Short Science, June 30, 2013

As a new strain of norovirus, a stomach flu, leaves a trail of illness around the world, scientists are moving closer to thwarting it for good. Early-stage human studies on a vaccine against norovirus, the top source of gastroenteritis, are set to be completed this year. This would mean work on the vaccine was the most advanced of several options. Takeda Pharmaceutical developed the vaccine. A course of injections may confer life-long protection against 95 per cent of strains, the Japanese firm claimed. A norovirus vaccine would be a boon to cruise ships, schools and nursing homes struggling to deal with a highly contagious and untreatable scourge. Bloomberg

A talking robot that will accompany a Japanese astronaut into space this summer says the cosmic tour will be one giant leap for androids everywhere. In a scene out of , the tiny Kirobo took questions from curious journalists. "This may look a small step, but it will be a big stride as a robot," the black-and-white humanoid robot outfitted with bright red boots told a press briefing in Tokyo. Its creators said they were sending the robot into space to act as a chatting partner for astronaut Koichi Wakata, who will be the first Japanese commander of the international space station when he arrives this year. When Kirobo arrives in August it will be the first visit by a robot to the station. Advertising firm Dentsu, the Research Centre for Advanced Science and Technology, the University of Tokyo, Robo Garage and Toyota jointly developed Kirobo. AFP