Paralysing geneUS SCIENTISTS have homed in on a gene defect linked to a debilitating nerve disorder known as Lou Gehrig's disease (Cambridge University Alumni Magazine). The disease, a celebrated

A team of Russian scientists have found in mice a gene, which, unlike others, decides when to express itself

THE JUNGLES of Vietnam hide a hitherto undescribed mammal. Basing their claim on remains such as skins, skulls and teeth recovered from local hunters, zoologists reckon an adult specimen of the

Israeli scientists claim to have devised a cheap way to generate electricity in deserts near the coast by using sea water. The method can also be modified to desalt sea water and use it for desert

The US senate is in a dilemma because every alternative they have thought up to the contentious energy tax has received loud protests from some section of the American public.

FEARS that oil demand would decline because of a US-proposed energy tax have been expressed by delegates at a meeting of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). The Clinton

UNDER pressure from influential figures in the US congress, the Clinton administration has exempted ethanol and methanol from the proposed energy tax. The tax is to be levied at 25.7 cents per

Both government and voluntary agencies are helping to spread biogas technology, which can provide clean fuel and enriched manure as well as improve sanitation standards.

Even as the Clinton administration seeks to phase in a tax on gas, oil, coal and nuclear energy, oil companies complain the levy will damage economic recovery and endanger jobs.