Mouse study shows promising results in bid for CJD cure
The infectious agent that causes the human form of BSE can be prevented in mice using molecules produced by the immune system. Scientists from Imperial and University College London found treating mice with monoclonal antibodies appears to stop the conversion of normal prion proteins into their abnormal infectious form, which is associated with BSE and CJD. Dr Simon Hawke, neuroscience and psychological medicine, said: "The work is a key scientific advance, but there is much more development work to be done before we can begin to think about translating this research to the clinic. The good news is we're making promising advances towards a possible treatment."

New Scientist (08/03/03)

Dino crater viewed from space
NASA images taken from orbit have highlighted one of the few pieces of surface evidence that mark the impact of a massive asteroid 65 million years ago.

The data are the latest information to be released from the space agency's 2000 Radar Topography Mission, and will provide crucial information needed to piece together the cataclysmic events that are thought to have wiped out the dinosaurs. Speaking to BBC News Online (10/03/03), Dr Joanna Morgan, earth science and engineering, said: "Part of our aim is to quantify the amount of carbon and sulphur released into the atmosphere and then understand what the environmental disaster was and why it may have caused the extinctions."

More bad news for smokers
If smokers weren't already convinced about the ill effects of their deadly habit a new study may finally persuade them. Not only does smoking lead to cancer and heart disease, but it can also impair the way the brain works.

Researchers at Imperial's Hammersmith campus found smokers with emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, experienced biochemical changes in the brain because of the reduced supply of oxygen.

"When very severe, this may manifest itself as confusion in some patients," said Dr Simon Taylor-Robinson, medicine. But all is not lost. According to Dr Taylor-Robinson: "Over time the brain in smokers suffering from late stages of lung disease, has managed to compensate for the lack of oxygen."

BBC News Online (08/03/03)

Expert looks to our animal cousins for relationship answers
Described by the Sunday Times (02/03/03) as a cross between Claire Rayner and Sir David Attenborough, Dr Olivia Judson, biological sciences, has become an American media sensation in recent weeks.

The self-styled agony aunt advises on relationships that draw on behavioural studies in the animal kingdom.

Among her more controversial findings is the observation that, "generally, promiscuous females produce healthier children than loyal females."

Commenting on her US success, Dr Judson said: "I did not set out to talk about humans, as there are already loads of good agony aunts around. But most of the questions on American chat shows wanted me to compare and contrast us, so it has grown from there."