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NEWS:
BEHIND THE SMOKESCREENEngineered bugs that corrode roads, runways and metal parts of vehicles. A microorganism that breaks down organic molecules such as fuels and plastic. These are a few of the non-lethal weapons that the US has tried to develop. But why is the US trying to keep dozens of reports proposing or describing them secret? Pages 4-5
GENE WARFAREFor the first time, biologists are planning to genetically modify an invasive species with the express purpose of killing it off. Australian researchers are planning to insert multiple copies of a gene into carp to stop them producing female offspring. However, researchers will first have to do at least seven years of testing to show that the strategy is safe and effective. Page 6
REFEREE!Football referees are swayed by the fans. A British researcher has shown that a hostile home crowd will make even experienced referees think twice about penalising the home side. Page 18
SEX AND THE CITYWomen who live in big cities are more likely to be after a man with a big wallet than women from smaller towns. An American scientist discovered a correlation between where women lived and what they looked for in a man while looking at a collection of lonely heart ads. Page 19
SHORT STORY - MY IMAGINARY FRIENDWatching TV gives you greater satisfaction with your social life - at least in your head. According to a new American study, we view those people we see regularly on TV as our real-life friends. Page 27
THIS IS YOUR CAPTAIN WATCHINGAirbus, the European jet manufacturer, is planning to build hidden cameras into the light fittings above seats in its aircraft, to let the crew monitor passengers and spot hijackers. The move is an attempt to reassure people put off by flying after the 11 September attacks. Page 23
MERCY MISSIONScrunching up DNA into nanoparticles could be the key to delivering genes to cells to make up for genetic faults. American researchers have found a way to pack DNA into particles tiny enough to enter the nuclear pores. Trials have now begun with cystic fibrosis patients. Page 17
UNFELLABLE EVIDENCEA new "fingerprint" test could stop lumber smugglers in their tracks. French scientists have developed an ultra-sensitive test that can spot minute fragments of DNA, so it can pinpoint the origin of wood, and help track illegally logged timber. Page 14
THE GADGET INSPECTORDutch electronics company Philips are playing their own version of Big Brother, with 24-hour video surveillance to watch a guinea-pig family in a "house of the future". The object is to see how a family cope using new consumer technology systems - and to tweak them in real time as the users react to them. Page 25
A FRESH STARTThe old assumption that life began in the sea has been thrown into doubt. New American research shows that primitive cellular membranes assemble more easily in freshwater than in seawater. Page 7
GREAT BALLS OF FIRE!Cannonballs recovered from ancient ship-wrecks are still causing havoc on dry land. British researchers discovered that shortly after being pulled from the sea, cannon-balls react with oxygen to produce a massive amount of heat, literally exploding on archaeologists' desks. Page 10
TIME TO RETHINK EVERYTHING - PART 3
PART 3: WHY HUMANS HATE INJUSTICEIn the third part of this four-part series, we look at what happens when things go really wrong: when the pressures of inequality, poverty and oppression drive people to war. Can science tell us anything about the nature of such conflicts?
NATURAL BORN KILLERSCan biology make sense of why young men and women sacrifice their own lives as suicide bombers? It's easy to dismiss suicide bombers as mere fanatics, but, according to Colin Tudge, we shouldn't see the behaviour as "evil" or "wicked" but as part of our evolved human nature. Pages 36-39
THIS IS HOW WE LIVEIn March, New Scientist sent Opinion Editor Michael Bond to Israel and the Palestinian Territories to hear from the people there how the conflict shapes people's lives and attitudes. Pages 40-45
ALL FOR THE LOVE OF GODIn the most recent and current conflicts religion plays a crucial role. New Scientist asked leading figures from several major faiths about the link between belief and violence. Pages 47-49
- ENDS -
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ISSUE DATE: 11 MAY 2002, Vol. 174 No. 2342
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