Latest UK news

Means test denies medics NHS bursaries
Fast-track medical students are set to lose thousands of pounds in National Health Service bursaries after a ruling that they will be means tested on their parents’ income. The students, who have biosciences degrees and are on a four-year medical course, thought the bursaries would be based on their ownincome. The British Medical Association is campaigning for the ruling to be changed.

Peers seek funds for asteroid avoidance
Peers have called on the government to provide funds to avert the potential threat of asteroids and other space debris colliding with the earth. The Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council is considering how to exploit its telescopes to identify new near-earth objects.

High hopes for altitude expedition
Six Edinburgh University medical students leave for Bolivia on Sunday to lead an ambitious televised expedition to study the effects of altitude on the human body. A diary of their experiences will be broadcast next week on the Tomorrow’s World website, http:///www.bbc.co.uk/science/tw .

Exams efforts put SQA in red
The Scottish Qualifications Authority’s bid to avoid another examinations fiasco this year has put it £3 million over budget, chief executive Bill Morton has admitted. But Scottish education minister Jack McConnell praised the SQA’s “steady progress” towards success.