the number of boosters given had a larger influence on the immune response than the interval between priming and boosters. The greater the number of booster shots given, the less was the production of total and specific antibodies. The decrease in the weight of mice after immunization was also studied in more detail; it was found that it only occurred in the first week after priming but not after a booster injection. The mice aged eight weeks showed the largest weight loss.German multiculturalism 'failing'

Chancellor's remarks add to ongoing debate over immigration and Islam within her conservative coalition.

17 Oct 2010 19:54 GMT

Merkel has faced pressure from within her party to take a tougher line on immigrants [Reuters]

Angela Merkel, Germany's chancellor, has said that the country's attempt to create a multicultural society has "utterly failed", adding fuel to a debate over immigration and Islam which is polarising her conservative coalition.

Speaking to a meeting of young members of her Christian Democrats (CDU), Merkel said allowing people of different cultural backgrounds to live side by side without integrating had not worked in a country that is home to some four million Muslims.

The chancellor has faced pressure from within her party to take a tougher line on immigrants who do not show a willingness