The Straits Times reported on the NTU-University of California, Berkeley collaboration in three globally significant areas of scientific research - synthetic biology, stem cells and energy efficiency. It noted that six programmes have been identified, including one that will use synthetic biology to develop microbes to produce life-saving drugs like Taxol -the anti-cancer drug now extracted from the bark of the scarce Pacific Yew tree - more cheaply. Another will explore methods to improve energy efficiency in buildings built within the tropical climate zone, where air-conditioning can constitute 60 per cent of total energy consumption.