Cosmos Magazine: Summer 2019: Issue 81

Description

1. Zeroing in on consciousness - Elizabeth Finkel It was once a problem for philosophers. No longer. Braining imaging studies are zeroing in to explain this once nebulous feature of the human experience. 2. Nanosats Mars (IEEE) Diminutive cube sats are all the rage because they are cheap to launch. But they are only powerful enough to beam messages from Earth orbits. The next generation, being built now for Mars missions, will be powerful enough to beam back from Mars and other planets. 3. Stem cells- 20 years on - Elizabeth Finkel and Alan Trounson It's been 20 years since Alan Trounson dramatically changed the direction of his research to embrace the new field of stem cell research. Since then his discoveries have triggered world interest in the potential of stem cells to help cure many diseases. Here, he reflects on the past 20 years and considers the future possibilities in the field. 4. Electronic aviation - Phil Dooley The revolution to electric aviation promises huge improvements in footprint- NASA and airbus are testing hybrid planes with up to 80% reduction in footprint. For short hops an air taxi service is being trialled in New Zealand, which promises to reduce congestion much more than rideshare - which studies show has actually increased congestion.

Cosmos is a quarterly science magazine. We aim to inspire curiosity in 'The Science of Everything' and make the world of science accessible to everyone. At Cosmos, we deliver the latest in science with beautiful pictures, clear explanations of the latest discoveries and breakthroughs and great writing.