Researchers in Italy examined fatty plaques removed from the blood vessels of patients with arterial disease and found that more than half had deposits contaminated with tiny particles of plastic.

Despite the rich history of the baffling behaviour, the science of why insects gather around lights at night has never been nailed down. Popular theories propose that moths navigate by the moon and mistake lamps for moonlight or that the insects fly toward light to escape imminent danger.

A Dutch study identifies several examples of corvids’ "amazing" ability to adapt to the urban environment.

Researchers at the University of Michigan suggest their insights might prove useful for helping people who are routinely surrounded by death, such as combat troops and health-care workers.

Thirsty or damaged plants produce up to 50 staccato pops an hour, which nearby creatures may respond to, researchers have found.

The production of sound from ventricular folds, which sit just above the vocal cords, is believed to be rare in the animal kingdom, with bats now gaining membership to an exclusive club populated almost entirely by death metal and Tuvan throat singers.

The prospect of harnessing the power of the stars has moved a step closer to reality after scientists set a new record for the amount of energy released in a sustained fusion reaction.