I find both the following news stories quite interesting on their own, but understanding the connective strings makes each even that much more intriguing. For information about the Dalai Lama's understanding of the crossroads of science and spirituality, particularly in relation to the essence of consciousness, I recommend The Universe In a Single Atom.
Dalai Lama at Critical Crossroads
By Zoe Murphy
BBC News
Five decades in exile and years of denigration by Beijing have failed to weaken the Dalai Lama's influence over Tibetans in his homeland and beyond.
The Tibetan spiritual leader's unwavering commitment to non-violence has also earned the world's respect. But the long conflict over the status of Tibet has hit a critical juncture.
Zoo Chimp 'Planned' Stone Attacks
BBC News
A male chimpanzee in a Swedish zoo planned hundreds of stone-throwing attacks on zoo visitors, according to researchers.
Keepers at Furuvik Zoo found that the chimp collected and stored stones that he would later use as missiles.
Further, the chimp learned to recognise how and when parts of his concrete enclosure could be pulled apart to fashion further projectiles.