The brains behind life's more humdrum inventions are heroes of science alongside the likes of Newton and Einstein, says Lisa Jardine.

After the party conventions, the US presidential elections are moving into the final phase. Kevin Connolly reports.

Middleweight boxer James DeGale wins gold for Britain and there are bronze medals for Tim Brabants and Sarah Stevenson.

Stories of the ties that exist between Kosovo and Serbia from the travellers on the Belgrade-to-Kosovo bus routes.

The Magazine is five! And we bring you a charivari of highlights from the past half-decade. Contained within is all manner of goodness. The most-read features. The best quizzes... and yes, there are five in each list. There might even be cake.

The BBC's Sarah Mukherjee takes a look at the contentious Planning Bill, which goes to a Commons vote this week.

The arrival of a blind contestant in the Big Brother house has already sparked a great deal of interest. But Damon Rose, who is himself blind, says he will be under great scrutiny.

Tens of thousands of Argentine farmers promise to suspend grain and meat exports after a tax rise.

BBC's Roland Buerk reports on former Tamil Tiger rebels' bid to win the provincial elections in eastern Sri Lanka

Every day British people throw away more than a million pots of unopened yoghurt. Why?

Chelsea beat Man Utd 2-1 to keep the title race alive while Fulham and Sunderland post potentially crucial wins at the bottom of the Premier League.

The BBC's Jonathan Marcus says US claims of Syria and North Korean nuclear co-operation raise questions on the evidence and White House motives.

A weekly guide to the 2008 US presidential election, in words and pictures.

The BBC's Celeste Hicks hears the hopes and fears of the people of strife-stricken Kidal in the far north of Mali.

BBC man Stuart Roach joins Southampton - but only for a week

Relatives of four firefighters killed in a blaze pay tribute to them as a mayor speaks of the effect on the community.

Writer Mukul Kesavan on why the future of Twenty20 cricket looks rosy after India's win.

A round-up of the first reviews of the new Prince album, Planet Earth, which was given away free with a UK newspaper.

The rain interrupts Roger Federer's return to Wimbledon but there are wins for Rafael Nadal and Venus Williams.

The BBC's Roland Buerk looks at how Sri Lanka's civil war is developing.