Genetics of white tigers pinpointed

Chinese scientists trace the rare white colouration in Bengal tigers to a single change in a gene that affects a host of animals, including humans.

Iceland expands volcano monitoring

Installation is under way of an expanded monitoring system for Iceland's volcanoes, which it is hoped will give the world more warning of the next big eruption.

Trans-US solar plane sets new record

The Solar Impulse plane sets a new record for distance flown by a solar-powered craft as it completes the second leg of a bid to cross the US.

Ecuador satellite space crash fears

Space engineers in Ecuador are trying to establish if the country's only satellite has been damaged in a crash with space debris.

Cave paintings uncovered in Mexico

Archaeologists in Mexico find 4,926 cave paintings in red, yellow, black and white in the north-eastern region of Burgos.

Feet home to more than 100 fungi

Fungi live all over the human body but their favourite spots are the heel, under toenails and between the toes, according to a US study.

Climate 'spurred human innovation'

Abrupt climate change in Africa helped trigger technological and cultural advances in early modern humans, according to new research.

'Worrying declines' for UK species

A stocktake of UK nature suggests 60% of animal and plant species studied have declined in the past 50 years.

2013 cold start may mean fruit boom

UK fruit growers could enjoy a much better harvest of apples and pears this year, following the dismal crop in 2012, experts believe.

Green light for 'biggest' wave farm

Plans for the world's largest commercial wave farm off the Western Isles move forward after minister give full consent for the project.

Iodine lack 'may lower UK baby IQs'

Mild iodine deficiency during pregnancy could be dimming the intellect of some babies born in the UK, say researchers who studied 1,000 families.

Ospreys first in England to hatch

Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust capture osprey chicks hatching on camera for the first time.

Wildcat extinction 'in 24 months'

A scientist who has developed a genetic test to identify pure Scottish wildcats says the species could be extinct within two years.

Vitamin C can kill drug-resistant TB

Vitamin C can kill multidrug-resistant TB in the lab, scientists reveal.

Irish potato famine pest identified

Scientists have used plant samples collected in the 19th Century to identify the pathogen that caused the Irish potato famine.

Vaccine developed for farm disease

A vaccine to protect sheep and cattle from a livestock virus spread by midges has been approved by government vets.

Rover drills second rock sample

Nasa's Curiosity Mars rover drills a second sample of Martian rock to deliver to its onboard laboratories for analysis in the coming days.

UK astronaut given station date

UK astronaut Tim Peake is to fly to the International Space Station, launching on a Soyuz rocket in November or December 2015.

Deep sea 'gold rush' moves closer

The prospect of a deep sea "gold rush" opening a controversial new frontier for mining on the ocean floor has moved a step closer.

Fifty-five beaches meet new rules

Fifty five beaches in England meet tough new EU standards on water quality to achieve Blue Flag awards.

Flightless penguin puzzle 'solved'

The underwater prowess of the penguin may have cost the bird its ability to fly, scientists believe.

Ant abilities could aid robot design

A study showing how ants tunnel their way through confined spaces could aid the design of search and rescue robots, say scientists.

EU bathing water 2012 data released

The latest data on EU bathing water quality is released, showing that 93% of more than 22,000 sampled locations meet the minimum standards.

First crane egg in 400 years laid

A nesting crane lays the first egg laid by that breed of bird in southern Britain in more than 400 years.

Tree health policy to 'stop spread'

Strengthening biosecurity at UK borders and a plant health risk register would help protect the nation's trees from pests and diseases, a report concludes.

VIDEO: 'Tough times for toads'

A "stocktake" of UK nature suggests 60% of animal and plant species have declined in the past 50 years - and one in 10 could end up disappearing.

Late arrival for rare butterflies

The UK's spring butterflies are being welcomed by enthusiasts, but weeks later than they usually arrive.

Farne Islands 'puffin census' starts

A three-month long study to determine the puffin population on the Farne Islands in Northumberland gets under way.

VIDEO: 'Worrying declines' for UK species

A major new report from 25 wildlife organisations, assessing the state of Britain's Nature, is warning that many species of wildlife are facing extinction in the UK unless urgent action is taken.

VIDEO: Journey into an Icelandic volcano

Dr Freysteinn Sigmundsson shows the BBC's Neil Bowdler around the Thrihnukagigur volcano in Iceland.