Scientists have developed a vaccine for the so-called "cruise ship virus" using tobacco plants.

Charles Arntzen, a plant researcher with Arizona State University, said in a statement at the American Chemical Society conference in Washington, D.C. Tuesday, that the vaccine could be administered every 12 to 18 months by a nasal-delivery system.

Authorities in California's Fresno County have seized $1 billion worth of marijuana plants from pot farms discovered in the Sierra Mountains the past week.

A Wednesday press release by Fresno County said authorities also arrested 82 Mexicans acting as caretakers of the farms during the Operation Save Our Sierra. The massive operation aims to remove marijuana plantations in the Sierra Mountains operated by Mexican drug cartels.

Osisko Mining Corporation will begin next year digging the streets of the town of Malartic in Quebec, which holds what is considered the largest gold deposit in North America. Previous drillings made by the mining firm in 2005 placed the volume of gold deposits at 6.28 million ounces, plus another 3.65 million ounces on a nearby property.

To be affected by the digging are about 200 homes, a church, schools and a daycare and senior facility which are being relocated to a new community two kilometers to the north. Some of the affected residents protested against the digging, considered Canada's largest open-pit gold mine.

Israeli researchers have learned that the desert rhubarb plant waters itself to survive with its uniquely-shaped leaves doing the trick.

The plant (Rheum palaestinum), which grows in the Negev Desert, have leaves with deep depressions and ridges that catch and funnel rainwater to its single root. The leaves arranged in a rosette are also waxy so water flows quickly to the root.

A "Harry Potter" actor has been charged with producing class B drugs. Jamie Waylett, who plays Hogwarts bully Vincent Crabbe in the film franchise, allegedly grew 10 cannabis plants at his home.

The 19-year-old actor was found in possession of cannabis after police stopped him and a friend in a vehicle they were driving. Eight bags of the substance were found on the scene.