Bats Vilified
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Scientists spin novel idea to ‘mass produce’ spider silk
Reading Time: 2 minutesSILK threads from spiders have amazing mechanical properties such as superior toughness and elasticity. These make them a good candidate for applications in various fields – ranging from developing protective armour, like bullet proof vests to bandages for wound dressing to coatings for medical implants. Humans have been making use of spider silk [ihc-hide-content ihc_mb_type=”show” […]
Human intervention into caves good for fungi biodiversity
Reading Time: 3 minutesHUMAN intrusion into natural habitats of plants and animals is usually frowned upon by society, especially environmentalists. But this is not true when it comes to cave exploration, a leisure activity known as spelunking. According to a local scientist, intrusion of caves by tourists, [ihc-hide-content ihc_mb_type=”show” ihc_mb_who=”2,3,5″ ihc_mb_template=”1″ ] hobbyists and other enthusiasts is actually […]
Malaysian researchers discover unique lineage of Covid-19 virus in the country
Reading Time: 2 minutesKUANTAN: A consortium of researchers performing a whole genome sequencing of the prevailing Covid-19 virus in the country have discovered that the virus strains have [ihc-hide-content ihc_mb_type=”show” ihc_mb_who=”2,3,5″ ihc_mb_template=”1″ ] evolved from different lineages. The team from Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP), Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia (UIAM) Kuantan and Makmal Kesihatan Awam Johor Baru were led by UMP’s Dr Hajar […]
Covid-19 sniffer dogs are here!
Reading Time: 2 minutesWHAT could be more accurate, faster and cheaper than the current diagnostic test kits for Covid-19 detection? It is man’s all-time best friend – yes, dogs! Dogs nature of sniffing everything may be annoying to some humans but looks like researchers around the world are actually benefiting from it. Researchers are now taking advantage of […]
Science journalism session goes ‘Zoom’, raises interest of participants
Reading Time: 3 minutesTHE Malaysian Biotechnology Information Center (MABIC) in collaboration with The Petri Dish and Science Media Centre (SMC) Malaysia organised a virtual workshop on science journalism entitled: “From research articles to popular science”. The workshop which provided an introduction to science journalism and communication was conducted by veteran journalist and editor of The Petri Dish, Joseph […]
Global food security must be given an ‘all time’ emphasis says expert
Reading Time: 3 minutesKUALA LUMPUR: The COVID-19 pandemic has severely affected the entire food supply chain not only in Malaysia but globally. Experts say the pandemic calls for the strengthening of food security in order to meet the world’s consumption demands especially during a crisis. [ihc-hide-content ihc_mb_type=”show” ihc_mb_who=”2,3,5″ ihc_mb_template=”1″ ] The broken food supply chain, labour shortage, closure […]
Anti dengue drug from rubber trees!
Reading Time: 2 minutesTHE rubber industry, unlike many other commodity-related industries in Malaysia is booming with soaring demand for latex surgical gloves with the Covid-19 pandemic. However, if you think rubber trees are only valued for their latex or rubber elastomer here’s a surprise to marvel at. [ihc-hide-content ihc_mb_type=”show” ihc_mb_who=”2,3,5″ ihc_mb_template=”1″ ] Scientists from the Malaysian Rubber Board […]
MCO ‘survival camp’ offers intellect revelry for children, parents
Reading Time: 4 minutesMINDING children even without a pandemic lockdown is a huge challenge for many young parents – what more now when they are forced to be cooped up at home with their children during the current movement control order (MCO) in place? As there is so much time and space for the children now, and so […]
Covid-19 – We had it coming says virologist
Reading Time: 3 minutesVIROLOGISTS around the world are not surprised about the Covid-19 catching up on us. We had it coming, says a Malaysian virologist Prof Sunil Kumar Lal from Monash University Malaysia. In a skype interview with The Petri Dish recently he says there are about 320 000 different known virus isolates that are yet to be […]