Project no. 1 BLUE MOUNTAINS (Environment)

An Australian botanist says he's rediscovered a shrub believed to have been extinct for more than a-hundred-and-sixty years. The plant is about two metres high and has golden, star-like flowers. It's called Asterolasia buxifolia, but is so rare that it has no common name. It was originally collected in 1830 in the Blue Mountains, west of Sydney. But it was lost shortly afterwards, leading many to believe it was extinct. Now, a botanist from Sydney, Bob Makinson, says he's uncovered a cluster of about fifty shrubs, again in the Blue Mountains. Their identity was established with the help of DNA. One of the main priorities now is to give the plant a name that's easier to pronounce.

Project no.2 NATIONAL (Environment)

Researchers in Australia say the smell of new cars can be toxic and can even cause cancer. A two-year study by an Australian government research organisation (the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation) found that gases from vinyl and plastic materials in new cars cause headaches, nausea and drowsiness. The chemicals involved include benzene, which is a known cancer-causing agent. The study found that emissions can take just a few minutes to take effect, can remain in the car for up to a year and may be responsible for many accidents. The automotive industry has criticised the study, saying people are exposed to similar substances every day.