january 2017
Issue 18: Obsolete
A new month, a new year. But what happens when something is no longer new? Science progresses by improving on or superseding old ideas, but in this issue, we're taking a look at those things that are obsolete. Particle colliders, books, medicine, museum specimens, video games and the concept of nature — in time, everything fades...
Also, because it's now 2017, we'd love to hear from you, our lovely readers! How do you feel about Lateral? Let us know.
Cover illustration by Tegan Iversen.
Editorial
Features
The nostalgic community of retro gamers has kept the video gaming industry alive since the early 1970s. With each generation creating new memories, video games and nostalgia go hand in hand.
Historically, killing an animal was the only way to preserve its likeness for future study. Even with modern technology, we must continue to do this.
Humanity's relationship with nature has become fractured, with climate change as one consequence. How can we change our thinking to overcome this divide?
Technology is always being improved and replaced. How does this affect immense, international, collaborative projects like the Large Hadron Collider?
Honey and charcoal, used by medical practitioners since ancient times, still persist in modern hospitals. Not every medicine has to be sophisticated.
Articles
Leaving an abusive relationship is difficult, particularly when there are compelling reasons to stay. Can the abuser be guided to change their behaviour instead?
Nature's humble bloodsuckers could soon be eradicated if some researchers have their way. We must think long and hard about the consequences of this.
Croplands are environmentally destructive, and already take up 12% of the earth’s liveable space. Could more efficient plants feed a hungrier world?
Columns
Surfboards are proudly customised — now fins can be tailored too, using cutting-edge technology.
His life was short and his scientific accomplishments modest, but Bruce Frederick Cummings’ personal journal made a lasting impact on Andrew Katsis.
Ants need to find their way home, too. Trevor Murray is reconstructing the visual cues that they use to navigate back to the nest.
Books used to be one of the only ways the public was exposed to science. In the age of the internet, have they lost their place on the shelf?