August 2015
Issue 1: Firsts
We’ve landed! Welcome to our very first issue – we’re glad to have you with us. This month, we’re exploring the idea of firsts from all angles: from childhood memories to the first world war, to breakthroughs in human genome editing to our first close look at Pluto, to the origins of science fiction cinema. Be sure to sign up for updates, or check back soon: we’re just getting started.
Cover illustration by Bo Moore.
Editorial
Features
Chinese scientists recently announced the first genome editing of human embryos — but before we condemn these experiments, we should examine all the facts.
New Horizons recently gave us our first close encounter with the dwarf planet Pluto. Assoc Prof Anne Verbiscer tells the inside story on how the project got off the ground.
World War I was a blindingly tragic period in human history. But it also catalysed many advances in medicine, chemistry and technology that we use to this day.
Fritz Lang’s 1927 Metropolis has long been hailed as a pioneering work of science fiction cinema, still influencing the genre today.
Early encounters with science can lead to rewarding careers and valuable achievements. 10 of Australia's notable minds share their first memory of science and the impact it had on their lives.
Articles
In a world of smartwatches and colour-changing clothes, technology and fashion are closer than ever. So why is it so hard to get wearable tech right?
Innovations in quantum computing may have the power to change the world. But how close are we really to a quantum revolution?
During childbirth, babies leave the warm protection of the womb for the cold, harsh outside world. To survive this transition, we have evolved some astonishing adaptations.
We’ve come a long way, but maths is still a boys’ club. Where does this problem start, and how can we solve it?
Not all scientists are created equal. Here we present the crème de la crème – men and women whose work revolutionised the world and continues to inspire the next generation.
On Easter Monday 1961, a tiny possum was brought back from the dead. Today, politics and natural disaster have joined forces to seal its demise once and for all.
The Chagos Archipelago sits alone in the Indian Ocean, 500km from anywhere. Its pristine waters offer sanctuary to our most threatened marine predators.
With great power comes great responsibility. Can superheroes and comic books impact our psychological development, and even shape society?
Last month, Lego announced plans to go completely green and only use environmentally sustainable plastics in its products by 2030. But can we make it that far in 15 years?
While the government continues to delay action on climate change, more extreme weather conditions continue and Australia risks falling behind. But how much does policy matter?
Columns
Pythagoras' crippling fear of fava beans ultimately cost him his life, but also founded a now-booming field of medical research.
Science is more important to our lives than most people realise. Lateral's mission is to support the next generation of science communicators, to help bridge that gap.