Spectacular aurora displays seen across the northern hemisphere in recent days have been caused by a huge solar flare with the energy of a billion hydrogen bombs, UK scientists have said.

Scientists in Belfast have come up with a new test which can identify potential cases of meningitis in a fraction of the current time.

Regret plays a crucial role in helping children to make better decisions, a new study revealed.

The largest ever study of music therapy's effect on children with depression has found significant benefits.

Under-20 RBS 6 Nations

A new report has called for a full commission of inquiry into the alleged sexual and physical abuse of children by paramilitaries in the North.

Scientists in the North say they have made a breakthrough in the fight against a hospital superbug which killed four babies.

Tyrone, Donegal, Monaghan, Derry, Antrim and Cavan were victorious in the Power NI Dr. McKenna Cup in Ulster this afternoon.

President Michael D Higgins will today announce Ireland's "Professor of Poetry".

SOME independent weather forecasters who depend on observations of wildlife, nature and even the moon — including New Zealander Ken Ring — have again come to prominence and been credited with predicting the recent fine spell.

Mary Immaculate College, Limerick and UCC will contest tomorrow's Fitzgibbon Cup decider after semi-final wins over Waterford IT and UCD respectively this afternoon in Galway.

Fifteen people have died from suspected suicide in Belfast since July.

The draws for the 2012 Higher Education GAA Championships, including the prestigious Sigerson and Fitzgibbon Cups, were made this afternoon in Croke Park.

The draws for the 2011 Ulster Bank Higher Education Football and Hurling Championships, including the draw for the centenary Sigerson Cup, were made at UCD's Astra Hall this afternoon.

More than 150 A-level students were awarded lower grades than they achieved, an exams body admitted today.

Liam Neeson gave a touching tribute to his late wife Natasha Richardson at his first public appearance since her tragic death in March.

Fixing potholes still gets TDs elected to the Dáil, a new book claims today.

President Mary McAleese and her husband Martin will today be conferred with honorary doctorates to mark their contribution to the peace process in the North.

The Green Party says it has signed up 1,000 new members during a recruitment drive over the past month.

Rival gangs are arranging sectarian clashes in Belfast city centre's so-called "neutral zone", university researchers revealed today.

ULSTER Unionists were outraged during the election campaign when the Rev Ian Paisley claimed David Trimble was counting down the “time to the electric chair and the rope”.

The project team from Northern Ireland's Science Park has won the top prize at the Enterprise Networks Gala Dinner in London.