From today's UK papers

Financial Times

The scientific base for the introduction of genetically modified crops has been undermined by lack of funding for public sector research, the chairman of an international conference on agricultural biotechnology has warned.

High technology is often thought of as a young person's thing. In fact, from smart homes to robotic pets, it is increasingly directed at old people, says Fiona Harvey.

Italian universities: chancellors and deans are urging the country's new government not to block reforms to higher education, writes Paul Betts.

Daily Telegraph

Sandra Gregory, the heroin smuggler pardoned by the King of Thailand last year after seven years in prison, has been offered a place at Oxford University.

A collection of 14 letters demonstrating Charles Dickens's fascination with fallen women goes on sale today.

The Guardian

A Trades Union Congress split on the future of public services has forced its general secretary, John Monks, to shelve plans to issue a joint statement on the "legitimate role" of the private sector in key public services.

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science invent cheap device enabling poor and illiterate to surf the internet

Miscellany

The number of exams faced by sixth-form students is likely to be significantly reduced after an inquiry into the new modular system. ( Daily Telegraph , Times )

The Royal Society will sound a warning today about the inadequacy of proposals to combat global warming by soaking up carbon dioxide in forests and farmlands - so-called carbon sinks. ( Financial Times , Times )

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