A comet, an eclipse, a supernova, an alignment of planets - was the Star of Bethlehem, said to have led the wise men to the Baby Jesus, a real astronomical event?

Charles Wheeler was a scrupulous reporter who tirelessly pursued the truth. But on one occasion, a story that seemed far-fetched turned out to be true after all, says Lisa Jardine.

The Mitchell report on drugs in baseball shines a light on new names, but hardly on anything fans didn't already know, writes Mike Carlson.

The outlook appears bleak for the Atlantic bluefin, an evolutionary marvel too tasty for its own good.

The full text of shadow home secretary David Davis's speech to the Conservative Party conference.

Who was the greatest king or queen of England? Three historians make the case for Henry VIII, Elizabeth I and Victoria so you can weigh the evidence.

The Harry Potter books rely on a vast secretive logistical web to ensure they are delivered on time and not a moment sooner.

As spring gives way to summer, keen gardeners will be as busy as ever. But few will have studied their hobby with any rigour, instead picking up useful skills as children. Why do we value such domestic knowledge less than a formal education?

The highly-addictive club drug crystal meth is reclassified from class B to class A to avert widespread UK use.

What do mobile phones, the internet and Nasa's announcement that it plans to build a base on the Moon have in common? They were all foretold by science fiction.

BBC Europe editor Mark Mardell reflects on a vote in the European Parliament to ban mercury and a possible slip-up by French presidential hopeful Segolene Royal.

BBC Europe editor Mark Mardell on Bucharest's response to the UK's curbs on workers from Bulgaria and Romania.

The admissions process for the UK's elite universities continues to perplex and fascinate. So, as applicants prepare themselves for the new interview season, is there a recipe for interview success?

The awkward etiquette of what to write on the card going round the office.

Black and white doves, an alien-inspired president and hours of unblinking concentration - the chess world championship is on.

More than a telescope, Jodrell Bank has brought the outer universe to a corner of Cheshire. Now it's your top unsung landmark.

Pity the Doctor, filming the Christmas special in 30C heat. What tricks does the film trade have to make summer seem like winter, and vice versa?

How long can Isambard Kingdom Brunel's picturesque railway at Dawlish in the south-west of England survive a rising sea?

BBC Five Live golf correspondent Iain Carter on the 2006 Masters build-up

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