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| News Around World |
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The genome of the fungi
which is notorious as the rice plant’s greatest nemesis and
causing devastating crop losses every year has now been unveiled.
A statement released by the International Rice Research Institute
(IRRI) announced the sequencing of the gene map of Magnaporthe
grisea. Researchers voiced optimism that with the full map of
the genome, it would be possible for scientists to devise smarter
ways to overcome this agricultural pest. |
There has been much commotion
lately among the medical science community as several scientific studies
ventured the possibility of the versatility of adult stem cells which
may in turn eradicate the need for embryonic stem cell altogether.
The main objective in stem cell research is to harness the ability
of tissue-cultivating techniques to grow the required organs or tissue
for patients in need. The appeal of using adult stem cells lie in
the ease of material collection, the replacement of organs and tissues
with the patients own cells reducing rejection problems and the lack
of ethical dilemmas. Though studies are preliminary, and have been
dismissed by many prominent researchers, the prospect of such a breakthrough
is creating considerable interest among the community. |
| Global biotech sector to see US$ 120b revenue by 2009 |
Based on the firm’s research into revenue growth among biotech companies, Ernst & Young Executive Director predicts a probability of a significant growth in the global biotechnology sector, especially in the Asia-Pacific region. With the current market capitalisation being valued at US$700 billion and annual turnover at US$50 billion, the industry is expected to achieve 26% growth by the year 2009. This is provided, she cautioned, that current support to the industry is maintained. Among countries with strong biotechnology bases like USA, Europe and China, Malaysia is currently ranked at ninth place in Asia-Pacific. However, this is slated to change as Malaysia sees the launch of the National Biotech Policy on the 28th of April 2005. |
| Superbugs thriving in Third World hospitals |
| British
medical journal reported in alarm that many highly antibiotic-resistant
bacteria are thriving in Third World hospitals. The gross overuse of antibiotics
coupled with dirty sanitary practice and overcrowded nurseries are helping
to cause the frightening rates of resistance among the microbes. A research
team highlighting the plight noted in particular several strains including
methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Klebsiella
pneumoniae. |
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