Life Concerns raised over Venter patents WILL genomics pioneer Craig Venter be the next Bill Gates, enjoying a Microsoft-like grip on a future industry based on synthetic forms of life? That was the claim of an advocacy group concerned about the social implications of technologies earlier this year, after Venter's institute applied for a patent on a synthetic "minimal genome" ( … 51¶¯Âþ
Earth Editorial : Clearing up the confusion over biofuels GIVEN plans to expand production of biofuels, you would think that scientists were broadly agreed that switching from fossil fuels will help slow global warming. If only things were that simple. In reality, debate is raging over what will happen to greenhouse gas emissions when more biofuel crops are grown. Accounting for the total emissions … Opinion
Life Histories: Jane Rider – the Springfield somnambulist In July 1833, Jane Rider, servant to the Stebbins family of Springfield, Massachusetts, rose from her bed, dressed and made her way downstairs. Quickly and efficiently, she set the table for breakfast, arranging the crocks, cutlery and condiments with the utmost precision. She negotiated a narrow doorway with a large tray laden with coffee cups … Features
Illustrated books: Textiles Today by Chloë Colchester ANTHROPOLOGIST Chloë Colchester's survey of the world's textiles is about so much more than clothes. She reviews the latest technology in woven materials, such as embroidered surgical implants and vests that monitor the wearer's health, and looks ahead to fabric robots and invisibility suits. There's also a strong emphasis on the role of textiles in … Books & Arts
Illustrated books: Albert Einstein: The persistent illusion of transience by Ze'ev Rosenkranz and Barbara Wolff Books & Arts
Feedback Life without carbon? ONCE again, boring old conventional science has been scooped by a "Spiritual Teacher and Healer, Naturopath and Telepathic Channel". Moikeha Asar K brings us – at www.theliquidcrystals.com/faq.php – important news about the nature of life itself: "For many years carbon was said to be the only living atom on the Earth, but … Regulars