Issue # 125 _ July 2006

S&T Policy

Biosafety

Embarrassments and skirmishes

Action by environmentalists and public attorneys agitate the CTNBio and open up a crisis with researchers

Public policies

A monitored stroll in the park

A new system evaluates and guards against environmental impact in parks

Science

Cell Biology

Maternal inheritance

The mechanism of the transfer of the mother's bacteria to the offspring of insects is helping stem cell research and the treatment of tropical illnesses

Nutrition

Diet on the tips of the fingers

An analysis of nails shows how nutrition can vary

Ecology

Invisible communities

The surface of a single leaf can house more than 600 species of bacteria

Zoology

Wild life in the Metropolis

The city of Sao Paulo houses 433 species of wild animals, from thrushes to red howler monkeys

Technology

Genectics

Vegetable intelligence

Genetically modified sugarcane has insecticide property only when attacked by an insect

Metallurgy

Knowledge & opportunity

Researchers set up a company that uses metallic powders for the production of industrial filters

Education

Fun approach

Schools and cities adopt software for children with special learning difficulties

Chemistry

Diet capsule

Animal feeding monitored by an inert chemical substance brings benefits to cattle rearing

Humanities

History

Blood and sand

To study the ancient gladiators helps in understanding our current society