York science festival in video

Nick Higham is meeting some of the UK's most innovative research teams at the British Association for the Advancement of Science festival in York. These are the video highlights.

Facial Features

The scientist behind a system to compare genetic disorders with facial features has expressed anger at the media.

Peter Hammond of University College London says there has been inaccurate reporting about the database intended to identify childhood disorders.

Volcanic vents

Dr John Copley from the University of Southampton has filmed a volcanic vent in the Atlantic Ocean.

It oozes water that is so hot that it can melt lead, but provides chemical energy that supports life deep below the sea's surface.

Contagious yawning

A Leeds University research team has studied why yawns can be are contagious at times, and at other times people are oblivious to those yawning near them.

They have found that people with certain personality types are far more likely to follow suit than others.

Biofuels controversy

Environmental groups have warned that biofuels are growing on land that should be used for food.

But the University of York's Dr Angela Carp says some biofuels can grow in areas that are unsuitable for edible crops, so have little impact on a country's food crop.

Science awards

Norwegian American entrepreneur Fred Kavli has set up new prizes for neuroscience, nanoscience and astrophysics.

He says he believes these fields fascinate him and believes they will bring "great benefits to the human being over the long run".

'More discussion'

Sir Roland Jackson, the British Association's chief executive, is calling for senior scientists to join in more public discussions.

He says some of the most successful researchers shy away from events such as the York festival.