The clinics will operate as part of a "Plantwise knowledge bank", which is set to begin in June and act as a bio-security early warning system.

BBC: Plant clinics scheme to boost food security

Professor Ian Bond, head of the aerospace engineering department at the UK's University of Bristol, said his team had been developing a "bio-inspired" vascular system, based on the veins in the human body.

CNN: The emerging world of self-healing materials

But what's novel about the CEAC design is that it incorporates a bio-regenerative life-support system -- the kind of technology that could one day not only feed an outpost on the moon or Mars, but also provide it with oxygen and recycle its water.

CNN: To boldly grow where no one has grown before

The US is establishing a sophisticated computer system to provide early warning of a bio-terror attack on the country, it is reported.

BBC: Early warning system for bio-terror

The meeting will address the vision, strategy and analytical framework for growth and efficiency of green initiatives and the international agenda around the following initiatives: Power system transformation, energy efficiency in industry, global water demand issues, bio-refining, trade, aviation and financing.

FORBES: Setting The Agenda For Global Green Growth Forum 2012