Nearly all life forms rely on the same genetic code to specify the amino acid composition of proteins, but just how individual amino acids were assigned to specific three-letter combinations or codons during the evolution of the genetic code is still subject to speculation.

Researchers at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies say that after only two waves of "matching" and some last minute fiddling, all 20 commonly used amino acids were firmly linked with their respective codons, setting the stage for the emergence of proteins with unique, defined sequences and properties.

Their findings provide the first in vivo data shedding light on the origin and evolution of the genetic code. The results are published in PNAS.

Sociological theory has previously linked black urban decline to poverty,  loss of manufacturing jobs and racial segregation.

A new study in Social Forces claims another factor should be added into the dense cluster of black disadvantage – harsh immigration policies, which inadvertently flood low skill markets with Latino labor, displace blacks and, as a result, raise the rates of black murder.

So it looks like Humboldt squid don't kill divers after all. At least, they haven't done so yet.

Travelling to work early Friday morning, I came across this article in the Metro.

Oral sex virus 'causing throat cancer' as scientists urge male HPV vaccine | Metro.co.uk.

63 Years Old Solo Balloonist Reaches North Pole

Jean-Louis Etienne has made the first solo balloon voyage to the North Pole, traveling 3,130 kilometers - 1,945 miles - in five days from Norway to the tundra of eastern Siberia.

Jean-Louis Etienne has always liked rising to new challenges, especially when they combine adventure and scientific objectives. Adventures are the stuff that dreams are made of. They reveal a new way of looking at things, especially to young people, and can be a very effective means to convey scientific knowledge that in other forms sometimes falls on unreceptive ears.

I have just returned from over a week working at DESY (das Deutsches Elektronen Synchrotron) at Hamburg, and when I am not so tired I hope to write up some more synchrotron stuff for you all.  We were working over the Easter holiday, and while the DESY Bistro provided a magnificent brunch over that four-day period, on Sunday and Monday the only place within walking distance where we could find something to eat in the evening was Burger King (very appropriate for Hamburg, don’t you think?)