December 2003

• Saturn rings in the New Year

  Gas giant brushes close to Earth.

  31 December 2003

• Mars satellite flies into hunt for Beagle 2

  Lost lander may call home yet.

  31 December 2003

• Dead comet spawned New Year meteors

  Astronomers may have pinpointed source of the Quadrantids.

  31 December 2003

• Water repellent also absorbs

  Nano-carpet may guide liquid movement.

  30 December 2003

• Prion proteins may store memories

  Study hints at vital job for two-faced proteins.

  30 December 2003

• First mad cow found in America

  Finding raises questions about BSE protection measures.

  30 December 2003

• Pacific Ocean washes into Bremen museum

  New exhibition celebrates Oceania's islands and waters.

  23 December 2003

• US Endangered Species Act turns 30

  Birthday comes at critical point for US conservation policy.

  23 December 2003

• Fingers crossed for Beagle 2

  Search for life on Mars set to enter a new phase.

  23 December 2003

• Stem-cell 'secret of youth' found

  Chemical might help human cells reach clinic.

  23 December 2003