Act 1 (18 April): Yeltsin suspends rocket technology transfer to India following the threat of sanctions by USA. Act 11 (26 April): Prime Minister P V Narasimha Rao assures Parliament

A new surgical technique that involving only small incisions has been used for removing a cyst from under the lung

A protein found in almost all life forms not only offers protection against toxins but also preverits errant behaviour in other proteins

A new instrument makes the task of monitoring ozone levels easier

A new project is analysing several natural parameters that aid the spread of malaria

A styrene maleic anhydride 'plug' has few side effects and is reversible.

India seems ready to cash in on electronic mail, a cheap and fast way of communication in which messages are exchanged through computer networks.

Jute fibre, which could provide a solution to the increasing crisis in procuring wood pulp, could be science's gift to the paper industry.

The concept of Virtual Reality simulating the real world is adding a new dimension to entertainment and education.