Science stories in the news this week: new figures report dramatic increases in cases of breast cancer and diabetes, a genetic 'search engine' will let doctors match drugs to diseases and a new stem cell breakthrough uses dead embryos. Plus, athletically gifted women could be identified by their fingers, Richard Branson unveils the new Virgin Galactic flagship and why promiscuous queens make healthier hives.

Stories on climate change have dominated the news again this week: the destruction of some of the world’s leading holiday destinations may be the end result of global warming and California sues carmakers. Plus, the remains of the earliest known child from humanity’s family tree have been discovered in Ethiopia and a British company wins the top AI prize.

Climate change features heavily in the news this week: 'drastic' shrinkages in Arctic sea ice have been observed by NASA satellites and new research suggests that increases in hurricane intensity are due to greenhouse gas emissions. Plus, a nationwide shortage of sperm donors, and hallucinogenic drugs may offer a new solution for headache sufferers.

In the news this week: genetically engineered immune cells target cancer, Conservatives propose a British bullet train and Schwarzenegger sets an emissions cap. Plus, a top American scientist issues a warning on climate change and finding God in the brain.

In the news this week: overcoming the stem cell taboo, healing the hole in the ozone layer and the British obesity epidemic. Plus, dark matter, why you should drink tea rather than water and meet the battlefield robo-surgeon.

In the news this week: the genes that make us human, Britain faces a scientist shortage and a new plan for picking planets. Plus, NASA’s missing moon tapes, a weird whale and how to bring frozen mammoths back from the dead.

In the news this week: snip for victory in the fight against HIV, the drought disrupts wildlife and why floods are no problem for GM rice. Plus: an algorithm for enhanced beauty and why science and the arts do mix.

In the news this week: climate change porn, global warming despair and environmental disaster. But things aren’t all bad, there’s also extraordinary new treatments for cancer and obesity, a Japanese moon base and eggs that let you know when they’re cooked.

In the news this week: the EU funds stem cell research, stem cell research funds IVF treatment and online shopping funds a trip into space. Plus, electricity speeds up healing, extreme sports tire the heart and why elephants hate hills.

In the news this week: the global extinction crisis, Bush faces a backlash over stem cells and virtual worlds test telepathy. Plus, parting the Red Sea, plants that warn of volcanic eruptions and fighting asteroids with asteroids.

In the news this week, nuclear power gets the go-ahead, bionic brain implants expand the mind and there are revolutionary developments for IVF treatment. Plus dying frogs, flying spiders, inflatable spacecraft and how to get drunk without getting a hangover.

In the news this week, sky rockets in flight, reactor crack fright and a horse that’s white. Plus stem cells, bionic limbs and renewable energy.

In the news this week, having more older brothers can affect your sexual orientation and being watched can make you more honest. Plus, emotionally aware computers, invisibility, recording smells and a giant asteroid.

In the Science News Digest this week, we expose the Mummy Villains of yester years; Giant Panda numbers double and a "Noah's ark" for the world's most important plants is launched.

This week we look at creating new species, the robot world cup and the discovery that some fats are fatter than others.

This week we look at allergy-free cats, robots getting touchy-feely. and the science of football...

This week we look at invisibility cloaks, sexual desire and electricity generated from chocolate...

David Attenborough speaks out, cancer drug is to be available on the NHS, and the laziest way to combat those pounds...

Britons could be facing the worst drought since and a return mission to the moon may be the key to uncovering the secrets of life on earth. Plus your love life only gets better with age.......

GM yeast cells provide hope for malaria treatment, and a probe assessing Venus could advance our understanding of climate change. Plus an eggcellent experiment has been uncovered...

The government misses its target on carbon dioxide emissions and Scotland goes smoke free. Plus, the science of hiding behind the sofa.

The Chancellor’s “green” budget, the Archbishop of Canterbury’s thoughts on creationism and the dangers of watching Davina.

Volunteers critically ill as drug trial does wrong. Scientists report that atmospheric carbon dioxide levels rise sharply. Plus, meerkats exposed...

A special environmental edition of the Science News Digest to tie in with the start of National Science Week and the launch of Click for the Climate.

Pro-vivisectionists go on the offensive in Oxford, a German cat dies of bird flu and Jeremy Clarkson does his bit to help climate change.

This week, how far would you go for climate change? Which is the most carbon-friendly place in the UK? Plus, Tony Blair and Lionel Blair – separated at birth?

Avian flu makes headway into Europe, insurers seek to increase policies for women susceptible to cancer and MPs ban smoking in pubs and bars. Plus, beware – an elephant NEVER forgets!

Calories galore in the Snickers Pie, paradise found in Indonesia and trouble with trollibags in the North East.

The government releases a pessimistic report on climate change, George Bush warns of Americans’ addiction to oil, and we report on some research you may have heard about before.

A whale causes a storm in the Thames, Intelligent Design finds a surprising level of support in the UK, and why we could soon be seeing "green van man".

Are drugs, food and kids bad for your mental health? What will it take for us to accept nuclear power? Plus, why we all might be moving up North (to the Pole, that is).

Bird flu appears to be mutating, UK levels of winter flu are at an all-time low and South Korea's cloning scandal has unexpected consequences. Plus, why you may have been better staying in bed.

The detox "myth" is debunked, Russia cuts off the gas supply to the Ukraine and scientists ask the question 'Does my bum look big in this?'

Striking images from the natural and scientific world, from elusive giant squid to salt and pepper like you’ve never seen them before.

Face transplants are offered to patients in America, new fears raised over pesticides and everything is glowing green.

Just some of the many stories from this year's BA Festival of Science in Dublin.

In the news this week, the Dept of Health launches a public consultation over fertility laws. Plus L'Oreal anti-wrinkle cream: is it worth it?

In the news this week, have we reached a tipping point in climate change? Plus, an unbelievable discovery in outer space.

In the news, Snuppy the cloned Afghan, US-style twisters hit the UK and how brainwashing can help you fight the flab.

In the news this week, the future of the space shuttle programme is in doubt, the US and Australia sign a climate change pact and scientists reveal the health benefits of chocolate.

In the news this week, vetting of international university students could become compulsory, US climate change scientists attacked by Congressman, and a controversial new theory about the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombs...

The first week of July was already set to be memorable, with Live 8, the G8 summit and then London winning the Olympics. But then a terrorist atrocity hit the capital...

In the news this week, G8 leaders meet to discuss climate change, the UK faces its worst drought in 30 years and zombie dogs rise from the dead.

In the news this week, Britain faces the consequences of its recent heatwave, scientists warn of an infertility timebomb, and why being Scottish may be bad for your health.

Another week and more health scares, once again around obesity, superbugs and cancer...

In the news this week, controversy in the US over its stance on climate change, plus doctors warn of a link between painkillers and increased risk of heart attacks.

In the news this week, the risks from power lines and mobile phones and doctors call on the government to strengthen its proposed ban on smoking.

In the news this week, ID cards, the Big Ask and a very irritating frog. Plus, Alaska the bald eagle makes a break for freedom.

In the news this week, nuclear power, heatwaves and the face of Tut revealed.

A massive explosion at an oil depot in Hemel Hempstead raises pollution concerns, British surgeons are given the go ahead for face transplants and why your Christmas lunch could be the cause of your family's woes.

Channel 4 boldly goes where no TV station has gone before, gas guzzlers are on the rise in the UK and conservationists get an early Christmas present.

As the wintry spell ends, warnings of colder winter weather to come as the Gulf Stream's 'engine' slows. Plus, warnings from Lord May over fundamentalism, and Jonathan Edwards runs on custard.

David Attenborough goes delving into the undergrowth, wintry weather grips parts of the UK and young scientists perfect the paper plane.

Controversial plans to tackle climate change, the London man at the centre of a medical mystery and former MI5 chief's attack on plans for ID cards. Plus, is there anything worse than fingernails down a blackboard?

Warning over potential UK "energy gap" , more intelligent design controversy in the States, and Polish archaeologists discover the remains of Nicolaus Copernicus.

Tony Blair argues that legally binding targets to reduce pollution make people ‘very nervous and very worried’, Melanie Phillips and Ben Goldacre battle it out over MMR, and mice serenade their loved ones.

Charley says always tell your mummy if you think one of your chickens might have the flu... Public information films, the smoking ban and the return of wilderness reserves.

Could Britain face a three-day week if a big freeze strikes? How can you protect yourself against bird flu? Plus, the bone-eating snot worm – is this the worst name ever?

Bird flu edges closer to Britain, Brixton’s squirrels go nuts and Richard Madeley delves into theoretical astrophysics.

Scientists recreate the deadly flu virus, John Adams gets operatic about the A-bomb, and physicists watch congealed tar drop veeeeery slowly.