A hundred years older than the first known European oil paintings, the newfound Afghan artworks were discovered where the Taliban destroyed giant Buddhas.
The isolated body, likely remains of other galaxies, is surrounded by enormous amounts of dark matter usually found in groups of tens or hundreds of galaxies.
An exceptionally well preserved fossil reptile found in Brazil is a likely "missing link" between dino-era crocs and their modern counterparts, experts say.
The first images from the MESSENGER mission to Mercury have revealed numerous impact craters, signs of volcanism, and a weird formation unlike any in the known solar system.
Giant salamanders and other vulnerable amphibians will receive conservation attention and aid through a new program run by the Zoological Society of London.
