NATURE

A zoo video shows three-year-old Xiao Liwu sliding in the slush and playing with his new toy, a jungle ball.

With just a few weeks left to enter the 2016 Sony World Photography Awards, we present a selection of early submissions.

The question on everyone's minds - why are cats so much more refined in their food consumption than dogs?

Infant chimpanzee with Down syndrome survived for as long as 23 months because of her mother's care.

It had been theorised that water travelled to Earth on meteorites or comets.

The Salamanca study has not been able to pinpoint the origin of the algae.

The Met Office issues an amber weather warning amid reports of flash flooding.

Experiment highlights the importance of social relationships for wild birds.

Adelaide researchers find climate change will destroy sharks' ability to hunt.

The Cacao tree bears seeds that go to produce the most favoured chocolate flavours.

The herpetologist noted all of his symptoms until death after being bitten by a boomslang snake.

Critically endangered species has been satellite-tagged by scientists for the first time.

Crabs display pain and stress response in study despite being considered not to have the brain areas required.

Orcas are huge marine mammals, inherently unsuited to captivity.

Scientists believe the Himalayas may have been formed 47 million years ago.

In place of its centrepiece orca performances, a whale exhibition will open in 2017.

Discovery will completely change the understanding of the prehistoric environment.

The 50-year-old alligator was sent to live the rest of his days in a sanctuary.

Report finds 55,000 Indian star tortoises poached from single location every year.

The jury has narrowed down more than 42,000 entries to a shortlist of 25 images. Which one captures your imagination?

Seven giant rat species discovered lived 46,000 years ago and were eaten by humans.

Sinkhole opened up at a fast-food restaurant car park in Meridian, Mississippi.

Scientists estimate that their genetic makeup is 10% dog, a quarter wolf and the rest coyote

This means that all progeny of female orb-weaving spiders have same father.

The whale carcasses will be left to decompose naturally

The plant has survived for 750,000 years despite losing immunity.

Pilot whales in particular are known for washing up on shores for now apparent reason.

Scientists in China find how pandas say 'I love you', 'I'm hungry' and 'go away'.

Scientists still unable to explain why half of endangered species died in two weeks and risk of extinction.