“The theatre of the absurd is alive and well in Brussels. The circumstances surrounding the European Union’s recent approval of cultivation of a genetically engineered potato—its first approval for any genetically engineered plant in 12 years—are reminiscent of Beckett and Ionesco: abstruse and bewildering.”

Henry Miller, of Stanford University, is not impressed with Europe’s ‘Potato-Head Regulators’ (WSJ).

“It was a great mission. We enjoyed working with you and all the teams in Mission Control, and we’re glad the International Space Station is stocked up again.”

Commander Alan G. Poindexter comments after Space shuttle Discovery lands at the Kennedy Space Center (image right, NASA/Bill Ingalls).

“The Liberal Democrats recognise that science is an integral part of our economic recovery, as well as being vital to a healthy, modern society. To achieve these aims, science and engineering must be considered as prime elements of Government planning, not as bolted-on after-thoughts.”

Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg responds to the Campaign for Science & Engineering’s letter to the leaders of the main parties contesting the UK’s general election.

“Your belief in the importance of science and engineering is one that I share, and I am delighted to be given this opportunity to set out some of our ideas in this area.”

Conservative leader David Cameron also responds.