Just when an update on progress in developing a Swine Flu (H1N1 virus) vaccine was to announced, Novartis, Germany made their big announcement that the first batch of vaccine has been produced, weeks ahead of schedule.

Storm warnings have been posted for much of the western part of the US, where deep snow is continuing to cause travel problems.

Plants, genetically modified to ease the breaking down of their woody material, could be the key to a cheaper and greener way of making ethanol, according to researchers who add that the approach could also help turn agricultural waste into food for livestock.