Human gene therapy has been one of the most ambitious goals of biotechnology since the advent of molecular techniques for genetic modification in the 1970s.

Obtaining medicines from plants is not new. Aspirin was first isolated from the bark of the willow tree in the 18th century.

Increasing numbers of supposedly health conscious consumers are choosing products with “free from” labels, from “BPA-free” plastics to “non-GMO” foods.But such labels do not increase public safety.

Government-funded scientific research runs the gamut from studies of basic physical and biological processes to the development of applications to meet immediate needs. Given limited resources, grant-making authorities are always tempted to channel a higher proportion of funds t

“Sustainable” has become one of the buzzwords of the 21st century. Increasing numbers of universities offer courses or even programmes in “sustainability”, and many large companies boast substantial departments devoted to the subject. In April, many of t