How do agricultural scientists view advanced biotechnology?

Article Abstract:

The views of advanced biotechnology held by agricultural scientists are discussed by a Cornell University rural sociology department faculty member. The genomics revolution in agriculture is driven by multinational life science companies, among them Monsanto, Novartis, DuPont and Dow. In the land grant system, made up of state colleges/universities of agriculture, this is a focal point area for a broad range of programs, and at least two distinct views are held. Predominantly, the role of the land grant system is seen as being to educate the public about all aspects of biotech and lead in findings ways to use biotech to feed larger numbers of people and fight famine. Opponents feel scientists of the system advocate rather than educate, that they neglect to communicate potential social and environmental problems. Some agricultural scientists think the land grant system should take a more cautious approach and be less willing to accept funding from the corporations with an interest in biotech. Results of a survey by the US Dept of Agriculture of 1011 respondents from 13 desciplines are reviewed.

Social aspects, Political activity, Environmental associations, Prevention, Political aspects, Agricultural biotechnology, Beliefs, opinions and attitudes, Horticulturists, Chemical industry, Public relations, United States. Department of Agriculture, Pesticides industry, Sustainable agriculture, Genetic research, Biochemists, Plant biotechnology, Veterinarians, Famines, Foresters, Seed industry, Social scientists, Agricultural engineers, State universities and colleges, Entomologists, Land grant colleges

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Advanced materials for high-speed commercial airplanes

Article Abstract:

New composites, resins, adhesives/sealants, and surface treatments for high-speed commercial airplanes are discussed with an account of the history of their development at NASA and Boeing. Prepreg and adhesive material forms based on PETI-5, which has oligomer molecular weight of about 5000 Da and had the best combination of properties among the candidates, provided large, high-quality composite and sandwich panels and showed promise for fabrication of large components. Much progress was made in developing an environmentally safe, 177 degrees Celsius-durable surface treatment for titanium alloys, but the best treatment, a sol-gel system, did not have needed Mach 2.4 high-speed civil transport (HSCT) requirements. The other big problem was fuel tank sealants. The US will in time build a fleet of high-speed commercial planes, but not Mach 2.4.

Product development, Equipment and supplies, Polymers, Boeing Co., BA, Materials, Airplanes, Advanced materials, Synthetic gums and resins

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Revisiting the Mars sample return debate

Article Abstract:

The debate over the Mars Sample Return project is discussed. Concerns some people have over bringing samples from Mars back to Earth are discussed. NASA is to send the Mars Organic Detector to Mars in 2007. Possible signs of life are listed. Technology needed to analyze samples will be on the mobile unit. The views of The Mars Society, Gilbert Levin, and Jeffrey Bada, a marine chemistry professor and director of NASA's Specialized Center for Research and training in Exobiology at Scripps Inst. of Oceanography, Univ. of California, San Diego, are considered.

Planning, Mars (Planet), Discovery and exploration, Outer space, Space exploration, Space flight, Life on other planets, Extraterrestrial life

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