Wis. lawmakers vote to ban research cloning

MADISON, Wis. -- The Wisconsin Assembly approved one of the nation's toughest bans on human cloning Thursday despite concerns the bill would cripple embryonic stem-cell research in the state where it was discovered. The bill not only bans cloning to create a baby but also outlaws so-called therapeutic cloning that researchers say could advance the understanding of genetic diseases. It also would prohibit Wisconsin scientists from using embryos cloned in research labs in other states. The measure goes to the state Senate, which could debate it next week.

FDA panel rejects artificial heart

WASHINGTON -- Government scientists on Thursday narrowly rejected the first fully implantable artificial heart, saying they were unsure if a few extra months of life outweighed the serious side effects. The AbioCor artificial heart has been tested in only 14 patients. Two died immediately. The rest survived only about five months. Many patients had severe strokes that compromised their final days. But one patient lived 17 months until the mechanical heart wore out.

Senate nears completion of national energy bill

WASHINGTON -- The Senate neared completion of a sweeping national energy agenda late Thursday that would promote conservation and environmentally friendly fuels. But senators rejected a last-minute bid to substantially raise automobile fuel economy over the next decade. The massive energy bill, which was essentially completed but awaits a final vote next Tuesday, contrasts with a bill more favorable to oil and gas producers and approved by the House in April. If the Senate, as expected, passes the bill next week, it will set the stage for difficult, possibly lengthy negotiations with the House later this summer.

Agents target marijuana dispensaries in Calif.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Federal drug agents launched a wide-ranging crackdown on medical marijuana providers in northern California, arresting at least 17 people in San Francisco and Sacramento. The searches capped a two-year investigation into an alleged marijuana and ecstasy trafficking ring.

-- From wire reports