Biotechnology commissions

* The government last week announced two new commissions to take a long-term view on biotechnology. The Human Genetics Commission will advise on applications of biotechnology in healthcare, while the Agricultural and Environment Biotechnology Commission will cover the use of biotechnology in agriculture and its environmental effects.

Meanwhile, universities are being urged to submit proposals for new research in areas ranging from peanut allergies and GM food safety, to how best to communicate health-related food information to the public.

Information can be found at http://www.maff.gov.uk/r&d/summary/req2000.pdf.

Is BSE bacterial? Page 22