The U
T h e N e w s l e tt e r o f T h e FA C U LT Y o f S c i e n c e … D i s c o v e r m o r e
Issue 34
FEBRUARY
07
Celebrating the tercentenary of the birth
of Carl Linnaeus
2007 marks the tercentenary of the birth of the renowned
Swedish scientist, Carl von Linné (or Carl Linnaeus as he is also
known), who lived from 1707-1778. To mark the event, the
Macleay Museum at the University of Sydney is showcasing an
exhibition titled 'Rational Order' from 19 February until October
2007.
Linnaeus is often referred to
as the “Father of Taxonomy”
because he laid the foundations
for the modern system of
nomenclature. He was a botanist,
physician, minerals expert and
zoologist who developed a convenient
way of categorising the natural world
- and developed the system we still use
today. He classified nature within a hierarchy
of Kingdoms (Animalia, Vegetabilia and
Mineralia), Classes, Orders, Genera and
species. His binomial naming system, where
all species were given two simple Latinised
names one for Genus and one for species
(so for example humans were named Homo
sapiens), is still in use today.
biology is the identification of all living species, either through
taxonomy or DNA sequencing, at a time of massive rates of
extinction.
Discover more about the man, his legacy in the natural
sciences, and see some of the specimens from the Macleay
Museum’s natural history collection at 'Rational Order'
throughout 2007.
Papilio Hector
(Swallowtail)
His system was outlined over several years, in various editions
of his work Systema Naturae. By the 1758 edition, he had
named over 4400 species of animals and 7700 species
of plants, and all modern scientific naming is based on his
publications. The list of named species grows to this day; today
millions have been named, and yet there are still millions of
species to be understood. One of the challenges for modern
School Group Workshop
Programs
Opportunities for workshops
in the museum and in biology
are available for all ages. The
exhibition is relevant to the study of
nomenclature, taxonomy, systematics,
biodiversity, exploration, and extinction.
There are a number of biology workshops
available, ranging from our Kickstart options
for senior students to hands-on sessions
where students can look at animals under the
microscope.
If you would like to organise a workshop
please contact Louise Freys:
Telephone:
02 9351 5268
Email:
[email protected]
Macleay Museum Opening Hours
10am - 4:30pm Monday to Friday
12noon - 4pm
1st Sunday of each month
Entry is free
Want to hear Dr Karl talk live?
Dr Karl Kruszelnicki is the Julius Sumner Miller
Felllow in the School of Physics at the University
of Sydney. Why not catch a FREE Dr Karl 'Great
Moments in Science' talk. School group bookings
are available.
Dates: 27 February,
24 September,
26 November
Time:
11:30am - 12:30pm
Bookings are required
Phone:
02 9351 5268
Email:
[email protected]
The University of Sydney Science Alliance Newsletter
Siemens Science Experience Murder on campus
109 students from around New South Wales and as far as South
Australia and Queensland descended upon the Camperdown
Campus for three days of scientific mayhem at the University of
Sydney Siemens Science Experience from 10 – 12 January.
Our Siemens Science Experience was themed
CSI: Cool Science Investigator. As the name
would suggest, our students (CSI’s) spent
three days learning about the many aspects
of forensics and analysing evidence found at a
mock crime scene on campus. Experts such as
Professor Jo Duflou, Chief Forensic Pathologist
for the Department for Forensic Medicine, and
the University’s own Associate Professor Tony
Masters, Dr Judith Field and Dr Clio Cresswell
spoke about their respective field of expertise.
This really opened the students' eyes to
forensics and the related sciences.
At the beginning of the program students
were provided with information about a crime
scene and in groups, they used the information
provided in the lectures and the practical
workshops to analyse the evidence left at the
scene. During the Biology and Anatomy &
Histology practical sessions, students compared
human and animal bones, performed blood
typing, DNA analysis (interpretation of gel
electrophoresis) and fingerprint analysis. In the Physics sessions,
they cleaned a voice recording, measured the diameter of fibres
with a laser, and the long/short sightedness of spectacles.
The results of the testing and questioning of
the suspects resulted in the groups arresting
one of the suspects, who was later tried at a
mock trial. Students made up the various court
officials, the defence and the prosecution. The
mock trial was quite entertaining, however even
though the evidence pointed to the correct
suspect, the defence did such a good job
representing the accused that he was found
"not guilty"!
The program finished on a high note with The
Young Scientists of Australia producing an
amazing science show followed by the Closing
Ceremony with our very own sleek geek, the
Julius Sumner Miller Fellow, Dr Karl Kruszelnicki.
Many families and friends attended the Closing
Ceremony and Dr Karl delighted all with his
interesting and often wacky science facts.
The Siemens Science Experience is a great
opportunity for students about to start year 10
and who have an interest in science. For more
information please visit: www.science.usyd.edu.
au/school/siemens
Australian Academy of Science
recognises Sydney researchers
The Australian Academy of Science rewards scientific excellence
with a number of awards, some of which are only offered
biennially. These awards are in recognition of career researchers
achievements and also early career researchers (under 40).
Hannan Medal, in recognition of outstanding contribution
to research in statistical science – Emeritus Professor
Eugene Seneta; School of Mathematics and Statistics (who also
received the Moyal Medal for 2006).
Science researchers at the University of Sydney received five
of the thirteen awards, the most of any university. Our award
recipients were:
Le Fèvre Memorial Prize in recognition of outstanding
basic chemistry research by scientists under 40 years of
age – Professor Thomas Maschmeyer; Professorial Fellow,
School of Chemistry.
2008 Macfarlane Burnet Medal for outstanding research
in biological science – Professor Richard Shine; Federation
Fellow, School of Biological Sciences (who in 2006, also won the
Botanic Gardens Trust Eureka Prize for Biodiversity Research).
David Craig Medal for outstanding contribution to
chemical research – Emeritus Professor Hans Freeman;
President, Foundation of Inorganic Chemistry, School of
Chemistry.
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Pawsey Medal in recognition of outstanding research in
physics by scientists under 40 years of age – Professor Ben
Eggleton; Director, CUDOS ARC Centre of Excellence, School of
Physics.
This recognition of reseachers in the Faculty of Science confirms
the University's place as a centre for research excellence.
What on earth is Biomimetics?
Biomimetics is all about extracting good design from nature.
In many cases the natural design in nature can help lead to
technological advancements in industry.
The School of Biological Sciences' new ARC Federation Fellow,
Prof. Andrew Parker is accomplished in the area of biomemetics,
particularly in the diversity and assembly of optics in nature and
their industrial application. One of his past successes was
realised when he and a colleague applied the principle
of the anti-reflector found in the eye of a 45 million
year old dolichopodid fly, preserved in amber,
to produce a new coating for solar panels that
collects up to 10% more energy.
desert area along the east coast of South America (Peru and
Chile) a dense fog forms, however no rain forms from this.
Currently the use of polypropylene netting captures water
droplets from this fog which drops into a gutter and runs into a
storage container which stores and provides running water for
the villages. While the netting currently works well for villages in
the arid areas, the prototype of the Stenocara beetle collects far
more water than the netting and is more resilient. Patents
for this technology have been taken out and there are
plans for large-scale manufacture. While it is still
early in the development process, hopefully this
technology can one day be implemented on
tents and the roofs of buildings to reduce the
stress on current water collection systems.
An issue close to our hearts is water,
or more accurately the lack of water in
Australia. Prof Parker’s research into the
Stenocara beetle is fascinating. This
beetle, found in the Namib desert of
Africa has multi-surfaced bumps with
a mixture of water-attracting (peaks)
and wax covered water-repelling
micro-architectures (troughs) on its
exoskeleton. The combination of these
surface types is what allows the beetle to
collect water from wind-blown fogs.
Prof Parker comes to The University of
Sydney from the University of Oxford’s
Department of Zoology where he is now
a Senior Research Associate, along
with an Honorary Research Fellow at
Green College (Oxford). Previously he
has worked at the Australian Museum in
Sydney. In addition, he has also written
two critically acclaimed books, around
50 scientific publications on his research
and filmed his work for the BBC.
Prof. Parker's team developed a model
of the Stenocara’s nodules and found that
large drops formed immediately and were
collected at the base of the model. So how
exactly does the beetle drink this water? The
beetle tilts its body into the wind and the droplets
are repelled from the wax section of the nodule
towards the peaks, where they Instantly become large
drops. At 5mm diameter they are heavy enough to roll down to
the beetle’s mouth, even into a wind.
The lack of water in populated areas is always a concern for
those affected. There are many areas that exist under similar
conditions to that of the Namib desert. Of these areas, 22
countries on six continents are already using the experimental
renewable technology of fog harvesting. For example, in the
When asked about his work and how
he came upon these breakthroughs in
biomimetics, Prof. Parker commented, “In
science the unexpected tends to happen”.
Prof. Parker's current research interests are
centred on the methods of optics manufacture by
animal and plant cells. He has retained labs at Oxford
University, where he continues to lead the Oxford Optics in
Nature Group (13 researchers from the departments of Zoology,
Engineering and Physics), and is currently setting up a lab at the
University of Sydney. In addition to optics, Prof. Parker extends
his interest in biomimetics into strong materials and watercapture devices. He is currently examining the Australian thorny
devil and pie-dish beetle for their ability to capture and channel
water (in a collaboration with MIT).
2007 Sydney Science Forum line-up
14 March
4 April
Obesity: A Weighty Problem
Professor Jennie Brand-Miller, Professor Ian Caterson and Professor Steve Simpson
Genetically Modified Organisms: Is GM the future? 16 May
It Ain’t Necessarily So… Bro
17 October
The Psychology behind Ostracism: From the Real World to the Lab
Dr Karl Kruszelnicki
Dr Lisa Zadro
Professor Chris Leaver
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Want to be a part of the Professor Harry
Messel International Science School?
ISS2007: Ecoscience
1 – 14 July, 2007
140 senior high-school students...
from 8 countries...
18 fascinating lectures by...
11 world-renowned scientists...
2 weeks at the University of Sydney...
1 amazing experience!
In July 2007, the world’s top high school science students will
gather at the University of Sydney for Ecoscience, the 34th
Professor Harry Messel International Science School. The event
will feature two weeks of exciting and challenging scientific talks,
activities and workshops around the theme of the environment
and ecology. ISS2007 will feature world-renowned research
scientists including:
• Professor Michael Oppenheimer - climate change expert and
author of Dead Heat: The Race Against The Greenhouse Effect
• Professor Ian Lowe - president of the Australian Conservation
Foundation
• Dr Graeme Pearman - one of Australia’s foremost climate
scientists
• Dr Fred Watson Astronomer-In-Charge, Anglo-Australian
Observatory, the 'singing astronomer'
• Professor Hugh Durrant-Whyte - University of Sydney field
roboticist
• Dr Mahanada Dasgupta - Fusion physicist from ANU
• and of course, the incomparable, Dr Karl Kruszelnicki - radio
and TV science guru and the Julius Sumner Miller Fellow at the
University of Sydney
July 2007 also marks the start of the International Polar Year,
focussing the world’s attention on the vital research being
undertaken at the far ends of the planet. ISS2007: ecoscience
will help to kick-start the International Polar Year with talks and
workshops by leading polar scientists:
• Dr Mark Curran - ice-core expert with the Antarctic Climate and
Ecosystem CRC
• Dr Victoria Metcalf - polar ecologist with Antarctica New
Zealand
• Dr Rhian Salmon - atmospheric chemist and officer with the
International Polar Year Program at the British Antarctic Survey
The ISS is always an amazing experience for the students - where
else do you get to immerse yourself in cutting-edge science for a
fortnight, meet some of the worlds finest researchers and forge
life-long friendships with students from across the globe, live in
college on campus and enjoy a great social program?
Entry to the International Science School is competitive in each
state and territory of Australia, and applications for grade 11 &
12 students open early in 2007.
For more information visit www.scienceschool.usyd.edu.au, or
contact the Science Foundation for Physics:
School of Physics A28
University of Sydney NSW 2006
Telephone: (02) 9351 3622
Email: [email protected]
• Professor Barry Brook - ecologist at Charles
Darwin University
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Dr Karl Kruszelnicki's
Great Moments in Science
Coffee and Alcohol
Alcohol and coffee go back a long way. Wine goes back some
7,000 years to the village of Hajji Firuz in the Zagros Mountains
in Iran. Coffee is much younger, dating to around 850 AD.
Tradition has it that Kaldi, a goat-herder, was curious about why
his goats became so frolicsome after eating some beans from
a bush, Coffea arabica. He tried a few of these beans, and lo,
coffee entered the human cuisine. So it had to be some time
after 850AD when the myth appeared that coffee could sober
you up from a state of drunkenness.
Drunkeness is first mentioned in the Bible in Genesis 9, with
Noah getting drunk, falling asleep without his clothes, and
embarrassing his kiddies.
Gen. 9:21 When he drank some of
its wine, he became drunk and lay
uncovered inside his tent.
Gen. 9:22 Ham, the father of
Canaan, saw his father’s nakedness
and told his two brothers outside.
Gen. 9:23 But Shem and Japheth
took a garment and laid it across
their shoulders; then they walked in
backward and covered their father’s
nakedness. Their faces were turned
the other way so that they would not
see their father’s nakedness. - and
there ending the lesson…
Coffee has remarkably few side
effects, considering how potent it is.
The active ingredient is caffeine. It stimulates your heart, central
nervous system, blood vessels and kidneys. Caffeine has a mild
diuretic effect, increasing your urine production. It can banish
fatigue, keep you alert, improve your motor performance, and
enhance your senses. It can also make you irritable, jittery and
anxious.
Alcohol also is a wondrous chemical. Not only can it preserve
animals for centuries and remove stains from your garage floor,
in small quantities it is even good for your health. Benjamin
Franklin, the great American all-rounder, said that God invented
beer to show that He loved us, and because He wanted us to be
happy. But while a little alcohol is good, a lot is bad. It is linked
to violence, liver disease and increased rates of car accidents.
Countries around the world have laws against driving with too
much alcohol in the blood. In Australia, the maximum legal level
at which you are allowed to drive a car is 0.05% alcohol in the
blood.
Unfortunately, this doesn’t stop people who have driven to a
The University of Sydney Science Alliance Newsletter
party sometimes wanting to drive home - even if they have had
too much to drink. So there is a whole mythology about how to
quickly reduce your Blood Alcohol Concentration, so that you
can safely (and legally) drive home. People try exercise, cold
showers, and Kaldi’s gift to the human race, coffee.
You might think that it makes perfect sense to drink coffee when
you’re drunk. After all, alcohol makes you slow and sleepy, so if
caffeine gives you faster reflexes and makes you more awake,
it must surely be good? In fact, many night clubs in Brazil offer
caffeinated energy drinks mixed with alcohol as a cocktail.
That was why Professor Maria O. Souza-Formigoni from the
department of Psychobiology at the Federal University of São
Paulo in Brazil investigated what happened when you combined
alcohol and the beverage, Red Bull.
Red Bull is an “energy drink” invented
in Austria in 1987. It contains 80 mg
caffeine, which is roughly what you
get in your average cup of coffee.
It also has five teaspoons of sugar,
as well as glucuronolactone, taurine,
pantenol, inositol and various other
“fairy dust” ingredients. It also has a
few vitamins.
Her research results were eye
opening.
First, the caffeinated energy drink,
Red Bull, did not speed up the
metabolism of alcohol. On average,
your Blood Alcohol Concentration
drops by 0.015 per hour, and there’s
not much you can do to speed it up.
Second, the volunteers did claim that they felt more awake and
alert, and less headachey. They also claimed that they had less
dry mouth, weakness and impairment of motor coordination. But
the objective measurements showed the opposite. In reality, the
caffeinated energy drink did not improve their motor hand-eye
coordination or their reaction times.
So third, the drunken caffeine-loaded volunteers were deluding
themselves. This was because the alcohol not only influenced
their motor skills, but also their ability to make rational decisions.
And this is the real problem with taking caffeine to sober you
up. A drunken un-caffeinated person knows they are drunk, and
probably won’t drive. A drunken caffeine-charged person might
wrongly believe they are fine - and be more likely to grab their
car keys, and try to drive.
So, in the decision as to whether to drive or not, caffeine can be
the red rag to the bull...
Against the Odds Ruby Payne-Scott Public Lecture
In early 2007, the School of Physics is proud to welcome
Professor Miller Goss back to Australia. Early in his career
Professor Goss worked for CSIRO Division of Radiophysics,
researching fascinating and diverse topics such as supernova
remnants, measuring the distance to far-flung galaxies, and
masers in the Milky Way (naturally occurring laser-like light
sources). For this work he was awarded the prestigious Pawsey
Medal by the Australian Academy of Science in 1976.
Next came a professorship in the Netherlands, before becoming
the director of the huge radio telescope facilities, the Very Large
Array in New Mexico, and the Very Long Baseline Array, an 8000
km wide network of ten radio telescopes stretching from the
Virgin Islands in the Atlantic across the US to Hawaii.
Professor Goss will be taking up a Denison Distinguished
Visitorship, working with astronomer Associate Professor Anne
Green, the new Head of School in Physics at the University of
Sydney. He is an entertaining
speaker and will be giving a
number of lectures during
his stay on fascinating
topics such as the
discovery of the black
hole at the centre of our
Galaxy, as well as his
historical side project
on Ruby Payne-Scott,
a pioneer in Australian
astronomy.
Few people realise the
equality we take
for granted
is so
recent; for a girl interested in physics 80 years ago, such
as Ruby Payne-Scott, the research career was fraught with
difficulties. Professor Miller Goss is co-writing a biography of
Ruby Payne-Scott, and will be speaking about her remarkable life
during his visit to the University of Sydney in March.
Ruby Payne-Scott was born in 1912 and went to the Cleveland
St School and Sydney Girls High School. She went on to the
University of Sydney, where she defied traditions and studied
physics. She was only the fourth or fifth female physics graduate
when she completed her degree in 1933.
She worked in medical physics and as a teacher until the second
world war, when she began to work in radar research. This led
into the new field of radio astronomy (radio waves from space
had only been detected for the first time in 1930), where she
worked at CSIR (the forerunner to CSIRO) in a group led by Joe
Pawsey, the father of Australian Radio Astronomy.
As part of this group she was involved in the earliest
observations of radio emissions from the Sun, which put Australia
at the forefront of radio-astronomy across the world, but her
career was on a collision course with a world where women were
expected to stay home to look after their families.
Married women were not allowed to work for government
institutions such as CSIRO, so she married in secret, in 1944.
She managed to keep her secret for six years, but when she
became pregnant in 1950, she was unable to continue the
deception and had to resign in July 1951 - although not without
a fight.
Her fighting spirit was also aroused by the reintroduction of
unequal pay for women after the war; she was an outspoken
campaigner to not lose the rights that had only just been won.
Professor Miller Goss will give his public lecture on Ruby PayneScott in the Slade Lecture Theatre at the School of Physics,
Physics Rd, University of Sydney at 6pm on Tuesday 6th March.
Please RSVP to [email protected], or on 02 9351
3472 to reserve your seat and snack!
Linnaeus Trivia
• Every species had a type specimen; the original from which
the species was named. Linnaeus used himself as the type
species for homo sapiens!
• He had many students, including Daniel Solander who was
a botanist on James Cook’s voyage; Sir Joseph Banks was
also a follower of his work. Australian specimens taken back to
London by Cook’s team were named under the Linnaean system.
The Rainbow Lorikeet (Trichoglossus haematodus) is the only
Ostracion cubicus (yellow boxfish)
Australian animal to appear
in Systema Naturae.
• Often specimens were named after Linnaeus’ friends and
enemies. He named a small weed Siegesbeckia orientalis after
an academic rival Johann Siegesbeck.
• He cultivated nine pearls – something unheard of out of China
– and when knighted, called himself ‘Lord of all Swedish clams’.
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