Chlamydia and plants share common ancestry? – Scientists studying leucine biosynthesis in plants were surprised to discover that one of the genes in this pathway was very similar to a gene in Chlamydia. The plant and Chlamydia versions of this gene have been shown to have a similar function, leading researchers to search for inhibitors of the gene product as a way of generating new antibotics for sufferers of Chlamydia, an STD that affects about 4 million Americans yearly.

Greenhouse for butterflies – A new public greenhouse opened in Lisbon to showcase some of Europe’s unique species of butterflies

An island is born – Recent volcanic activity in the Pacific Ocean has resulted in the creation of a brand new island. First sighted by crew members of the yacht “Maiken”, the island is about a mile wide and located near Tonga. You can read more about the crew’s discovery and see some great pictures in their blog.