British pupils top world class
An international study has put the UK's 15-year-olds near the top of the world league table for maths, reading literacy and science results for the first time, but reveals a glaring gap between the performances of rich and poor pupils. The study of 32 countries, by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, mixes praise for the UK's performance with a warning that there is a class divide in our education system. Independent , Guardian , Financial Times , Daily Telegraph , Times
Gender pay gap perpetuated
Employers are perpetuating the pay gap between men and women, according to a report by the Industrial Society. It urges the government to make gender audits compulsory if companies fail to act. Financial Times
Renewable energy targets to double
Ministers are planning to deliver a blow to the nuclear industry's hopes of revival by setting a costly target doubling the proportion of electricity to be generated by renewable sources. Guardian
Dorset's coast is wonder of natural world
England should shortly be able to boast its own wonder of the natural world. The fossil-rich stretch of coastline from Studland Bay in Dorset to Exmouth in Devon is expected to be named a World Heritage Site by Unesco next week. Times , Independent
Lean machine could show way forward
After months of speculation in Silicon Valley, American inventor Dean Kamen yesterday unveiled a device which, it is claimed, will revolutionise urban transportation and design, reduce the West's over dependence on Middle East oil and have a more profound impact on humankind than the development of the personal computer. It's a scooter. Daily Telegraph , Guardian , Times
There's gold in them thar labs
Packed with brains, funding and equipment, Oxford chemistry department is learning how to make big money. Guardian
Garlic, the light bulb
The health-giving qualities of garlic are almost as well-known nowadays as its pungent smell. But scientists from Israel's Weizmann Institute claim to have found a new benefit - they say it can prevent weight gain and might even cause weight loss. Daily Mail
Students back top-up fees
Top-up fees draw support from ambitious students. Guardian
Virtual global medicine plans
A new generation of virtual medicine training would pool global expertise and boost student doctor numbers to meet ever-growing demand. Guardian