This is short and late, but in my defense I’ve been busy and I’m sick. Damn cold.

The smallpox vaccine, which uses the virus Vaccinia, in a live form, has recently been used as a treatment for hepatocellualr carcininoma, a form of liver cancer. It worked by infecting the cancer cells which turn on a molecule that attracts the virus. It didn’t cure the 30 patients, but it doubled their survival time. (New Scientist)

Soyuz has launched. This means the space shuttle won’t have to be abandoned. (CNET News)

Stem cells that are quite similar to the embryonic variety have been found in large quantities in breast milk. With more research this may provide good source for stem cells without the ethical controversy. (New Scientist)

Alaska Airlines has begun using a 20% biofuel mix made from cooking oil. (CNET News)