Face Transplants: The Cutting Edge of Ethics

Adrian Pokorny
Internal organ transplantation may be a common procedure but what about external organ transplantation? Is a kidney transplant any different to a face transplant if both allow people to regain their ability to function normally? Some think yes. Read about the ethics of modern transplantation and the new ethical problems that scientists encounter.  more >

Cool Science

CSI: Crime Scene Incompetence
Nicolette Davey
Can any scientific method be 100% foolproof? While DNA analysis and other forensic techniques are rapidly improving, mistakes can still be made. Read this article for an insight into the realities of forensic science investigation. more >

 

Science and Education

CSI: Crime, Schools and Industry
Dominic Hare
Do you have dreams of becoming a Crime Scene Investigator? Read this article to find out about the growing forensic science industry in Australia and the realities of becoming a forensic scientist. more >

 

Debates

The Scientific Method: Darwinism or Design - Part 1
Ellie Pratt
While more and more evidence has been uncovered to support Darwinian evolution, the debate between Creationism and evolution continues. Recently, this dispute has centred on Intelligent Design, described by its proponents as a way of combining creationism and evolution. In this first part of our focus on this debate, read about the challenge that Intelligent Design is posing to evolutionary biologists and the ways in which Darwin's theory is more than 'just a theory'.  more >

The Scientific Method: Darwinism or Design - Part 2
Ellie Pratt
Now, it is time to examine evolutionary theory. Read about the evidence in favour of Darwinian evolution and what makes Darwin’s theory of evolution credible in the face of Intelligent Design attacks.  more >

 

Career Profiles

Out of the Ordinary - Geoff Burchfield
Johanna Elms
Geoff Burchfield is no ordinary scientist. From being a zoologist to working on the ABC show Quantum, Geoff illustrates what modern day science is all about. Read about Geoff and his life as an extraordinary scientist. more >

Can You really Learn Without Conscious Awareness?
Catherine Beehag
Have you ever wondered how you learnt to talk? Did it just happen one day without you thinking about it, or is there more to such complex activities than you imagine. Read about Dr. Ben Newell and his research to see how the theories of unconscious learning are being challenged. more >

 

Note: We have done our best to acknowledge all sources of information used in writing these articles. All pictures are used with copyright permission.

Acknowledgements: As Managing Editors of 2006 (Anita Ayer, Catherine Beehag and Sarah Wood), we would like to thank the Production Team for Issue 6. Special thanks for technical support to Richard Brasier and all past editors who continue to support OnSET.

Contribute to OnSET: We are currently looking for articles to be published in future issues. Do you have an interesting report, assignment, or project lying around? Send it in. If you would like to refine your work or write a new piece, please see the section on submissions regarding guidelines for submitting your articles. Email your contributions to onset@unsw.edu.au.

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