Publications 1999
Two page POSTnote, December 1999
Synchrotrons are powerful X-ray sources, used to probe the structures of materials at the atomic level. They have a wide range of applications. The UK already has a major Synchrotron Radiation Source, at Daresbury, Cheshire. The decision to build a new national synchrotron has raised issues over its design and location. This POST Note examines the need for a new UK synchrotron and analyses the issues that arise.
131 - Health Concerns and the MMR Vaccine (pdf 103KB)
Four page POSTnote, December 1999
A number of recent scientific studies have investigated possible adverse health effects in infants receiving the MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) vaccine. The studies focus on the question of whether measles-containing vaccines, including MMR, are associated with the onset of intestinal complaints and/or behavioural disorders. This briefing summarises the evidence from such studies and examines the issues that arise.
130 - The Sun and Space Weather (pdf 128KB)
Four page POSTnote, November 1999
In much the same way as the weather on Earth can change rapidly, conditions in space are also very variable. One of the main factors affecting this so-called 'space weather' is the level of solar activity. Although this is constantly changing, one feature is a cyclical variation, with solar activity peaking every 11 years or so. The next such peak is due in 2000; there are concerns over its disruptive potential due to our increasing reliance on satellite-based services. This POST Note describes the factors influencing space weather, examines its potential disruptive effects and discusses the issues that arise.
129 - GM Threshold for non-GM Foods (pdf 97KB)
Four page POSTnote, October 1999
In October 1999, the European Commission (EC) published proposals on de-minimis thresholds for labeling of genetically modified (GM) foods. These recognise that even where manufacturers attempt to exclude GM ingredients from their products some 'accidental contamination' may occur. The new proposal is to require labeling only where the GM content of an ingredient obtained from non-GM sources exceeds a 1 per cent. threshold. This briefing note reviews the background to the Commission's proposed threshold and examines the issues that arise
128 - Marine Science and Technology (pdf 213KB)
20 page POST Report, July 1999
1998, the International Year of the Oceans, helped to focus increasing attention on the importance of a very broad range of marine topics. These include trade, fisheries, flood protection and coastal defence, energy resources, transport, species and habitat conservation, as well as scientific research. This Report outlines the Marine Science and Technology that underpins such areas, and examines the issues that arise.
127 - Hormones in Beef (pdf 47KB)
Four page POSTnote, May 1999
In February 1998, a WTO Dispute Settlement Body ruled that an EU ban on imports of US beef from cattle treated with growth promoting hormones violated international trade rules. This POSTnote looks at the scientific basis of the EU ban and examines the options open to the EU in the light of the WTO ruling.
126 - Near Earth Objects (NEOs) (pdf 792KB)
16 page POST Report, April 1999
Recent advances in ground-based, satellite and theoretical astronomy have proved the Solar System's dynamism and complexityin particular, that some of its minor members, called Near Earth Objects may impact the Earth in the future. In the UK, the USA and Australia, parliamentary interest has been stimulated. This report sets the results of recent surveys in context and considers the risks involved.
125 - Non-Food Crops (pdf 49KB)
Eight page POSTnote, March 1999
This POSTnote updates the 1995 POST report Alternatives in Agriculture. It was prepared as background briefing for the current House of Lords Science and Technology Committee inquiry into the same subject which covers fuels, chemical feedstocks, crops for general industrial purposes, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals (but not timber, tobacco or animal feeds). Recent developments in these fields are examined, and the economic, agricultural and international policy implications discussed.
124 - Cystic Fibrosis (pdf 200KB)
Four page POSTnote, March 1999
This briefing summarises recent developments in understanding, diagnosis and treatment of CF, and examines the issues that arise.
123 - Meningitis (pdf 84KB)
Four page POSTnote, February 1999
Recent outbreaks of meningitis in the UK have led to calls for a more widespread immunisation programme against this disease. This briefing note explains the causes of meningitis, examines the vaccines available and discusses the issues that arise.