China has launched its first lunar rover mission, the next key step in the Asian superpower’s ambitious space programme. The Chang’e-3 mission blasted off from Xichang in the south at…

Measures to protect one of the world’s rarest dolphins have been denounced as a “death sentence” by campaigners. Only 55 adult Maui’s dolphins are known to survive off the coast…

A team in Germany found secretions from the insects have antibacterial, antifungal and nematode killing properties. Results also revealed a substance not previously known in insects. The scientists suggest earwig…

Astronomers are anxiously waiting to see if a comet survives its encounter with the Sun. Comet Ison will reach its closest approach to our star at approximately 18:35 GMT on…

Seahorses may appear slow and awkward but they are ferocious and ingenious predators, according to a new study. The beautiful creatures are famously bad swimmers, but they have a secret…

Archaeologists digging at Buddha’s birthplace have uncovered remains of the “earliest ever Buddhist shrine”. They unearthed a 6th Century BC timber structure buried within the Maya Devi Temple at Lumbini…

Red squirrels at a National Trust reserve in Merseyside have shown signs of resistance to the pox virus that has blighted the species, say researchers. Scientists from the University of…

UN climate talks in Poland have ended with delegates reaching a compromise on how to fight global warming. After 30 hours of deadlock, they approved a pathway to a new…

US engineers have created the “most waterproof material ever” – inspired by nasturtium leaves and butterfly wings. The new “super-hydrophobic” surface could keep clothes dry and stop aircraft engines icing…

UN climate negotiations are bogged down in a dispute over who will take legal responsibility for the loss and damage caused by climate change. Rich countries say they will strongly…