Background Briefing

He is a professor of surgery at Harvard Medical School, and has several other prestigious roles in the US health policy and public health system. As well, he's a practising doctor and surgeon, editor, author, and New York Magazine writer. Atul Gawande discusses what makes a good doctor, how hospitals can be improved, and what he has learnt about the imperfect science of medicine. (Originally broadcast 3rd June 2007)

Professor Julian Savulescu is an eminent ethicist from Oxford University. He believes we should proceed with research into enhancing not only the genetics of fighting disease, but the genetics and pharmacology of improving IQ, behaviour, mood, character and morality. He argues there are immense benefits, not only for individuals, but for society as a whole. Only by knowing, can we prevent the abuses of knowledge. A lecture from the Sydney Ideas series at the University of Sydney. (Originally broadcast on 19th August 2007)

Pulitzer prize winning science writer Natalie Angier talks in an inspiring and entertaining way about the basics of science: from the wonders of the cell and bacteria to the mysteries of the night sky and the cultures of chimpanzees, to name a few. Science is in flux as it faces pressures from both faith-based politics in the US, and the push towards privatisation of scientific knowledge through patenting. (Originally broadcast 15th July 2007)

In a first for the international media, Bali bomber Ali Imron is let out of prison to explain why he's now working to stop terrorism. In this exclusive interview, Ali Imron tells of how he's battling with his radical brothers to prevent further violence. It's just one part of Indonesia's ground breaking and controversial counter terrorism strategy. Reporter: Di Martin. (Originally broadcast 23rd September 2007)

The end of soaring waterfront properties is in sight. Insurers have begun investigating policies to cover plummeting land values as climate change predictions worsen. Inundation is the big worry for coastal councils. It's buyer beware in this legal grey area. Reporter Di Martin.

He's manufactured the image, set up the totalitarian theatrics, and stabilised Russia. Now the world will see what Vladimir Putin is really like. Russians who live in Australia like him, write music for him and make special medals. Many have bitter memories of earlier times. Reporter, Wendy Carlisle

Australian bees are doing very nicely. But unless we're careful problems plaguing American hives could turn up here. There are several theories on why colonies are collapsing in the US. Is it because the bees are overworked and poorly managed - or is the bug called varroa destructor the cause of the problems. Quarantine is tight to make sure it doesn't enter Australia as a stowaway. Reporter Stan Correy.

Princeton Professor of Economics Paul Krugman talks about how the New Deal society has been dismantled in America, and the reasons for it. He brings it back to a revival of Southern issues about race being used by the 'Movement Conservatives' to undo various social policies during the present adminstration. Paul Krugman is also a writer and columnist for the New York Times.

There's a new kind of primary school coming -- ready or not. Bigger schools, different ways of learning, more special interest groups in class. Not just the three Rs and computers, but character and your place in society taught in all schools across the country, and a chaplain to help with behaviour and mental health. Reporter: Ian Townsend.

It's 20 years since the Grim Reaper campaign, when a hooded, decomposing creature with a scythe bowled down men women and children with Aids. Cases of HIV are rising again, across Australia, and there's about to be a new campaign - The Glam Reaper. Social norms have changed, and the world is more complex. Reporter Jane Shields.