“It has become self-evident and actually clear that the intention of the developed countries is to kill off the Kyoto Protocol.”

Lumumba D’Aping, chair of the G77 plus China climate negotiating group, comments on rich nations’ approach to the current climate negotiations (Reuters).

“As a researcher (or a patient), it’s important to remember that we tend to get what we think we’re going to get. And we need to be aware of that, and be ready to correct for it if we have to.”

Chemist Derek Lowe comments on a new paper in Pain detailing a “particularly neat example” of the ‘nocebo’ effect where those taking placebos in a trial experience some of the side-effects of the real drug.

“The disconnect between what clinicians do and what science has discovered is an unconscionable embarrassment. [There is a] widening gulf between clinical practice and science.”

Walter Mischel, of Columbia University, says psychologists are increasingly out of step with science in their treatment of patients (Newsweek).

“Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz issued here today a royal order relieving Sheikh Dr. Saad bin Nasir bin Abdulaziz Alshithri, member of the Senior Ulema (Islamic Scholars) Commission and the full time member of commission-affiliated Standing Committee of Research and Fatwa, from his job.”

King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia removes a prominent cleric who criticised his university KAUST for allowing researchers of different sex to work together (Saudi Press Agency).