Our Times: April 2007

Llama vs ebola

Antibodies unique to few mammalian species, including the llama, camel and shark, could help detect biochemical threats from pesticides to diseases like Ebola. A research effort has manipulated a rare type of antibody found in llamas to make an inexpensive and diverse biosensor that can identify and fight many foreign proteins.

Where's the ka-boom?

While it is theoretically possible to set off a petrol fire with a mobile phone, it has never happened. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau studied 243 petrol station fires worldwide between 1993 and 2004 and reported no mobiles were involved. Robert Renkes, a spokesman for the American Petroleum Institute, said, “We have not found a cell phone responsible for any fire since the beginning of mankind.” Even the popular Mythbusters TV show, tried mightily to make a mobile phone explode a chamber full of petrol vapour, and failed.

Big Apple less fat

New York City's board of health voted to phase out most artificial trans fats from restaurants, forcing fast-food restaurants to eliminated trans fats by July 2007. They will be given a three-month grace period before facing fines. Makers of doughnuts and other baked goods will be given until July 2008 to phase out trans fats.