Update: 12:05

Edinburgh cancer centre gets royal opening
The Princess Royal today opened a £7 million building, the focal point of Edinburgh University's new cancer research centre which will carry out clinical trials into new anti-cancer drugs. It will investigate the increase in ovarian and breast cancers, and its approach will include the psychological side of patients' symptoms and quality of life. It will be headed by John Smyth, Edinburgh's professor of medical oncology.

Diet of oily fish could help asthma sufferers
Eating oily fish such as salmon and mackerel twice a week could reduce the risk of developing asthma, according to research unveiled today. Cambridge University researchers looked at the link between oily fish consumption and asthma-related symptoms in 333 people with a history of the condition and 437 without asthma.

Exhibition takes exploration out of this world
A major exhibition linking two great voyages of exploration and discovery opened today at the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich. The Beagle Voyages - From Earth To Mars - links the Beagle 2 mission to Mars to be launched in May 2003 with Charles Darwin's voyage on HMS Beagle in the early 19th century.

Cambridge research centre inquiry closes
A planning inquiry into proposals by Cambridge University to build a multi-million pound research centre where animals would be used for testing was today drawing to a close. The inquiry was due to finish hearing evidence today and lawyers will make closing speeches on January 8. Deputy prime minister John Prescott will rule on the proposals next year.