Debunking misconceptions: Mpox and public perception in Malaysia
Reading Time: 4 minutesBy DR DURGA VETTIVEL Mpox and public perception in Malaysia MPOX, also known as monkeypox, is caused by a virus from the genus Orthopoxvirus, the same family that includes smallpox, cowpox, and variola viruses. Mpox was first declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) in July 2022 due to its spread beyond the African continent. […]
Resolve sustainability disputes with science diplomacy
Reading Time: 3 minutesBy PROF DATO DR AHMAD IBRAHIM SUSTAINABLE development is a noble global effort to mitigate climate change, which is a serious threat. Another pressing issue, often overlooked, is the loss of biodiversity. Biodiversity losses pose an almost irreversible threat because they can destabilise nature itself. This is where science diplomacy comes into play, offering a way […]
The Power of Integration: How STEM Subjects Intertwine in Real Life
Reading Time: 3 minutesAs students, you often find yourself gravitating towards a particular science subject whether it’s biology, chemistry, physics, or mathematics. You might think that excelling in just one field is enough to carve out a successful career in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). However, the reality is that the boundaries between these subjects are much […]
Let us seriously consider saving our biodiversity
Reading Time: 2 minutesSaving Our Biodiversity By DR GHAZALLY ISMAIL Malaysia is a mega-biodiverse country with a unique and rich biodiversity that exists nowhere else on Earth. However, this treasure trove of flora and fauna faces increasing threats, especially from climate change. Scientists have identified about 1.75 million species globally, but they estimate the actual number to be […]
The environmental impacts of genetically modified crops
Reading Time: < 1 minuteUniversity of Toronto Genetically modified (GM) crops are widely used worldwide, but their environmental effects need to be explored more. New research, published in a recent issue of “Science” looks at common genetic modifications in four crops: soybean, corn, cotton, and canola. Although GM crops can produce more yield and profits, it can lead to […]
Going green marks significant milestone
Reading Time: 3 minutesThis partnership marks a significant milestone in The Petri Dish’s journey toward greater environmental responsibility. The newspaper now uses Nextgreen’s “NeuWhite” paper, which holds the MyHijau mark, a certification recognised by the Malaysian government’s green recognition scheme and the SIRIM Eco Label. By embracing a greener paper choice, The Petri Dish reinforces its commitment to […]
Feed Your Mind: Unlocking the Power of the Gut-Brain Axis through Daily Diet
Reading Time: 2 minutesHave you ever felt butterflies in your stomach when you’re nervous about something? Do you know that there is a strong connection between the gut and cognitive function? Food delivers a multitude of interconnected signals, rich in sensory, nutrition, and other information to the brain as it enters the mouth and travels through the digestive […]
ISAAA Inc holds public briefing for Filipino farmers
Reading Time: 2 minutesISAAA Inc, in partnership with the Philippine Biotechnology for Agriculture and Fisheries of the Department of Agriculture (DA Biotech Program Office) and the Asian Farmer’s Network (ASFARNET), recently held a public briefing titled Biotech for Filipino Farmers: A Public Briefing on the Philippine Biotechnology and Biosafety Regulations in Iloilo City. This public briefing, part of […]
Paper highlights evolution of Ghana’s media reportage on GMOs
Reading Time: < 1 minuteMedia coverage of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) has significantly influenced public perception of this technology. A study published in GM Crops & Food explores the evolution of media reportage on GMOs in Ghana following the approval of Bt cowpea, the country’s first genetically modified crop, in 2022. The study analyzed GMO stories reported by three […]
Landmark ruling as Ghana court dismisses suit challenging GM products
Reading Time: 2 minutesGhana’s Human Rights Court has dismissed a lawsuit challenging the introduction of genetically modified (GM) products into the country, putting an end to a nine-year court battle between the country’s National Biosafety Authority (NBA) and civil society groups. This landmark decision is a significant victory in Ghana’s efforts to deliver Maruca pod borer (PBR) resistant […]