The double-edged sword

Picture this: A doctor draws out cells from a foetus to diagnose if it will develop into a normal child. A simple and quick test of the sample …

Out of Africa

Stanford University researchers, by studying what are known as DNA microsatellites, try to explain the genesis and evolution of the Homo sapiens -…

Manipulating life

Biological molecules hold the key to understanding diverse life processes and to correct aberrations

Gene blues

What determines a person's behaviour through the vicissitudes of life: genes, environment or both? There are many who believe that genetic …

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 …

Genetic fingerprinting catches on

Scientists are using DNA to be 99.99 per cent sure of an individual's and paternity in criminal cases

The inside story

The interpretation of the genetic code of the baker's yeast has brought scientists to within a couple of steps of their final objective - …

Toying with the unborn

Is it right to experiment with the foetus? The US preparesfor another )8 controversial medical experiment

Bird's eye view of biotechnology is useful

A TEXT BOOK ON BIOTECHNOLOGY H D Kumar Publisher : Affiliated East West Press, New Delhi Price: Rs

The ethics of genetic combinations

The 17th International Congress of Genetics highlighted the role that genetic technology could play in shaping our world.

Jump, they say

Why do some gene fragments jump around from one place to another? Russians believe they have the answer

The melting pot

You never thought it could happen. For the first time, geneticists have combined genes from different species

Nature's minor gifts

Even as microbes -silent and efficient behind-the-screen contributors to the ecosystem -continue to revel under the spotlight abroad, in India, …

Information superhighway

There is one in our genes. And scientists are surprised at the distance signals can travel along DNA strands

Laboratory-made antibodies work miracles

Scientists have genetically engineered specific antibodies to prevent organ rejection in transplants and to combat cancer. This opens up new …

Can life exist sans DNA?

Stanley Prusiner, winner of the 1997 Nobel prize for medicine, devoted two decades of research to answer this question

Changing genes make cholera pathogen indomitable

despite its genome sequenced three years ago, the cholera bacterium continues to dodge all efforts aimed at combating its menace. Now, scientists …

Decoding trouble

Researchers have decoded the genetic sequence of the bacterium responsible for cholera. This will aid in the development of new vaccines and …

In limbo

Will a disaster take place before strong laws are adopted to protect the world against irresponsible introduction of gmos?

The turkey buzzards

Facing resistance to the introduction of gmos in the North, business houses are waiting to take advantage of the South, including India, where …

Aliens!

Weeds acquire strange resistance to herbicides. Nature seems to go haywire. And causing all the confusion are genetically modified organisms, …

Decoding life

Humans may follow

Arboreal witness

Using DNA to put them in place