International Day of Women and Girls in Science
2018/2/11
Science and gender equality are both vital for the achievement of the internationally agreed development goals, including the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Over the past 15 years, the global community has made a lot of effort in inspiring and engaging women and girls in science. Unfortunately, women and girls continued to be excluded from participating fully in science. According to a study conducted in 14 countries, the probability for female students of graduating with a Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree and Doctor’s degree in science-related field are 18&percent;, 8&percent; and 2&percent; respectively, while the percentages of male students are 37, 18 and 6.
In order to achieve full and equal access to and participation in science for women and girls, and further achieve gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution A/RES/70/212 declaring 11 February as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.
e-Bug European project to promote hygiene
2017/12/4
e-Bug is a free educational resource for classroom and home use and makes learning about micro-organisms, the spread, prevention and treatment of infection fun and accessible for all students.
The booklet with activities for the teacher and students in Basque:
https://sites.google.com/site/zientziahezkuntzaekimena/e-bug-ekimen-europearra
CRISPR: the revolution of biotechnology
29/11/2017
CRISPR technology is a simple yet powerful tool for editing genomes. It allows researchers to easily alter DNA sequences and modify gene function. Its many potential applications include correcting genetic defects, treating and preventing the spread of diseases and improving crops. However, its promise also raises ethical concerns.
In popular usage, "CRISPR" (pronounced "crisper") is shorthand for "CRISPR-Cas9." CRISPRs are specialized stretches of DNA. The protein Cas9 (or "CRISPR-associated") is an enzyme that acts like a pair of molecular scissors, capable of cutting strands of DNA.
Nanomachines
2017/07/1
University of Groningen professor Ben Feringa, the organic chemist who made the world’s first light driven molecular motor and a four wheel drive molecular car, is featured in an article on molecular machines published by Nature.
The article describes how the field of ‘the tiniest Lego’ has matured over the last two decades. Many nano machines now exist, giving scientists a well filled toolbox of parts to build with. And although applications are still few, nano switches (in which Feringa also plays a role ) could be used in memory storage, as sensors or as activators of a pharmaceutical compound.
Viruses against rabbits in Australia
2017/06/13
Rabbit owners across the country are being urged to ensure their pets are protected, as authorities prepare to release a new strain of the deadly calicivirus.
The virus was first released into Australia in 1996 to manage pest rabbits and a new Korean strain known as RHDV1 K5 will be nationally released across nearly 1,000 sites from next week.
Quentin Hart from the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries said owners of pet rabbits should check with their vet if they are concerned.Mr Hart said pet owners should not assume their homes and backyards will be safe from the virus.
