Today's news

Graduates with 2:2s fail to pass with employers
A class divide is widening among Britain's graduates, according to research by the London School of Economics that shows a growing salary gap between employees holding firsts and upper seconds and those with lower degree awards. Every dropped grade in finals costs a graduate many thousands of pounds in salary, as employers take an increasingly ruthless attitude towards any degree lower than a 2:1. The premium on a top grade is now so great that the average working graduate with a first-class degree earns 12.5 per cent more than one with a 2:2 after three years' employment. Graduates with upper seconds will earn about 6 per cent more than those with 2:2s.
(Times)

British Library gives ringtones the bird
The British Library - keeper of the world's largest animal sound archive, which is regularly used for research purposes - has made 40 recordings available to two companies that sell mobile telephone ringtones. The first of these sounds will be available on the internet later this week for the latest polyphonic mobiles. The downloads will cost between £1.50 and £4 each.
(Times, Telegraph, Guardian)

Gene find could save thousands of babies
A faulty gene that causes a common heart defect has been identified by US scientists in a study that could soon help to save the lives of thousands of babies every year.
(Times, Telegraph)