Mars Mission

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Mars Mission Update We have the latest news from NASA's Phoenix landing craft which touched down on the surface of Mars on May 25th. After some teething problems, it seems to be performing well for the scientists anxiously monitoring its progress from Arizona. Geoff talks to Tom Pike of Imperial College London, one of the key researchers on the project. As Old as Methuselah Scientists in Israel have managed to germinate a seed that is thought to be at least 2000 years old, breaking all previous records. The seed was recovered from Masada, a foreboding cliff-side fortress, and an important landmark in Jewish history. Geoff talks to Dr Sarah Sallon of the Hadassah Medical Organisation in Jerusalem, about how she and her colleagues have coaxed this ancient seed to life, and how genetic analysis has helped prove the historic significance of this little plant. Wine and Climate Change Rami Tzabar reports from the London International Wine Fair, on how climate change and environmental concerns are beginning to change the face of wine production. Geoff Watts talks to geologist Richard Selley, who has been looking at the effects global warming might have in making Britain a serious contender in viticulture.