Polar

With grim predictions that all polar bears may be wiped out by the end of the century, it’s vital scientists find a way to better monitor the beasts to see if conservation efforts are having any impact. So they decided to 'fingerprint' them using DNA.

Scientists have discovered a genetically distinct subpopulation of polar bears that has adapted to survive on glacier slush instead of sea ice for large parts of the year, boding well for adaptability of the species.

The British Antarctic Survey's (BAS) polar research vessel RSS Sir David Attenborough came a step closer to going into service this week as its power systems came online for the first time and its advanced lifeboats were commissioned.

​The Cassini spacecraft has captured a stunningly detailed view of the "dark eye" of Saturn's vast south polar vortex, a feature so large that it could comfortably swallow planet Earth.

In what could lead to new ultrathin insulation, researchers at the University of Namur in Belgium and the University of Hassan I in Morocco found that radiation plays a larger role than conduction in the insulation of polar animals such as penguins and polar bears than previously believed.