Initial investors include the European Investment Fund (EIF), Scottish Enterprise (via the Scottish Investment Bank), Strathclyde Pension Fund and Rock Spring Ventures.

BBC: Pipette and test tubes

Rock Spring Ventures EU is co-led by Sinclair Dunlop, who recently returned from the US to his native Scotland to launch the new fund.

BBC: Pipette and test tubes

And like many a fellow environmentalist, she is concerned that urban sprawl is now encroaching on surrounding conservation areas like Lake Mead, Spring Mountain and Red Rock Canyon.

BBC: NEWS | Science/Nature | Vegas heading for 'dry future'