Pulsating aurora induced by upper atmospheric barium releases

An effect which appeared to be pulsating aurora was observed to be associated with explosive releases of barium vapour near 250 km altitude, but only when the explosions were in the path of precipitating electrons associated with the visible aurora.     

Economics of alternative energy sources

An important part of the oil and natural gas at present consumed in the UK is used for the heating of buildings, a demand which shows large diurnal, day-to-day and annual fluctuations. The replacement of this energy by nuclear-generated electricity, as at present envisaged, would require the construction of some 250 GW of additional capacity by the end of the century, a progamme which does not seem feasible. By incorporating relatively cheap, short term storage in the form of low-grade heat, the generating capacity required to fulfil peak demand could be reduced by more than 50%. As soon as such storage is provided, however, other sources of energy become viable and attractive alternatives, and the UK is well situated to make use of wind, wave, and tidal power. It seems likely that the value of North Sea oil/gas reserves as feedstock to the chemical industry will rise sufficiently to make an early reduction in their consumption as fuel of great economic importance.     

Biotechnology regulation: rules for freed organisms planned

The Environmental Protection Agency is preparing to regulate the biotechnology industry, claiming authority under the provisions of the Federal Toxic Substances Control Act (TOSCA) and the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). In the agency's view, the products of recombinant DNA techniques can be compared to new chemicals or pesticides, both of which fall under EPA jurisdiction. Although a legal challenge to EPA's authority in this area is expected from industry, the agency hopes to issue its first set of draft regulations in early 1984.     

Interferon therapy: side effect scare hits French trials

The French Ministry of Health, acting on the advice of its scientific council, has halted clinical trials of interferon in cancer patients after four out of eleven recipients died of myocardial infarctions. Trials are expected to resume after the domestically produced drug stock is repurified and successfully retested. It has been suggested that council oversight should be extended to imported interferon and other experimental drugs which are now being used in human trials without the Ministry's control or knowledge.