News, January 2008

• Greenhouse effect has 'significantly dried' the western United States

  Stop development in southwestern states, say researchers.

  31 January 2008

• Languages divide, then bloom

  Linguistic evolution is marked by "punctuational bursts".

  31 January 2008

• Deep-ocean vents are a source of oil and gas

  Hydrocarbons bubble up from the mid-Atlantic's Lost City.

  31 January 2008

• Little lab of horrors

  Enzymes from insect-eating plants could give us new antibacterial products.

  31 January 2008

• 'Normal' genes key to cancer growth

  Shutting off genes stops cancer cells from growing but leaves healthy cells unharmed.

  31 January 2008

• Briefing: Stormy weather

  Experts still divided on the link between climate change and hurricanes.

  30 January 2008

• Reviewer leaked Avandia study to drug firm

  GlaxoSmithKline told early of diabetes blockbuster's links to heart attacks.

  30 January 2008

• Health problems linger in concussed veterans

  Symptoms from head trauma in Iraq linked to post-traumatic stress disorder.

  30 January 2008

• Europe spells out action plan for emissions targets

  Heavy industry set to pay for allowances under carbon-trading scheme.

  30 January 2008

• Canada abolishes its national science adviser

  After just four years, government axes post.

  30 January 2008