Your future life signposted

Article Abstract:

Five centres of biomedical excellence have linked with 10 multinational drug firms to create an alliance that will seek to identify the genetic signposts that could be used in the future to forecast a person's susceptibility to disease. These signposts, known as single nucleotide polymorphisms, could also make it possible to treat people with tailor-made drugs. The fact that drug companies, which have traditionally been very secretive, now seem willing to collaborate and publish information openly is a significant development. The identification of genetic signposts raises a number of serious ethical issues.

Research, Column, Genetic markers

---

Why Monsanto thinks its GM wheat is the next best thing for sliced bread

Article Abstract:

US agricultural biotechnology firm Monsanto has started field trials of a genetically modified type of wheat. It aims to start marketing the wheat, initially in the US, in 2003. It is possible that genetically modified wheat will eventually used in bread sold in the UK.

Product development, Wheat, Wheat Farming, United Kingdom, Science and technology policy, Ethical aspects, Monsanto Co., MTC, Food supply, Plant genetic engineering

---

The Mir space station, which will break through the Earth's atmosphere next week, isn't the only thing that's falling apart up there

Article Abstract:

The potential dangers posed by debris floating around in space are discussed. Areas of concern include the possibility of a collision between two large objects, creating many smaller pieces which in turn collide.

Environmental aspects, Space debris, Space environment

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: JFK slumping forward. Jackie scrambling back. Twenty-six seconds of blurred film footage still replaying in the minds of Americans 35 years after it was shot. A priceless piece of history. But one that now comes with an $18.5 million price tag
• Abstracts: Giants who dictate diet of the nation. The man who's selling Diana to the people. Welsh roars of protest as census ignores a nation
• Abstracts: Consumer activism is a sign of political impotence. Students and drink: have the Puritans taken over the bar? Sex education without the prejudice
• Abstracts: Is this the luckiest man in rock? The Russians are coming. Agitated comedian
• Abstracts: Turkey, Fish and Gutta Percha on ice. More brogue than vogue. The plight of the bumblebee

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.