Terminator robo-bunny
Contact lenses containing electronic displays have been placed into the eyes of rabbits to prove they are safe for use in humans. The prototype only has one pixel, but future versions could be used to display emails or video (Journal of Micromechanics and Microengineering, ).
One-way only to Mars
Russia鈥檚 stalled Phobos-Grunt probe has lost its chance to bring samples back from Mars鈥檚 moon Phobos, Russian news agencies report. The window to fly by the Red Planet is still open, but given that the probe is not responding to commands, it looks unlikely it will make even this in time. Meanwhile, NASA is set to launch its giant Curiosity rover towards Mars on 26 November.
Monarch genes
An analysis of the genome of the monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) has identified genes important for navigating via the 鈥渟un compass鈥� 鈥� essential aids on the insects鈥� epic annual 4000-kilometre migration from North America to central Mexico (Cell, ).
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Fukushima shutdown
Japan鈥檚 stricken nuclear plant at Fukushima has almost achieved cold shutdown of the three damaged reactor units, corresponding to reactor temperatures under 93 掳C and pressure at 1 atmosphere or below, according to figures released by the Japan Atomic Industrial Forum.
Chinese probe returns
China鈥檚 Shenzhou 8 capsule parachuted to a landing in Inner Mongolia last week. The uncrewed probe docked twice with a prototype space module called Tiangong 1 which will remain in orbit to link up with two other Shenzhou craft next year, one of which may be crewed.