Major Discovery in Stem Cells

Scientists in Japan discovered a way to quickly make stem cells simply by dipping blood into an acid. Stem cells are being researched in order to find ways to help heal the eyes, heart and brain. They can be just about any type of cell in the body: i.e. liver cell, nerve cell, muscle cell. This new development can make these stem cells at a faster rate, with a tremendous decrease in costs. Also, scientist believe that with further research that they can regenerate a human body. The term for these cells are STAP (stimulus-triggered acquisition of pluripotency) cells. Dr. Haruko Obokata  from the Riken Centre for Developmental Biology in Japan, said she was "really surprised" that cells could respond to their environment in this way. She also added "It's exciting to think that about the new possibilities these findings offer us, not only in regenerative medicine, but cancer as well." The specific breakthrough had been tested with mice, but the scientists are working on testing a human sample of blood. Chris Mason, professor of regenerative medicine at University College London, said if it also works in humans then "the age of personalised medicine would have finally arrived."
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-25917270

Rosetta Comet Chase

The Rosetta Comet Chaser has finally awoken to carry out it's mission: to land on a comet. The signal received from the comet was confirmed at 18:17 GMT in Darmstadt Germany. The spacecraft has spent the past 31 months in hibernation as it made it's way towards the selected comet, Comet 67P. The engineers in charge are now prepping for the landing in which they plan to put a robotic lander, Philae, on the surface of the 4.5 km comet by November. The control room was tense and nervous as their one chance window of opportunity brought back successful results. The signal that Rosetta sent made sure it's systems were operational. A full check will be conducted in the coming days to ensure no troubles will occur.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-25814454

Mexican Police Disarmament

Mexican security forces were sent the western state of Michoacan to disarm vigilante groups. These groups took control of different towns, in order to try and stomp out the drug cartels. The vigilante army had moved into Nueva Italia where a gun fight had presumed against the Knights Templar drug gang. The same violence is seen all around Mexico. These groups have been told to lay down their arms and come out peacefully, but have denied any sort of the actions. Mexico's interior minister had urged that both sides lay down their arms and make peace. The vigilante group was created in response to the violence, from kidnappings to extortion.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-25724986

Rwandan Exile Murdered

The former Rwandan intelligence chief has been murdered in a hotel room in Johannesburg, South Africa. Patrick Karegeya was stripped of rank after a fall out with President Kagame. Physical evidence in the room's safe suggests that he was strangled with a rope and a bloodied towel. Accusations towards the president have been denied. These accusations connect a series of attacks on dissidents. Karegeya, 53, had been living in South Africa for the pas 6 years. He was granted political asylum from the South African government. Fellow exile dissident, army chief Faustin Kayumba Nyamwasa, who has survived two assassination attempts since hi exile in 2010 blames the murder on the Rwandan government. He isn't the only one on this conspiracy either. Many other exiled dissidents hiding in the western countries have also reported similar plots of murder upon them.