Blood donors encouraged to enrol: THE office of the Auditor General would expand its blood donation activities at branch offices in states and divisions as a move aimed to save lives, its director said last week. ?Blood donation activities would be carried out as our offices four monthly regular activities,” said U Tin Aung.The expansion of blood donation has already started at three office?s branches at Mandalay, Taunggyi in Shan State and Pathein in Ayeyarwaddy division from August 2003, he said... More routes as MAI gears up to compete with new airline: MYANMAR Airways International, the country?s only international carrier, has squashed speculation the airline was closing down in the wake of news a new local international carrier will shortly commence business... Drugs-AIDS link threatening SE Asian credibility: A SENIOR official from the UN Office for Drug and Crime said issues involving the link between illegal drug use and HIV-AIDS were threatening the human security and the credibility of the governments in the East Asia and the Pacific Region... Uni researchers develop antivenin from native plant: A SCHOLAR from Mandalay University has discovered a new chemical compound extracted from a medicinal plant locally known as Naganaing (Murraya alternan). ?The finding of this chemical compound called ‘Alternamin? will lead to the development of highly potent antivenins,” said Dr Mya Aye, head of the university?s chemistry department... Awareness of the risks of food poisoning must increase ONE Chinese official said that there are no other countries in the world with better Pauk-phaw (brotherly) relations than Myanmar and China. • Uni researchers develop antivenin from native plant • Drugs-AIDS link threatening SE Asian credibility • Mandalay ICT Park opens • Police in training for tourist security unit • Higher yield rice varieties urgently needed • Israeli scheme accepts 150 agriculture trainees • Freight forwarders? association recommends changes • Maritime University steers to port • Fines for improper garbage disposal • Kenaf factory in Myanmar a world first • Vaccine production rises • More routes as MAI gears up to compete with new airline Nutrition campaign about to begin; Minister offers praise to academy; Number of cleft palates can be reduced; High-temperature incinerators a must; Iodine-related diseases decreasing; Handicraft exporter sees export growth potential • Proposed regional road network recommended • Push on to get with the ISO strength • Land of milk, honey beckons wire and cable marketers...Thinking Aloud talks to U Khin Maung Kyaing, the manager of Ministry of Finance and Revenue football club and the assistant director of the ministry?s Myanmar Customs.