BBC Focus Magazine

Ever since Clarence Cook Little started his landmark genetic experiments on mice more than a century ago, the mouse has been the go-to animal model for medical research.

But a wide variety of other animals can be found in medical labs around the world. Taken (or stitched) together, they form a kind of laboratory doppelganger for humans: similar biology, fewer moral qualms—though certainly not none.

http://discovermagazine.com/photos/fran ... o-1-person

This striking image taken by Nasa's Terra satellite on 7 January shows the UK deep in the clutches of the current cold snap.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_depth/8447023.stm

This rings bells with me so apologies in advance if I have repeated this story but I think it is no less interesting. ;)

Thorium continues to be a tanatalising possibility for use in nuclear power reactors, though for many years India has been the only sponsor of major research efforts to use it, though other endeavours by Thorium Power (now Lightbridge Corporation) were focusing on Russian ...

"With so many incredible scientific advances and discoveries this year, Wired Science had a tough time choosing which 10 were the biggest. So, we went with the ones that stood out for us. From the amazing collective power of jellyfish, to a new human ancestor, to a cancer-detecting breathalyzer test, these stories made our list of kick-ass science in 2009."

http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2009/ ... s-gallery/

Anyone care to speculate about what ...

Is that enigmatic enough folks? :mrgreen:

Fact is I have been keeping an eye on the Martian Rovers Spirit and Opportunity ever since they landed on the Martian surface almost six years ago, and yes they are both still working and doing good science but for some time now Spirit has been stuck in a sand trap limiting its workability.

Now, after much careful research long ...

I seem to recall this being the subject for discussion on the old forum and possibly something we should be concerned about?

December 24, 2009
Earth's north magnetic pole is racing toward Russia at almost 40 miles (64 kilometers) a year due to magnetic changes in the planet's core, new research says.

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news ... -core.html

This could really revolutionize electronics but for years has been the stuff of science fiction. ;)

Nearly 62 years after researchers at Bell Labs demonstrated the first functional transistor, scientists say they have made another major breakthrough.
Researchers showed the first functional transistor made from a single molecule. The transistor, which has a benzene molecule attached to gold contacts, could behave just like a silicon transistor.
The ...

An alcohol substitute that mimics its pleasant buzz without leading to drunkenness and hangovers is being developed by scientists.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healt ... pment.html

Without wishing to offend anyone or being too politically correct may I wish you all a very happy Yuletide and all the best for 2010.

This is an incredible software tool (free online) that collates photos and images into 3D models of physical buildings, mountains, etc.

http://photosynth.net/default.aspx