Biologists join the race to create synthetic life: Researchers will gather in London this week to outline plans to promote one of the most audacious, and controversial, scientific ideas of the 21st century - synthetic biology. The new discipline, established by scientists such as human genome pioneer Craig Venter, involves stripping microbes down to their basic genetic constituents so they can be reassembled and manipulated to create new life forms [Guardian]
Researchers find rare giant turtle in Vietnam: Researchers from the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo have discovered a rare giant turtle in northern Vietnam — a find that carries great scientific and cultural significance. Swinhoe’s soft-shell turtle was previously thought to be extinct in the wild. Three other turtles of the species are in captivity, said experts from the Zoo’s Asian turtle program. [msnbc]
Birds smart enough to stand guard, say scientists at University of Bristol: Birds “stand sentry” to help other members of their group forage for food, and sing a special song to give warning of danger, researchers say. [Times]
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