Murray's river mouth turns corrosive

The wetlands at the mouth of the Murray river in Australia have developed a yellow crust of sideronite which is as corrosive as battery acid.

Falling water in Lakes Albert and Alexandrina have exposed Iron Sulphide rich soil to the air,leading tothe production of 240,000 tonnes of sulphuric acid which dissolves aluminium,arsenic,lead and zinc which could contaminate water supplies, it is feared.

Ivf, breast cancer, waistlines and mortaliy

A study of over 25,000 women suggests that fertility treatment doesn't increase the risk of breast cancer.

Waistlines and mortality.

A study of more than 350,00 people suggest that women with a waistline of 100cm(39in) and men with a waistline of 120cm(47in) respectively, were twice as likely to die prematurely as those with waistlines of 65cm(25in) and 31in(80cm).

Researchers believe that excess fat releases hormones and compounds that increase the risk of cancer and heart conditions.

I think I might stick to quiches and weight watchers in future

Vitamin pill may slow Alzheimer's Disease

A trial will begin in the new year of high doses of a form of vitamin B3 called nicotinamide after trials with genetically modified mice suggested that the vitamin may protect against effects of Alzheimer's.

Patagonian tree fungus produces fuel-like substances

The fungus called Gliocladium roseum grows inside the ulmo tree(Eucryphia cordifolia) tree in Northern Patagonia, Argentina.

The fungus produces hydrocarbon molecules that are almost identifical to fossil fuels.

Further research is needed.

Lithium may slow motor neurone disease

A trial involving giving daily lithium pills to more than 200 motor neurone disease suffers will start in january 2009, lasting 18 months, to see if those taking the pills live longer.

Suffers including Stephen Hawking,the physicist.