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Pigeon-headed

Homing pigeons often fly off in the wrong direction when first released, and now we know why. It’s to sample local magnetic field strength and direction to find out where they are relative to their loft, say researchers from the University of Auckland, New Zealand. Once fully oriented, the pigeons can set a course for home (Proceedings of the Royal Society B, ).

Want a free gene scan?

If you fancy having your genome scanned but don’t want to pay, the company of Seattle may be for you. It is offering free scans to 10,000 people, provided they allow their genetic data and answers to a health questionnaire to be used anonymously in medical research.

Stone Age vulture flute

The discovery of a 22-centimetre-long flute made from the radius bone of a griffon vulture has pushed back the origins of music by 5000 years, to the middle Stone Age. The flute was found at the Hohle Fels caves in southern Germany and sports five holes for the fingers (Nature, ).

HIV discrimination

HIV-positive migrant workers and refugees are being endangered by discriminatory laws, says a by Human Rights Watch. About a third of countries limit the right of people with HIV to enter or stay – even if they are on antiretroviral therapy – while some restrict their access to healthcare.

Cocaine subs

Tighter land and air security are forcing cocaine smugglers to use fibreglass submarines to transport drugs to the US, says the Colombian navy. The 18-metre makeshift vessels are stuffed with 5 tonnes of cocaine and four people. Four rival gangs are now making the – 11 of which have been seized this year.