Today's news

Animal rights extremists step up attacks
Animal rights extremists are launching an increasing number of violent attacks and making greater use of intimidation methods, according to research by the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry.
( The Independent , The Guardian )

Lovelock environment warning
Global warming is advancing so swiftly that only a massive expansion of nuclear power as the world’s main energy source can prevent it overwhelming civilisation, according to scientist James Lovelock.
( The Independent )

Newcastle forced to cancel exam
Newcastle University was forced to cancel an exam because the answers were on the exam papers.
( The Sun )

Lack of money led to failure of Beagle
The failure of Beagle 2 , the ill-fated mission to Mars, will be blamed today on poor management, inadequate funding and a lack of time to test key systems. A joint investigation by the Government’s British National Space Centre and the European Space Agency is expected to point to ‘programmatic and organisational reasons for its failure’.
( The Times )

Space policy is false economy, say scientists
Scientists are urging the Government to review the long-standing refusal to fund research connected with human space flight. Scientific bodies such as the Physiological Society say that the policy, which is based on the belief that robotic exploration represents better value for money, is a false economy.
( Financial Times )

Give science a rocket assist
Report on putting Britain at the cutting edge of the knowledge economy through investment in the science base and encouraging collaboration between universities and business.
( The Guardian )

eBay founder donates £2.1m
Jeffrey Skoll, founder of eBay and head of the Skoll foundation, has given a further $3.75 million (£2.1 million) to his alma mater, Toronto University.
( Financial Times )

Harvard to offer MD/MBA
A combined medical and management degree is to be offered by Harvard University from September next year.
( Financial Times )

Executive skills for engineers
Feature on how institutions are striving to combine technical and management training.
( Financial Times )

Aspirin may harm sex drive of sons
Women who take aspirin while pregnant could be damaging the development of their unborn sons. Scientists at the University of Maryland say that aspirin appears to block the production of a molecule in rats that triggers sexual behaviour in later life.
( The Times , The Guardian , The Daily Telegraph )

Hope blossoms for blue rose
The elusive blue rose could become a reality after a chance discovery by two US biochemists who were conducting research into cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.
( Daily Mail )

Putting the art back into Arts Council
Interview with Sir Christopher Frayling, chairman of the Arts Council.
( The Independent )