Sci&Tech, Medical and Envirnoment:

Researchers at the U.S. have announced a major breakthrough in engineering systems of RNA molecules through computer-assisted design
Scientists will use these new “RNA machines”, to adjust genetic expression in the cells of microorganisms. This will enable scientists to develop new strains of Escherichia coli (E. coli) that are better able to digest switchgrass biomass and convert released sugars to form three types of transportation fuels – gasoline, diesel and jet fuels
Researchers believe their concepts may help other researchers to develop many other desired products, including biodegradable plastics and therapeutic drugs.

The fourth International FOSS (free and open source software) Conference, Kerala, will be held here from December 27 to 29 under the auspices of the International Centre for Free and Open Source Software (ICFOSS).
The conference will be attended by representatives from Africa, Latin America, Europe, and the U.S., besides India.

The Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP) has designated the entire hill range as an Ecologically Sensitive Area.
- Western Ghats boundary into Ecologically Sensitive Zones (ESZ) 1, 2 and 3.
It recommended that “no new dams based on large-scale storage be permitted in Ecologically Sensitive Zone 1.
- Since both the Athirappilly of Kerala and Gundia of Karnataka hydel project sites fall in Ecologically Sensitive Zone 1, these projects should not be accorded environmental clearance
For Goa, the committee headed by eminent ecologist Madhav Gadgil, suggested an “indefinite moratorium on new environmental clearances for mining in ESZ 1 and 2, phasing out of mining in ESZ 1 by 2016 and continuation of existing mining in ESZ 2 under strict regulation with an effective system of social audit.”
The existing red and orange category industries should be asked to switch to zero pollution by 2016
Regarding the mining and related activities in Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts, the panel said investigations in the plains and coastal tracts “suggested that these are under severe environmental and social stress.”
As the Ghats is an extensive region spanning over six States, it suggested the formation of a Western Ghats Ecology Authority (WGEA), a statutory authority which enjoys the powers under the Environment (Protection) Act.

There are nearly 25,000 hazardous underwater objects containing solid radioactive waste in Russia
These underwater objects include nuclear submarines that have sunk and ships with ammunition and oil products, chemicals and radioactive waste.
The danger is that metal containers can eventually be eroded by sea water, resulting in the leak of hazardous substance.