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 …
Code of misconduct
The human genome may not solve all our problems. One of the most far-reaching consequences of the decoding is the ability to predict people's …
Creating a family tree for rice
Scientists at the National Chemical Laboratory are working on rice biotechnology in order to develop more nutritious varieties of the cereal.
New biopesticide conquers mosquito larvae
Malaria is attaining near epidemic proportions in the country but researchers in Madras hold out a ray of hope. They have produced an …
Gene transfer yields pest-resisting rice strain
Darshan S Brar, who has been working for years on rice hybrids at the International Rice Research Institute in the Philippines, talks about gene …
De-hairing hide without polluting
Clarizyme is a new biodegradedable enzyme produced by the Central Leather Research Institute in Madras as a replacement for substances used in …
Challenges in Agriculture
Biotechnology issues pose tremendous challenges for developing countries. As a member of the World Trade Organisation, India will have to gear up …
Disparate returns
The government's improper policies have foiled attempts to develop the biotechnology industry in the country
Gunning for biotechnology
The US and Indian business lobby along with the Union government gang up to "educate" the public about biotechnology
Selling God's secrets
After 20 years of scepticism, increasing sales have finally convinced industries that genetic engineering holds the key to the future.
Bt Brinjal – the war goes on
Pro Bt Brinjal group releases a report challenging contention that the vegetable is used in medicine
Study points to quality issues in Bt cotton seeds
The study has found seed companies violating norms on the mixture of refuge seeds and Bt cotton seeds provided to farmers
A technology that protects babies and restores lakes
Photo catalyst rings that treat sewage water were recently unveiled at the Indian Science Congress
Divided colours of cotton
The Union government goes for another field trial of Bt cotton, and another round of confusion