In a defeat for critics of Darwin, the Utah House of Representatives on Monday voted down a bill intended to challenge the theory of evolution in high school science classes.
The bill had been viewed nationally, by people on each side of the science education debate, as an important proposal because Utah is such a conservative […]

The first large-scale analysis of how proteins interact inside our cells may help biologists identify novel gene mutations involved in human disease, researchers say.
The laborious analysis, which has so far reviewed 25,000 protein interactions, suggests that important proteins do not necessarily interact with many others.
Full Story: New Scientist.
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Sun Microsystems, Inc. today announced it will drive support for 2006 TED Prize winner Cameron Sinclair, executive director and co-founder of Architecture for Humanity, in his efforts to use design to improve living standards around the world. This opportunity, and Sun’s offer to help make it a reality, was part of a wish to change […]

Google’s announced their philanthropic arm:
Google.org includes the work of the Google Foundation, some of Google’s own projects using Google talent, technology and other resources, as well as partnerships and contributions to for-profit and non-profit entities. While we continue to define the goals, priorities and approach for Google.org, we will focus on several areas including global […]

The Supreme Court has ruled unanimously that a small congregation in New Mexico can use hallucinogenic tea in its religious rituals.
It’s the first religious freedom decision under Chief Justice John Roberts. In the ruling, Roberts wrote that federal drug agents should have been barred from confiscating the tea.
Full Story: KRON
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Dean Kamen, the engineer who invented the Segway, is puzzling over a new equation these days. An estimated 1.1 billion people in the world don’t have access to clean drinking water, and an estimated 1.6 billion don’t have electricity. Those figures add up to a big problem for the world—and an equally big opportunity for […]

Politics:
Train service breaks India, Pakistan tif.
Washington gov. vows Wal-Mart health care bill.
U.N. Game Wins Hearts and Minds.
France’s Chirac orders back asbestos warship.
Outfunded Dem wins in GOP district in Texas.
Ann Coulter busted for voting in wrong district.
Environment:
Xerox PARC Takes on Clean, Green Technology.
Marine life treasure trove found.
Seattle’s Waterfront Reshaped by New Sculpture Park.
Bald eagle soaring off […]

CHINA, which is reporting almost 200 new HIV/AIDS cases a day, has issued comprehensive regulations spelling out the rights and obligations of affected people in a bid to stop discrimination and step up the fight against the disease.
Full Story: the Age.
(via Great News Network).
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Train service has taken passengers from Pakistan to India, cooling tensions that plagued the two countries for half a century.
The Thar Express was greeted by traditional Indian dancers and music as it arrived in Munabao, India. The BBC reports the train is only the second to run between the formerly warring countries since 2004.
Despite ongoing […]

Washington state Gov. Christine Gregoire told union members on Thursday she would support legislation next year to require large employers such as Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (WMT.N: Quote, Profile, Research) to provide health benefits to their employees.
Full Story: Reuters.
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