37 h. ago An adopted polar bear cub and Christmas in the Holy Land: photos of the day – Thursday

The Guardian’s picture editors select photographs from around the world Continue reading...

Culture

57 h. ago Scientists log rare case of female polar bear adopting cub: ‘They’re really good moms’

Canadian researchers tracking bear known as X33991 noticed she had gained a second cub who likely needed helpScientists in Canada have documented a rare case of female polar bear adopting a new cub, in an episode of “curious behaviour” that highlights the complex relationships among the apex Arctic predators.Polar Bears International, a non-profit conservation group, said on Wednesday that when they first placed a GPS collar on a female polar bear in the spring, she had one young cub. But when she was spotted with two cubs of roughly the same age last month, they realized they were witnessing an exceedingly rare case of adoption. Continue reading...

Politics

58 h. ago Scientists confirm rare instance of polar bear mother adopting a cub – video

Only 13 examples of polar bear adoptions have been recorded among Canada's western Hudson Bay population since studies began more than 45 years ago. The mother, known as bear X33991, was spotted with two cubs in November near Bird Cove in the Churchill wildlife management area when she had only one in the spring. Alysa McCall, the director of conservation outreach and staff scientist at Polar Bears International, explains how the adoption gives the second cub a better chance of survival Continue reading...

Politics

4 d. ago MI6 or 007? Britain's new spy chief proves she knows her bugs as she wears 'Miss Moneypenny's brooch' for maiden speech

Blaise Metreweli, 48, the Secret Intelligence Service's first-ever female chief, sent tongues wagging this week after delivering a rare televised address adorned with a jewel-encrusted brooch.

Politics

6 d. ago BBC Saturday Kitchen's Matt Tebbutt halts live broadcast to share message with fans

BBC star Matt Tebbutt shared a message with Saturday Kitchen viewers after guest James Acaster punched a polar bear figurine and attacked Christmas decorations live on air

Politics

8 d. ago Changes to polar bear DNA could help them adapt to global heating, study finds

Scientists say bears in southern Greenland differ genetically to those in the north, suggesting they could adjustChanges in polar bear DNA that could help the animals adapt to warmer climates have been detected by researchers, in a study thought to be the first time a statistically significant link has been found between rising temperatures and changing DNA in a wild mammal species.Climate breakdown is threatening the survival of polar bears. Two-thirds of them are expected to have disappeared by 2050 as their icy habitat melts and the weather becomes hotter. Continue reading...

Politics

1 week ago A dog that loves fish pate and squirty cheese and is the size of a 'small polar bear' is looking for a home

Brody is a Pyrenean Mountain Dog who also has a fondness for a good head scratch and lounging on his owner

Politics

1 week ago Watch James Acaster’s Saturday Kitchen outburst crowned ‘TV moment of the year’

James Acaster punched Saturday Kitchen's polar bear figurine and attacked their Christmas decorations in a moment viewers have crowned “TV moment of the year.”

Politics

1 week ago 'Small polar bear' dog who loves sitting on owner to seek new home – but there's a catch

Brody is a massive Pyrenean Mountain Dog who weighs 66kg and stands six feet tall on his hind legs - and Animal Concern Cumbria is preparing to find him a new home

Politics

1 week ago Inside world's coldest towns with bitter 55C temperatures, ice roads and polar bear laws

If you thought the UK was cold this winter, think again. Take a look at our round-up of some of the coldest places on the planet – and humans still survive there!

Politics