KL meet highlights need for standard definition of gene-edited products
Reading Time: 3 minutesKUALA LUMPUR: Life science experts from all over Asia gathered here recently to exchange notes on policies and regulations on gene-editing – notably the question if gene-edited products should be categorised as genetically modified organisms or otherwise. The workshop themed “Policy Considerations for Gene Editing: The Asian and Australian Perspective” was hosted by International Service […]
DBN 2.0 poised to combat critical national issues
Reading Time: 4 minutesTHE newly-minted National Biotechnology Policy 2.0 (DBN 2.0) is poised to combat challenging issues pertaining to food security, healthcare, and environmental concerns – such as climate change and global warming affecting the nation. DBN 2.0 recently launched by Prime Minister Ismail Sabri will enhance the present biotechnology ecosystem and give a boost to the country’s […]
Biogenes leads the way in aptamer-based antibodies
Reading Time: 3 minutesIN 2010, when the European Union (EU) passed a directive to eliminate the use of animals in scientific research – aptamers came to the fore to replace animal-derived antibodies that were largely used for developing diagnostic tools. Aptamers are synthetic antibodies produced without harming a single animal. Aptamers can recognise and bind to their target […]
Climate change vs air pollution: Two sides of a coin
Reading Time: 3 minutesAIR POLLUTION is considered to be one of the largest factors contributing to climate change. We are unenlightened that conversely – as climate change also causes air pollution and both can be portrayed as two sides of a coin. Associate Professor Dr Yusri Yusup, an atmospheric physicist from the field of Environmental Technology based in […]
MBOT gives a shot in the arm for women in tech
Reading Time: 2 minutesAS a professional body that recognises technologists and technicians in all fields of STEM, the Malaysian Board of Technologists (MBOT) is taking a step forward to support women technologists in breaking the glass ceiling in their respective fields. It does not matter that MBOT is the youngest professional body in Malaysia. During the MBOT Experts […]
NGO: Declare climate emergency now
Reading Time: 2 minutesAN environmental coalition, Gabungan Darurat Iklim Malaysia (GDMY) is calling for a climate emergency declaration in Malaysia by September 16 this year. “I believe it is high time to declare a climate emergency as going into ‘relax mode’ each time after a flood disaster is not a right thing.” “Looking back at the flood trends, since 2013, […]
Homegrown red rice making waves in local stores
Reading Time: 4 minutesINDULGING in research and unleashing innovative ideas is the ultimate goal of any scientist. What develops in the petri dish must translate into products that can be retailed in the market for the benefit of society. For this to be a reality, scientists need business skills and a natural mindset to move their research outcomes […]
Post pandemic: When the normal we know is not the ideal
Reading Time: 3 minutesTHE popular question right now as we are in the endemic phase is “when will it all return to the normal lifestyle which we were familiar with?” To answer this question, Tan Sri Dr Jemilah Mahmood, Executive Director of Planetary Health, University Sunway at a recent webinar retorted: “Was our pre-pandemic so-called normal lifestyle, the ideal […]
Science diplomat champions science communication
Reading Time: 4 minutesSCIENCE COMMUNICATION is often perceived to be a subject that makes science look fun to a non-technical audience. It also triggers a call for action among the public to take care of the environment or their health among others. Ahmad Ameen Kamal tells how he turned science communication skills into science diplomacy to suit his […]
FameLab science communicator wants to save tree leaf primates
Reading Time: 4 minutesWHEN you have two distinct loves – the environment and community, there is one way to connect the two – through science communication. This is what a FameLab alumna is doing now. Yap Jo Leen, who is at the tail end of completing PhD in zoology and especially studied dusky langurs (Trachypithecus obscurus) or dusky leaf […]