Hollow tree 'was Ebola’s ground zero'

Richard Ingham|Published

Bats that inhabited a hollow tree in a village in Guinea may have been the source of the world's biggest Ebola epidemic.

In 2015, the long march to Paris

Richard Ingham|Published

On December 11 2015, 195 states are scheduled to strike a deal in Paris to curb the fossil-fuel gases imperilling Earth's climate system.

J marks spot for historic comet landing

Richard Ingham|Published

The European Space Agency unveiled the spot on a comet in deep space where it will attempt a high-stakes landing.

Scientists examine the roots of evil

Richard Ingham|Published

‘The more data we collect, the less evidence we find to support the banality of evil idea,’ says a scientist.

Sleeping pills in space? That's a no

Richard Ingham|Published

Widespread use of sleeping pills by sleep-deprived astronauts could hamper vigilance in the high-risk environment, a study warned.

Comet-chaser nears end of trek

Richard Ingham|Published

Scientists are preparing for a historic rendezvous between a comet and a space probe after a 10-year chase.

Science of brain signals opens new era

Richard Ingham|Published

Psychologists have unveiled the results of an unusual set of experiments into so-called neural signals.

Setback for cure overshadows Aids conference

Richard Ingham|Published

A path that seemed to lead to the glittering goal of a cure for HIV now seems to point to a dead end.

Test vaccine for dengue shows promise

Richard Ingham|Published

A prototype vaccine for dengue that two years ago yielded lukewarm results has proved more effective after wider trials, say researchers.

Why Tibetans do well on high ground

Richard Ingham|Published

Tibetans are able to live at high altitude thanks to a special gene they inherited.

Parasite worms its way into history

Richard Ingham|Published

How human advancement enabled a tiny freshwater worm to become a curse for millions.

Revealed: secrets of super-dense star

Richard Ingham|Published

Astronomers say they may have found the answer to a cosmic riddle called the magnetar.

New letters added to alphabet of life

Richard Ingham|Published

In a world first, scientists announce they added two letters to the genetic code that forms the blueprint for life.

Study takes stab at Mars water riddle

Richard Ingham|Published

Cold and dry today, Mars was previously warm and wet but possibly only at intervals, a study suggests.

Dinosaur-killing impact ‘acidified oceans’

Richard Ingham|Published

The space rock that smashed into Earth 65 million years ago unleashed acid rain that turned oceans into a witches' brew, researchers say.

‘Oldest star’ found in iron fingerprint

Richard Ingham|Published

Astronomers say they’ve found a star 13. 6 billion years old, making it the most ancient star ever seen.

‘Revolutionary’ boost for stem cells

Richard Ingham|Published

Scientists reported a simple way to turn animal cells back to a youthful, neutral state.

Mad cow disease: one in 2 000 carry protein

Richard Ingham|Published

About one person in 2 000 in Britain carries the protein linked to the human version of mad cow disease, a study said.

Can UN revive drive against warming?

Richard Ingham|Published

Scientists are putting the final touches on the first volume of a report that will give the world the most detailed picture yet of climate change.

Scientists warn on arsenic in rice

Richard Ingham|Published

Rice tainted with high levels of arsenic has been linked to genetic damage that heightens the risk of cancer, a study said.

Europe salutes its Martian scout

Richard Ingham|Published

Ten years later and after more than 12 000 swings around the Red Planet, Europe's Mars Express is still going strong.

Revealed: mummified heart of Richard the Lionheart

Richard Ingham|Published

Reduced to dust by eight centuries, the heart of the legendary warrior was analysed by modern lab technology.

Rat brains linked, a continent apart

Richard Ingham|Published

The exploit opens up the prospect of linking brains among animals to create an “organic computer,” said neurobiologist Miguel Nicolelis.

Earth’s star(ring) attractions

Richard Ingham|Published

Astronomers are gearing for thrills this year when Earth gets buzzed by two rogue asteroids and two comets.

Earth’s evil twin sister

Richard Ingham|Published

Venus is a hell that would have surpassed even the imagination of Dante, and has caused more grief and disappointment than any other planet in the Solar System. ...