Khoj: exploring spaces between art, science

At Khoj, an artists' workshop in Delhi, four artists explored shared spaces between art and science, realms that are often seen as sealed to each other Joanna Hoffman's interest lies in situating life in the workings of the universe. Life was once regarded as the defining feature of the universe. But scientists now believe that life represents a trifle aspect of. Hoffman's sound and video installation at Khoj is an artist's impression of this scientific truism.

Technology To The Core, Science and Technology with Indira Gandhi

<i>Inherit the wind</i> Play about attempts to stifle free thought

The recent focus on fundamentalist Islam might obscure the fact that western nations have their own experiences with religious fundamentalism. But New York audiences are filling the Lyceum Theatre on Broadway to learn about one such episode in the country whose government has targeted radical Islam the most.

EU for more funds in scientific research

the European Union (eu) has come up with new funds to promote the best ideas in science and technology. The first ever pan-European research body, the European Research Council, will dole out cash regardless of location or institution within eu. It aims for excellence and to "bring the Nobel prizes back to Europe".

Debate over pseudoscience in China

China's science community is split over 'pseudoscience'. The term for unscientific theories claiming to be scientific has been fodder for intense public debate in the country since November 2006. The debate is on whether to remove the term from China's science popularisation law of 2003. Many argue that the term is being used as a weapon to attack innovation. But others differ.

European Commission's research commissioner on India's coaction with EU

What will be the focus of joint research projects between India and the eu? Interviewee:  Janez Potocnic

Nobel winner Paul J Crutzen on the neglect of nitrogen cycle

Where does the global research on biogeochemical cycles stand? There's been much research on the carbon cycle. But the nitrogen cycle has been neglected. What are the gaps here? We do know how much nitrous oxide and other nitrogen oxides are emitted in total, but we don't know their hotspots. There is also a serious mismatch the aggregate of individual emissions does not tally with the total emission figures for nitrous oxide and other nitrogen oxides. We are perhaps, not looking at the right places for oxides of nitrogen. Interviewee:  Paul J Crutzen

Third phase of Genome Valley in Hyderabad

Andhra Pradesh chief minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy has said that the state government was developing the third phase of Genome Valley in Hyderabad over an area of 120 hectares. A biotech incubation centre would be set up and be supported with technical inputs from the Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad.

An opportunity lost?

THE focal theme this year at the 94th Indian Science Congress was 'Planet Earth', the centrality of the "natural habitat" in everything that humans did or sought to do. So it was that the focus, this year, was on factors that affected the natural resource base--and therefore people, for there is no ecosystem in India people don't inhabit--came as pure fresh breath.

Indian Science Congress' failed attempt at relevance

the 94th edition of the Indian Science Congress, held January 2-7, 2007 at Annamalai University in Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, sought to be different. Revolving around the theme of "Planet Earth", it sought to "address vital issues related to our natural habitat". The areas of deliberation included energy security, earth-ocean-atmosphere interactions, climate change and the science of forecasting monsoons.