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.

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.

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.

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.