CircleCount helps you better understand Google+

2013-06-19 12:15:44 (20 comments, 26 reshares, 112 +1s)

Hundreds of millions of people around the world are escaping poverty and becoming middle class. The explosion of new consumers in China, India and other economic powerhouses is changing the global balance of power. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-22951558

Take a trip around the world to see where the new middle class is emerging and then discover more in our season of reports on the New Middle Class http://www.bbc.co.uk/newmiddleclass

2013-06-19 09:04:23 (13 comments, 16 reshares, 172 +1s)

As usual, the Paris Air Show has been dominated by the two big beasts of the industry, Airbus and Boeing. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-22954428

But below the radar are signs that this duopoly may one day be challenged. China and Russia have a huge presence in Paris.

2013-06-18 16:25:05 (116 comments, 68 reshares, 368 +1s)

Huawei has unveiled what is says is the world's thinnest smartphone. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-22949159

The Android-based Ascend P6 is 6.18mm (0.24in) thick and is also unusual in that it has a 5 megapixel front camera for "high quality" self-portraits.

The Chinese firm has said it expects the handset to do "miracles" for its brand. One analyst praised its design, comparing it to a "steamrollered iPhone", but said its lack of support for 4G networks might limit sales.

2013-06-18 13:11:12 (115 comments, 89 reshares, 407 +1s)

Every 15 seconds a child dies of hunger, says a campaign by charities urging G8 leaders to pledge more aid for the world's poorest families - or every 10 seconds, according to the latest version of the slogan. But does this paint an accurate picture? http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-22935692

Ruth Alexander of BBC Radio 4's More or Less programme has been examining the statistics.

2013-06-18 09:02:35 (82 comments, 135 reshares, 718 +1s)

Our normally grey moon seen as a dazzling rainbow globe, and the dark reaches of deep space sparkling in colourful hues. In the world of space imagery, astronomers use different palettes to bring their pictures to life. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-22912623

In a new exhibition - Visions of the Universe - at the National Maritime Museum in London, more than 100 awe-inspiring views of space are on show, exploring the development of telescopy, photography, and our understanding of our place in the Universe.

Take a colourful trip into space with co-curator, Marek Kukula, public astronomer at the Royal Observatory in our audio slideshow.

2013-06-17 16:42:17 (63 comments, 18 reshares, 192 +1s)

Is Tom Stilwell the luckiest man alive?

Stilwell, who's 20 and from Brighton in the UK, survived a 13-storey fall from a block of flats in New Zealand.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-22932001

As he was locked out of his flat, he asked a neighbour if he could climb down from her balcony. Stilwell landed on the roof of another building, breaking several bones but a friend said he was able to laugh about it afterwards.

(Still courtesy of Google)

2013-06-17 08:49:42 (44 comments, 26 reshares, 251 +1s)

US President Barack Obama is making his first visit to Northern Ireland ahead of the G8 Summit which will take place at Lough Erne, County Fermanagh. Watch continuing coverage of his visit http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-22889607

Syria is likely to dominate the agenda at the meeting of the leaders of the G8 nations, but global economic issues will also be key. Our diplomatic correspondent Bridget Kendall analyses the summit's ambitious agenda: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-22931241 

2013-06-14 15:08:36 (75 comments, 77 reshares, 603 +1s)

How long can you hold your breath for? 

Marine mammals like seals and whales can hold their breath underwater for up to 30 min at a time. Now scientists think they've found out exactly how they do it.

http://bbc.in/16n0oem

2013-06-14 11:55:52 (136 comments, 14 reshares, 136 +1s)

What would you like to ask David Cameron? 

Ahead of the G8 Summit in Northern Ireland the British Prime Minister will be taking your questions live on BBC World TV at 15:00 GMT (16:00 BST).

Read on to find out how you can get involved: http://bbc.in/VG0485

2013-06-14 09:35:50 (55 comments, 95 reshares, 487 +1s)

It's "baked" in an oven then "swallowed by a Beluga."  The newest aircraft from European planemaker Airbus has taken off on its maiden test flight.  How are the new Airbus A350 wings made?

http://bbc.in/11AaOlI

2013-06-13 16:09:40 (85 comments, 173 reshares, 698 +1s)

Flying cars are yet to take off - could bikes have a better chance?

Researchers in the Czech Republic have unveiled a 95kg remotely-controlled bicycle that can hover a few metres above ground for 5 minutes.

(Watch the video here)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-22885602

The bike is powered by 2 battery-run propellers on the front, 2 on the back and one on each side.

(Photo courtesy of AFP)

2013-06-13 10:27:05 (45 comments, 240 reshares, 459 +1s)

What do cats REALLY get up to? Watch on "cat cam": www.bbc.co.uk/horizoncats

Using GPS trackers and micro-cameras, BBC Two's Horizon followed 10 pet cats in a village in Surrey. Owners were surprised to discover the private habits of their beloved felines... http://bbc.in/12HSe2z

Do you have a pet cat? What does he/she get up to?

2013-06-13 07:15:17 (71 comments, 25 reshares, 215 +1s)

Google's tax affairs should be "fully investigated" by HM Revenue and Customs, a committee of MPs says: http://bbc.in/11gclyA

The firm made £11.5bn sales in the UK from 2006-11, but paid £10m in corporate taxes. Google says it complies with all UK tax laws.

Should Google pay more tax?

2013-06-12 17:52:46 (44 comments, 8 reshares, 113 +1s)

UK Prime Minister David Cameron will be taking your questions on the BBC's World Have Your Say on Friday: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-radio-and-tv-17928844

The G8 summit, Syria, the US spy row and Mr Cameron's threat to cut aid to countries where homosexuality is illegal are all topics likely to feature. 

We're keen to get questions from around the world, so let us know where you are when you post - click on the link above to find out how to do that.

2013-06-12 15:16:25 (69 comments, 94 reshares, 489 +1s)

A black hole 13 million light-years away seems to have gone dormant - a decade after being spotted consuming cosmic debris: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-22874192

It lies at the centre of the Sculptor galaxy - also known as NGC 253 - but the X-ray light linked to a black hole's 'snack' has dimmed markedly.

Astronomers are mystified but raise the prospect of it 'waking up again'.

2013-06-12 11:02:03 (37 comments, 38 reshares, 285 +1s)

Long thin grooves discovered on Mars may have been made by blocks of frozen carbon dioxide - dry ice: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-22869184

They were found on dunes that are covered by frost in the Martian winter - the blocks seem to have flowed down on cushions of carbon dioxide gas.

The gullies - varying in length from only few hundred metres to 2.5km - were spotted in images from Nasa's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter.

2013-06-12 09:46:04 (20 comments, 19 reshares, 183 +1s)

Mention the word drone and you probably think of a deadly military tool - but could it have a more positive role to play? http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-22863447

Delivering medicine in sub-Saharan Africa, monitoring wildlife and mapping forests are all uses highlighted at the TEDGlobal conference in Edinburgh.

Have you your own ideas on how best to deploy them in a supportive way?

2013-06-11 15:25:20 (25 comments, 12 reshares, 148 +1s)

Two different launches, two contrasting reactions at this year's E3 show in LA:  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-22855382

Whoops and hollers greeted Sony's PS4 but there was a more muted response to Microsoft's Xbox One.

Both companies sought to use the occasion to highlight the range, quality and depth of their games offerings. 

2013-06-11 12:51:48 (1 comments, 6 reshares, 117 +1s)

"As inspirational in the flesh as he was on the page" - so says crime writer Christopher Brookmyre of the late Iain Banks: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-22855905

He says Banks showed that "intelligent, literary fiction could include grand adventure, dark humour, unrefined phonetic dialect and even… whisper it… spaceships."

Brookmyre also pays tribute to him for empowering Scots "feeling culturally muffled and patronised" in the Thatcher era.

2013-06-11 09:03:55 (24 comments, 45 reshares, 307 +1s)

Can you really improve on Mother Nature? A grass-free lawn in a London public park? Watch here http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-22846419

Daisies, thyme, chamomile, pennyroyal and Corsican mint have all been used to create a "pollinator-friendly patchwork".

PhD researcher Lionel Smith - whose bio-diverse brainchild it is - reckons it has 25% more insect life than that found in traditionally managed lawns.

2013-06-10 15:21:34 (111 comments, 181 reshares, 485 +1s)

Cyborg cockroaches? This sounds like the stuff of fantasy but it's not: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-22786371

A tiny 'backpack' attached to the insect communicates with neurons in its antennae - the cockroach's movements can then be controlled via a mobile or other device.

The experiment is a neuroscience learning tool and creator Greg Gage believes it imposes no pain on the insect.

2013-06-10 11:19:11 (32 comments, 49 reshares, 401 +1s)

Nasa's Opportunity rover has made what may be one of its biggest discoveries on Mars: rock laden with clay minerals: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-22832673

This indicates that the rock - dubbed Esperance - has been altered through prolonged contact with water.

The result complements nicely that of Nasa's newer rover Curiosity - it has also identified clays at its landing site almost half-way around the planet's equator.

2013-06-10 08:47:29 (17 comments, 11 reshares, 174 +1s)

The next few days could make or break the biggest names in video gaming: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-22801310

This year's E3 - that's Electronic Entertainment Expo - signals the next phase of living room domination as the first set of next-generation games consoles for seven years takes centre stage.

There is a lot at stake in an industry worth an estimated $18.3bn (£11.8bn). Where are the next big steps likely to be and what specifically are you looking forward to?

2013-06-09 15:54:46 (94 comments, 132 reshares, 340 +1s)

Best-selling Scottish author Iain Banks has died aged 59: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-22835047

He was best known for his novels The Wasp Factory, The Crow Road and Complicity.

In April, he announced he was suffering from terminal gall bladder cancer and said he was unlikely to live for more than a year.

2013-06-09 12:46:48 (162 comments, 43 reshares, 205 +1s)

"Law-abiding" citizens have "nothing to fear" from British intelligence gathering, the UK's foreign secretary has said: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-22832263

It comes amid claims that the eavesdropping centre GCHQ has had access to a US spy programme called Prism since June 2010.

Would you be comfortable if governments asked companies like Google and Facebook for information about you?

2013-06-09 09:46:49 (164 comments, 186 reshares, 548 +1s)

Swedish male train drivers have been wearing skirts to work: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-22828150

Why? It's hot, and shorts are banned.

Do you ever think dress codes are unfair towards men or women?

2013-06-08 12:06:16 (51 comments, 26 reshares, 232 +1s)

The speed limit? 30, 40, 50... Eight different speed limits are dotted on one mile of road in the village of Zouch in Nottinghamshire: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-nottinghamshire-22728917

The council says it introduced the limits for safety reasons.

But could they confuse drivers? Are speed limits the best way to ensure safety?

2013-06-08 07:55:53 (257 comments, 128 reshares, 661 +1s)

The first black South African President Nelson Mandela has been admitted to hospital: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-22824988

His condition is "serious but stable" as he battles the recurrence of a lung infection.

The South African presidency spokesman told the BBC that doctors are doing everything they can "to make him comfortable and better".

Photo taken in 2000.

2013-06-07 15:06:26 (109 comments, 126 reshares, 606 +1s)

"I'm not clever!" Meet the 13-year-old girl with a higher IQ than Stephen Hawking: bbc.co.uk/realtime

2013-06-07 12:04:27 (105 comments, 87 reshares, 689 +1s)

The Queen makes a dramatic entrance on BBC News - appearing behind newsreaders live on air as she officially opened the BBC's new headquarters: http://bbc.in/194t5Am
PICTURES: http://bbc.in/18aF3c9

2013-06-07 10:04:49 (32 comments, 26 reshares, 178 +1s)

What tricks do "ethical hackers" use to test a company's cyber-defences? We asked a professional penetration tester to reveal his secrets - and the answers were surprising. Such as dressing up in disguise, or hiding a camera in a Starbucks coffee cup: http://bbc.in/188HtYQ

2013-06-06 18:14:26 (15 comments, 33 reshares, 130 +1s)

Backers of the cheap mini-computer Raspberry Pi have released downloadable software to make it easier for users to get started: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-22796724

Some critics complain that the device, designed to encourage youngsters to do more programming, is being "dumbed down".

Do you agree with the move to make it more user-friendly? If you yourself have one, how are you using it?

2013-06-06 15:54:41 (43 comments, 30 reshares, 145 +1s)

Users could soon be asked to pull faces to unlock their Android tablets or phones.

Google has filed a patent suggesting users stick out their tongue or wrinkle their nose in place of a password - it says doing this could prevent the existing Face Unlock facility being fooled by photos.

It is unclear if the suggested technology would ever be
implemented but would you welcome it? What else would you suggest to boost security?

http://bbc.in/ZRIEbF

2013-06-06 09:09:33 (58 comments, 22 reshares, 174 +1s)

President Obama faces continuing pressure to close Guantanamo Bay and make arrangements for the 86 detainees, who have been cleared for release.

The BBC's Jonathan Beale is at the US military prison in Cuba, reporting on the ongoing hunger strike - the longest in its history.

He'll be taking your questions in a live Q&A at 15:30 BST (14:30 GMT, 10:30 EST) http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-22795317

What would you like to ask him?

2013-06-05 17:47:14 (111 comments, 32 reshares, 236 +1s)

A mouse-sized fossil from China is offering insights into the origin of primates: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-22770646

At 55 million years old, it represents the earliest known member of this broad group of animals that includes humans.

Scientists call the diminutive creature Archicebus, which roughly translates as "ancient monkey". They say its skeleton helps explain the branching that occurred at the very base of the primate evolutionary tree.

2013-06-05 13:24:36 (62 comments, 155 reshares, 426 +1s)

A remote-control helicopter has been guided through an obstacle course by the power of thought. Sound like science fiction? It's not. <<http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-22764978>>

A US-based team has devised a "cap" holding 64 electrodes - it "teaches" a computer about brain patterns linked to thoughts of movement. The computer is then set up to run the helicopter over wi-fi.

What do you think the practical applications of this development could be?

2013-06-05 09:23:07 (49 comments, 21 reshares, 137 +1s)

Where will cybercriminals turn to with their money now that Liberty Reserve, the anonymous internet payment system, has been taken down?  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-22766406

The BBC has spoken to experts around the world - they feel sure that the criminals will quickly adapt and find some other way of getting their ill-gotten gains from point A to point B.

What do you think should be done - and do you have any confidence that the internet can ever be adequately policed?

2013-06-04 09:59:17 (41 comments, 20 reshares, 166 +1s)

What's your favourite piece of art?  And why do you like it so much?

The BBC's arts editor, Will Gompertz, is hosting a live hangout on our Google+ page today - it will be the next post you see from us.

He's keen to hear your views and questions about what makes art iconic or special, as he explains here:  http://bbc.in/11drD5K 

Leave your questions below and then join us here at 13:00 GMT (that's 09:00 in New York, 14:00 in London and 21:00 in Hong Kong).

You may be contacted by +Benjamin Zand or +Deirdre Finnerty, who are the producers working on this hangout.

2013-06-03 17:36:19 (18 comments, 23 reshares, 181 +1s)

It is 10 years since the Mars Express probe was launched on its journey around the 'red planet' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-22754128

It has detected water-altered minerals, and cameras on board have mapped over 95% of the planet's surface - it is still going strong, despite only ever being planned as a two-year mission. 

Do you think the mission is significant? If so, what do you think should be the next stage in enhancing our understanding of Mars? 

2013-06-03 15:13:11 (15 comments, 33 reshares, 184 +1s)

A laptop running both Windows 8 and Android is among the devices unveiled ahead of a major technology conference in Taiwan.

Other launches promised for the Computex show include a combined mouse/touchpad (pictured), and a three-in-one desktop, laptop and tablet device.

Have a look at some of the designs http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-22751326 and let us know which you think will take off - and which are non-starters.

2013-06-03 14:50:14 (41 comments, 44 reshares, 272 +1s)

How many photos do you have on your computer or phone? Perhaps thousands?

If you spend ages wading through files to locate images from a holiday or a night out, our video could help: http://bbc.in/11cQwyB

It shows how to add digital information to pictures so you don't have as much trouble finding the one you want.

How helpful would you find this kind of filing system? And do you think people take too many photos, now so many mobile devices come with cameras?

2013-06-03 08:47:27 (44 comments, 70 reshares, 178 +1s)

How safe is your webcam?  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-22689158

Hackers are using increasingly sophisticated techniques to trick even the most savvy of web users, and gain control of their computers.

And, as a Swedish security analyst explains in this video, failing to update software such as Java can leave you vulnerable.

How much protection does your computer have?

2013-06-02 14:16:55 (55 comments, 67 reshares, 340 +1s)

In the wake of Spain's property crash, hundreds of thousands of homes have been repossessed. While one regional government says it will seize repossessed properties from the banks, a little town is doing away with mortgages altogether. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-22701384

In Marinaleda, residents like 42-year-old father-of-three, David Gonzalez Molina, are building their own homes. However, when his new house is finished he will have paid "absolutely nothing".

2013-06-02 08:11:16 (115 comments, 94 reshares, 358 +1s)

Doctor Who star Matt Smith is to leave his role as the Doctor at the end of this year, the BBC has announced. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-22741493

After four years as the Time Lord on the BBC One show, viewers will see Smith's Doctor regenerate in the 2013 Christmas special. The 30-year-old actor said working on the show had been "the most brilliant experience". 

Who should be the 12th Doctor?

2013-06-01 14:53:07 (76 comments, 139 reshares, 620 +1s)

Scientists have discovered that about one in thirteen people have flexible ape-like feet. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-22728014

A team studied the feet of 398 visitors to the Boston Museum of Science.

The results show differences in foot bone structure similar to those seen in fossils of a member of the human lineage from two million years ago.

2013-06-01 11:29:18 (89 comments, 56 reshares, 213 +1s)

For 10 years Claire - not her real name - heard voices shouting and telling her she was no good, as well as ordering her to buy alcohol and cigarettes. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-22720248

The medication Claire was prescribed made life bearable but the voice did not stop. Three years of psychotherapy didn't silence it either. In fact, Claire wondered if talking about the voice actually made it worse.

Having run out of conventional options for dealing with her voice, she was put in contact with Professor Julian Leff from University College London. He planned to ask patients to build avatars of their tormentors, selecting voices and faces using customised software.

For Claire, avatar therapy did not stop the voice entirely but it is now much quieter and her life has improved in many ways. 

2013-06-01 08:31:08 (24 comments, 31 reshares, 243 +1s)

Planning a fairytale wedding used to be so simple - meet handsome prince, spend big bucks, live happily every after. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-22556404

Enjoying their big day with friends and family may no longer be enough for the modern couple thanks to the rise of the wedding blog.

2013-05-31 15:24:31 (71 comments, 79 reshares, 406 +1s)

Oranges and lemons were restricted to expectant mothers and young children. Carrot on a stick was our alternative to Wall's Ice Cream. And for years you couldn't get a Mars bar in the North of England.

Travel back in time with our audio slide-show, celebrating the 60th anniversary of sugar and sweets finally coming off the ration.

http://bbc.in/10MGVQ3

(Picture courtesy of Getty Images)

2013-05-31 12:01:40 (27 comments, 38 reshares, 128 +1s)

What makes art iconic?   Your chance to be part of the conversation with our Arts Editor, Will Gompertz, on Tuesday 4th June at 13:00GMT/14:00BST

The details: http://bbc.in/12TnI0q