Hippocrates said sport was the preserver of health, writes Brendan O'Brien.

A urine test which detects the human papilloma virus could offer women a less invasive alternative to a cervical test, experts said.

A mini heatwave is being predicted for next week.

USA:

The number of weekly resource teaching hours for children with special educational needs will be kept at current levels in the next school year, Education Minister Ruairi Quinn has promised.

Prisoners held by the regime of Chilean dictator General Augusto Pinochet were played a “torture soundtrack” of songs by Julio Iglesias and George Harrison, according to a study.

An Irish scientist is among an international team which has, for the first time, been able to take a direct measurement of the magnetic field surrounding a black hole at the centre of our galaxy.

President Michael D Higgins today begins a three-day visit to Liverpool and Manchester.

FRANCE’S first choice scrum-half Julien Dupuy has been ruled out of the RBS 6 Nations Championship after receiving a six-month ban for eye-gouging.

Psychological therapy is more than 30 times more cost-effective at making people happier than a lottery win or a large pay rise, according to newly-published research.

AN anti-ageing cream sold on the high street is clinically proven to improve wrinkles, scientists said last night.

US politicians have been accused of failing to learn the lessons of the Great Depression when they rejected a $700bn (€487bn) bail-out scheme for the banks.

Eating pizza topped with tomato paste can help prevent sunburn and premature wrinkles, new research suggests.

Police have arrested a man wanted in connection with the murders of a young pop hopeful, her mother and young brother, whose bodies were found in their family home.

FINE Gael leader Enda Kenny argues that Fine Gael deserves a chance in government because Fianna Fáil have been in power for too long.

A biotech firm involved in developing drugs for fighting hospital superbugs today backed a £305m (€444m) takeover by pharmaceuticals giant Novartis.

GIVERS whose efforts at wrapping leave their Christmas presents looking like an origami car crash will find solace today - scientists have come up with a mathematical formula for the perfect wrap.

A NEW claim that men are more intelligent than women is poised to reignite controversy about the difference between the sexes.

Grumpy old men, exemplified by the moaning Victor Meldrew, are a myth, new research suggests today.

Two of the Bee Gees are set to receive honorary degrees – and their brother will be awarded one posthumously, it was announced today.