麻豆约拍

New Foot and Mouth vaccine
Researchers based in the UK have developed a new type of vaccine for the cattle disease Foot and Mouth. As the new vaccine is not based on a live virus it is much easier to distinguish between vaccinated animals and those infected with the disease. In addition the vaccine does not require refrigeration, making it much easier to administer in countries where the disease is endemic. Trials have proven successful; a commercial version of the vaccine should be available in the near future.

Chemical weapons
The Chemical Weapons Convention is being updated shortly. Its implementation has been a huge success, with many stockpiles of chemical weapons destroyed. However scientists are concerned over a new threat, technological advance now means producing small scale chemical weapons is easier. They are concerned over such technology falling into the hands of disgruntled individuals or militant groups.

Extinct animals
'De鈥揺xtinction' is the process of bringing back extinct species. It has already been tried out in a rudimentary form using cloning techniques. Genetic engineering now means recreating extinct animals from DNA samples may be a real possibility. However moral and ethical questions remain over whether such procedures would be justified. Environments in which extinct animals lived have changed dramatically, and there would be competition with human and animal populations.

(Photo credits: AFP/Getty Images)