Higgs window narrows
Dear Higgs boson: we are getting closer. A Higgs between the masses of 158 and 175 gigaelectronvolts has been ruled out with 95 per cent certainty, according to data from the Tevatron collider in the US presented at the International Conference on High Energy Physics in Paris, France. Nearly a quarter of the possible mass range for the Higgs has now been eliminated.
Giant rat found
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The remains of the largest rat ever found have been unearthed in a cave in East Timor. The monster rodent, part of the genus Coryphomys, weighed 6 kilograms, and was found alongside 12 other species of large rodent. It died out 2000 years ago ().
Beer good for arthritis
Frequent drinking of alcohol may ease arthritis. In a study of 873 people with arthritis, those who drank on more than 10 days per month had less damage to joints and 30 per cent less pain and inflammation than teetotal people. Alcohol may act as a mild analgesic and dampen the immune system (Rheumatology, ).
Cold-water venom
Most venoms become less potent below 25 掳C, which poses a problem for octopuses in freezing waters. However, a recent survey reveals that the venom of 14 Antarctic octopus species is more toxic at 0 掳C than at 37 掳C (Toxicon, ). Why this is remains a mystery.
Gulf well to be sealed
BP has for the first time set a date to permanently seal off the Deepwater Horizon leak. On 2 August it plans to pump mud and cement into the top of the well head. Five days later, it will repeat the operation, this time targeting the bottom of the well.