The science publications organization Scientific American has listed what it considers the top 10 science stories for 2009. They range from the collision of protons and a flu epidemic, to a world conference on climate. The SciAm slideshow highlights these major science stories in the year 2009.

Researchers have produced a prototype contact lens that displays graphics, senses body chemistry information from the eye, and is powered by radio waves. Augmented reality, navigation and prick-free diabetes testing are all possible applications.

Nicolaus Copernicus is considered the first scientist to have removed the Earth from the center of the solar system (universe at the time) and replaced it with the Sun. Now, 465 years later, forensic scientists confirm the location of Copernicus’ grave (and his remains) with hair DNA and computer reconstruction of his skull.

Two psychology studies have found three common personality traits that assure the “bad boys” usually get the girls over the “nice guys.” One of the researchers commented that James Bond (fictional British agent 007) is the king of the bad boys.

An Australian archaeologist says Indiana Jones may well be freaking out real archaeologists with his rule-breaking antics but is still a fabulous drawcard for new students into the literally time honoured profession.

Australia is the lucky country, but more than 500 million years ago, it was the sexy country, according to new research from the University of California in Riverside, following the discovery of a complex fossil in what is now South Australia.

The fact that royal jelly is the magic ingredient honeybee larvae need to become queens instead of workers is well known, but new ANU research finally sheds light on the reasons why.