NASA orders urgent spacewalks for space station repairs
The US space agency has ordered a series of emergency spacewalks to carry out repairs on a broken cooling line at the International Space Station. Half of the cooling system automatically shut down last week after detecting abnormal temperatures. NASA said the situation was potentially serious but not life-threatening. (BBC)
Russian bailout wins Ukraine economic respite but deepens political rift
Ukraine's President Viktor Yanukovich has secured a $15 billion (£9 billion) bailout from Russia, offering respite for an economy heading ever closer to default but also drawing accusations he has sold his country out to its former Soviet master. (Reuters)
Saudi Arabia using arrests and beatings 'to scare online critics'
Saudi Arabia is trying to silence calls for reform and criticism of its rulers by a campaign of intimidation and arrests against online activists, according to a report by Human Rights Watch. Focusing on the plight of 11 activists, it found that those who post criticism online or try to encourage political participation face travel bans, termination of their employment, smear campaigns and arrest. (Guardian)
U.S. judge rules faith groups exempt from contraception mandate
A U.S. judge has ruled that four organizations with ties to the Roman Catholic church are exempt from a provision of the Affordable Care Act that requires them to provide coverage for contraceptive services and counseling to their employees. A judge in U.S. District Court in Brooklyn found that the four New York-area Roman Catholic entities - two schools and two healthcare organizations - faced "some present detriment" by being forced to comply with the contraception mandate or face financial penalties. (Reuters)
British scientists 'print' eye cells in world first
Scientists from the University of Cambridge printed two types of cells from the retina of rats. It is the latest application of bio-printing technology, which is being used by to create ever-more complex cellular structures, including organs, but this is the first time that mature central nervous system cells have been printed. (Independent)
