Sacramento – AB 2296, authored by Gene Mullin (D-South San Francisco), the California Animal Enterprise Protection Act (CAEPA) strengthens state laws against harassment, threats or intimidation of those involved in animal enterprises, including biomedical research with laboratory animals. This bill is sponsored by the University of California. This bill addresses limitations of the federal Animal Enterprise Protection Act (AEPA) and the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act (AETA) by allowing for local prosecution of criminals.

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (February 10, 2008) –  Scientists have struggled to understand the mechanism by which maturing red blood cells eject their nuclei. Now, researchers have modeled the complete process in vitro in mice and have reported their findings in Nature Cell Biology online on February 10, 2008. The first mechanistic study of how a red blood cell loses its nucleus, the research sheds light on one of the most essential steps in mammalian evolution.

(BBC News) Scientists from Purdue University now believe that a sweet taste followed by no calories may make the body crave extra food. Their research, published in the journal Behavioral Neuroscience, found that rats fed sugar subsequently had lower appetites. But nutritionists say that low-calorie sweeteners are still best for health.

U.S. scientists have used muscle-bound mice to show how weight training may be just as effective as aerobic exercise in melting away fat. While the mice did not actually pump iron, their genetically modified muscles were made to resemble those found in bodybuilders. And while that type of "brawny" muscle was thought to have little capacity to burn fat, the study suggested its presence in the body could melt away pounds as readily as aerobic activities.

Authorities are investigating a fire caused by a device left Tuesday at a house owned by a UCLA professor who conducts animal research -- the second time the house has been targeted in less than four months.

An FBI spokesperson indicated that no one had claimed responsibility. But the agency is investigating the allegation that the Animal Liberation Front used a garden hose to flood the investigator's house in October in an attempt to stop her animal experiments.