Boost to ecofriendly farming
A department of biotechnology project to popularise the production of biofertilisers has recently been approved.
Genetic goldmine
Scientists have discovered a gene that may hold the key to breast cancer and several other mysterious diseases
Cyborg controversy
There's gaiety on the greens as the European Parliament drops a directive on patenting genetically-engineered life-forms
The third connection
In what appears to be the decade's most spectacular event in biology, scientists sequenced the entire genome of Methanococcus jannaschii , a …
Blueprint of life
THE BIOTECH CENTURY·Jeremy Rifkin·Penguin Putnam Inc, New York·$24.5
Public property
It is good to hear Western leaders say the genetic secrets of human life should be used for public good
How the topmost scientific advisory body gradually slipped into oblivion
After the NDA came to power under Narendra Modi in 2014, the SAC-PM went defunct as the new government failed to reconstitute the council
C V Raman Fellowships bring African and Indian researchers closer
Between 2010 and 2018, close to 500 African researchers availed the C V Raman International Fellowship to improve the quality of lives …
Agricultural biotechnologies necessary to defeat hunger, poverty in Asia-Pacific
The United Nations food agency is urging Asia-Pacific countries to consider both low-tech and high-tech solutions present in the biotechnology toolbox
Bickering hinders resolution
A recent meeting on biological diversity failed to establish ground rules for implementation, as the participating nations were totally unwilling …
Unravelling the mysteries of biotechnology
Decrease in the need for chemical inputs will depend on the direction research takes, as private companies are interested only in profits.
Cheaper vaccine to check hepatitis B
WHO's immunisation programme is expected to receive a tremendous boost thanks to the low-cost vaccine developed through genetic engineering
The ethics of genetic combinations
The 17th International Congress of Genetics highlighted the role that genetic technology could play in shaping our world.
Time for India to take stock
The new trade order ordained by GATT affects India's entire economy. Some consider it a new form of colonialism, but others see it as a bountiful …
"DBT's role in policy formulation is limited"
A winner of the 1995 Norman Borlaug Award for her contribution to the field of agricultural sciences, MANJU SHARMA is secretary to the …
PIPRA: An attempt to hoodwink the Third World
The ongoing attempts to strengthen intellectual property protection regimes through the Trade-Related Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) …
India launches diagnostic kit that detects celiac disease in 20 minutes
Most of the diagnostic kits which are used presently are all imported from Europe and America and expensive
Scientists unravel fungus responsible for Sheath Blight disease in rice
Researchers have identified several genes and gene families in the strain that might account for their disease aggressiveness
Helping addicts get through their withdrawal symptoms
The manner in which marijuana and heroin affect the brain can provide useful clues to developing more effective painkillers.
Biotech-engineered rice has few takers
Despite advancements, research programmes in rice biotechnology heve drawn lukewarm response because it is felt that there is little money to be …
Jumping on the biotechnology bandwagon
BIOTECHNOLOGY: ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL ASPECTS -- ISSUES FOR DEVELOPING COUNTRIES Edited by E J Da Silva, C Ratledge and A Sasson Publisher: …
A watered-down capitulation
Who should benefit from biotechnology? The South, where the genes originate, or the North, with its massive gene banks? Commercial interests …
Spare parts any takers?
The ethics of transplanting an organ from one species to another is debatable as the dangers involved are too many and unknown
Information superhighway
There is one in our genes. And scientists are surprised at the distance signals can travel along DNA strands
Sound and fury
Monsanto talks too much. Misinformed activists rush in to burn fields in protest against the company. And India's government authorities, sitting …