalists who are work­ The charity is also beginning a work­ nous science organisation, ing for CSIRO or other science organi­ for-lhe-dole scheme to get unemployed The Centre for Appropriate sations. We are also keen to hear from people to help in the sorting and rebuild­ Technology is facilitating the establish­ past Double Helix Club members to see ing stages. IT manager Gen)' Mutsaerts ment of the Australian Indigenous ifthese associations encouraged them in said: "The charity was overjoyed to get Science, Engineering and Architecture their science career choices." our first balch of 48 computers. Network. If you know anyone in these Dr Fiona Soloman, from Minerals, categories please contact Lynn Pulford Livestock review said: "It's all about providing appropri­ on (02) 6276 6643 or at CSIRO is reviewing the use of its infra­ ate technology. education-programs@helix.csiro.au structure for its livestock research, with "I suppose the best way to do that is particular emphasis on the role of by the people who grew up in those Entomology farewells CSIRO Animal Production. communities rather than have tech­ ONE of Entomology's longest-serving More than 70 submissions have been nology imposed by Westem scientific employees retired late last year. received and facilities have been values. Ms Hilda Abbey joined Ihe division in inspected at sites ranging from Prospect Membership is open to indigenous 1951 to work in the insecticidal group to Perth. Victorian and ACT locations people studying or working in these and rapidly gained a reputation for her will be visited in March. fields. It provides a network, encourage­ conscientiousness, The goal is to optimise CSIRO's abil­ n1ent and will develop employer links. When Hilda married eight years later, ity to support its livestock research, For more infOlmation contact she feU victim to the staffpolicy that did development and technology transfer in Margaret on 1800500954. not allow women to continue in indefi­ the light of major changes in R&D Chief retires nite positions once married. A bureau­ methodology. cratic loophole tied her over until the Major changes in the livestock indus­ THE CHIEF of csmo tries. particularly wool, have influenced Telecommunications and Industrial policy was finally lifted in 1967. She transferred to the temlite groups in 1977 the decision to conduct the review. Physics, Dr Dennis Cooper, will retire The committee has been drawn from on March 31 after 32 years of service, where she worked until her retirement. Another employee, Dr John CSm.O's Sector Advisory Committees 12 as chief. for the textile, clothing and fibre indus­ Dr Cooper joined the then Division of Lawrence's recent departure after 22 years from the division was made more try as well as the meat, dairy and aqua~ Radiophysics in 1968 as a research sci­ culture industry. It is chaired by Mr John entist. He p1ayed a pivotal role in the notable by two events. The first was the launch of Juhn's CD-ROM, Beetles Of Blood, a leading textile and garment 1970s in developing the aviation consultant, and includes Professor microwave landing system, Interscan. The World, an interactive identification gnide to about 350,000 described Andrew Vizard from the University of His technical input and championing of Melbourne, Mr Colin Sleep from Interscan intemationally contributed to species. The CD is the product of the world's National Mutual Rural Enterprises, Mr the eventual selection of this system by Gordon French, a dairy farmer from the International Civil Aviation largest database of its kind, built using DELTA (DEscription Laugnage for Queensland. and Dr Oliver Mayo of Organisation. CSIRO Animal Production. He became the project leader for the TAxonomy) software designed by csmo - KATE SMITH, CE antenna design for the Australia Engineering success Telescope in the 1980s. Many earth-sta­ tion antennas in Australia and overseas Student plant DR ROBERT Leicester from Building, owe a debt to his early design work and NATIVE acacias, bush peas and rare Construction and Engineering has won faith in the ability of Australian compa­ plant species were on the minds of three The Marcus Wallenberg Prize, an inter­ nies to produce first-rate systems. scholarship recipients at the Centre for nationally prestigious award. He was also responsible for the devel­ Plant Biodiversity Research this It will be conferred on DrLeicester by opment of microchip-fabrication facili­ summer. University students Catherine tbe King of Sweden in October. ties in the division. The division, under Gallagher, Rose Andrew and Daniel Chief of the division Mr Larry Little Dr Cooper's guidance, has established Falster worked with CSIRO scientists at said: "Attached to the prestige of win­ itself as a world leader in telecommuni­ the Black Mountain site in Canberra for ning an award that is compared to a cations research and development. 10 weeks. Nobel Prize in ils field, is a significant monetary reward of abollt US$250,000," Rewarding search Kid's stuff The award is for Dr Leicester's pio­ CSIRO Education is trying to locate the TEXT1LE and Fibre Technology has neering work in structural engineering success stories of the BHP Science donated 70 surplus computers, 13 mon­ and original research. Awards, which are turning 20 this year. itors and four printers to a children's The awards are Australia's most pres­ charity_ Climate of praise tigious science research competition for The six-month-old Geelong-based young people. Entrants must demon­ charity has presented more than 200 DR BARRIE Pitlock from the DivisIon strate both innovative approaches and computers to children. of Atmospheric Research won the Public Service Medal late last year for thorough scientific procedure in their PCs for Kids build reliable low~end his leadership and visionary approach to projects. CSrn.O initiated the awards, computers from unwanted computer identifying, researching and communi­ invited BI-IP's participation and has components. The computers are loaded cating a range of global climate science been continuously involved since. with educational software and donated issues. The medal is awarded twice a Mr Ross Kingsland, Manager, CSIRO to primary schools that pass them on to year by the Governor-GeneraL Education said: "We are looking for past children for use at home. A OBITUARY Dr BarryWagland,1937.2000 comedy of Eros A CONDOM filled with litres of water will be likened to spenn counts across Gentleman and a mentor the animal kingdom in a CSIRO event during National Science Week. DR BARRY Wagland was a pioneer and He joined CSIRO as a technical assistant Pre-Coital - The Science Of Dating is a repository of infonnation that he was at the McMaster Laboratory at Sydney described by its presenter as "adult edu­ always ready to share. University in 1954. cational cabaret". He carried out pioneering work on the He attained, part-time, a diploma of "Events leading up to sex will be immunology of wonns in sheep and applied biology and bachelor and mas­ eX1Jlored and incorporated into songs, ticks in cattle, parasites that cost ters degrees in science from NSW stand-up comedy and on-stage antics," Australia hundreds of millions of donars University. He was awarded a CSIRO Mr Chris Krishna-PiIlay, from CSlRO a year. overseas' studentship in 1967 to study Education, said. Long-term Animal Production col­ under Professor Robin Coombs at the The statistical chances of meeting league Dr John Steel said: "He was a Department of Pathology, Cambridge your perfect partner will be discussed. gentleman and a great mentor, partic­ University, where he gained his PhD. "It may be a lot more likely than you ularly to younger members of staff. Dr Wagland retumed to CSIRO in WQuld think." Mr Krishna~Pillay said. Direct hIt: Mr Chris Krishna~Pillaywill toy "He was very modest, had a wann and 1978 where he continued his research "Mathematically, in a room of 40 peo­ with the science of dating during National Science Week. generous personality and was always into parasites until his retirement. ple, for instance, you have a better than willing to spend time sharing skills and He published 77 research papers 90 per cent chance of meeting someone include a Forensic Frenzy workshop in knowledge and teaching techniques." between 1961 and 1996 in the field of with the same birthday as you." South Australia, a Science-a-thon in Dr Wagland had an outstanding immunology to parasitic diseases. The event, from May 3 to 6, at Spm, at Queensland and a public-speaking com­ CSIR0 career that ended when he He continued, in retirement, to study the National Convention Centre in petition in Victoria. retired. two months short of 40 years' fann and land practices, graduated from Canberrn, is one of dozens organised by Pre-coital is one of 44 events given service. in 1993. He was diagnosed with the Australian Securities Institute and, in CSIRO for the national celebration of funding under the Department of prostate cancer three years later. the process, won the Queensland state science from May 3 to 10. Industry, Science :md Resource's Dr Wagland was born in Warwick, prize for managed funds. markets and Enquiries can be made by phoning Science and Technology Awareness Queensland, to Darling Downs' fanners. products. (02) 6207 5901. Other csmo events Program, - MEGAN BIRD

381-2000 382##2000

CSIRO.s staff newspaper No.382 Winter 2000

Olympic. Science showcase launched experiences By Larissa Mullot, CPI CSIRO's interactive Discovery exhibi­ flicker in tion centre was opened 011 May 1 as part . of National Science \Veek celebrations, About 200 guests and local media memories watched ACT Chief Minister Kate THE Olympic flame has already been lit Carnell switch on the exhibition for the - and in one case extinguished - for var­ first time. ious CSIRO staff around the country Light and music flooded over the who have been sharing their past exhibits as she set off wilh 30 students Olympic glories. from two CanhelTa schools to explore Leanne Stinton, from Food Science exhibits for the first time. Australia, has been compiling Olympic The Haptic Workbench, developed for memories of staff in her division and remote surgery and technical operations, here is what she has uncovered. was a highlight. Bany Johnson was involved in man­ One primary-school student said: "It's aging the Olympic flame at the 1956 really cool. It's great, but it feels weird:' Melbourne Games. The wrap-around 3D virtual-reality He was studying at the University of theatre featuring virtual plants, radio Melbourne at the time, when he and a astronomy and mining, and the Face In select few were given the honours. The Crowd exhibit that showcases facial­ But not everything went to plan. recognition technology, also received In the wee hours of the morning, in a high praise from the students. deserted MeG, the flame guarders Mrs Carnell snid: "We haven't been decided to test how long it took for the very good at letting Australians know flame to die, as a closing~ceremony test. about the wonderful work being done by In his defence, Barry was not present. Australian scientists. The officials kept a separate pilot "Discovery will change that, because light fully open to maintain continuity now people can see a bit of that work, Open doors: The interactive Discovery exhibition centre will highlight the work done by Australian scientists. of the flame. It slowly got smaller and, and some of the things that have made a with one last gasp, went out. The fmal difference about the way we live." CSIRO Deputy Chief Executive Chris researchers working in laboratories CSIRO staff. Entry for others is $6 for rush of air back up the piping blew out The permanent interactive exhibition, Mallett said at the opening: "Discovery is above the exhibits. adults, $3 for school students and con~ the main flame and the pilot light. sponsored by Cable & \Vireless Optus about plltting science into context, it is a Discovery also incorporates meeting cessions, a,nd.$15 for family paslies. It is Chaos ensued with frantic cries of and the ACT Government, highlights living exhibition, not a museurn of past rooms, a 184-seat lecture theatre, cafe open seven days a week, from9am, to "Match! Match'" some of CSIRO's scientific discoveries achievements... and catering facilities, and an exhibition 5pm. A box was found and the main burner and research activities that have changed The use of glass throughout the venue area. For more information call Terese, John reignited. Zeus would not have been pleased. the lives of many Australians. allows visitors to watch the nation's top Entry to the exhibition is free to all or Kelly oa (02) 6246 4646. Sharon Kennedy-Miles' father, Grahame Kennedy, calTied the Olympic torch for a mile in the bund~l1p to the 1956 games. Property CSIRO moves mountains for Queen Unfortunately, due to the fumes caused by the burning Hexamine, solid By Janelle Kennard, CMIS fuel in the torch, many of the runners sales head THE QUEEN felt the valleys and moun­ carrying the torch, including Sharon's tains of a virtual earth recently when she dad, were made ilL Today CSIRO staff are heing asked tested the CSIRO-developed Haptic once again to contribute to the Olympic Budget news Workbench. Games. "Remarkable," she commented after THE major Budget news for CSIRO is Between 8,000 and 10,000 foreign the event. that six properties will be offered for media looking for colour during the She experienced CSIRO's virtual~real­ sale and lease back over the next three Sydney Olympics are expected to brush years. ity technology which could allow trainee past CSm.O developments at Darling Half the properties are in the ACT, at surgeons to learn procedures on virtual Harbour's Sydney Media Centre. Limestone Avenue, Gungahlin and patients. It was on display at ctec . a Briefings, displays and presentations Yarralumla, one in NSW at Riverside, medical training centre at the University are being planned for the international North Ryde, one in Queensland, at of Westem Australia in PeI1h - when the non-accredited journalists to cover. Cleveland, and one in Westem Australia Queen opened the centre on April 1. CSIRO has been invited to participate at Mannion. She watched as a virtual cannular was in the scientific research and develop­ A sub~committee of the CSIRO inserted into the vein of a virtual hand. ment and environment themes of the Board will make sure appropriate pack­ CSIRO's Duncan Stevenson said: centre. A solar car, the birdwing blltter~ ages are developed so CSIRO retains "The system creates a very realistic Royal visit: Queen Elizabeth II toured ctec at the UniverSity ofWestern Australia. management and operational control to fly and new wine varielies are possible experience. You can really feel the nee­ cover the special needs and risks of The Haptic Workbench was developed surgical training by allowing life-saving areas of focus. dle pop through the skin of the hand, and research. by CSIRO, Swedish company ReachIn techniques to be introduced sooner as Ifyou have suggestions or would like then watch it fill with blood. more information contact Rosie The Budget papers make clear that Technologies and the Advanced experienced surgeons update skills more CSIRO's research will suffer no adverse "This realism is crucial for practising Schmedding on (02) 6276 6520 or Computational Systems CRC. easily, according to medical director of financial impact. "CSIRO will receive the precise and complex dexterous skills [email protected] funding for additional sale and rental which surgeons need." The technologies could revolutionise ctec Dr Richard Vaughan. • MEGAN BIRD costs," it states. The announcement comes after an independent review of property holding in 1999 and early 2000. Strengthened livestock research involves staff changes It also confinued funding for other exisiting government science programs. CSIRO is to strengthen its research on research within the Division of Tropical effort. It will be the largest facility of its The McMaster parasitology laboratory but there are a few other items of poten~ behalf ofAustralia's $12 billion livestock Agriculture. "Our review grOllp took a kind in the Southern Hemisphere. will be relocated from Prospect to tial interest. These include an announce­ sector on the recommendation of an strategic perspective for the next 20 years The shifting focus will mean the CSIRO's Chiswick facility near ment of funding of $30.5 million over industry review group headed by Mr ofthe facilities CSIRO would need for its Prospect laboratory will close Elnd staff Armidale. Other staff will move to four years for a National Biotechnology John Blood. research plans to meet future industry relocated to other sites. strenglhen CSIRO's livestock nutrition Strategy. This includes $20 million for There will be a major new commit­ needs. We wanted to avoid any narrow CSIRO will move its biotechnology research group in Perth. In Geelong, ani~ commercialisation assistance to ment to biotechnology at the Institute of short-teml focus". Mr Blood said. group from the Division of Animal mal welfare research and pig research Australian biotechnology research. Molecular Bioscience in Brisbane Acting The review group identified biotech~ Production's Prospect (Western Sydney) will be reinforced with the move of staff Other examples include $22.3 million Chief Executive Dr Colin Adam nology of crucial importance to the facility to Brisbane. from Prospect. over four years to strengthen animal and announced in May. "There will also be a future of Australian livestock sector, and Dr Adam said: "CSIRO has reluctantly The review group recommends aug­ plant health status. And there will be revitalisation of rural [lnd regional labo~ found the Institute for Molecular accepted this proposal, despite the menting CSIRO's Rendel laboratory in $18.2 million over two years for fann ratories at Annidale. Rockhampton, and Biosciences was an ideal location for all quality of the science conducted at Rockhampton to meet the needs of the innovation, a pilot program to help Geelong, and integrated leadership of all CSIRO's research in this field. Prospect. beef induslry and the Belmont field sta­ farmers identify market directions and livestock research through the fonnation This facility, which is being developed "All staff at Prospect will be offered lion nearby. diversify; and support for the develop· of a new division," he said. by CSIRO and the University of positions at other locations of the new An executive summary of the review ment of gas-to~liquidstechnology. The new division will comprise the Queensland at its St Lucia campus in division and attractive relocation pack­ group's recommendations is available at CSIRO's funding will be maintained, existing divisions of Animal Health, Brisbane, will represent a significant pro­ ages will be developed to encourage staff http://www.csiro.au/csiro/livestockre­ as announced for the triennium last year. Animal Production and livestock-related p0l1ion of dIe national biotechnology to relocate." view/index.html "You'II find infonnation packs on the Bush cuisine on the menu seats, Don't eat them by mistake." • CSIRO's Charles Allen at the BUSH tucker is heading for restaurants National Innovation Summit break­ nnd dinner tables around the world, fast, The Australian, February 14 according to CSIRO Land and Water. ) The division is undertaking a four­ jects aged be-tween 35 and 73 years of "It is a tragic situation when one sees year trial in the global race to find out age. All had cholesterol levels greater such an outstanding institution as how to increase production of than the standard desirable limit. CSIRO Entomology being Australia's native plrmts. decimnted by economic rationalism:' Dr Maarten Ryder said: "Countries Road1Vortllyshoesneeded .... 1/ ~J(.. M Murray S. Upton, Honorary Fellow, like Israel or the US would love to get STATISTICS showing Ihat lO,OOO peo­ CSIRO Entomology, Letter to the their hands on these native plants so we ple died in the last decade from slips and Editor, The Canberra Times, April 1 owe it to ourselves to learn how to better falls indicate that Australians need more cultivate and grow them on a commer­ roadworthy shoes. "The sum of McIntosh's life has defied cial basis." Mr Richard Bowman, from ~ that sarcm;tic piece of Balzacian wis­ The research will focus on quandongs, Sustainable Materials Engineerillg, said: 1 Mym"""'co dom that cemeteries are full of irre~ mountain pepper. bush tomatoes. i:",\ '/!/ I placeable people." "Of all the causes of injury, slips and muntries, riberries, two native citrus and falls is the largest and it is the one - The Age, February 14 acacias. Australia has done the most about." /ReCOI'ding temperature : The cost to the community of slips \\t\ /' and salinity as it rises , "How much longer can CSIRO and the More milk for India ~ __ ~~ I universities continue to provide essen­ and falls is $3.17 billion, more than the INDIA is likely to produce millions of tial research and education in the face of costs of motor accidents ($2.7 billion) Drifting 10 days 1500 m .•' more tannes of milk, thanks (0 a system the subtle erosion of their core fund­ and all other causes of accidental injury. developed by Animal Production. ing ...? How many efficiency dividends, CSIRO and India's National Dairy CSIRO has called for a new standard Eyes on climate firmed that rammed-earth walls have how much inadequate compensations Development Board have teamed up for to benchmark slip-resistant footwear poor thermal resistance. for inflation, and how many cost­ A PROJECT on the drawing board al the $1.5 million project to improve the sold in Australia. Mr Robin Clarke, of CSIRO Thermal increasing 'efficient business pmctices' Marine Research involves an annada of productivity of grazing animals in both & Fluids Engineering, said: "Our find­ ... must these organisations sufferT' robots that can roam up to 2,OOOm under countries on poor-quality feeds. Grape expectations ings were based on testing of two com­ - The Canberra Times, AprU 27 PLANT Industry has developed four water and surface every 10 days to send mercially-produced rammed earth prod­ Spreading low cholesterol new high-quality red-wine grape vari­ data to a satellite. ucts, both of which turned out to have TIle floating eyes (see diagram above) eties for Australian conditions. poor thennal resistance. MARGARINE containing naturally wHi observe changes in Southem Ocean CSIRO has been granted Plant "The overall thennal' resistance (R­ AND announces occulTing plant sterols has been shown and Indian Ocean conditions. regions Breeder's Rights for the new grapes, value) of il typical rammed-earth wall is by Health Sciences and Nutrition to that have direct influence on Australian Cienna, Vermillion, Rubienne and less than R 0.4. lower cholesterol levels. rainfall. The project will help long-range Mcintosh Medal Tyrian. The breeding team crossed "This is low compared to everyday Results of a trial found that choles­ forecasting, terol can be reduced by up to 10 per cent SumolL, a grape from Barcelona in insulating materials such as glass fibre THE Annual Youlh Prize for Physical ill three weeks in men and women with Spain, with Cabemet Sauvignon, to pro­ Rammed earth balts which typically come with ratings Science has been renamed the Malcolm elevated blood cholesterol. It used sub- duce the new varieties. LATEST tests by CSIRO have con- ofR 2 or R 3." McIntosh Prize. This was rmnounced at the end of the recent National Innovation Summit in OBITUARIES Melbourne. Fair business in Hannover The AND has also recognised the work of the late Dr McIntosh. The top Forging stronger links By Rosie Schmedding graduate-scholarship winner in tile NEW contacts, business opportunities. physical sciences will be known from MICHAEL Pitman was the Director of Michael George Pitman, 1933-2000 and checking out what the competition Ilext year onwards as the Malcolm the CSIRO Institute of Biological was doing were highlighls of CSIRO's McIntosh Scholar. Resources from 1983 to 1987, before he tion to Fellowship of the Australian presence at Hannover Fair 2000. Academy of Science in 1981 and the was seconded to DITAC and took on the CSlRO hosted the stand featuring over award of a Doctor of Science by role of Chief Scientist. 30Australian technologies at the world's He became the Foreign Secretary of Cambridge University. Michael was an editor of The Web Of biggest industry and innovation fair in the Australian Academy of Science and Show time: Chris Freund discussed Malcolm's ideal was instrumental in developing stronger Life textbook that elevated the teaching Hannover ill March. CSIRO business with the Minister for IT IS with much s",dness that we mourn scientific links with French scientific of biology. This was the third year running that Industry, Science and Resources, Senator the loss of our fonner CEO, who truly activities. He was also heavily involved in the CSm.O aod its industry partners have Nick Minchin. Photo: Deutsche Messe AG. Michael was born in the UK, excelled wider community as a member and then exhibited Australian technology at the Seewald-Hagen, Hannover was a man of vision and integrity. I trust in science and gained an open scholar­ President of the Trust of the Australian fair. the legacy of Malcolm's influence and can build up vibrant new industries in style will live on in the future of science ship to Cambridge University and Museum and a member and Chailman of CSIRO Deputy Chief Executive Dr Australia, leading to Australian jobs" the Royal Botunk Gardens and Domain. management in this country. I believe Sidney Sussex. He received Class I Ron Sandland said: "We are very pleased Hannover Fair was attended by about Michael was honoured with the award of we are all privileged to have had the Honours in all subjects. with the results. Our stand generated a 270,000 visitors. More than 2,000 people At the beginning of his time as a post­ an OBE in 1978. years we had with him. lot of interest. particularly for our com­ visited the CSIRO Australian stand dur­ As those of us who have been in the graduate student Michael and Maureen In 1983 Michael was appointed mercial partners. Director of the CSIRO Institute of ing the six-day show. including the organisation for some years are nil too were married. Brigit and Adrian were "We have had over 200 serious Biological Sciences. Australian science minister, Senator painfully aware, the Playing Field of born at Cambridge. Michael obtained a enquiries, some of which led to follow­ PhD under the supervision of eminent I appointed Michael as my deputy in Nick Minchin. and German Minister for Scientific Research in this country has up visits immediately after the fair. plant physiologist Professor G.E. Briggs 1986. He had responsibility for a range Economics and Technology in Lower changed forever. and was awarded a Junior Fellowship at of activities that included human "We must let the world know what we Saxony, Dr Peter Fischer. No longer can we expect to be A­ St John's College Cambridge. resources policies. I relied on his wise are capable of so that we can get For more information visit funded to pursue the greater goal of fur­ At Cambridge Michael met a strong counsel and valued his courtesy and, Australian technology into the interna­ http://www.hannover.csiro.au/ thering the understanding of the world Australian contingent of future scientific above all, his loyalty. It was indeed a tional market place. This will mean we we are a part of, but are all driven to leaders in Australia, people like Alex pleasure to work with him. obtain funding targets that encompass Hope, Alan Wnlker. Martin Canny, In 1988, Michael was appointed a upwards of 35 per cent external earnings Carrick Chambers, Arthur McComb. member of the newly formed Australian to achieve our ends. The interaction with them no doubt Research Council. The then Minister of I was reminded recently of a meeting influenced his decision to apply success­ Science, BalTY Jones, thought highly of Dog-gone meteorite trivia I attended some years ago where project fully for a lectureship at Adelaide Michael's qualities and requested that By Megan Bird leaders and divisional industrial partici­ University where Bob Robertson was CSIRO second Michael to the pation committee members had the Professor of Botany. After four years at Department of Industry, Technology and THE only documented death from a pleasure of firing questions from the Adelaide, and at the age of 33, Michael Commerce as ChiefScience Advisor and meteorite fall was of a dog in Egypt in floor to our new CEO Elect, Malcolm was appointed Professor of Biology at as his personal advisor. 1911, according to Meteorites. Harry Minnett, a fanner boffin and Macintosh. the University of Sydney. In 1992 Michael was appointed Chief There is the celebrated Iheory of the Chief of the Division of Radiophysics. I will never forget one of his state­ Michael became one of the founders Scientist in the Department of the Prime giant rock that killed off the dinosaurs wrote the chapter on Radar And The ments that day which. roughly remem­ of modern mineral-nutrition physiology. Minister and Cabinet. 65 million years ago, but here the Bombing Of Darwin. bered, was: "I will look at aU levels of He inspired a generation of research stu­ The French Government honoured authors are cautious saying the "For five years we were all sworn to management in CSIRO and those which dents through his simple, elegant experi­ Michael with the award of the Chevalier undoubted impact might have assisted a secrecy under the Crimes Act," he said. are seen to add no value 10 Ihe process ments and clear fonnal analysis. de l'ordre national du Merite for his process that was already well under "I couldn't even tell my parents what I of doing good scientific research in this Michael's outstanding research work in strengthening French-Australian way. was working on." country, I will get rid of." achievements were recognised by e1ec- relationships. - KEITH BOARDMAN This book is for the converted To order send a cheque made out to With Malcolm's ideal in mind, I recently had the thought. why don't all meteorite-spotter. It provides infonna­ Radar Air Defence Branch No. 2A/C to tion, and some interesting anecdotes. CSIRO corporate employees on the Hill Plant Industry division pioneer Walter Fielder·Gill, 18 Parkside do one year in every five of their careers Meteorites (CSIRO Publishing, 60pp, Avenue, Baleau Bay NSW 2261. $19.95, by Robert Hutchison and at a divisional site to keep in louch with ONE ofthe earliest members of this divi­ William Hartley, OBE, 1906-2000 the business end of CSIRO. viz. Doing sion, William Hartley, died in March Andrew Graham) is being distributed by Snapshot ofsuccess help Australian plant scientists use the CSIRO Publishing on behalf of the scientific research? aged 93. A vertically challenged but irre­ CSIRO dominates much of the research This may not be a world-shattering pressibly humorous Yorkshireman, he Latin binomial names for the species Natural History Museum ~n London and they investigated and produced periodic /lnd development in Australian civilian revelation. but I do believe it would was appointed in 1929, soon after graduR can be ordered on 1800 645 05 I. editions of Standardised Plant Names. science. refocus the understanding and commit­ nting from Cambridge, as Junior Plant He was chosen as the Advocate for the Secret history of radar As one of the world's largest research ment of researCh-support (Le. admin.) Introduction Officer in the Division of CSIRO Officers' Association in the 1954 bodies, it has assisted primary producers slaff to what we are here for. doing almost~forgotten Plant Industry at Canberra. Work Value Case. William's final role, The hushed history of in a plethora of ways. Industry and com­ world-class science. He made more than 30,000 plant intro­ on leave from the division from 1961 to the Radar at the University of Sydney, a merce, too, have benefited from CSIRO Could I also be facetious enough to ductions to Australia, mostly of pasture 1969. was as CSIRO's Chief Scientific secret weapon for the war in the Pacific, prowess. suggest that some of our colleagues in grasses and clover. and conducted the Liaison Officer. hus been resurrected. Wizards of Oz (Allen & Unwin, the Ivory Tower may have lost some Hrst plant-collecting mission to South He had four children and eight grand­ The idea for 'Boffins' Of BOlany Bay 237pp. $19-95, Peler Spinks), which touch with the primary function of America in 1947. He published widely children. His first wife, Alison Taylor. (Australinn Academy of Science. 82pp, relates many of Australia's scientific CSIRO by being resident 011 the Hill too on grass phytogeography. died in 1965. His second wife, Alice $15 including postage, edited by Roy achievements, has remained on the New long? After a year at Kew Garden (1938­ Smith, also died before him. MacLeod) came during a workshop at Scientist Top 10 list for more than 10 PETER LEPPERT. FFP, 1939) William recognised the need to • LLOYD EVANS, CPI the university's history department. months. Yarralumla

382-2000 CoResearch------3 Big six talk up best news coverage

By Megan Bird was the key factor in what is believed to achieved by the Biodiversity Sector Times and The Age newspapers. The national coverage of gene technology LAND and Water scientists made large be the most extensive coverage of the (1377 stories) then Meat Dairy and main foclls of media attention was on issues, 82 per cent of media stories about contributions to a dramatic 48 per cent organisation in its history. Aquaculture (1233) and Field Crops CSIRO's role in education and training, CSIRO on this issue were favourable and increase in the number of press articles "It asks a lot of scientists to be con­ (1093), wool and salinity. 14 per cent neutral. about CSIRO last year, the best CSIRO stantly and patiently available to media, Dr Mayo contribured to positive cover­ And 91 per cent of educatiol1 R und­ The sectors receiving the most has ever achieved. and people like Dr Hatton are doing a age of wool and livestock issues and Dr training coverage was positive. It includ­ favourable media treatment were Mineral The most widely quoted CSIRO iden M fantastic job not only for their science but Baghurst commented on issues such as ed csm.o's involvement in programs for Exploration, Mineral Processing and tilies in the Australian press were Dr for CSIRO as a whole," food and nutrition, including genetically studenLs, particularly the Double Helix Energy, Malcolm McIntosh, Dr Tom Hatton, Dr CSIRO received a total of 6223 print­ modified foods. Club and the National Youth Science Their stories included mine safety, Graham Han-is, Dr John Williams, Dr media mentions during the year, 85 per Mr Cribb said: "Dr McIntosh was also Forum, the report said. mineral-mapping teclmologies, explo­ Oliver Mayo and Dr Katrine Baghurst. cent of which were favourable, 13 per convinced that the positive character of Letters to the editor generated the ration, energy use and electric motors, These six leaders contributed directly cent neutral and 2 per cent unfavourable. CSIRO's media treatment was a key fac­ least-favourable coverage but 54 per cent Among the slates, Victorian press ­ to positive coverage in 341 articles, Dr Hatton was widely quoted in the tor in his campaign to secure sound trien­ of these were nevertheless favourable to which also rated the most-favourable ­ according to a report for 1999 by media on Ihe issue of salinity. Land llnd nial funding for the organisation. He CSIRO. gave us the biggest coverage, CARMA International. Water's Dr Hurris and Dr Williams were often received feedback from elsewhere In two critical areas there was some Queensland and NSW tied for second CSIRO National Awareness director so well-quoted that their division in government about the favourable good news. For the first time in four place. and Western Australia rated third. Julian Cribb said the willingness of received the most coverage of any - a nature of reports on the work of CS]RO." years media coverage of rabbit cali­ There were 6,223 press articles about CSIRO scientists to freely discuss their total of 1,904 articles. CSIRO received its greatest coverage civirus was predominantly favourable to CSIRO last year compared with 4,lI7 discoveries and advances in the media The next most extensive coverage was in The Australian, then The Canberra CSIRO. And, despite hugely negative the year before, according to CARMA. Science fdm Staff survey festival for triggers Australia some change By Megan Bird JUST over a century after the fathers of cinematography, Auguste and Louis STAFF told senior managers what they Lumiere, astonished the patrons of Le thought of them two years ago. Grande Cafe in Paris. Australia is The results of the poll were scathing preparing Scinema, our first internation­ for some divisions, but appear to have al festival of science film. catalysed some change, Australians spend about $600 million Animal Health hus been addressing a year on movie tickets. issues since then and conducted its own follow~up The festival will be held in Canberra poll in March to see how later this year and CSIRO Education's things have changed. Rebecca Scott is one of two festival Pollster Kelly Samson said the divi­ sion has improved markedly in the sen­ directors. "]t is open to both amateur and professional film-makers." she said. ior and local-leadership categories. Categories include science and tech­ "In fact, it has moved from being amongst the lowest-perfonning organi­ nology, natural history. education and sations in February, 1998, to being medicine and health. above the Australian nOlTI1, in Falls "We are particularly keen to encour­ Corporate Research's database." age cross-disCiplinary collaboration Animal Health Chief Dr Mike between lhe sciences and the arts and to Rickard said the 1998 poll rated the use film to highlight the contribution division very poor in leadership and that scientific research makes to all of management in the division and within our lives. CSIRO. "It was quite devastating at the Last year Rebecca was invited to rep­ time to understand how deep the feel­ resent Australia as a jury member at ings went. Telescience. This is one of the world's "But, while it was bad then, it was a largest science film festivals and is held blessing." each year in Montreal. Dr Rickard said: "An advantage of Rebecca snid: "The gala award night holding a division-specific poll was that was exciting because the ABC's Silent it showed major differences between Sentinels was a winner. There were only programs, functional groups and two Australian films in the 100 entries. employment levels. Areas of specific Silent Sentinels is a documentary about concem to programs can be identified the massive death of coral reefs in 1998. and acted on." It WilS a proud moment being on the The division's Human Resource other side of the world ,.. seeing CSIRO Manager Mr Ken Barker said lhe new scientists flash on to the screen, talking poll shows morale has improved. "We about global wnrming and rising car­ have still got a way to go, but we're bon-dioxide levels. " working on it," he said. For more information, visit Th poll committee is chaired by the www.csiro.au/scinemu Chief of Land and Water, Dr Graham " NICK GOLDIE, CNA Harris. Undersea sweep hits golden snag

CSIRO researchers have acci­ formed giant are bodies IiI{e Mt dentally found II huge under~ Isn and Brol<:en Hill more than sea chimney laced with gold a billion years ago. and other minerals and Researchers are studying swarming with remarlmble life ore-forming processes and forms in the Bismark Sea. hunting for extremaphile The smoker was recovered by microbes endowed with the research vessel Franklin north natural ability to process min­ ot'Papua New Guinea on a voy­ erals at high temperature. age of discovery to probe mys­ The snagged blad( smoker is teries of vast hydrothermal a tubular encrustation of min­ system on the ocean 0001'. erai that would make a prized The search, to help make Australia's $37 biHioll mineral­ museum display, according to export industry cleaner, green­ expedition leader Dr' Ray llillns er, safel' and more competitive, of Exploration and Mining, is being conducted ill an eerie "Our dredge must have fall~ landscape nearly two kilome­ en right over its top," he said. tres below the ocean's surface. "This anchored the ship for The hydrothe1'lnals spew ant over an hour but it finally Ship shape: Dr Ray Binns and his crew departed from Cairns on a voyage of discovery in April. PHOTO:Andrew James, Calms Post. plumes of superheated miner­ brol(e off at the base." INSET: A blade smoker was accidentally snagged about a week later. al-I'iell fluids like those that "MEGAN BIRD 382-2000 CSIRO around the nation Digital libraries on desktops AUSTRALIAN Library Week from He said: "A healthy future for analysers and sensors for the iron are. May 15 to 21 at Manufacturing Science Australia's landscapes is dependent on alumina, gold, mineral sands and urani­ & Technology was out of this world. the persistence of our unique biodiversi­ um industries. The natural gamma radi­ Cyberians promoted the runge of ty, healthy regional societies and ation technique has also been applied to electronic-information resources avail­ economies and, ultimately. on clever, agricultural products such as monitoring able to staff from witl1in the library and innovative research and development." the soil content of sugar cane. from their desktops. The recently launched Directory of Super possibilities Information Tools is accessible to all THE CSIRO/Bureau of Meteorology staff. Visit Ilttp:!lwww.csiro.au/applica­ High Performance Computing and tions/infoToolsl Communications Centre is undergoing a Julie Penn,Atmosp • STEPHANIE LAVAU major upgrade with the recent installa­ Science Suit he'can .withstand ,catastrophes tion of one NEC SX-5 supercomputer mankind from evil blo'logical terrors; leaR b and approval for a second one to be can't dress himself! installed later this year. The centre's Deputy Manager, Robert Greg Doran;Manufacturing Science andTee : You put the Bell, says this upgrade provides an Award night: Acting Chief Executive Dr right Implant In, you put the right implant out, you right implant in opportunity for CSIRO researchers to Colin Adam and Dr Bill Mathew celebrate. and shake it all about..', ~ take greater advantage of the facility. That's' right girls. No more annoying plastic s'urgeons. Get a friend to do it "The Bureau of Meteorology uses it Back to work for you with the Do~lt-Yourself Breast AUgrTlenta e. to produce forecast and weather-model­ TEXTILE and Fibre Technology staff ling [nfonnation. Some of the CSIRO pedal for charity in their spare time with Cedric Griffiths, Petroleum: Wildlife and Ecology the new Feral~ Allen delights: Cyberians helped their work on their backs. celebrate Australian LibraryWeel(. projects we have been involved in are Containment Suit. the understanding of proteins related to The division's Sportwoo1 develop­ drug design and work on understanding ment gave the team an edge in this Damian Scown, Forestry an ucts: Once the unsuspecting Eureka Prize climate variations in order to assess year's recent 24-hour MUlTay to Mayne male 'is entombed in a web - depicted here by this DR BRIAN Cooke of CSIRO Wildlife future change. Charity Ride from Swan Hill to Port suit ,- we simply remove the hea and Ecology has won the Australian "We're sure there are other CSIRO FaiLy. Museum POL Eureka Prize for projects out there that could benefit Comments from the team included: Environmental Research for 2000, for from using our resources and we're "We were warm when we needed to be his research into controlling wild rab­ always happy to discuss possibilities." and cool and dry when we needed to bits. For more information contact Dr Bell be.'· Dr Colin Adam said: "Brian Cooke on (03) 9669 8102 "We cycled so fast this year we even hilS spent more than three decades grap­ • TOM McGINNESS reached the pub in time for a beer." pling with this greatest scourge of "But there were too many punctures. Australia's environment. Technique of a winner Perhaps someone in CS1RO can "He is being rewarded for brilliant, CSIRO Minerals' Dr Bill Mathew has improve the perfonnance of tyres?" painstaking research applied to a grave won a 2000 Clunies Ross National The team has raised more than national problem, culminating in a prac­ Science and Technology Award for $15,000 for Geelong charities over five tical and ecologically sound solution. It research that led to on-line analysis years. is the epitome of the value of CSIRO to techniques worth millions of dollars to The Sportwool garments, made from Australia." the Australian minerals' industIy. a unique double-layered fabric, with Brian worked in South Australia in Dr Mathew, a nuclear physicist, wool on the inside and polyester on the the Animal and Plant Control recognised that natural gamma radiation outside proved to be an invaluable team Commission before coming to Wildlife could be used to perfonn instantaneous member. • JULIA MARSH and Ecology in 1995. analysis of coal and are while it was Magazine wins award New Chief transported on conveyor belts. His research led to the development ECOS has won this year's Banksia CSIRO Wildlife and Ecology has a new of several on-line analysis instruments, Environmental Foundation Award for Chief. which bring millions of dollars worth of CommunicCltion. Dr Steve Morton has been appointed benefits to the industry and opportuni­ The 36-page magazine about the lat­ to replace Dr Brian Walker who stood ties for their Australian manufacturers. est research relating to Australia's envi­ down as Chief at the end of December Dr Mathew said: "The technology is a ronmental problems is published quar­ last year. very simple one. It is based on the fact terly by CSIRO Publishing. Dr Morton has had a distinguished that all geological materials, like coal, Ecos won the award for "covering a career at Wildlife and Ecology as a have minor traces of radioactive ele­ wide range of issues in a rational, in­ researcher and research manager, work­ ments such as potassium, uranium and depth and accurate manner", according ing in tropical Australia, the central arid thOllum." to judges. zone and in south-eastern temperate Dr Mathew realised this natural radia­ It has been widely read by students, Australia. He is strongly committed to tion could be used to measure the com­ teachers, community groups, po1icy~ the application of ecological knowledge position of coal and ores. makers and others for more than 25 to natural-resource management. His research team has developed years. National Science Week highlights

On air: Dr Geoff Clarke. rightjlistens In.

The MembersAustralia alEDI1'UIDl Hot all': Chris I(rishna~Pl1lay,right, Credit Union expands on a topic. PHOTOS: Giulio Saggin v Loans for every purpose for v Savings & Investments DR GEOFF Clarke from Entomology from CSIRO Education, received many was one of many CSIRO staff to hit the favourable press mentions for his cabaret CSIRO staff v Financial Planning airwaves during National Science Week on the science of dating, was interviewed v VISA cards in May. on Triple J radio during the week, and Dr Clarke, right, and other event­ performed in a play about Howard v Insurance presenters naturalist Harry But.ler and Florey. wildlife photographer Steve Parish were More than 1,000 science-week events, Call 132 888 - CSIRO Di::cove-I"Y Centl'"e.. lowe.I'L k ACf interviewed, at a Canberra fair, by ABC run in venues ranging from workplaces • CSIRO Rive"id", No.4 TheVillas'" NSW radio abollt working for the environ­ and museums to pubs and shopping cen­ ment. W

382-2000 383##2000

CSIRO's staff newspaper No.383 Spring 2000 Trust us, we're from CSIRO

AUSTRALIANS regard CSIRO as trust­ levels of public understanding and trust researchers generally emerged as the How much the public uusted scientists • CSIRO should continue to aspire to worthy, especially in making statements and the reasons behind them, as well as most t111sted groups by the public in mak­ depended on whether 01' not they were be a renowned science institution about controversial areas of science like expectations of science and CSIRO. ing statements on the issue. The business closely associated wjth companies that of international standing; and gene technology and the environment. Thirteen focus groups representing 11 sector and its corporate scientists were gain commercially from gene technology. • CSIRO should continue to work Recent focus-group research exploring cross section of the public were held not trusted. The main expectations that Australians with business and industry to create CSIRO's public image concludes that: around Australia. About half the participants admitted hold about CSIRO are: value~added goods and services to "Almost universally the opinions Many people admitted they had diffi­ they were scared by gene technology. • CSlRO should be honest with its achieve more exp0l1s. expressed about CSIRO were positive." culty understanding what gene tech­ Many believed it was impOltant for findings and ethical in how S&T research The study was conducted for CSIRO This was despite the fact that many nology was, often saying that not enough scientists to present both positive and is undertaken and applied; by Market Attitude Research Services Australians can't describe very well what information was available to help them to negative information on gene technology • CSIRO should keep the public among representative Australians aged the organisation actually does. decide who they could really trust on this because of an evident concern that informed about the outcomes of our 18 and over in various cities during The study was intended to explore issue. CSIRO, university and medical corporate profit-seeking drove the issue. work; May and June. Extreme events overshadow extremophiles New focus By Megan Bird I for regional THOUSANDS of documeotary-makers would have loved a berth on CSIRO's research vessel when the crew watched 1~~~~i~~S~~g~~~O the explosive birth of an island and acci­ dentally hooked a record-sized metal­ strengthen CSIRO's effort in sustainable rich black-smoker chimney. regional development and natural­ The two surprising events overshad­ resource management. owed the RV Franklin's mission to probe The as-yet-unnamed division will be the mysteries of vast hydrothermal sys­ formed by a merger of the integrated tems on the seafloor off Papua New agricultural systems work of Tropical Guinea and the Solomon Islands. Agriculture with the ecological and blO­ But, along with the undersea chimney diversity capabilities of Wildlife and laced with zinc and silver and the footflge Ecology. of the volcanic island that erupted into Chiefof CSIRO Wildlife and Ecology life in the Pacific Ocean, researchers did Dr Steve Morton said: "This new divi­ celUm with an esky full of 80 sion will bring together Wildlife and extremophile samples. Ecology's expertise in ecology and Microbiologists at Land and Water at ecosystem management with the farm­ Floreat will revive the frozen microbes to ing systems' skills developed by understand how they survive the heHish Tropical Agriculture. conditions around the black-smoker "Through partnerships with landhold­ active chimney vents. ers, industry and communities we will The extremophiles live in extreme apply the combined skills to develop temperatures and pressure around the solutions for using the landscape sus­ toxic smokers, and will be grown in lab­ tainably." oratory temperatures of between 85 and Dr Morton will head the new division which will have a national perspective 95 degrees. and capabilities in the ACT, They hold the cIues to how life Queensland, the Northern TelTitory and emerged on the planet, and their ability to Western Australia. process metals at high temperatures will The division will work closely with be studied to boostAustralia's $37 billion other CSIRO groups. particularly Plaat mineral-export industry. lndustry, Livestock Industdes and Land The first leg the clUise dragged up of and Water. It will also work closely with the 2.7m-high smoker that will be stud­ community and farming groups, gov­ ied in Sydney. ernment at federal and state level, and The expedition's Chief Scientist from with other researchers. Exploration and Mining, Brent McInnes, Dr Elizabeth Heij, Chief of CSIRO said: "It's the world's largest chimney Tropical Agriculture, will move to a ever recorded, which I hope will be put new position assisting co-ordination of on show in a museum for all of Australia rural sustainability research across divi­ to see." sion and sectors. On the second leg of the voyage, to The work ofTropical Agriculture will study submarine volcanoes, scientists continue under different divisional affil­ were overwhelmed when they anived at iations at its existing Queensland loca­ the Kavachi seamount to see violent tions_ eruptions taking place every five The new division will have about 330 minutes. said: "We were able to approach to with­ pected, the chance of a lifetime really." Ms Brodie first saw the volcanic activ­ staff. Molten lava was ejected up to 70m in 750m of the erupting centre." Ms Pamela Brodie, a programmer with ity at dawn, 10 nautical miles out from Livestock Industries, a new division above sea level and sulphurous steam The rare event was a new phase of the data centre at Marine Research took the seamount. These photos were taken featured in the last issue of CoResearch, plumes mushroomed to 500m. At night island-building activity after nine years these photographs with a Pentax she had at about Spm. will have about 500 staff. Mr Shaun the red glow of the explosive eruptions of apparent dormancy. bought on the way to New Guinea. "I've spent a lot of time at sea and this Coffey is the acting Chief. Before this produced a spectacular display. Dr McInnes, who led this part of "I didn't really know what the camera was definitely out of the box, an extraor­ he was CSIRO Sector Coordinntor for Mastel' of the Franklin Neil Cheshire the cruise, said: "It was totally unex- would do," she said. dinary thing," she said. the Meat, Dairy and Aquaculture sector. PM says organisation 11eeds protection and support PRIME Minister John Howard has people ofAustralia over decades. "It is one _young child and then at various stages "CSlRO has made a tndy legendary described CSlRO's contribution to of those really great and enduring through life. contribution so far as discovery and Australia as "truly legendary" and said the Australian institutions," he said. "CSm.O has made euonnous contribu­ achievement and the examples of it are organisation deserves protection and "It is a very precious part of our tions, not only to the science and techno­ numerous and indeed too numerous to list SUppOlt. national life and one that needs protection logical life of Australia, but through it to on occasions such as this. Mr Howard was opening Discovery, the and support," he said. the.ecouornic strengths of the nation and "Australia has a velY rich tryadition and first science centre dedicated to Australian Mr Howard said the work of CSlRO also to the betterment of the human condi­ one that demonstrates very clearly that we research and imlOvation, in CanbelTa on had had far-reaching effects on the lives of tion and the social conditions in which our have always perfonned above our size and August 30. Ausu-alians, "CSIRO is one of those great community lives." our population when it comes to discoVely Premier screening: The Prime Minister He spoke of his "great admiration" for Australian institl1tions which one first Mr Howmu said CSIRO was an organi­ and when it comes to the development of wears 3D glasses to watch a special CSIRO and the work it has done for the heard of, if you were my generation, as a sation Australians could be proud of. ideas." Discovery launch show. c· House demolition for safety's sake

SIMULATED cyclones and earthquakes reactions of essential oxygen or other­ of NSW (RTA) for the commercialisa­ are about to destroy the world's first roundup gases and wasting millions in tbe tion of world-leading RoadCrack tech­ disaster house of its kind. process." nology. The destruction of the house, at estimates of methane emissions from StreamTone can identify different RoadCrack, a collaboration between CSIRO Infrastructure Systems livestock. bubbles by their sound and a feedback CSIRO and RTA, is an automated Engineering at Highett, Melbourne, will Stop the I"OW signal can be generated to automate machine vision system that detects make future homes safer and more many bubbly processes. and classifies road cracks in real affordable. NOISE from some Australian roads is so time at vehicle speeds of up to 105km/h. The complete load distribution in a bad it's like trying to sleep three metres The meaning oflife This multi-Divisional project, led by from a running vacuum cleaner. light-frame building will be measured ONE-QUARTER of all plant, animal, CSIRO Manufacturing Science & This is what life near major for the first time. fungi and micro~organism species may Technology's Ian Macintyre, united Marrickville truck routes that register TIle data coneeted from the test and be extinct by 2025, and threewquarters CSIRO expertise in imaging, optics. more than 70 decibels at night is like, computer modelling will help scientists electronics and mathematics. according to a Roads and Traffic may be lost or nearing extinction by the design new products for disaster-proof Authority study in 1995. end of nex.t century. The team's efforts were rewarded with homes and locate them where they will Noise pollution is so bad, according to Chief of Entomology Dr Jim Cullen a 1999 Engineering Excellence Award be most effective. CSIRO, it's time regulations were says the inclusion of the Australian (Institution of Engineers, Australia) and Methane study changed. Poor insulation, a trend National Insect Collection in a new a CSIRO Medal!ast year. towards hard floor surfaces and higher Federal Government list of "major BURPING cattle and sheep are responsi­ density living are contributing factors to Australian research facilities" is wel­ Safer new landscape ble for about 90 per cent of Australia's record noise complaints, according to come recognition of the key role played FARMERS can reduce their risks before methane emissions in the agricultural CSIRO Acoustics Services Manager Dr by biological collections of objective they plant a crop, thanks to a Tropical sector, according to CSIRO researchers. John Davy from Building, Construction sources of infonnation about life and Agriculture initiative. Mr Simon Bentley, from CSIRO and Engineering. Bubbles: CS1RO has solved a problem earth. The FARMSCAPE Training & Atmospheric Research said: "Most of that has plagued industry. It also provides baseline data essential Accreditation program helps farmers the livestock methane comes from cattle Bubbles no trouble for understanding the implications of and sheep burps, with a small additional Thermal and Fluids Engineering said: predict likely world fanning outcomes CSIRO has burst the bubble on a prob­ what seems increasingly an unsustain­ source being animal wastes." "In baked foods the right bubbles can and results on their own land. lem that has been plaguing industry. able way of life. It works by giving producers the abil­ A typical cow burps 280 litres of mean the difference between a satisfying methane each day, the result ofmicrobial Bubble trouble has been solved thanks ity to make improved crop-management crunch and a tooth-breaking experience. digestion of fodder in its stomach. Sheep to the CSIRO-developed software On the road to success decisions by generating simulations and produce about 25litres of methane a day. StreamTone. "In industry bubbles are often too big, CSIRO has received its first royalty pay­ scenarios that estimate yields based on The researchers have mapped latest Dr Richard Manasseh of CSIRO too few, starving industrial chemical ment from Roads und Traffic Authority the farmer's own paddock conditions.

Mystery flight marks nlilestol1e ------last word THE IO,OOOth CSIRO Staff Association The organisation began in May, 1943, member to join up has been presented when a small group of scientists based in "Aussie women fell heavily upon the with a mystery flight to celebrate the Canberra, Melbourne and Sydney found­ CSIRO's beta alistine skincare range milestone. ed the CSIR Officers Association. when its first three products were Dr David Lovell, from Mathematical The OA banded together with the released nearly three decades ago. They and Information Sciences, North Ryde, CSIRO Technical Association and the figured if the crusty CSIRO says it's said it was "the icing on the cake of Public Sector Union in the early 1990s, good, then it must be." association membership". to form what is now the CSIRO Staff • The Age, June 7 Past president of the association Dr Association. Michelle Smyth was awarded life mem­ As the OA was the largest and longest "While ever the CSIRO is receiving bership at the same function at Food standing of these predecessor bodies in funding from the biotechnology indus­ Science Australia. CSIRO, the Staff Association continued There are about 3,400 Staff with its membership-numbering system. try it's going to be a case ofleaving the Association members. • SANDY ROSS, CPSU fox to guard the chickens, so to speak." • Leller to the Editor, Sydney Morning Herald, May 17

BOSS to cut health and safety risks "Privatisation of resern'eh leads to gov­ ernments treating CSIRO and the uni­ Picture this: A promotional montage shows a small sample of the images available THE FIRST national occupational health across the whole organisation. It versities as trading corporations." and safety improvement program to be includes awareness of the personal and from Science Image Online. ~ Barry Jones' speech, li'jnancial developed for CSIRO is being imple­ financial costs of manual-handling inci­ Review, June 20 mented. dents, the use of the BOSS riskwassess­ BOSS (Backs, Ovel1lse Injury, Strains ment guide and video, and cooperative and Sprains) involves a one-day training identification and nssessments of haz~ "'Most of the livestock methane comes Science image library program. ards within project groups. from cattle and sheep burps,' a CSIRO The program, which was developed Staff and supervisors will conduct risk boffin said. See. Bet you thought the with the help of pilots at three CSIRO assessments at their work places during methane was animal farts. Aren't you for online browsers sites, will be implemented across 13 training. glad you kept reading now?" divisions by June 200l and, eventually, • CAROLINE LANGLEY, CHR • Syduey MornIng Herald, July 24 CSIRO Publishing has a dynamic new jtJst over 600 images in its banks." Most online picture library, Science Image commercial sites offer more than 5000 OBITUARIES Online. images, she said. The web site specialises in science and "Lab and field photos, black and white nature images and offers school students, CSIRO staff and \he media free use of prints and historical images are all wel­ Research leader with a broad depth ofvision images. There are charges for commer~ come," she said. D-,·_'2".ve[)el~~,J~I~2000 mophilic microbes which reside in sub­ the 19605 and still an important factor in cial uses. "With CSIRO help Science Image maline hydrothermal vents and which the establishment of successful vine­ And for each commercial transaction Online will become Australia's premiere AT ABOUT midnight on July 16, while have great potential to assist in the yards, "J'lIGEL,SCOTI;.<::PI he was watching the eclipse of the moon, completed half of the royalties go to the science image bank. extraction of metals from ores. The division that supplied the image. Dr Dave Dekker, Chief Research "CSIRO does have a unique collection cLUise received widespread publicity in Renowned biochemist CSIRO Pnb1ishing is asking staff to Scientist and Mining Science Co-ordina­ both the print and electronic media in of images that will be of interest around [)rc;olin Br_a,!yl~30-2000 explore filing cabinets, bOHom drawers tor in Exploration and Mining, died Australia and overseas and is featured on and storage areas for photos. negatives the world." she said. suddenly. the front page of this CoResearch. DR COLIN Brady, who retired from and slides to add to the collection. Science Image Online, which will be It is some comfort to know that as a Dave was a warm and supportive col­ CSIRO in 1993, died aged 7I at his Images should be owned by CSIRO. officially launched in October, is at physicist and a keen astronomer Dave league and mentor to staff. horne in Nelson Bay on July 4. in good condition and related to sden­ www.scienceirnage.csiro.au was doing one of the things he truly In recognition of his exceptional lead~ Colin's career with CSIRO began in tifie research. loved when he died. 1951 when he joined the Flax Research For more information contact Kate ership skills and active research role, Manager of the site Kate Parsons said: Dave came to Explora\ion and Mining Dave was reclassified to Chief Research Unit. He completed his MSc Agr in "Unfortunately. while the site's collec­ Parsons on (03) 9662 7591 or at in 1995 from Mount Iso Mines where he Scientist the week before he died. Sydney and obtained his PhD from the tion has quality, it lacks quantity, with [email protected] was the Engineering Research Manager. • DR BRUCE HOBBS, D~E, C'!E Rowett Research Institute in Aberdeen. In his regrettably brief career with He was renowned as a protein bio­ CSIRO, Dave sllccessfully managed a Merbein lab veteran chemist llnd worked on a diverse range ~ The .. significant research leadership role in of plants. from bananas to wheat. His MembersA..ustralia Exploration and Mining and the Mineral, RonY~oodhal11,.192-'-:-2000 pioneering work, with colleagues, on the CREDITUI'ION Exploration and Mining Sectors. MR RON Woodham died recenUy in fruit-softening enzyme. polygalactur­ Credit Union Because of the broad depth of his vision Mildura where he had retired after a 46~ onase, led to the development of the first " Loans for everypurpbse and his clear logical thinking Dave was year association with the Merbein commercially released genelically modi­ for " Savings & Investments asked to be the Coordinator for the sector Laboratory. fied tomatoes in the US and later in Britain. '" Financial Planning in March this year. Ron began as a Laboratory Assistant in CSIRO sta.ff Dave was also actively involved in a 1937 and rejoined the division in 1948 He was appointed Visiting Professor to '" VISA cards number of research projects in mining after a period away for study and in the a number of Institutions including MIT, automation and the study of farsighted Royal Australian Air Force during Massachusetts, University of Malaya, " Insul"ance potential to mine or henefit from deep­ WWII. DC Davis, ,md was a frequent invited sea ore bodies. This culminated in him Ron was recognised for his work all speaker at international conferences. Call 132 888 .. CSfR.Q.pis~~~ryCentre.-'t.:n~et'LI. ACf being one of the lead scientists on a grapevine viruses and virus-like dis­ He became very active in his focal • CSIRO Riv••,id", No.4 Th.Villas" NSW multi-divisional research cruise on RV eases. These diseases were of increasing environment as a member of the Fingal 'N,,"Vl.maCU catr au "'The: G\e-tl ShoppinsCentt>e.,level I. VIC Franklin in April 2000. importance during the expansion of vine Bay Pinks and Reserves Committee. Dave's main interest was in hyperther- improvement in Australian viticulture of ...... :AN(;EL,tl.5;~CKLI;,~~1

383-2000 CoResearch------1 CSIRO a key to HIV vaccine effort

A $US16 million contract to fund a trial the University of New South Wales booster prompts the development of Dr Boyle said tests have shown the will be funded through the NIH, and will vaccine to fight HIV and AIDS has been through the National Centre for HIV large numbers of T-ceUs to hunt down prime-and-boosl vaccine to be effective detennine if the vaccine is safe and able given to an Australian research group Epidemiology and Clinical Research, and kill the mY-infected cells. in preventing HIV infections in pre-clin­ to generate good T-cell responses in that includes CSIRO. will trial an Australian-developed vac­ To increase the levels of T-cells the ical animal trials. humans. The contract is one of four made by the cine strategy that involves a prime-and­ booster will also carry natural-immune "Although we don't know exactly Dr Boyle cautioned: "An effective pro­ National Institutes of Health (NIH), the boost approach. booster or cytokines using patented Co­ what type of immune responses are tective vaccine is a long way off." US government's leading medical­ The vaccine involves two injections, X~GeneTM technology that was devel­ required to protect people against I-IIV, It would take at least another five years research-funding body. to accelerate the The first primes the immune system with oped by CSIRO and the Australian there is a growing body of opinion that and several hundred million dollars after evaluation of potential HIV vaccines in DNA thut expresses HN protehls. National University. Co-X-Gene™ tech­ the induction of high levels of T-cells this work has been completed to deter­ human clinical trials. The other three Dr David Boyle from CSIRO's nology is licensed to Australia company will be crucial to an effective HIV vac­ mine if any of the vaccine candidates can contracts went to US consortiums that Australian Animal Health Laboratory co~ Virax Holdings. cine," he said. protect humans. include pharmaceutical companies. developed technology for the booster in Another Australian company, the "The prime-and-boost vaccination "In the meantime, it's important that NIH has committed US$70 million to which a fowl pox virus will be used as a Institute of Drug Technology, will manu­ strategy is particularly effective in induc­ strategies of safe sex and needle­ the contracts over the next five years. vector, or transport system, to carry facture the trial fowl-pax-virus vaccines ing high levels ofT-cells." exchange programs are maintained," he The Australian consortium, headed by active parts of the HIV vaccine, The for Virax in Melbourne. The first phase of human clinical trials said. Spanking-bad times for women By K","-en Robinson, CN_A _ A WOMAN was spanked for helping herself to stationery, women employees were not allowed to wear slacks or stiletto heels and had to resign upon mar­ riage or pregnancy. These are some of the indignities CSJRO women have had to endure, according to back issues of CoResearch. Looking bade: The masthead from CoResearch No I94,July, 1975, was printed during These incidents seem to have been IntematlonalWomen'sYear. BELOW: This cartoon appeared in the same issue. particularly well-reported during the Clunies Ross. "When I first joined as conditioned by society to believe they 1970s. secretary to Sir Ian at the McMaster should fiU only the lower positions". CoResearch (July 1975) tells the story Laboratory, 1 had to be vetted by the People had different ideas about what "of a storeman, fomlerly a very proper Chairman. When I made my first over­ being a woman in CSIRO meant World War II Royal Navy Omcer, who seas visit I had to be inspected by the "I find that being a woman is an guarded his premises jealously. He let it Minister, no less. During the war years advantage," said one of today's senior he known - politely at fIrst- that people women received equal pay, but tlus right women in the organisation, "and admit did not enter the precincts and help them­ was taken from us after the men came freely to using certuin feminine wiles to selves. Repeated offenders met with cer­ back. It was only fully restored a yew" convince some of the more dour gentle­ tain verbal abuse and dire threats. ago [1972]." men ofscience that they really can afford "When one steno-secretary refused to Up until 1974, there had never been a to accept readable versions of their heed the warnings she found he meant woman Chief, only an Acting Chief, Dr weighty statements." The woman in what he said - she was summarHy dealt Rachel Makinson of the then Division of question had to regularly transform sci­ with. The ex-RN officer put her across Textile Physics. Today there are three. entific jargon into simple English. his knee and soundly spanked her." International Women's Year was in Another felt that "the job does require The Materaity Leave Act of 1973 1975 and a CoResearch article (July a woman's touch, an understanding freed women from official discrimina­ 1975) reported that "equality had been a approach which might be absent if a tion of having to resign from Australian gentle victory" for CSIRO's women. male occupied the position. The men I governmental employment. The Act stat­ "For the most prot women in CSIRO work for are gentlemen of the old school, ed that "the possible or actual pregnancy are reasonably content with their work­ brought up to be poHte to women. of a woman shall not be grounds for dis­ ing conditions, especially those in the They're far less prone to blow up when a crimination against her", but this was professional areas, but that doesn't mean woman is present and I suppose in this difficult to enforce, and employers had to that there isn't room for improvement." way I have the traditional view of a seriously consider the consequences of Women were, in fact, "denied the right woman's role operating very much in my appointing women who were "pregnancy to work in the field, and women in tech~ favour." (CoResearch, July 1975). risks", nical areas were not so sure they were on Issues of CoResearch in the 1970s The late Dr Helen Newton Turner, a an equal footing with their male counter­ expressed the changing attitudes of world authority on sheep genetics, and a parts. While some felt they had achieved women, and if the masthead of the July key female role model in CSIRO, told the equality their qualifications medted, 1975 issue is anything to go by, it was the CoResearch in 1973 about her exped­ others found that promotion was slow." introduction of some radical changes for ences as a young secretary to Sir Ian The article said that "women were CSIRO and its women. CirostheGreat

WOman:"CrOf amatch Ciros? rom sure. she was surposed to taKe it off before she burnt it? Suicide caterpillars march on By Sharon Kennedy-Miles, FS~ for food. The larvae of a native lepi­ This is the second.time I have noticed THE MARCH of the Processionary doptera (moth) lays its eggs on a certain the larvae on the marell. The last time Caterpillars sounds like the title of a wattle tree. was about four years ago when the Hollywood film. They hatch and climb up the tree to caterpillars were marching across the But the story unfolded in Cannon reach the leaves, and stay on the tree back road that leads to our storage Hill, Brisbane, in March, as staff were until they are mature enough to pupate, building. introduced to one of our native insects ar until they eat every leaf and have to Recently, the bushland behind our in a most unusual manner. find a new tree. site was sold and is being developed Bowling up to the gates, staff were When this happens, the caterpillars into residential and light-industry prop­ greeted by strings of silvery grey hair all march back down the tree trunk, and erties. stretching across the bitumen roadway. follow each other in an endless proces­ Nearly all the trees have been felled Squeamish drivers had llO alternative sion in the search for food. and perhaps the caterpillars hiked from but to drive over the 7m strings of fluff. If this happens in an area with few the bushland area to the nearest wattle This mysterious exodus of trees, the caterpillars [lre doomed to tree next to our fencelinc, before their Processionary Caterpillars, or Hairy or walk until exhausted and, if they cannot hair-raising expedition across our gate­ Itchy caterpillars, was a suicidal search find n food tree, they wiII die. way. 383-2000 CSIRO around the nation O'Keefe's maths medal a first DR Christine O'Keefe, from of Fellows of America's National tee since 1977, chair for the past six Mathematical and Information Association of Corrosion Engineers. years and was recently made a life Sciences, has become the first woman to NACE has only 106 Fellows from a meIIlbel'._ ._P~UL_HClI.P_EJ!LCAR win the Medal of the Australian worldwide memhership of 15,000. Mathematical Society. Mr King was admitted for recognition Measure of loecogllition "Infonnation security is a major issue of his "sustained professional activity in DR Barry Inglis. the Director of the in taday's digital telecommunication applied research on atmospheric corro­ National Measurement Laboratory at environment," says Dr O'Keefe. sivity that led to mapping procedures Lindfield NSW, has been elected to the uAs businesses gather infonnation on and new insights into cold climate International Committee for Weights the marketplace and use new techniques effects" of corrosion. to infer'valuable understanding from it, Mr King, a Principal Research and Measures (CIPM). they need to protect this infonnation." Scientist with CSIRO Sustainable CIPM is a conunittee of eminent sci­ Dr O'Keefe's research has provided Materials Engineering at Highett, entist and metrologists elected under the efficient techniques to control access to Melbourne, gained international recog­ Convention of the Metre to oversee the impOltant documents and infonnation. nition for developing the world first activities of the Intemational Bureau for The techniques provide high levels of Accelerated Testing Shelter system Weights and Measures It plays a central security. Immense compu\ing power, far (ATS). Mr King's ATS enables acceler­ role in setting the directions of interna­ beyond that cUlTently available, would ated testing of products to be conducted tional metrology. be required to overcome the security in the marine environment two to 10 In the 125-year history of the conven­ schemes. times faster than usual. tion, only about 135 people have served Dr O'Keefe can-ied out the basic CSIRO ATS can, for instance, evalu­ on the CIPM. Dr luglis is the fourth research that earned her the medal while ate new and existing roof-fastener prod­ Australian to be appointed. at the University ofAdelaide. She joined ucts for corrosion perfonnance in six to - JACQUI DE BATTISTA, CTIP CSIRO's Business Intelligence Group 12 months instead of years. earlier this year to use the research to Mr King is also well known for his add information security systems to the corrosion mapping throughout Australia ChiefExecutive's awards group's technologies for integrating and his work in atmospheric corrosion, CSlRO ChiefExecutive's Study Awards information. "Having the chance to COITosion monitoring, conservation and are made once a year so staff can gain apply my research in pure mathematics heritage preservation and development career-related training and experience. to real world problems in tlus way is ofAustralian COlTosion test standards. Here is a Jist of the eight awards for this very exciting," she said. financial year. "Being awarded the Medal is a great Focus on measurement Ms Kathryn Boxsell, Corporate honour. I'm thrilled." Human Resources, to attend the She was one of two Australian CSIRO's National Measurement Laboratory hosted the prestigious Strategic Human Resource Management researchers to receive the medal this Conference and review human-resource year. Conference on Precision Electromagnetic Measurements practices in the USA; Ms Laura Castelli, (CPEM) in Sydney from May 14 to 19. Health Sciences & Nutrition, to attend Doctor wins recognition 11 was CPEM's 21st anniversary and, the Cold Spring Harbor yeast-genetics DR Shirley Jeffrey, from Madne as only the second one outside North course and visit collaborators at the Research, has won an international America or Europe, reflects recognition University of Michigan; Mr Harry award and selection to th~ United States of tile growing impOLtance of the Asia Higgins, Marine Research, to attend the National Academy of Sciences. Pacific region to world met.rology. ASLO Aquatic Sciences Conference, Dr Jeffrey becomes the third Professor Ron Ekers from CSIRO's USA, and visit laboratories in the US. Australian woman in the ZOOO-member Australia Telescope National Facility, Canada, Belgium and France; Mr AI1hur organisation. was one of seven plenary speakers. Langston, Wildlife & Ecology, to atteud She won the Gilbert Morgan Smith The conference attracted 430 dele­ a Summer School on Complex Systems Medal, which recognises excellence in gates from 43 countries, including 67 Behaviour at the Santa Fe Institute; Mr marine or freshwater research, for her delegates from Australia. Russell McCulloch. Tropical research on microscopic algae. The Department of Industry, Science AgIiculture, t.o attend a shrimp-patholo­ and Resources was a principal confer­ gy short course at the University of Hot property ence sponsor. Arizona; Dr Jonian Nikolov, Minerals, -ANGELA SAMUEL,CTIP to visit the Mintek laboratory in South Africa and present a paper in Italy; Mr Champion's farewell Gregory Roberts, Australian Cotton THE Gabba scoreboard was recently lit Research Institute, to conduct research up with a farewell message for Mr BatT)' at the Frank Wise Institute, Kununurra, Johnson who has retired from Food WA, to allow the adaptation of the Science Australia. NutriLOGJC program for Northern Bany provided information to the Australian Cotton crops; Mr Stephen meat industry for 31 years. Speer, CSIRO Discovery, to visit a The industry organised one of the range of teacher/scientist network pro­ retirement functions for him at the Gabba in Brisbane. grams in the USA and Britain. Speakers included an ex-chief, two STAFF at North Ryde have celebrated group managers and a number of cap~ two awards made to Riverside tains of industry, including a board Corporate Park. member. The Ryder Hunt, Property Council of Mr Lawrie Stewart, of Cryovac Australia National Award 2000 was Australia, announced an annual Young awarded to CSIRO for Riverside Achiever's Award to be Ilamed in Corporate Park, NOlih Ryde. Riverside BaITY'S honour. Corporate Park Development was also - BEVERLEY GEORGE, named the Ryder Hunt, Property Food Science Australia Council of Australia Recognising Building Excellence -- 2000 NSW Winner. Business manager retires General Manager Corporate Property AFTER a career spanning 34 years with George Harley (pictured left), and CSIRO, Mr David Slater is retiring from Director of APP Property Brian Tasker CSIRO Atmospheric Research in had a lot to do with the success_ Aspendale, where he has led the busi­ ness team for more than 20 years. Genetic prize David has experienced at first hand virtually all the tasks associated with AN ANU postgraduate student at supporting a world-class research labo­ CSJRO Entomology has won this year's ratory. Genetic Society of Australia's $1000 /' ''The biggest change I've seen over o-O() grant to attend an international confer­ .-.".0~ .. ence. the years would have to be technology • .0 Jeremy Brownlie was awarded the and the increase in our contrnct work. Computing power underpins everything leu C Smith-White student award for his pres­ entation at the Genetics Society of we do and there is now so much more Australia conference in CanbelTa from pressure on CSIRO to commercialise il:s research," he said. WWt1f./cu.com.au No fees or low fees all mostprod1lcts July 3 to 7. * Mr Slater had a large role in the major No monthly account keeping fees Jeremy will use the money to travel to CSIRQ Riverside * site developments that CSIRO under­ Illternet banking· Worldwide access 24 x 7 the Keystone Conference on Genetic No.6 "The Village" * took at Aspendale in the late '80s and JllliHS Avenue, North Ryde 2113 Manipulation of Jnseets in February * Loans for all purposes - No application fees early'90s. email: [email protected] * Savings accounts 2001. He won the $150 Biorad Student Prize at the same conference last year. uThe building work gave us sorely Phone: (02) 9490 8911/8834 * Invc!'llmcnt accounts needed laboratory and office facilities in Fax: (02) 9490 8768 * Visn debit cards a stunning building that won major Laboratories Credit Union Ltd * Maslercllrd Credit Cards King-sized fellow architectural awards," he says. ABN 77 087 650 217 * Financial Planning CSJRO corrosion scientist George King He has been on the CSIRO \. '-. --'/ has been admitted to the exclusive club Benevolent fund management commil-

383-2000 384##2000

CSIRO's staff newspaper Season's greetings to all our readers. No.384 Summer 2000 My job is to listen: new Chief ONE of Dr Geoff Garrett's first acts on "Our psyche often tends more towards But the most important reason for arriving in Australia as Chief Executive , CSIRO is a treasure under-promising and over-delivering. I accepting the job was CSIRO's record of designate was to take a straw poll ofordi­ believe we should be about promising excellence in research and development. nary Aussies to find out what they chest of amazing people and delivering and shadng with more "I'm hugely impressed with the peo­ thought of CSIRO. The results delighted people the exciting things that go on in ple," he said. "CSIRO is a treasure chest him and confirmed his own view that and amazing innovations our work." of amazing people and amazing innova­ CSIRO is "a seriously classy act". that need to be International alliances m'e especially tions that need to be unleashed." Talking to taxi drivers and hotel door­ important for countries with relatively Dr Garrett acknowledges the learning men about their views on science and unleashed. , small populations and economies like curve ahead is steep. CSIRO is one of the ways Dr Garrett, South Africa and Australia, Dr Garrett is "Not having a network inside or out­ very much a people-person, keeps his convinced. side the organisation, and not knowing finger on the pulse. It's likely to become themselves as wen as about getting "We need to build networks and the political system are disadvantages. a hallmark of the Garrett style of leading results. "I try to listen hard. It's very bridges and cooperate to build critical "Fortunately Dr Colin Adam has the organisation, important to understand what turns peo­ mass," he said. "Many of these are over­ agreed to help me by sharing his wisdom "CSIRO's got a brilliant brnnd and Joe ple on and how you can help people be seas, as well as within our own country. and huge experience during the early Public holds the organisation in such the best they can be," he says. "Too often science institutions tend to stages." high esteem. CSIRO's reputation in the liMy job is to listen and reflect back, compete among themselves like we do "But, I also come without baggage or a global scientific community is also out­ and then help set mutually agreed, on the sports field. That's pretty stupid history, and that can be an advantage in standing," he says. stretching goals. We all need to stretch" because the world is a very competitive some situations," he says. "This needs to be reinforced and Bdtish-bom Dr Garrett, 52, has lived place and, unless you're holding hands "It's up to me to build my credibility demonstrated with some of the decision­ in South Africa for 28 years, and headed across bound,uies, you can really strug­ People-person: Dr Geoff Garrett believes and bring a different and value-adding making players, but it's a wonderful up our sister agency, CS1R, for the last gle." In the Importance of communkatlon. perspective. foundation." five of these. Not surprisingly, for a sports fan that "Ill the five dnys I was with CSIRO in Dr Garret takes up his post on January He strongly believes in the importance grew up playing cricket and football and The high profile of science and November, I had many special Conversa­ 15. Once on deck, he will embark on a of communicating about science and its boxed for his Blue at Cambridge innovation in the public arena was anoth­ tions and feel like I've made some pals tour of the divisions and the main sites, role and impact with the people who, University, the Sydney Olympics played er vital factor. already. You quickly make those connec­ starting in February, to find out what ultimately, will make use of it. a part in his decision to join CSIRO. "Debate is robust and there's a general tions and they lead to others. people really think.. He will also be meet­ "Sometimes, as scientists, we need to "It was a confluence of things, but that acknowledgement that science and tech~ "One of the challenges ahead for all of ing many of CSIRO's key clients and take a rap on the knuckles for our inabil~ was a tie-breaker," he said. nology will underpin an innovation­ us will be to educate the political envi­ stakeholders at the earliest opportunity. ity to adequately communicate with pas­ "I thought: this is a nation that can do driven economy critical to competing romnent around the great and exciting

In the Garrett approach, leadership is sion and energy the excitement of our anything and really make it happent and effectively in the global marketplace," he things that are happening in Australian about making people feel good about disciplines. have great fun in the process." says. science," he says. Dishing up Parkes' inside story !!.r Megan -cB-;-ir~dc-~c-:-----c:c----=:­ THE smash hit Australian film, The Dish, tells a story of the role played by CSIRO's Parkes radiotelescope in the 1969 moon landing. Some ofthe CSIRO people involved in Parkes' big moment in history have given some new angles on the movie's story and offered their comments on what it was like to be there. In the film, a diesel generator fails to kick in after a power failure. In reality, the blackout did not happen and Parkes staff would have coped if it had, thanks to the meticulous attention to detail the telescope's then director, John Bolton, was renowned for. Visitors' centre manager Rick Twardy said: "John Bolton had calculated how fast to turn the gears by hand in the event of a power failure. But it never hap­ pened." John Bolton, called Cliff Buxton and played by Sam Neill in 1Ile tilm, wns known as the "Dish Master", but that's where any likeness between the two end. Stars above: Characters from The Dish gaze into the heavens. Fonner senior operator Dave Cooke PHOTO: Lisa Tomasetti said: "There was no comparison at all between Cliff Buxton and John Bolton. But there was never any animosity that There was not a shred of indecision in On track: John Bolton (CSIRO), left, and RobertTaylor (NASA) check some figures. anyone would admit to between the John Bolton." Parkes' staff and the American NASA of choice among those we interviewed. The real mayor ofParkes at the time of In the movie, Cliff's wife had died a staff, both of whom were more numerous John Bolton would never have pennit­ the landing, Jack ScobIe, was a quiet, year ago. But John's wife, Letty, 82. has than cast. ted cricket on his dish, said those who non-drinking lay preacher. outlived her husband so far by eight The Prime Minister went to The movie mayor was based on the years. were there. Honeysuckle Creek for the landing, not previous mayor, Cec Moon, who lobbied She said: "My husband was a very Operations manager John Sarkissian Pnrkes. handS-Oil person. He wasn't sitting there has further evi.dence. "You couldn't play CSIRO to have d1e telescope built at Which images were televised first to smoking a pipe during the moonwalk. I cricket there if you wanted to," he said. Parkes. the world continues to be a source of was there. Everyone was flat to the "The surface was like chicken-wire The high winds did happen. They gust­ contention. But it is widely agreed that boards. It was quite emotional and trau­ mesh and wasn't replaced until 1973 ed up to lOOkrnlh during tlle moonwalk Parkes provided the best images and the matic in the control room." with perforated aluminium panels." and continued for at least 20 minutes. majority of them. These were seell by the John was a chain smoker, according to Some individuals did hit gotf balls in The control desk was reconstructed world eight or nine minutes after the start Letty, but never a pipe-smoker. He rolled front of them as they walked from the accurately, thanks to former staff who of the broadcast. his own, and was known to break his telescope to the observer's quarters for were consulted. When John Sarkissian spoke to the own rule of smoking in the control room. lunch. One of them, Dave Cooke, said: "I was Working Dog team about this the expla­ Operations scientist at Parkes John There are no known incidents of golf amazed how accurately they built the set nation was simple and reasonable. Sarkissian said: "He wouldn't have asked balls finding their way into the dish, of the control room. That WftS eXh'aordi­ "The story was complicated enough as for advice. He was a pioneer in his field although former dish-driver Cliff Smith nary." it was," he was told. "We didn't want to and he knew exactly what he was doing. did say mischievonsly: "The balls always NASA did provide incorrect Southern confuse the public." He would have just done it." came back to you." Hemisphere coordinates some time For more details about the mission and A rumour does persist that cricket was The flamboyant movie mayor of before the moon landing and once when to view original photographs visit played on the disb. but golf was the game Parkes was part fact, part fiction. Apollo 11 was on its way back to earth. www.parkes.atnf.csiro.au/apollo111 Wine drinkers queue up "Investment in science and technology was the most likely cause of the power­ SCORES of healthy men have volull­ house economy in the US. John Howard teered to drink red wine every day in the said yesterday in his strongest hint yet name of research. that he plans to increase science fund­ The wine study could shed light on ing." cardiovascular disease, a disease and its ~ The Australian, August 31, Mr related conditions that killed more than Picture this: A Division of Plant Industry Howard was speaking at the opening project ploughs on In Cowra In 1940. Old 40.000 Australians in 1997. of CSIRO~s Discovery centre. photographs are being sought for Inclu­ "In some other research projects we sion In an anniversary boo}<. do, it's hard to get enough people;' PhD "CSIRO is proving through its agribusi­ student Will Greenrod said. ness research that becoming a clever "Bllt this time we are over-subscribed country can still mean riding 011 a Wanted: old by a factor of 10." sheep's back." A newspaper advertisement for nOl1­ • The Age, September 30. photographs smoldng male volunteers aged between 40 and 60 prompted the over-supply. "While the CSIRO stressed that swal­ CSIRO National Awareness is calling on The three-month trial requires partici­ lowing one was not dangerous, opera all staff to become a part of history by pants to spend a month alcohol-free, diva Yvonne Kenny was lucky her futTy joining our search-anci-rescue mission drink two glasses of red wine a day for a little friend chose her dress and not a for old photographs. month and exercise controlled drinking warmer place to view the dosing cere­ Start rununaging through old filing for the next month. The study is funded mony." cabinets, bottom drawers and albums. by CSIRO Health Sciences and - The Austl'3liau, October 3. on Nutrition and the Grape and Wine Author and historian Brad Collis will bogong moths. Research and Development Corporation. produce a narrative history of our instead of every decade, thanks to a scientific achievements next year in In the mood for food CSIRO instrument to identify the initial "The CSIRO has been the most prolific CSIRO's 75th anniversary. stages of corrosion. organisation in obtaining US patents Cows left to fend for· themselves in The book will be published mid-next CHEERFUL men and miserable women The instrument, developed by from Australian science. And the race are likely to fight over junk food. open paddocks are likely to lose between Sustainable Materials Engineering year. It will be about 300 pages long. for funding has meant the clUsty institu­ Men are more likely to eat snack 250 and 3IO litres of milk a year by the promises to slash the cost offixing rusty include 16 chapters and up to 70 photos. tion has emerged into the business foods when they are happy and women year 2030 because of climate change, cars and could save the aircraft industry We are looking for private and divi­ world." . are more likely to eat sweet foods when according to the CSIRO Atmospheric $3 l11illiol1 an aircraft. The Scanning ~ sional photographs that cover all major Australian Financial Review, August they are sad, according to a speaker at Research study. Kelvin Probe has been likened to the dis­ 12. areas of CSIRO research. the recent CSIRO Food Ind\1stry covery of the first electron microscope. In particular, photos of people in Conference. Toxic newhomes "The CSIRO is an adult day-care centre. action in the general fields of biological Professor Larry Christensen said: NEW-HOME owners could be exposed Sex sells You have to split it up. How can you control, entomology, wildlife, animal "Both men and women are more likely to up to 20 times the allowable limit for THE sexual scent of insects is cutting have four or five people working on the production, textiles, crops and pastures, to eat vegetarian foods after a happy indoor air toxins for up to 10 weeks after down on pesticides in commercial human genome? What is that going to forestry, northern development, fish­ event than after a sad event." their dream homes have been built. orchards. do? You have to target areas, They are eries and oceanography, atmospheric His research showed that emotional Up to half a million Australians mov­ Insects that plague orchards lose the working on every area known to man. research, radio astronomy, food, miner­ distress creates a craving for carbohy­ ing into about 120,000 new homes each urge to mate if they are bombarded with It's nuts." als, manufacturing and general instru­ drate and fat-rich snack food, which year could be exposed to the airborne the overpowering scent of their opposite - Business Review Weekly, August 18, mental wizardry are sought. temporarily relieve some of the symp­ pollutants, researcb by CSIRO Thennal sex, according to CSIRO entomologist quoting Peter FaneH, the chief execu~ We also plan to produce a separate toms. and Fluids Engineering has found. The Dr Richard Vickers. tive of ResMed, the largest medical­ pictorial history of CSIRO, so photo­ "When the symptoms retum, the cycle most potent sources of toxins were Pheromone-based control systems are devices' group in Australia. graphs will be considered for both begins again," Professor Christensen, paints, adhesives and some wood-based not suitable for domestic fmit producers projects. the chair of psychology at the University panels. because of the small areas involved. Please send your pies along with of South Alabama, said. information on what they are of to Ms Rust revolution Green-tea party CORRECTION Karen Robinson, CSIRO National Milk down as cows heat up PAUL Hogan could have been made CSIRO research is the first to identify The RV Franldin's undersea-chimney Awareness, PO Box 225, Dickson, ACT cows that are pampered by their farm­ redundant in his early job as a harbour­ why green tea can lower cholesterol. expedition, referred to in the last issue, 2602. For more information phone ers with shade sheds and sprinklers pro­ bridge painter if a new hi-tech probe had It increases the amount of a liver pfO­ was led by Dr Ray Binns, not Dr Brent (02) 6276 6108, or e-mail duce between 190 and 220 litres more been around then, tein that works to clear cholesterol from McInnes, as stated. Dr McInnes led the [email protected]. All milk a year than cows left exposed in The Sydney Harbour Bridge may need the blood, according (0 Health Sciences second team. which encounterd the photographs will be retumed. paddocks. a new coat of paint once every 33 years and Nutrition. Kavachi eruption, as reported.

Gold-medal honours for CSIRO staff OBITUARIES Dr DougWaterhouse 1916·2000 SPORTING medals were not the only Mr Bryan Loft, Dr Mike Skalsky, Dr his research innovations and commer­ Entomology mourns former chief accolades this spring as CSIRO staff won Greg Simpson, Dr Tom Spurling Dr Jack cialisation of biostable polymers for dozens of prestigious scientific awards. Steele ill1d Dr Donald Brown. Mr Trevor medical implants. DR Doug Waterhouse, a past Chief of His visionary approach to biological • DR Jim Peacock and Dr Liz Thacker won the Customer-Relationsh.ip • Tf-ill Low-Emissions Vehicle Team CSIRO Entomology and the inventor of control has seen huge pay-offs, not only Dennis, from Plant Industry, shared the Management Award. won the 2000 Chairman's Medal for pro­ the active ingredient in the insect repel­ to Australia in terms of pest and weed inaugural $300,000 Prime Minister's ducing the complete powertrains for the lant Aerogard, died in Canberra on management, but also to many of our Prize for Science, for work that could ECOmmodore and the aXcessaustralia December 1 at the age of 84. neighbouring countries, especially the help boost the world grain harvest. The car. There were fonr 2000 CSIRO Medal Affectionately known as "Father" dur­ Pacific island natio11S, where projects pair were awarded the prize for their winners: the Amphibian Disease ing his time as Chief, Dr Waterhouse have restored local economies. His latest work in plant molecular biology, prima­ Research Team, High-Performance devoted his life to applying the science book, jointly authored with rily for discovering a key gene in plants Wireless LANS Team, Magmetal Project of entomology to solving practical prob­ Entomology's Dr Don Sands. is on this that controls flowering. Team and BHP's Team Falcon, the exter­ lems faced by people in Australia and in subject and will be published next year. • THREE international commercial nal medal winner. the developing nations. Dr Waterhouse was recognised global­ initiatives expected to eam more than • DR ROBERT Leicester, from He will be remembered for much more ly for his leadership in science by his $700m from exports won CSIRO's inau­ Building Constmction and Engineering, than his invention of the active ingredi­ electiol) as a Fellow of the Royal gural Commercial Excellence Awards. won the A$373.7I8 Marcus Wallenberg ent in Aerogard, but this one contribution Society, Fcl10w of the Australian The award-winners me CSIRO's Food Visionary: Mathematician DrTony Miller Prize. The King of Sweden presented Dr epitomises his whole approach to sci­ Academy of Science and FeJIow of the Into Asia program, expected to deliver Leicester with the prize for his work into ence, the need to apply results so that we Australian Academy of Technologicill more than $670m in new eomillgs for • THE Sir Ian McLennan aspects of building-performance engi­ all benefit. Sciences and Engineering. Australian exporters; new reJationship­ Achievement for Industry Award was neering for wood structures. As Chief of Entomology for 21 years He was made an Officer of the Order management strategies leading to con­ presented to Dr Tony Miller, from • AT the 10th Australian Cotton from 1960 to 1981 Dr Waterhouse cham­ ofAustralia (AO) in 1980 and published tracts with the Boeing Company totalling Mathematical and Infonnation Sciences, Growers Research Association Cotton pioned a number of research programs more than 100 scientific papers and sev­ $37m; and a new biomedical spin~off for his pioneeIing research on spectacle Conference, Dr Joanne Daly, from that continue to have lasting benefits to eral books. company, Elastomedic, earning CSIRO lens design. Clearer vision for millions Entomology, was presented with the Australian agriculture, to our unique bio­ He was instrumental in the establish­ $6.8m. of people who wear progressive lenses is 1999 Researcher of Year Award for her diversity, and to all Australians, ment of the Canberra College of The Marketing & Business the result of Dr Miller's research. It con­ work over 18 years on insect genetics He was the driving force behind the Advanced Education, now the Development Award was won by Russel tributed to nearly $1 billion worth of lens and resistance, Dr Ian Rochester, from establishment of the Australian National University of CanbclTa. Rankin, Stephan Wellink and Judy sales a year for SOLA International, a Plant Industry, won the 2000 Researcher Insect Collection in 1962, part ofCSIRO He is survived by his wife Dawn, their Marcllre. The Technology-Transfer world-leading spectacle lens company. of the Year Award for his work over 17 Entomology, as a permanent entity to daughter Jill, and S021S Douglas, Award was given to Dr Gordon Meijs, Dr A Certificate of Commendation was years on cotton rotation crops and develop an understanding of Australia's Jonathon and Gowrie, and their families. Simon Carroll, Dr Pathiraja Gunatillake. awarded to Dr Pathiraja Gunatillake for nutritioll. insect biodiversity. • MALCOLM ROBERTSON, CE

Serving CSl!OV~rr 40 ears Deputy chief executive warns ofenergy crisis A CENTURY of global wealth based on ing and energy in Australia depended on easy oil and metal is over and Australia technological advances through the new ·Intemet & Telephone Banking •Financial Planning must find alternative technologies for economy, he said. To do this mining had •Savings and Investments • Loans for every purpose energy or go nuclear. to target a zero emissions, zero waste •Diners Club & VISA cards • Insurance & Health Cover The ideal wonld be to develop a policy. hydrogen-based economy. Dr Hobbs outlined the Glass Earth Members..f..ustralia These were some of Dr Bruce Hobbs' Project, a strategy to get Australia to CREDIT UNION comments during the recent annual 2025, based on his projections of GIRO Discovery Centre - lo....-e( LI,AG • The Glen Shopping Centre - level ',VIC Brodie Hall Address in Perth. Deputy Australia's population being 25 million. GIRO RNerside ~ No. 4 The Village, NSW Chief Executive of Minerals and Energy The project is the work of 100 scientists. Dr Hobbs said: "The minerals' industry "The time has come to stop talking www.macu.com.au is referred to as part ofthe old economy." about green power and start acting," Dr Glass earth:The prolect is the wor/< of For the next decade the future of mill- Hohbs said. 100 scientists.

384-2000 CoResearch 3 Red centre ofknowledge By Il~~~ Collis_.______habits, and links with other stories that cats during dry seasons. When droughts SOME of Australia's most eminent instructed people how to live with this broke, weakened native populations had wildlife researchers and ecologists gath­ land. little chance to rebuild against predators ered in Callbena in October to celebrate Newsome's introduction to the central that had suryived in great numbers on the life and work of biologist Alan Australian desert came after he left llni~ rabbits. Newsome, who recently retired from versity in the mid-1950s and gained ajob The Mala population found by Wildlife & Ecology. with the animal-industry branch Df the Newsome and Sharman was also hit by In a career spanning 40 years Alan Northern Territory Administration. He fDxes not long after its discovery and has became one of Australia's leading was sent into the hot, lonely landscape to only been saved from total extinction authorities on t.he red kangaroo, dingoes learn, and developed an abiding passion through a breeding program started by and pred£llor-prey relationships. for the desert, its people and its creatures. Ken Johnson, a researcher from Northern At the start of his career in the early It was during this period that he Territory Parks and Wildlife, 19505 Alan was a young biologist drawn entered central-Australian folklore after The species' hold on life remains tellU­ to Australia's red centre by its ecological making one Df the most remarkable OUS, but there are hopes a larger breeding mysteries. He developed a close bond wildlife discoveries Df the century. program in a predator-free environment with the Aboriginal communities and, as A noted reproductive physiologist on Trimouille Island off the Western he gently probed their ancient, sacred from Adelaide University, Geoff BiologistAlan Newsome Photo: Brad Collis Australian CDast will eventually build up Mixed business: Dr Mark Hibberd gmws stories, he discovered an enormous Sharman, agreed tD be his masters' Mala numbers. hops to flavour his award-winning brews. source of know ledge. supervisor. In 1959 the pair went into the "Anyway, Murray jumps and out runs The stmggle by Australian wildlife to Newsome penned his observations in a Tanami Desert. Sharman also hoped to this little animal, a Mala, which tenrs survive European settlement has become controversial 1980 paper, The Eco­ find a sman, rare faHailed marsupial away across the scrub. I was staggered. an epic saga and Mala came to represent Mythology Of The Red Kangaroo In called a dasycercus, We asked what else was around and he the perilous state of all small native ani­ The art of Central Australia, which explored the Newsome recalled: "It was October, said, 'walbagiri', the Aranda name for mals on this continent. However, for Newsome it was just the start of a per­ Ajaiijourney. It was to become a grolll1d­ very hDt and no trees. The only shade bilby. This was amazing. He also shDwed breaking treatise in its use of Aboriginal was from these massive termite mounds. us tracks of the palcufll, a little bandicoot sonal journey of discovery that time and home brew again drew public and scientific attention mythology to throw new light on to So we were alDngside one of these trying also thought to be extinct." to the uniqueness of many Australian DR Mark Hibberd is an atmospheric sci­ ecological puzzles. to grab some shade in which to eat a bit Regrettably, 30 years later, the palcuru creatures. entist, with interests in fluid mechanics. He became one of the fIrst scientists in of food and I noticed a sand dune a little is extinct - as are at least 23 species of In his spare time he is interested in flu­ Australia to realise that much of the way olf. vertebrates, mDstly small mammals and Newsome spent years explaining to ids of an amber hue. knowledge needed to beHer manage the "This was unusual. It wasn't sand­ marsupials unique to the Australian con­ pastDralists that the dingo was in fact Yes, Mark brews his own beer. And land and its ecosystems already existed. dune cDuntry. So we drove Dver and there tinent and wiped out by the impact of their ally against foxes, cats, rabbits and In tracing the red kangaroo's mytholo­ were tracks all over it, tracks we didn't Europefll1 settlement. excessive kangaroo numbers. cider. And mead. He does it so well that in October he won the Best Brewer gy, he was able to establish the first bio­ recognise, although we could see it was Evidence, much ofit gathered over the Newsome is now retired and living in logical profile of this, Australia's largest, some kind of wallaby." years by Newsome, painted to the devas­ Canberra. He went into the desert with a Award at the Victorian Amateur native mammal. The totemic sites, and The two men drove IOOkm to a cattle tating impact Df overstocking a fragile scientist's dispassion, and came out with Brewing Cham.pionships. the stories and songs that accompany station and returned with a tracker named landscape with cattle that destroyed the a philosopher's sorrow. :'1 started brewing about six years each site, were components of a bigger Murray. On being shown the strange small marsupials' shelter. Newsome had During his time in central Australia the ago. It's a nice mixture of art and sci­ picture which, when pieced together, tracks he simply said, "Oh, Mala." observed just how defenceless this had red deselt became his home: "When my ence," he said. "1 like to brew beers with gave n detailed account of red-kangaroo The Mala, known by whites as the made them against the unholy trinity of time comes, that's where I want to take lots of flavDur, styles you can't buy." ecology ~ social habits, breeding Rufus Hare Wallaby, was supposed to be introduced faxes, feral cats and rabbits. my last walk," he said, at the start of his Colleagues at CSlRO Atmospheric pattems, migration, diet and eating extinct. The rabbits were also prey for faxes and retirement. Research believe that Mark is the ideal person to be president of their social club. He generously provides samples of his craft fDr after-work functions. - PAUL HOlPER, CAR CoReseal'ch has ulldertaken to feature the creative endeavours of CSIRO staff. We know about troupes of jugglers and dancers, a couple of painters, writers and singers. Let us 'know about others. Contact Megan Bird at [email protected] or phone (02) 62844113.

Tribute to the greats TWO former CSIRO scientists were part of an exhibition honouring great 20th Century Australian scientists. Joseph Pawsey and Sir Ian Wack fea­ tured in the National Portrait Gallery's Cavalcade Of Scientists' exhibition in CanbelTa. Sir Ian's knighthood medal and a let­ ter relating to it, the Pawsey Medal and some old phDtographs were some of the features of the exhibition. Sir Douglas Mawson's balaclava, Professor Fiona Stanley's portrait and an early prototype of Graeme Clark's bionic ear were other highlights. Curator Magda Keaney said: "We AN innovative community retirement "And it really makes all the hard work units dDnate about one-third of building have tried to include something that rep­ village in the heart of Belmont, Geelong, worthwhile to see our residents gain an costs. resented each scientist's wDrk as well as has just opened six new units, thanks to improved quality of life in such a low­ When they stay for less than 10 years their private lives to create a balance the efforts of CSIRO staff in Geelong. cost and secure environment." the donation is refunded, less 10 per cent between the accolades and the more per­ Sirovilla is home to almost 50 resi­ Halfof the units are reserved fDr finan­ a year for the period of occupancy. sDnal things". dents who occupy 39 one and tWD-bed­ cially disadvantaged tenants. An independent cDrrunittee of mostly Radiophysicist and radio astronomer room unils. "The project was initially planned for CSIRO staff and some Geelong-based Joseph Pawsey (1908-1962) pioneered Mr Hayden Smith, from Textile & CSIRO retirees," Hayden said. professionals such as dDctors, lawyers leadership of the Radiophysics Division of CS1R from 1940. Fibre Technology, said a decade of fash­ But Dnly one such tenant has moved and health workers run the non-profit Chemist and mineralogist Sir Ian in. and she did that last month. venture. The committee plans to build an ion parades, art shows, fairs, other Wark (1899-1985) joined CSIR in 1939 fundraising activities and gDvemment uThe philosophy of Sirovilla is to pro­ activity centre and provide an on-site to establish chemistry research for the grants had laid the village's foundations. vide active senior citizens with inde­ manager when more funds are available. Village life: (left to right) Treasurer benefit ofAustralian industry. "CSIRO staff have really been the pendent accommodation at minimum This expansiDn, its fifth, was funded Hayden Smith, l'esldent Beryl Robertson The exhibition, part of the Tall driving force behind the development of cost," Hayden said. by a loan from Members Australia Credit and secretary David Evans celebrate the Poppies Campaign, was recently at Old SiroviUa," he said. Self-sponsors who occupy the other Union, fOlmerly Sirocredit. project's extension. Parliament House. 384-2000 CSIRO around the nation

Unaccustomed as I am ••• A CSIRO public-speaking club was researcher Dr Keith Weller retired from The Black Mountain Cup was won in recently inducted into Rostrum CSIRO Minerals on September 21 after Canberra by the new division. Australia. more than 36 years' service. A new category for this year's event. The YalTnlumla Rostrum Club was Keith graduated from the University the Chiefs' Challenge, was won by the formed by Canben:a staffat Forestry and of Adelaide in chemical and metallurgi­ division's chief, Dr Steve Morton. Forestry Products. cal engineering and built his career in And the first runller home was Stuart It meets ansite every fortnight and comminution practice. Doyle, from Sustainable Ecosystems, in uses divisional facilities, such as He has left a legacy of fundamental 19min 50sec. lecterns and visual equipment, to research that has had a significant The first woman horne was Carol develop and practice a range of presen­ impact on industrial practice. Harding, from Plant Industry, in 25min tation skills. 49sec. Members are guided by more experi­ The event is open to all divisions enced members and given feedback on throughout Australia, and the best four how to improve presentation ilnd speech runners home from each team are count­ architecture and 011 the importance of ed towards the Cup's tally. body language and voice control in Other events are held for walkers and delivery and emphasis. mountain-bikers and the day is capped Club president Mr Mike Connell said: off with a barbecue. "The gain in poise and confidence " NERIDA GIBB, CE would benefit anyone's career path." Some staff use meetings to practice On the market and improve delivery of a paper or pres­ FOOD Science Australia's marketing entation for a conference, workshop, Industry open day manager Ms Judy Marcure has pub­ dinner or field day. MORE than 100 people went to lished a professional marketing resource HMany CSIRO people desire to, or 8re Manufacturing Science & Technology's for R&D organisations. required to, present their research results recent industry open day in Adelaide. Marketing Scientific Results And to their peers, make submissions seek­ It featured tours, seminars and exhibi­ Services: A Toolkit, was co~authored by ing financial backing, or infonu the gen­ tions. Judy and Mr BlUce Davies from the eral public," Mike said. Depnty Chief Allan Mnrton said: Berkeley National Laboratory in the US. He is happy to advise other staff about "The response from industry visitors Head of tl,e Berkeley lab Dr Charles setting up similar clubs, and can be con­ was quite positive. In particular, the Shank said the book demonstrated how tacted at [email protected] smooth and expert operation of the var­ commercial expertise could operate ious welding and cutting equipment alongside scientific excellence in R&D McIntosh prize winner caused favourable comment." labs. THE inaugural winner nf tbe $35,000 One staff member sent in the above The collaboration is the result of Malcolm McIntosh Prize for photograph with her own cornie caption: Judy's secondment to Berkeley in 1996 Achievement in the Physical Science is "The Kelly Gang witnesses robotic pipe on a CSIRO Chief Executive's Study Dr Brian Schmidt, a Fellow at Mount welding." _ Award. Stromlo and Siding Spring For more information visit Observatories. http://www.calibrecornm,com/>www.ca Dr Schmidt led one of two interna­ librecomm.com tional teams that concluded the universe is expanding at a continually accelerat­ ing rate, a reversal of accepted thinking. Tactical response "I hope I'm worthy of a prize bearing FARMERS and land-managers have the name Malcolm Mclntosh," Dr been offered a package of tactics, pres­ Schmidt said. "He was an amazing ent and future, for combating the threat !l'!J'.'~' _ of rising salinity in the Murray-Darling Basin. These methods are outlined in the recent CSIRO report, A Revolution in Take your measure Land Use: Emerging Land Use Systems ANOTHER close contender for our cap­ for Managing Dryland Salinity by Dr tion competition was this one, sent in by Richard Stirzaker, Dr Ted Lefroy, Dr Jan Brett. Brian Keating, and Dr John Williams. Just how long is a piece of elastic? Copies are available by phoning Ms This is the conundrum Mr Ron Cook Margaret Bryant on (08) 9333 6215. and Mr Walter Giardini have been setting scores of groups during short measurement-uncertainty courses. Olympic effort The 50th course was recently run in Hong Kong by the National TELECOMMUNICATIONS & Measurement Laboratory, part of Industrial Physics (TIP) were involved CSIRO Telecommunications and in both the men's and women's Olympic Industrial Physics. marathons. They have been run throughout TIP staff produced the liquid hydro­ Australia and in Pl!fts of Asia for the gen needed to power two concept cars past seven years. that led the races. The courses place emphasis on stu­ Liquid hydrogen is not normally dents achieving competence in making available in Australia. uncertainty calculations according to Producing it involved a tonne of recommendations of the internationally imported cryogenic equipment, two recognised ISO Guide To The concept cars and about a dozen Opel Expression Of Uncertainty In engineers from Germany. Measurement. This collaboration arose through the Any scientific, technical or engineer­ ing staff who are required to make for­ division's strong relationship with mal estimates of their measurement General Motors Holden to develop the uncertainties would benefit from attend­ ECOrnmodore, a hybrid electric vehicle. ing one of the three-day courses. The Olympics Opel engineers treated The one-day course is suitable for o a few CSIRO staff to rides in the HydroGenl before shipping both cars to laboratory managers, quality-assurance staff and others requiring a general the technology credit union their next destination. knowledge. For more information ,.------...... r------, The vehicle was unveiled at the www.Jcu.com.au * No fees or loll' fees all most products phone (03) 9545 2965, fax Geneva Motor Show in March. It uses a CSlRO Riverside * No mOlltllly aCCOllnt keepillgJus (03) 9544 [[28 or e-mail 55kW electric motor and a hydrogen-air No.6 "The Villn.ge" * Ill/cruel banking - Worldwide access 24 x 7 [email protected] Julius Avenue, North Ryde 2iD * Loans for all purposes - NQ applicatioll fees fuel cell. It has a range of about 400km email: [email protected] * Savings accounts all a "full tank", or 70 litres, of liquid New division dominates Phone' (02) 9490 8911/8834 * Investment accounts hydrogen. Fax: (02) 9490 8768 * Visa debit cards CSIRO's newest division, Sustainable Laboratories Credit Union Ltd * Mastercard Credit Cards Researcher retires Ecosystems, dominated the field recent­ ABN 77 087 650 217 * Financial Planning ly at CSlROFIT's premier annual event WORLD-RENOWNED comminution in the fight against flab.

384-2000