Scientists say newly-discovered footprints prove that settlers made it to America 30,000 years earlier than previously thought. They also say the first settlers may have arrived by sea and not by foot. Before this, it was thought that the continent’s first people arrived 11,000 years ago, by crossing a land bridge between Siberia and Alaska. The findings were unveiled at the UK Royal Society’s Summer Science Show. — Agencies

Venter revives synthetic bug

Craig Venter has long held the aim of synthesising bacteria. Venter aims to make a living organism from a kit of genes. It would be a biological milestone were he to succeed. — Agencies