CANCER KILLING MUSSELS: Cancer researchers are sounding a note of caution over claims that a mussel extract - Lypronil - kills cancer cells. An Australian researcher says an extract kills cancer by limiting cancer cells pathways. Cancer Society says that it is an unproven method however at present. Lypronil is a health food supplement not a drug and is therefore not subject to testing before release.

SKI DAY: Skiers and snowboarders descended on Ruapehu today. Awesome day on the mountain. 120 workers on the mountain. Over 3000 people on Turoa field today. Ohakune businesses are delighted. Locals hoping for at least a 12 month season.

FLASH FLOOD Search continues for bodies of two adventurers still missing. Victims confirmed dead today including two New Zealanders.

KAPAHAKA ROW: A Maori cultural group caught in a cross-fire of an election campaign went public today. Principal of school says flak over the $35,000 received for the Chinese tour party from the school is a case of politicians making brownie points with each other.

CHINESE AIR LINKS: First direct air service to China opened today.

GISBORNE TOURS: Busload of international reporters have been touring Gisborne for a preview of the millennium dawn. A crash course in Tikanga Maori.

HARBOUR BRIDGE ACCIDENT: Accident on Harbour Bridge in Auckland causes serious traffic delays.

AIR SMASHES: Mid-air collision between two Russian helicopters in South America. Two planes crash in US air show.

MOON CRASH: Nasa is hours away from sending a satellite crashing into the moon to check whether there is water on the moon.

© Scoop Media

Alastair Thompson

Scoop Publisher

Alastair Thompson is the co-founder of Scoop. He is of Scottish and Irish extraction and from Wellington, New Zealand. Alastair has 24 years experience in the media, at the Dominion, National Business Review, North & South magazine, Straight Furrow newspaper and online since 1997. He is the winner of several journalism awards for business and investigative work.

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