Oldie memory lapses
The more mature among us may no longer be able to blame forgetfulness simply on old age. According to a study of 350 people given annual memory tests and whose brains were examined after death, the same brain lesions that are associated with dementia are responsible for mild memory loss as we age (Neurology, vol 75, p 1070).
Altered obesity
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Thirteen genes altered chemically through a process called methylation have been linked with increased body weight. Screening for the altered genes could help spot people at risk from obesity before they put on weight, say researchers (Science Translational Medicine, ).
Chinese sub dives deep
A crewed Chinese submersible named after a mythical dragon has dived 3759 metres to the bottom of the South China Sea, making China one of only five nations that can dive that deep. Its designers now plan to take the submersible, Jiaolong, to 7000 metres 鈥� 500 metres deeper than Japan鈥檚 Shinkai sub managed.
Alien opera invite
It ain鈥檛 over till the fat Klingon sings. The world鈥檚 first opera in the invented language of Star Trek鈥榮 Klingons has been performed in the Netherlands. Organisers used the CAMRAS radio telescope in the Dutch town of Dwingeloo to beam an invitation to the star Arcturus, the supposed location of the Klingon home world.
Synthetic life supported
Two-thirds of Americans support the emerging field of synthetic biology and its potential to combat disease and global warming. However, the survey, by Hart Research Associates and the Woodrow Wilson Center in Washington DC, shows that another third would like a ban until it is better understood.