By Alex Villafania
INQUIRER.net

INDEPENDENCE from fossil fuels by using local flora for biofuel development is a key component in reducing ozone-depleting carbon emissions, according to the head of the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT).

In a press conference on climate change, ICRISAT Director General William Dar also pointed out that the Philippines has enough locally available plants that can be used for soil conservation and managing food requirements.

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Dar stressed that the impending global climate change has changed the economies of many countries, especially those in the arid and semi-arid tropics of which the Philippines is included. He said that there are warning signs pointing toward food supply problems, storms, flooding and droughts that could adversely affect a nation’s way of life.

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HERE’S a YouTube clip from the PBS show “NOVAscienceNOW” that sheds some light on the mysteries of dark matter.

By Alex Villafania
INQUIRER.net

“TRON,” the country’s first official science mascot will be showcased in a series of comic books that aims to promote science and technology learning among students in the Philippines.

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Tron was the creation of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and made his first appearance during the National Science and Technology Week in July this year.

The comic book series is scheduled to be launched in January 2008, in time for the preparations for the DOST’s 50th anniversary. It is expected to be distributed in all public and private elementary schools nationwide.

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By Alex Villafania
INQUIRER.net

INNOVATION is key to improving the country’s global competitiveness, as well as strengthening the local economy.

This was the key message delivered by several government and private sector executives during the presentation for the upcoming National Innovation Summit (NIS) to be held in Manila November 26.

“The NIS is the start for all of us to push for innovation in the country. We have linked up with several groups from the academe, local and foreign government, and private sector to work together,” said Frederico Macaranas, executive director of the Asian Institute of Management Policy Center.

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By Alex Villafania
INQUIRER.net

LOS BAÑOS, Laguna–If there is one field that the Philippine media should focus on, it should be in bringing science and technology to the people and making them understand its effects on the country.

This was the message delivered by Philippine Science Journalists (SciJourn) president Angelo Palmones during a workshop on weather forecasting conducted by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

Palmones, who is also the station manager of radio DZMM, said one of the key problems of the media is lack of understanding of the various aspects of science, which makes it difficult for them to explain concepts to ordinary readers.

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