So Autoblog, and sister site AutoblogGreen, are reporting 2 new ways for the production of oil that don’t involve dead creatures from millions of years ago. The first (reported on Autoblog here) involves the use of livestock feed, and some genetically altered bacteria, primarily a genetically altered strain of E. coli.

The bacteria have been added to a 1,000 litre vat of the animal feed, and can turn out 40 gallons of crude oil (almost good enough to pour straight into your car) in a week. Very impressive. As long as they don’t escape. Or mutate. Or both of course!

Once again it seems that one of the most iconic birds of prey to live in the UK is under increased threat. In a report titled The Golden Eagle Framework, Scottish Natural Heritage notes that the continued persecution of the golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) in Scotland is effectively threatening their continued existence in the UK. Only 440 pairs are known to be breeding in the UK, all in Scotland. An even sadder statistic is the fact that the UK population is just 1 male bird. And whilst the persecution continues in Scotland, the population cannot be effectively re-introduced to England.