Genetic roots of synaesthesia unearthed: The regions of our DNA that wire some people to "see" sounds have been discovered. So far, only the general regions within chromosomes have been identified, rather than specific genes, but the work could eventually lead to a genetic test to diagnose the condition before it interferes with a child's education.

Doctors test latest attempt at artificial liver:
The ELAD from Vital Therapies Inc. and powered by human liver cells, "comes closer to replacing the amount of liver" people need, says Dr. Robert Brown of New York-Presbyterian Hospital and Columbia University.

NASA fashions mountain climbing robot:
NASA researchers have built and tested a robot that can rappel off cliffs, travel over steep and rocky terrain, and explore deep craters.