Ever since word of the Flame virus first got out the superlatives have come in thick and fast.

A massive cyber attack against Middle Eastern nations capable of sweeping up huge amounts of sensitive data has been discovered by security researchers who said it was most likely a state-sponsored spying attempt.

The full details of controversial research that led to the creation of a highly infectious form of birdflu virus – including the precise DNA sequence of the five mutations that transformed the virus – will be published despite fears that the work could be misused by bioterrorists, scientists said today.

Hackers from a group related to Anonymous launched a revenge attack against a security firm they claimed helped police to arrest "hacktivists" yesterday, leaving a message criticising "Sabu", the former head of LulzSec who turned FBI informant, betraying his colleagues.

Seasonal influenza is losing its grip.

Newly discovered flu molecules shared by most strains of the virus could help scientists develop a "universal vaccine", it was claimed today.

Why Fiat's new Panda can give VW's compact a run for its money

Dougie Freedman expected to endure a sleepless night last night in anticipation of the phone call this morning that could determine the prospects of his Crystal Palace side against Cardiff City in the first leg of the Carling Cup semi-final tonight.

Smartphone owners who use wi-fi on the go are increasingly vulnerable to fraudsters.

On our kitchen wall are photos of our two daughters as a toddler and a baby. The older one is in navy blue and dark green, the younger in a red-and-blue checked shirt and cute little red trousers. Only the other day, our 18-year-old asked, "Why did you dress us as boys when we were little, Mum?"

Ever since The Impressionist appeared in 2003, with its picaresque hero for post-colonial times, it was clear that Hari Kunzru's fiction was fuelled by an energetic intelligence. Along with a love of big ideas came narrative zest, verbal and comic flair, and an acute eye for contemporary mores both East and West. Is identity a fixed essence or a mimic matter assembled from conventions, the first novel asked.

Scotland Yard is to expand its inquiries into illegal news-gathering techniques at News International by launching a full-scale investigation into computer hacking, The Independent understands.

A 44-year-old man who had unprotected sex with his partner knowing he had HIV was jailed for four years today.