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 Politics

Australian 'GM-free' declarations are void
In the Australian state of Victoria, the shires of Greater Bendigo, Yarra Ranges, South Gippsland, Moreland, East Gippsland and Bass Coast have declared themselves to be GM-free zones. The Victorian government says these are no more than statements of ideological positions, and without legal effect.  More†

Italian minister opposes GM ban (update 1)
Citing 'the European principle of co-existence', Welfare and Health Minister Maurizio Sacconi says it is now time for Italy to lift its ban on GM crops. More†

 Sci/Tech

Plant 'double fertilization' explained
Flowering plants require two sperm cells for successful fertilization. One to join with the ovum to produce the embryo, and the other to join with a second cell in the ovary to produce the endosperm, a nutrient-rich tissue, inside the seed. The mystery of this ‘double fertilization’ process was how each single pollen grain could produce ‘twin’ sperm cells.  More†