Series 5: Prog 17: 02/08/09

This week, we hear about a breakthrough which paves the way for the DNA barcoding of plants. There's a preview of a DNA-related world record attempt at the Eisteddfod. We discuss the limitations of computers, and we have news of the new version of Windows.

Plant barcoding

A key element of DNA research in this first decade of the 21st Century, has been the use of a technique called "DNA barcoding", which aims to classify organisms by using so-called "genetic markers" within sections of DNA. It's been applied successfully to animals - and now, for the first time scientists have agreed on a way of applying the technique to plants. Professor Mike Wilkinson of the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS) at Aberystwyth University chats to Adam about plans to DNA barcode all the flora of Wales.

World record attempt

At this year's National Eisteddfod taking place in Bala there'll be an attempt made to make the largest ever modal of DNA. It's the highlight of a week long series of events taking place at the event's science & technology pavilion.

computer limitations

Professor Vic Grout of Glyndwr University in Wrexham discusses the difficulties that computers have as they try to solve bigger and more complicated problems.

Browser choice

Daniel Booth of Web User joins us to discuss the new version of Windows called "Windows 7" which is due to hit the shops in the Autumn. For the first time Microsoft will be offering users the a choice of which web browser they want to use at installation.

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