Mice therapy could make humans live longer

Scientists in China say they have found a way to make people live longer using mice. They say a new gene therapy developed by biologists in Beijing, which boosted the lifespan of mice by as much as 25%, might one day lead to the creation of an age-defying drug for humans. “These mice show after six to eight months overall improved appearance and grip strength,” said a professor.

Road safety kidnap

Residents of the Scottish village of Braemar are calling for the return of a mannequin of a road safety officer which has been “kidnapped” from his post. Allan had been stationed on the A93 in Aberdeenshire for two months, reminding drivers to slow down for the village’s 30mph speed limit. A councillor said the figure has disappeared “not of his own volition”. Calling for his return, she said Allan is a “gentle soul, never offends anyone and well liked here in Braemar”.

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Concrete stronger in lobster pattern

Researchers have found that concrete becomes more durable when set in a pattern that resembles a lobster shell. The lead researcher at Melbourne’s RMIT University told Reuters: “The lobster shell is always something that still amazes me by its very interesting shapes and architectures, and especially (as) the lobster shell is really amazingly very stiff.”