Hot springs harbour microbial diversity
Untapped bacterial cultures from Unkeshwar hot springs on the bank of river Penganga in Maharashtra are being studied for their metabolic use in …
The oracle of biotechnology
The film establishes incontrovertibly that no other region of science has raised as many hackles as biotechnology
New theory explains the evolution of sexes
An Oxford biologist says sexes exist to prevent chaos within cells during reproduction. And why only two sexes? Because life would get too …
Light ahoy!
Bioluminescence throws light on replacing existing methods to detect microbial contamination by a faster and cheaper process
The roachmobile
Researchers are teaching insects how to drive. This can lead to a wheelchair that can be controlled by twitching a muscle or two
Yeast genes spring surprise on scientists
Chromosome III in yeast, the first to have its DNA fully described, opened up a wealth of new genes whose functions are completely unknown
Problems with bio-safety
Concerns about the world's indigenous peoples were conveniently sidelined as bio-safety centrestage at the recent biodiversity meeting in Nassau
Talking green
BIOTECHNOLOGY IN AGRICULTURE - A DIALOGUE -Edited by M S Swaminathan . Macmillian . Madras . 1992 Price: Rs 320
Europeans and Biotechnology in 2002 - Eurobarometer 58.0 (2nd Edition: March 21st 2003)
The Eurobarometer Survey measures the awareness and concerns of Europeans on important environmental issues. The fifth edition of the survey, …
‘BRAI will benefit both private and public sectors’
Introduction of the Biotechnology Regulatory Authority of India (BRAI) Bill has brought cheers to the agri-biotechnology industry that was facing …
Researchers develop transgenic rice with reduced arsenic accumulation
Lucknow-based CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute researchers developed transgenic rice by inserting a novel fungal gene, which results in …
Bacteria can breakdown biodiesel waste into useful products
Indian scientists have developed a technique to breakdown glycerol into commercially-useful products using bacterial strains
Holy cow! So many patents
ICAR and CSIR laboratories are helping a Nagpur cow research institute to patent therapies based on cow excreta
The biotech brigands
Developed nations are interpreting key clauses of the biodiversity treaty with the aim of protecting their own biotechnology industries from …
Enzymes that came in from the cold
The ability of microorganisms found in the Antarctic region to produce enzymes at low temperatures could save energy used for heating in …
Biotechnology assures leap in production
Tissue culture can change the face of agriculture, asserts Ajit Thomas, who heads a firm that has gone in a big way for biotechnology …
Flower on order
Genetic engineering can soon make plants bloom on cue and change the shape of a plant as required
Potatoes to the rescue
Genetically engineered potatoes can help prevent diabetes and tackle diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis
A question of ethics
At a recent conference on bio-ethics, scientists-expressed, the need to check the, misuse biotechnology
Aliens in the voters list
A green signal by the Swiss to carry on research in genetic engineering is making environmental organisations see red
Future science
Biological issues took precedence over all others at the recently-held science congress in Chennai
Selling God's secrets
After 20 years of scepticism, increasing sales have finally convinced industries that genetic engineering holds the key to the future.
Turning dreams into reality
A cure for influenza and a substance harder than diamond: two of the products conjured up by designer science
Waking up livers with foetal cells
Scientists say foetal liver cells injected into patients suffering from severe liver failure can regenerate the damaged organ
Computers to map the human genetic code
Indian scientists have developed a computer programme that transforms a huge quantity of genetic data into an easily understood graphic on a …