Lab notes: we give you the Christmas gift of science –happy holidays all!

It's a significant step: gene editing has been used to prevent a form of genetic hearing loss in mice, raising the prospect of a new class of therapies that could transform future treatment. That's small comfort for dolphins though, as apparently there's a species of Mexican fish that has orgies so loud they can deafen other sea animals. Inconsiderate, no? Luckily they're nowhere near any of the instruments we have scanning the skies for signs of alien life, as they might drown out any bleeps, blips or bloops, but why do we keep looking for life on other planets anyway? And will we ever answer the question "are we alone"? One thing is certain, however: we find space objects fascinating - even when they're covered in a "thick crust of carbon-rich gunk", as interstellar visitor 'Oumuamua was revealed to be this week. Maybe we just need to wait for other life forms to evolve a bit more before they make contact - after all, it's not as though humans are standing still on that score. A new study suggests that evolution is still acting on contemporary humans, although over many generations and very weakly. Let's hope alien evolution happens a bit faster than ours, eh? And finally, a seasonal plea: keep those selection trays and chocolate tree decorations well out of reach of your furry friends. A study has shown that cases of chocolate poisoning in dogs peaks at Christmas time, and although it's seldom fatal, even modest amounts of chocolate can cause vomiting, agitation and seizures.