Bubbles are formed when plants on the lake bed release methane gas, which freezes as it reaches the lake surface Scientists believe that if the temperature of the planet continues to rise, gas could be released into the atmosphere Stunning photographs taken at Lake Abraham in Canada by Darwin Wiggett Despite their beautiful appearance, these strange white bubbles trapped just inches under the surface of this frozen ice are in […]

Angie and Rhodri Powell found mural intheir 16th-century Somerset home But when they turned it upside down they saw the image of the beast Couple live informer residence of archdeacons including Thomas Cranmer Hidden message suggests it was commissioned by opponent of Henry The devil is in the detail – literally hidden. When a British couple discovered a concealed, almost lifesize mural of Henry VIII while redecorating their 16th-century Somerset […]

‘No, I didn’t kill Michael. He did it himself… with a massive overdose using his own stash’: What really happened the night Jackson died, by Dr Conrad Murray, the doctor jailed for the death of the King of Pop Dr Conrad Murray, 60, was convicted of killing Michael Jackson Proclaiming his innocence, he claims Jackson took an overdose Reveals ‘truth’ about the King of Pop’s last months in exclusive interview […]

STORY HIGHLIGHTS Roman Catholics will gather at the Vatican Sunday for service marking “Year of Faith” Bones believed to be those of St. Peter will be displayed for first time Vatican analyst says while bones’ identity is unconfirmed, they are an object of devotion John Allen: Bones are a “scientific controversy… wrapped in a blanket of belief” Pope Francis generally comes off as so hip, so completely at home in […]

As a leader in capturing our world through brilliant imagery, National Geographic sets the standard for photographic excellence. Last year, we received more than 22,000 entries from over 150 countries, with professional photographers and amateur photo enthusiasts across the globe participating. The Grand Prize Winner will receive $10,000 and a trip to National Geographic headquarters in Washington, D.C., to participate in the annual National Geographic Photography Seminar in January 2014: […]

At least six people have been killed and dozens more are feared trapped after the roof of a supermarket collapsed in the Latvian capital, Riga. Two of those killed were emergency workers, officials said. At least 35 people have been injured. It is not yet clear what caused the collapse. A BBC correspondent says a garden was being constructed on the roof of the supermarket at the time. The 500 […]

New airports, hundreds of billions of dollars worth of new aircraft: some of the big-spending Gulf states and their airlines seem to have limitless resources and ambition. But the countries have so far been unable to resolve a problem that now threatens their aviation growth. All those new aircraft ordered at the Dubai Air Show will need space to fly. Trouble is, the airspace above the Gulf is already worryingly […]

Two quick-thinking men on Newfoundland’s northeast coast managed to save a Greenland shark from choking to death on a large piece of moose hide this past weekend. Derrick Chaulk said he was driving down a road by the harbour in Norris Arm North this past Saturday when he saw what he thought was a beached whale. When Chaulk went closer to investigate, he realized it was a shark, which he estimated […]

These are the astonishing images of the very aptly named Door To Hell, a fiery crater caused by a drilling blunder that is baffling scientists after flaming away for more than 40 years. The 230-feet wide crater, situated near Derweze village in Turkmenistan, was named the Door to Hell by locals, referring to the endless flames and boiling mud that can be found inside. Originally a level surface, the site […]

Many children cannot run as fast as their parents could when they were young, a study of global fitness says. Experts say the work – being presented at the American Heart Association’s annual meeting – suggests children’s fitness levels may be declining. Researchers analysed data spanning 46 years and involving more than 25 million children in 28 countries. On average, children today run a mile 90 seconds slower than did […]