deCODE Genetics, operating in Iceland, has identified the first gene ever linked to common forms of stroke, called the PDE4D gene, and is applying its findings to the development of new drugs and diagnostics. The deCODE team, working with doctors and researchers at Iceland's National University Hospital and the Icelandic Heart Association, pinpointed the PDE4D gene and significant haplotypes by analyzing detailed genotypic data from some 1800 patients and unaffected relatives participating across Iceland in deCODE's stroke program. Dr. Kári Stefánsson, CEO of deCODE Genetics, states that the PDE4D gene produces an enzyme suitable as a target for drugs. He says that Roche pharmaceutical company in Switzerland is already testing several such drugs on laboratory rats. deCODE and Roche co-operate in converting their landmark gene discovery into revolutionary treatments for common diseases. deCODE’s study shows that people with a particular version of PDE4D have three to five times greater risk of stroke - as great or greater than for known environmental factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and smoking. deCODE’s study demonstrates that variations in the PDE4D gene associate significantly with ischemic stroke. Within this gene, the deCODE team identified haplotypes, or specific sets of genetic markers, corresponding either to significantly increased risk of stroke or to significantly decreased risk. The expression and functional analyses of the gene strongly suggest that PDE4D plays an important role in atherosclerosis, most likely by influencing the proliferation and migration of smooth muscle cells within arteries that is central to the biology of ischemic stroke. A drug that could inhibit PDE4D or one of its specific isoforms might therefore well be useful in counteracting atherosclerosis and thereby  reducing the risk of stroke. deCODE and its partner in this program, Roche, have initiated chemical work on medical compounds they have identified as active against targets in the PDE4D pathway. Also, deCODE is developing a DNA-based diagnostic test based upon the haplotypes considered at-risk or protective within the PDE4D gene. deCODE’s website

The first DaimlerChrysler buses using hydrogen fuel cells have arrived in Reykjavik, five years after the idea of hydrogen buses was first mentioned as an Icelandic delegation visited DaimlerChrysler. The hydrogen buses are already running quietly on the streets of Reykjavík, operated by the local bus company Strætó bs, and Iceland has thus taken global lead in the field of hydrogen production. The ECTOS project in Iceland aims to test three buses using hydrogen as fuel. In addition, a Shell hydrogen station will be operated to produce hydrogen for refuelling. Similar projects are being launched in ten other cities, nine in Europe and one in Australia. The ECTOS project generates a turnover of USD 13 million for energy-related research and development in Iceland. An Icelandic company founded to promote advances in hydrogen technology, Icelandic New Energy, has received one thousand foreign guests during the last twelve months, showing the immense interest the hydrogen project provokes. Icelandic New Energy website

Nickelodeon Television Company and Lazytown have agreed on producing the children's series Lazytown in Iceland. The contract involves producing forty 30-minute episodes for the series, which will be released through Nickelodeon next year. Nickelodeon is the most popular children's television network in the United States, viewed in 86 million homes.  The series as a whole involves approximately one hundred people, with a US$15 million budget and will be produced in Icelandic studios. This demonstrates the wealth of talent available in Iceland, as well as competitive production costs, making it possible to almost double US$ screen value to actual cost.  The main scriptwriter of Rutgrat, Nickelodeon's most popular programme, will cooperate in the production, along with former staff of the Jim Henson Company and the producers will fly in talents from US and Canada as needed. Both Icelandic and American actors will star in Lazytown and the music will be by Icelandic artists. Production will start in November and is expected to be finished by next June. Through production in Iceland, the TV programme can benefit from the 12% refund package and therefore receive a refund of that amount on all production costs incurred in Iceland or even in EU countries. Lazytown is based on a children’s fiction book by the Icelander Magnus Scheving, President and co-founder of Lazytown Entertainment. Lazytown’s philosophy is to inspire children to live a healthier lifestyle without actually lecturing to them. www.lazytown.com

Iceland ranks eighth in the world for economic competitiveness. Last year the country was twelfth, according to Global Competitiveness Report 2003-2004, published by the World Economic Forum. The Report provides a reliable, thorough evaluation of the comparative strengths and weaknesses of 102 countries and ranks them accordingly. Finland now comes in first, the USA second and Sweden third. All the Nordic countries belong among the top ten. According to the Report, Iceland shows excellent performance in information and communication technology (ICT) and in the quality of public institutions. Improved economic conditions are the main reasons for Iceland’s rise in competitiveness. On the other hand, Iceland is less competitive in innovation.  Taiwan and Singapore perform best among Asia’s countries, ranking fifth and sixth respectively. In Latin America, Chile is the highest-ranking economy, at 28th. Botswana is Africa’s best performing country, placing 36th.