When Sputnik 1 was launched in 1957 not only did it herald the beginning of the space age but also marked the start of an cumulative process that has led to the build up of space junk.

Children with allergic conditions such as asthma may receive too high a dose of steroids, drug experts warn.

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.

The Russian cosmonaut Sergei Krikalev has broken the record for the most cumulative time in space - clocking up 748 days in orbit on Tuesday.

Controversial plans for three new opencast mines are given the go-ahead by South Lanarkshire Council.

BBC News Online's Kevin Anderson is keeping a weblog recording his thoughts as he travels across America.

BBC News Online's Kevin Anderson is keeping a weblog recording his thoughts as he travels across America.

BBC News Online's Kevin Anderson is keeping a weblog recording his thoughts as he travels across America.

Households have paid £1,500 more in cumulative council tax rises since Labour took office, Tories say.

One in five GCSE and A-level candidates is under-performing because of the allergy, a report shows.

Average premiums for buildings and home contents cover are estimated to rise by 10% during 2003, according to insurance body.

Failure to coordinate services is blamed for hospital beds being blocked by fit patients for a cumulative total of two million days a year.

Labour MP Paul Flynn hopes to introduce a Bill that could see boxers charged with assault or manslaughter following professional fights.