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using cotton gin residue: US researchers have found the waste generated when cotton is ginned (seeds separated from fibre) can yield valuable products. They have developed manufacturing processes to extract specific chemicals and make two products -- ethanol, which can be a fuel in automobiles, and xylitol, a sugar. The team was headed by Foster A Agblevor, professor of biological systems engineering in Virginia Tech's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

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jumbo fighters: Tiny bugs would no longer trouble jumbo jets. If undetected, microbes in aviation fuel harm the planes' instruments and even eat through the wings. They also produce misleading readings in fuel gauges. Now, Cardiff-based ECHA Microbiology has developed an industry-standard test for the pests, which lets non-microbiologists check oils, fuels and process water for microbial fouling, spoilage and corrosion.

United emission norms

under the aegis of the United Nations, an international agreement was signed by eight countries to develop globally uniform environmental regulations for motor vehicles. The agreement, pending for the past two years, is expected to "harmonise" the world's automobile standards.

No short cuts

The proposed Newbury Bypass in southern England is the latest target of local environmentalists' ire. The Bypass is to cut across a nature reserve and a number of sites designated as being of special scientific interest. The government on the other hand claims that the bypass will reduce traffic congestion on the highway currently passing through Newbury town, but environmental groups like Friends of the Earth dispute this by saying that new roads generate new traffic. Several demonstrations against the Bypass are being planned.