A scientific instrument that promises to reveal the secrets of corrosion could cut the cost of fixing rusty cars or maintaining the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Researchers from the CSIRO Entomology told a National Science Briefing that introduced plants and animals are second only to habitat clearing as the greatest threat to Australia's biodiversity. Up to 70% of the weeds are introduced intentionally, for example as ornamental plants. There are about 1000 introduced weeds here now, and 300 of these have become established in the last 25 years.

Researchers at Adelaide University's Waite Campus have been developing horticultural techniques to grow chillies in South Australia. As well as its economic importance, the research has health implications, as 80% of samples of chilli-based spices imported to Australia have been found to be contaminated with the potent cancer-causing agent, aflatoxin.

The Museum of Human Disease at UNSW presents 'The Big Pox, Smallpox and No Pox'. This exhibition looks at three diseases with a long history: syphilis, smallpox and tuberculosis, showing how the prevalence of diseases can change.

Ancient Olympia, 300 BC, will live again in 3-D stereo virtual reality at Sydney's Powerhouse Museum during the 2000 Olympic Games, thanks to University of Melbourne geomatics engineers.

Professor Frank Fenner, FAA, of the Australian National University has been awarded The Albert Einstein World Award of Science. This annual award is made to scientific researchers who have outstandingly contributed to public benefit. Only one award is made, and scientists from all fields of research and all countries are eligible.

Science in the Pub and the Australian Biotechnology Association present `New Millennium Medicine: Alternative or Genetic?' This presentation will be compered by ABC Quantum's reporter Dr Paul Willis who will lead the discussion from 7.00 to 9.00pm on Wednesday, 30 August 2000 at the Harlequin Inn, 152 Harris Street, Pyrmont.

A public commemoration of the life of Sir Mark Oliphant will be held at 10.30am on Friday 25 August in the Great Hall, University House, Australian National University, 18 Balmain Crescent, Acton, ACT. The commemoration is hosted by the Australian Academy of Science, the Australian National University and University House and all are welcome. Morning tea will be served at approximately 11.30am, following the commemoration.

A Smart kit that diagnoses whether brain damaged patients are capable of communicating or are in a permanent vegetative state (VS) has been developed at London's Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability.

The Pre-Olympic International Congress on Sports Science, Sports Medicine and Physical Education will be co-hosted by Sports Medicine Australia (SMA), the International Council of Sports Science and Physical Education (ICSSPE) and the Australian Council for Health, Physical Education and Recreation (ACHPER). It will be held from September 7-12-Sep-2000 at the Brisbane Convention Centre, Brisbane, Queensland.

Air, ice and rock studies seeking information about long-term changes to the earth's climate will dominate grants for Australian research in the Antarctic in 2000-2001.

CSIRO and Axon Instruments Inc. have announced that they will collaborate in the development CellPix, a system for rapidly screening pharmaceutical drugs.

Making aspirin, extracting DNA, wildlife spotlighting and sapphire mining are just some of the activities set down for the Siemens Science Experience program to be held at the University of New England from 16-18 January 2001.

A miniature artificial heart developed by surgeons from Oxford, southern England, and Texas, United States, has been successfully implanted as a temporary measure in a US patient.

A consortium of Australian research institutions, led by the University of New South Wales has been awarded a contract from the US National Institute of Health (NIH) to develop and clinically test a potential preventative HIV vaccine.