GENE MENAGERIE
Dogs and cows are next in line to have their genetic codes sequenced. But they will have to join the queue behind chimps, chickens and honeybees. By unravelling the genome of the cow, researchers hope to improve the quality and safety of meat and dairy produce. Sequencing dogs could bring medical advances to humans as well as dogs, as they often suffer from the same diseases. The projects will be supported by the US National Human Genome Research Institute near Washington DC, which is finalising the human, mouse and rat genomes.
GIANT PLANE UNVEILED
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Boeing has released plans for the largest plane ever to be built. Unlike a conventional plane, the Pelican Ultra Large Transport Aircraft (ULTRA) will use an aerodynamic phenomenon known as the wing-in-ground effect to skim just 6 metres above the sea on a cushion of air produced by its wings. If the seas become too rough, the plane is designed to be able to fly normally at higher altitudes. Measuring 152 metres long and capable of carrying 17 battle tanks, the ULTRA would be nearly twice the size of the largest plane in existence, the Russian Antonov 225.
FOOT AND MOUTH RETHINK
Europe will vaccinate livestock to contain any future outbreak of foot and mouth disease, according to a draft directive being prepared by the European Commission. The ability to distinguish vaccinated from infected animals has prompted the volte-face, says David Byrne, Europe鈥檚 commissioner for health and consumer protection. The directive may even give Brussels the power to order individual countries to vaccinate. However, Byrne has ruled out vaccination as a prevention strategy, and supports the slaughter of infected animals.