GRAN SASSO CLOSED
An underground physics lab has shut down all but one of its experiments following concerns that it is polluting the local water supply. Italy鈥檚 Gran Sasso National Laboratory beneath the Appenines in L鈥橝quila, accidentally released 50 litres of an oily extract into a nearby stream last August. An independent report has now revealed that plumbing servicing the lab caves may be leaky, risking further releases of toxic fluids into the surrounding rock. Experiments in the caves have been stopped until the pipes can be fixed.
DESERT CRISIS
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Save England鈥檚 deserts! The curious cry comes from government agency English Nature. It says the country鈥檚 neglected shingle beaches are precious 鈥渟tony deserts鈥� with few parallels worldwide. Some, such as the huge shingle banks at Dungeness in Kent, are rich in rare bees, insects and desert plants. But they are threatened by developers, rising sea levels and invasions of alien plants.
BLAST-OFF TO MARS
The first European mission to another planet is on its way, to the delight and relief of all involved. The Mars Express was launched on a Soyuz-Fregat rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome on Monday at 23.45 local time. Two hours and 10 minutes after lift-off, the craft sent back its first signal, reporting that it had separated from its launcher in perfect shape, deployed its solar panels and is on track for a Christmas rendezvous with the Red Planet.