Science meets fiction
Down To Earth invites sci-fi buffs and writers to take its readers on a guided tour of the world of science fiction that throws a mirror to the …
The Future is Now
In 1992, the world moved several steps towards globalisation. But little attention was paid to the sharp economic, social and cultural divides. …
A North-South conflict
BIORESOURCES AND BIOTECHNOLOGY: POLICY CONCERNS FOR THE ASIAN REGION·Edited by Suman Sahai·Gene Campaign·New Delhi, 1999&…
Saying no to Monsanto
The Indian patent office has once again rejected the biotech seed giant’s claim for a method to produce stress-tolerant transgenic plants
New strain of norovirus identified
Scientists warn “Sydney 2012” could cause an epidemic of acute gastroenteritis
Farming for the future
Despite having the potential to give a green edge to the agricultural market, biopesticides are yet to make a mark in the agro sector. To create …
Why do we need patents?
There is no empirical evidence that patents serve to increase innovation and productivity
'Failing to support GM crops single most damaging element for growth'
The European Association for Bio-Industries (EuropaBio) says the decision by 16 EU nations to opt out of GMO crop cultivation has taken away the …
Nurturing the future
A comprehensive set of rules is essential to regulate research and facilitate commercialisation in biotechnology. Patricia Sierra Blzquez , …
MIAMI GROUP VS rest of the world
Are genetically modified organisms a miracle that will solve the world's hunger problems or a menace that will threaten human health, environment …
Indian laws adequate for ensuring biosafety, says MoEF special secretary
But they do not provide for liability and redress if damage occurs due t release of GMOs by biotech giants, point out civil society groups
Question of safety
The Bangkok conference on the risks of genetically modified corps advocated greater investment of public funds in bio-safety research
Why Horlicks ad claim on boiled milk is hard to digest
Claim by GlaxoSmithKline that makes the milk supplement harps only on one aspect of study, which incidentally is funded by another multinational&…
Beware the modified wolf
Will bureaucrats choose to throw farmers and ecology to the mercy of multinational corporations by preparing the way for cultivation of …
Environment, genes and mutations
Pollutants in the environment cause dreaded diseases like cancer by mutating some genes. Scientists have begun to explore the human genome to …
Rotten tomato for Monsanto
US biotech giant's claim on a natural tomato is its latest patent to be revoked by Europe after soy and wheat
Farmers in tech trap
Cotton cultivators are on a seed and pesticide treadmill that is draining them of traditional skills
Algae alleviates
South African townships that were earlier helpless in the face of pollution caused by human wastes, are now bucking up to the problem. Spirulina, …
Why experts want GM freeze
Say regulatory system has grave deficiencies; challenge agriculture ministry’s claims
Regulatory battle
Industry and activists have expressed conflicting opinions on GM crops. GEAC has a difficult decision to make
Access, yes. Sharing, no
The access and benefit-sharing protocol on biodiversity may do little to deter multinationals from grabbing the planet’s resources
Bill Gates, Grand Challenges and Indian Science Congress
The Bill Gates Foundation has invited Indian innovators to send in their ideas that could change the world. But India needs more solutions to its …
Act of omission
Public institutions do not seek permission from the biodiversity authority before genetically manipulating crops
It’s still open season for bio-piracy
Rich nations block accord on benefit-sharing rules for the world’s genetic resources
Submission to parliamentary committee on agriculture regarding GM crops
Memorandum to the Committee on Agriculture with views on “Cultivation of Genetically Modified Food Crops – Prospects and Effects&…