Search for the holy grain

Article Abstract:

The team of gene detectives, led by an Australian, is searching for the seeds of ancient crops with an aim on genes, for lost genetic resources that they believe would be crucial to keep feeding itself as climate change and agricultural landscapes deteriorates. This work was partly funded by Australia through the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research, a development agency, and the Grains Research and Development Corporation.

Australia, Science & research, Research, Genetic aspects, Extinct plants, Genetically modified crops

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Bush tucker dreaming

Article Abstract:

Rosie Nangala, an Aboriginal woman from the Yuendumu Community in Australia, visited the African nation of Niger for two weeks in 1998 to show the Hausa women how to transform the seeds of acacias into drought-resistant food. The idea was embraced by Australian aid workers in Niger. Acacia colei can produce up to 10 kilograms of hard-coated seed that can be stored a long time before grinding.

Health aspects, Social aspects, International relations, Australian aborigines, Aboriginal Australians, Acacia, Acacia (Plant), Niger

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Atomic balls

Article Abstract:

The world's weight standards may be changed from machine-made platinum-iridium cylinders to single-crystal silicon spheres made by hand. These spheres, sometimes called "Achim's balls," will be based on the number of atoms they include. Metrologist Achim Leistner is able to sense irregularity by touch that can distinguish between variations of less than 30 millionths of a millimeter.

Standards, Innovations, Weights and measures, Measurement units and standards, Leistner, Achim

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