Frankenmozzies
A type of mosquito genetically modified to resist malaria could soon be released into the wild, with the aim of replacing mosquitoes that transmit the disease to humans. In a trial designed to assess their breeding success, the GM mosquitoes gradually replaced a population of unmodified insects (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0609809104).
Starting blocks
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France laid the foundation for a new nuclear research reactor in Cadarache near Marseille on Monday. The reactor will be used to study the ability of steel and zirconium 鈥� used in making the reactors and in the casing of fuel rods 鈥� to handle high temperatures and bombardment by neutrons.
Bile testing
An on-the-spot test for detecting bear bile is about to begin trials by customs officials in Canada and Australia. The illegal trade in bear bile is increasing, but until now testing has only been possible by sending off samples to labs. The new kit, developed by Wildlife DNA Services and the World Society for the Protection of Animals, should allow for more frequent checks.
Jacko鈥檚 gene?
A gene has been linked to the chronic skin condition vitiligo, the disease that apparently turned Michael Jackson鈥檚 skin white. A study found that the immune system gene NALP1 was shared by 114 families with vitiligo and related autoimmune diseases. The work appears in the current issue of The New England Journal of Medicine.
Oh give me a home鈥�
Wild bison are roaming Colorado鈥檚 Front Range for the first time in more than 100 years. The 16 buffalo, selected from captive breeding stock in Montana for their low or undetectable levels of cattle genes, have been released into 1400 acres of new parkland as part of a US Fish and Wildlife Service project.