Latest news

British students trapped in Israeli siege
Up to 12 Sussex University students have been trapped by Israeli troops laying siege to the West Bank town of Ramallah, while 50 Israeli troops have occupied the campus of Bethlehem University, a Vatican-owned institution, during the latest incursions.

£40m research plan to benefit consumers
Service centres could be automatically alerted when parts need replacing on fridges and washing machines under a multi-million pound research plan announced by the government today. The £40 million initiative is aimed at pioneering new devices to benefit consumers. A coalition of high-tech companies and universities has been formed to conduct the research.

Academic to chair poisoned water inquiry
Sheffield University professor Frank Woods is chairing a team set up by the government to investigate the subsequent health implications of Britain's worst water poisoning incident. The team will tonight hold a public meeting in Camelford, north Cornwall, where the incident happened 13 years ago.

Carcinogens in pools could pose risks
Levels of potential cancer-causing agents in swimming pools should be cut as far as possible amid fears they are linked to birth defects and miscarriage, scientists from Imperial College said today. The warning comes amid "rising concern" over a possible link between chemicals and miscarriage.

Earwigs give kids crash-course in life
The humble earwig could help school pupils learn important lessons about mating and nurturing, biologist Joseph Tomkins claimed today. The University of St Andrews lecturer said earwigs were "so cheap and plentiful" that they were the perfect classroom companion.