Globular Nature of Earth
The holy quran is the word of Allah . it is our way of worship up to the judgement day . this means that there is no contradiction between what it says and what the new scientific discovers say . however , quran must be understood properly so that...
Human Evolution Timeline: Revelations in Bible Quotes
The human evolution timeline is found recorded in Bible quotes (Book of Genesis). Adam's rib symbolizes the chromosome and is the key to the man ape evolution. In discussing evolution vs creation, many convergences like this one are found. Someone...
Misdiagnosing Narcissism - Asperger's Disorder
(The use of gender pronouns in this article reflects the clinical facts: most narcissists and most Asperger's patients are male.) Asperger's Disorder is often misdiagnosed as Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD), though evident as early as age 3...
On Empathy - Part I
The Encyclopaedia Britannica (1999 edition) defines empathy as: "The ability to imagine oneself in anther's place and understand the other's feelings, desires, ideas, and actions. It is a term coined in the early 20th century, equivalent to the...
Using a Night Vision Device
It's difficult to see in the dark. Unless there's some light
peeking in through the window or from under a door, our vision
is compromised. If we wait a little while, our night vision
kicks in, allowing us to see somewhat better. It's not...
Coordination and Biotech Research
One of the reasons why Africa and other poor regions of the
world trail in crop biotechnology is lack of collaboration and
coordination among scientists. There are millions of
well-trained crop biotechnologists in poor countries. But due to
resource constraints and other challenges, hardly do they work
together. So, we have a situation where so many scientists,
working in different parts of the continent, are engaged in
identical biotech projects. It's like a case of one hand not
knowing what the other is doing.
At a time when Africa desperately needs crop biotechnology to
alleviate hunger and malnutrition, its scientists should be
moving towards collaborative research. Scientists who pull in
different directions can't make any meaningful impact in the
scientific world. Cooperation, not competition, is the bane of
science. With regard to crop biotechnology, collaboration is
urgently needed if Africa dreams of solving its endemic food
problems.
Currently, Africa is playing host to top-notch research in crop
biotechnology. Dr. Florence Wambugu of Africa Harvest Biotech
Foundation International is busy developing a new strain of
wheat resistant to drought and common fungal diseases. Dr.
Wambugu is an authority in genetic engineering and has been
leading the campaign to persuade Africa to embrace genetically
modified crops. Dr. Monty Jones of the Africa Rice Centre
(WARDA), in a groundbreaking research, has developed New Rice
for Africa (Nerica), resistant to drought and
pests, which is
bound to enhance food security in many West African countries.
Dr. Jones' expertise in genetic engineering can be a big asset
to Africa is shared.
Organizations like International Maize and Wheat Improvement
Centre (CIMMYT), Insect Resistant Maize for Africa (IRMA) and
International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech
Applications (ISAAA), too, are engaged in high-tech crop
biotechnology research. Their work deserve praise, but they
stand to achieve more if there is more sharing.
Perhaps, a recently mooted idea by South African scientists is
worth considering.They have formed an umbrella organization,
which seeks to consolidate the gains already made in modern
biotechnology. Called the African Centre for Gene Technology
(ACGT), the body will act as a centre of excellence for all
African scientists involved in biotech research. In Kenya, the
African Biotechnology Stakeholders Forum is promoting
partnerships and education. African scientists should embrace
these projects and see them as opportunities for self-growth.
Investors in North America, Europe and elsewhere should be
investing and partnering with these organizations and
scientists. After all, they have a common goal - to alleviate
hunger and malnutrition.
About the author:
James Wachai is a communication specialist who uses his
expertise to increase public understanding of science and
technology, specifically biotechnology. Read more from James at
http://www.gmoafrica.org.
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