A European communications satellite called Astra 5A that failed on 16 January has become a threat to other spacecraft in geosynchronous orbit. Its operator, Luxembourg-based SES Astra, is tracking the craft and notifying operators of nearby satellites that could be in harm's way.
Surge for tidal energy
Five designs were shortlisted on Tuesday for the world's largest renewable energy project, a scheme to harvest tidal energy from the river Severn in the UK. The estuary has the second-greatest tidal range in the world. The most ambitious proposal could generate 5 per cent of the UK's electricity.
Modifications to die for
Genetically engineering Mediterranean fruit flies (Ceratitis capitata) so that their offspring die in infancy could control the pest, which devastates fruit crops worldwide. The GM flies should be able to successfully compete with non-GM males during the mating season, leading to a new generation that cannot reproduce (BMC ...
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