 | A "hairy" crab, spiky sea stars, and a bright red shrimp are among the 274 new species found during a research survey of Australia's deep ocean. |
 | The discovery at a Virginia aquarium marks the second time scientists have used DNA testing to verify what would have been a "virgin birth"—if the pups hadn't died. |
 | Bird species worldwide are in decline—a sign that the planet's health is also faltering, according to a new report. |
 | The Western Wall, the Queen Elizabeth 2, Iceland's financial meltdown, and more are featured in our picks of the week's news photos. |
 | The biggest land animals that ever lived grew huge and were an evolutionary success in part because they swallowed large quantities of food whole, new research suggests. |
 | National Geographic researchers trap an Alaskan brown bear for research, and the bear is not at all happy. |
 | From November to April, part of the Northern Pacific humpback whale population migrates to the Mexico Pacific to mate or give birth. The species's future is brighter but still threatened. |
 | Shrimplike organisms that linked together in single-file rows 525 million years ago represent a bizarre and previously unknown type of animal grouping, scientists say. |
 | The world's first complete double arm transplant was performed successfully in Germany. The recipient, a farmer who lost his own arms in an accident, is doing well. |
 | Scientists have derived stem cells from adult, human testicles for the first time, which could allow therapies to be developed without destroying embryos. |
 | Scientists have found 274 new species of corals, starfish, sponges, shrimps, and crabs 1.2 miles (2 kilometers) beneath the surface of Australia's waters. |
The global economy loses more money from deforestation than the current banking crisis, says an EU-commissioned report.
The UK's new science minister says he wants a British astronaut in space because that individual would inspire youngsters.
Ed Miliband, the new energy and climate secretary, urges Europe's leaders to stick to climate change targets.
A hydrogen energy research centre, described as the first of its kind in the UK, opens near Swansea, Wales.
The gut may have receptors that shut down appetite when bitter substances are detected, a study suggests.
Indonesia pledges to stop the loss of forests and species in Sumatra, one of the world's most ecologically important islands.
The world's fishing fleets are losing billions of dollars each year through depleted stocks and poor management, a UN report says.
A computer network protected by unbreakable quantum encryption is launched at a science conference in Vienna.
Skin could be damaged by prolonged, close-up exposure to low-energy bulbs, health experts have warned.
A bug which lives entirely on its own without oxygen and in complete darkness could offer clues to life on other planets.
Messages are beamed to a planet 20 light years from Earth in the hope they will reach intelligent alien life.
Why economic problems must not derail progress on the Millennium Development Goals, which the UN assesses this week.
The Atlantic bluefin tuna is in a parlous state - does it represent a oceans-wide legacy of overfishing?
Idea of seeding seas with iron splits wildlife summit
Steve Furber - from the BBC Micro to the human brain
The companies offering algae as a universal cure-all
A Dutch company cultivates algae for use in biofuel
Clever marketing gives hybrid seeds farmer appeal
Why climate change is good news for conservationists
A clever trick borrowed from jellyfish earns two Americans and one Japanese scientist a share of the chemistry Nobel Prize.
Nasa's Messenger probe returns more close-up images of Mercury previously unseen by a spacecraft.
The search for alien life outside our solar system will be at the forefront of discussions by scientists.
The Nobel Prize for physics this year lauds three individuals who described tiny flaws in the fabric of the Universe.
An alternative fusion project is initiated in Europe that would seek abundant clean energy using a colossal laser.
The UK's existing water policy will fail to cope with future extreme weather events, a National Trust report warns.
Several species of fungi new to the UK have been unearthed by mushroom experts at the National Trust's Clumber Park.
The "deepest ever" living fish are discovered 7.5km down, scientists say.
Turbines along British canals and rivers could power 45,000 homes within five years under new plans.
Climate change may hasten the spread of diseases that can move from wild animals to humans, researchers warn.