Accord could lift block on European biotech patents

Article Abstract:

The European Parliament's legal affairs committee's approval of a revised biotechnology directive paves the way for the clarification of the European Union's rules covering the patenting of transgenic plants and animals. The new rules are expected to be discussed in August 1997. The European Patent Office has halted issuing patents covering plants and animals until the law has been clarified. The new law is being vociferously opposed by 'green' political parties who say that it is immoral.

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Synchrotron report backs steps to efficient usage

Article Abstract:

National synchrotron facilities in Europe are not technically and administratively efficient enough according to a report by the European Science Foundation (ESF). Synchrotron radiation is necessary in protein crystallography, but due to heavy demand, scientists often have to wait months for beam time which can cause problems. The report calls for beam lines to be equipped with CCD detectors to enable rapid read-out of data, and for staffing of beam lines to be improved.

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Digital history

Article Abstract:

A description is presented of the work being carried out by historian Jurgen Renn from the Max Planck Institute for the History of Science in Berlin, Germany, who is transferring historic texts onto online sites which can be readily accessed.

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