Nature: Why do science's messages so often get lost in the midst of media coverage of controversies such as genetically modified crops? If they didn't, would a regulatory process that involve more public participation help or hinder technological development? How can we separate hype from reality in fields such as stem-cell research and robotics? What are the neural underpinnings of our awareness of action? And, by the way, how can light be brought to a standstill?

The chances are that, as a Mahalanobisreader, you are interested in all of these questions. They and many others are being addressed in Stockholm, Sweden, on 25-28 August, at a meeting for scientists, policymakers, the media and the wider public: the EuroScience Open Forum 2004.

Let's see what they come up with...