Catalyst Volume 27 Issue 2: full magazine

This issue of Catalyst contains the following articles:

Diamond: more than just a gemstone

This Catalyst article looks at diamond and graphite which are allotropes of carbon. Their properties which depend on the bonding between the carbon atoms are also examined.

The wonders of x-ray free electron lasers

This Catalyst article looks at X-ray free electron lasers that generate intense beams of X-rays and are used to reveal the structure of complex molecules.

Diamonds, x-rays and all that

This Catalyst article looks at diamonds and shows how they have extraordinary properties - optical, thermal and when exposed to X-rays.

Explosive earth: earthquakes and volcanoes in Iceland

This Catalyst article looks at volcanic activity that generates earth tremors. It talks about seismolgists that measure these tremors in an attempt to predict future eruptions.

Sturdy structures

This Catalyst article features an activity to explore the science behind creating earthquake-proof buildings and the impact of structure stabilisation.

Aquaponics

This Catalyst article focuses on aquaponic systems, where fish and crop plants are grown in a system designed to minimise inputs.

Why do we eat what we eat

This Catalyst article explores how we could feed ourselves if conventional food supply systems were destroyed?

Herbaria: biology's secret weapon

This Catalyst article looks at herbarium houses that contain plant specimens collected from around the world. Studying these specimens allows botanists to study how plants work and how we are impacting on the environment.

The world's most variable flower

This Catalyst article focuses on the Gorteria, a South African daisy which shows great variation in its flowers. It attracts bee flies to pollinate it. It has been used to test theories of evolution.

Catalyst is a science magazine for students aged 14-19 years. Annual subscriptions to print copies of the magazine can be purchased from Mindsets.