A study by the University of Konstanz in Germany investigating the structure of sea urchins' spines at the nanometre scale has found that they are formed of crystal calcite 'bricks' and have a 'mortar' of formless lime. This gives them both their great strength and shock-absorbing qualities, and it is hoped that the discovery will contribute towards studies into making tougher and more fracture-resistant building materials. The study's findings are reported in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Image: BBC.

A 44-year-old elephant at the Royal Amsterdam Zoo has become the first in history to be fitted with a contact lens after an accidental injury to its cornea was sustained during play. Such innovative intervention was judged to be necessary because the injured eye did not stop watering, and the jumbo-sized contact lens was fitted in a procedure lasting approximately one hour. 
"Win Thida is the first elephant in Europe with a contact lens." a spokesperson for the Artis Zoo said on its website.

Edinburgh Zoo's oldest resident has died, aged 50. Ricky the Chimpanzee originally came to the Zoo in 1966 after arriving from a Merchant Navy vessel where he had been a mascot until such a posting was deemed inconsistent with his welfare. Keepers have said that "we will miss him dearly. Ricky was a character and his antics made him memorable to us, our volunteers and all the visitors who asked about Ricky on a daily basis."

Edinburgh Zoo has removed both of its pandas from public display after both contracted colic. The male, Yang Guang ('Sunshine') was affected first and with greater severity, and was taken from public display two weeks ago to ease his recovery. The female, Tian Tian ('Sweetie') has been diagnosed with a milder form of the condition. "We understand some visitors will be disappointed, however the welfare of our giant pandas has to be a priority. All visitors with panda tickets today have been fully refunded, welcomed into the Zoo for free and invited to re-book for a suitable future date" a spokeswoman said. Photo - Reuters, Rob McDougall.

A new tartan commissioned to commemorate the recent arrival of two pandas at Edinburgh Zoo has been unveiled. The timing was calculated for proximity to Burns Night and Chinese New Year. The Scottish Registrar of Tartans has approved the pattern, which includes black, white and grey (recalling the panda's iconic pelts), green (recalling bamboo) and three red lines (recalling the Chinese flag). Welcoming the news, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Zoo Hugh Roberts said "This significant and highly exciting project symbolically demonstrates the coming together of Scotland and China's heritage and culture - making it the perfect way to commemorate the gift of two giant pandas that China bestowed upon Scotland. Its unveiling on the overlap of two separate culturally significant days for both China and Scotland feels very appropriate and auspicious timing."

A baby pink elephant has been spotted amongst an 80-strong herd in the Okavango Delta of Botswana. Experts believe it is an albino variant, a mutation which is exceptionally rare in African elephants. Unfortunately, the precedent of blindness and skin problems caused by the sun has led to fears for the calves' survival. However, Dr Mike Chase of Elephants Without Borders has argued that there is still hope: "Because this elephant calf was sighted in the Okavango Delta, he may have a greater chance of survival. He can seek refuge under the large trees and cake himself in a thick mud, which will protect him from the sun. Already the two-to-three-month-old calf seems to be walking in the shade of its mother."