Financial markets across much of the European Union have fallen significantly, reflecting continued concern over the economic future of countries such as Spain and Portugal as well as the already troubled Ireland and Greece. The value of the euro fell against the US dollar by more than two cents.

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Researchers in the United States say a pill already used to treat HIV patients reduces the risk of new infections in gay men by 44%, more if the pill is taken regularly. In what they are calling a major advance, the scientists found the drug, Truvada, could help to

dramatically

curb male-to-male HIV transmission. Dr Anthony Fauci at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases called the results encouraging but said more work needed to be done.

"This has been done in men who have sex with men. We need to know if we get similar results in women as well as in heterosexual men, which we have every reason to believe we will. We need to get a long-term view of were there any toxicities. We didn't see anything that was significant, but we need to follow that for a long period of time."

Now it may seem a lot for a 34-year-old personal computer, but one of the first Apple computers has been sold by the fine art auctioneers Christie's in London for over $130,000. The Apple I was launched in 1976 when the firm's founder Steve Jobs began selling it from his parents' garage. Rory Cellan-Jones was at the auction.