Latest UK news

Scottish merger approved
The Scottish Executive has approved the merging of Northern College's two campuses with Aberdeen and Dundee universities respectively, a year after the merger was expected. Northern College is Scotland’s last free-standing college of education.

Cancer deaths to fall, conference told
There will be a big drop in the number of cancer deaths in the developed world by 2020, a conference heard today. Screening programmes, better diets and, possibly, preventive drugs will help to cut the rate. The Cancer Research Campaign outlined its vision at the third Global Conference for Cancer Organisations in Brighton.

UK team to assess earthquake damage in Peru
An assessment team was expected to leave Britain for Peru today to assess the damage caused by an earthquake that killed at least 47 people. The team will also advise the government on what further help is needed.

Dundee launches mobile allergy screening unit
Fred MacAulay, Dundee’s University’s rector, has launched the United Kingdom’s first mobile asthma and allergy screening unit. The unit, devised by the university’s asthma and allergy research group, will allow GP practices in the region to offer on-the-spot allergy testing.

• Get daily news from The THES by email. Sign up for a free trial .