Here First - Science and Technology Blog

Let's face it, biological storage isn't something most of us think about every day, or even every year. But behind the scenes, in laboratories all across the country, the storage of biological samples is becoming increasingly critical to research into the underpinnings of medical and biological sciences. It's Not Just a Brain in a Jar Anymore Tissue storage has come a long way since the days of creepy things floating in jars of formaldehyde. Methods are as varied as the reasons for collecting and keeping life form samples. Biologists preserve tissues from: Field samples for DNA identification ; Donors for storage and transplantation; Plants and animals for species or cell line preservation; Research subjects for experimentation and data gathering; The life sciences are vibrant with activity, much of it involving the need for long-term preservation of tissue samples. Scientists have perfected several preservation methods specific to particular needs and length...

Hawaiian Gold Kona Coffee has just received protection against genetic engineering. The Hawaii County Council has banned growing biotech coffee as well as taro. I agree with this decision. They need to draw some lines about this, because it can get out of control very easy. According to a recent press release: The new ordinance, which makes it unlawful to grow genetically engineered (GE) coffee or taro anywhere on the Island of Hawaii, was strongly supported by coffee and taro farmers. Coffee growers testified that the planting of genetically engineered coffee would contaminate and damage markets for their premium Kona coffee, costing them their livelihoods. Farmers of Hawaiian Gold Kona coffee and other coffee argued that they would lose their “specialty coffee” status and/or organic certification if biotech coffee were ever planted on Hawaii Island. The Kona coffee industry brings more than $25 million into the state each year.” Beside fears of “contamination,” some residents appare...