Shortcut to better rice

japanese scientists have developed a high-yielding rice plant that's also less prone to toppling over in bad weather. What is unique about the new cultivar is that it uses information from the rice genome published earlier this year.

Transparent veil

Though a two-decade-old ban on commercial whaling was upheld at the International Whaling Commission's (IWC's) recently concluded annual meet in Ulsan, South Korea, the anti-whaling parties had little to rejoice. The reason: the evident alarming increase in the strength of the pro-whaling lobby. The close defeat of Japan's proposal to forgo the discussion on whale sanctuaries (voted 29-28) and the inclusion of pro-whaling Gambia, Togo and the island of Nauru in IWC were cases in point.

No wails for whales

Japan has refused to bow to international pressure to stop whaling. They use the meat for reasearch, they say. But whale meat is also a delicacy in traditional Japanese cuisine. The country had accepted the International Whaling Commission's (iwc) 1986 ban on commercial whaling but resumed whaling for "research" in 1987. Whale meat so obtained was sold in markets.

Uncool dressing is cool

Japan has pitted fashion lovers and conservationists in a rare battle. A current energy conservation drive urges government servants and politicians to dress casually, sans neckties and suits, from June 1, 2005 to September 30, 2005. The idea is if people feel the heat less, air conditioner thermostats can be set higher to save energy.

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cocoa harms: Cocoa-based chocolates have higher contents of harmful heavy metals (lead, cadmium and nickel) than milk-based chocolates and fruit flavour-based or sugar-based candies, according to a recent study at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai. The researchers led by Sudhir Dahiya looked at 69 brands of chocolates and candies available in Mumbai suburban areas.

Japanese cap

Japan has moved towards implementing diesel emission norms stricter than those in Europe. The country's Central Environment Council (CEC), an advisory body of its ministry of environment, has reached consensus on the next tier of diesel emission standards to become effective from 2009. The proposed limits are more stringent than Europe's toughest Euro IV regulation for light duty vehicles and Euro V heavy-duty engine standards.

Russian bonanza for Japan

China recently lost a crucial energy battle to Japan. The Russian government announced the construction of a "system of pipelines" from its Siberian oilfields to the Pacific Ocean opposite Japan. Both Japan and China wanted the pipeline to be routed through their lands. But Russia decided in favour of Japan following talks with Tokyo, which committed to finance the construction.

Taming the US

the World Trade Organization (wto) has approved sanctions against the us for subsidising its domestic industries, using the funds collected as anti-dumping duties. Following the decision, the eu and Japan have now said they will levy us $150 million worth of sanctions from early 2005 if the us subsidies continue.

What's up?

confusing signals are emanating regarding the construction of a controversial power plant in Sri Lanka's central hills. The government recently said Japan had approved funding for the Upper Kotmale project. Japanese officials say the sanction is on hold. Meanwhile, environmental concerns linked to the project remain unresolved.

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the strongest acid: The world's strongest acid, at least a million times more potent than concentrated sulphuric acid, has been made in a lab in California. It is also one of the least corrosive. Called carborane acid, is the first 'superacid' that can be stored in a bottle. The previous record-holder, fluorosulphuric acid, corroded everything. The new acid's 'gentleness' is due to its remarkable chemical stability, says Christopher Reed of the University of California, USA, who is one of the acid's creators.