News Roundup

News Roundup takes a quick look at items of interest seen in the news during the last 7 days.

Artificial Lifeforms

A US team of scientific researchers under the direction of controversial team leader Dr Craig Ventner are just months away from making a synthetic organism. The first artificial life form is likely to be a simple man-made bacterium that proves the technology can work.
Researchers at the J Craig Ventner Institute in Maryland claim this would lead to more complex bacteria that turns coal into clean natural gas, or algae that can soak up carbon dioxide and convert it into fuels. Mind boggling stuff!

Hidden Cost Of School Uniforms

Schools minister, Ian Wright, has accused some schools of inflating the cost of school uniforms by forcing parents to buy from from one supplier. Research suggested parents are paying £45 million a year over the odds because of 'sweetheart' deals between schools and suppliers, whereby the school get a share of the profits.
I think we shall hear more on this scandal.

The Other Side Of The Law

Clarissa Dickson-Wright, one half of the motorcycling cookery duo, the 'Two Fat Ladies', together with race horse trainer Sir Mark Prescott, have been charged with attending events where hare coursing takes place and will appear in court tomorrow.
The action has been brought by the International Fund for Animal Welfare.
Clarissa, who was the youngest woman ever to be called to the Bar, will now find herself on the opposite side of the law.

Enough To Drive You To Drink

Polish lorry driver Slawomir Jablonski swigged so much vodka as he drove along the M20 motorway from Dover to London that he was 'comatose' when police found him.
Motorway police went to the stationary lorry thinking it had broken down, but reeled back from the stench of alcohol as they opened the cab door.
Mind you, Britain's motorways are enough to drive anyone to drink.