Iran鈥檚 space race
Iran test-launched a rocket called Safir-e Omid or 鈥渁mbassador of hope鈥� on Sunday, which it says is capable of putting satellites in orbit. The US says it doubts the success of the test, but also expressed concern about the rocket鈥檚 potential to deliver warheads.
Virus in the grass
The deadly maize streak virus that threatens Africa鈥檚 biggest food crop is the offspring of two comparatively harmless grass viruses. Darren Martin, an expert on infectious diseases at the University of Cape Town, South Africa, says scientists engineering resistance to MSV will now have to widen the range of viruses they monitor to include those in natural grasses and not just in crops.
Chew on that
By stimulating nerves in the gut, chewing gum can help patients recover faster after surgery to remove all or part of their colon, an analysis of five trials reveals. On average, patients chewing gum passed gas more than half a day sooner, and solids more than a day sooner, according to the study in Archives of Surgery (vol 143, p 788).
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Chemical banned in toys
Six chemicals that make plastics softer have been banned from toys and other children鈥檚 products in the US because of links with breast cancer, birth defects and decreased sperm counts. The bill banning the chemicals, known as phthalates, was signed into law on 14 August by President George W. Bush.
Mirror, mirror on the wall
Birds have joined an exclusive club of animals 鈥� including apes and dolphins 鈥� that can recognise their reflection in a mirror. Magpies with coloured stickers placed on their necks only clawed at them when shown their reflection, say scientists at Goethe University in Frankfurt, Germany. This overturns the idea that the ability resides in the neocortex, since magpies don鈥檛 have this part of the brain (PLoS Biology, ).
