News brief: Syfy renews Ron Moore’s Helix

US cable channel Syfy has recommissioned sci-fi drama Helix for a second season.

The drama, from science fiction producer Ron D. Moore and Lost producer Steven Maeda, will return in the first quarter of 2015.

The show’s initial ratings were middling but grew its opening ep ratings 65% in live-plus-three DVR views. It made further major viewer increases when categorised by other catch-up segments.

The show follows a group of scientists in the Arctic who try to control a killer virus. Sony Pictures Television produces alongside Moore’s Tall Ship Productions.