Scientists craft synthetic chromosome, to announce first "artificial life"; first lady poised to succeed husband as president, of Argentina...

6 October :: Guardian reports "Craig Venter, the controversial DNA researcher involved in the race to decipher the human genetic code, has built a synthetic chromosome out of laboratory chemicals and is poised to announce the creation of the first new artificial life form on Earth"; if achieved, breakthrough will spur heated ethical debates on genome generation, manipulation, could lead to new energy sources; new chromosome based on Mycoplasma genitalium, a bacterium, which could be controlled in uses for cleaning up excess atmospheric carbon dioxide... New age of dynasties: a 2nd Clinton in 8 years (immediately after a 2nd Bush in 8 years)? Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, wife of Argentine pres. Kirchner may succeed him? India's Congress party names another Gandhi to poss. pre-PM post, could be 4th consecutive generation to hold office; Japan names PM whose father was also PM previously; Philippine pres. daughter of fmr. Philippine leader; even Burmese opposition leader Suu Kyi is daughter of former leader; Putin, Chávez, Musharraf, just want to rule indefinitely as themselves... Democrats in US Congress vow to override Bush veto of expansion to Children's Health Insurance; Bush reiterates position that bipartisan legislation is not fully funded, while House majority leader Hoyer says new tobacco taxes will cover costs... Unsold US homes on offer reach record 10 months' worth of sales; prices are dropping in key markets, as dollar reported to have lost 40% of its value in 6 years... Geneva-based International Organization for Migrants (UN assoc.) reports 480,000 Iraqis have "registered" officially as internally displaced refugees since start of 2007, 2.2 million since war began; further 2.2 million estimated to have fled abroad means 4.4 million Iraqis (approx. 16.9% of pop.) have been made refugees in 4.5 years of conflict... Fujimori to stand trial on murder, corruption charges in Perú, after Chile's Supreme Court ordered his extradition...