Western powers react with scepticism to Syria's acceptance of UN envoy Kofi Annan's peace plan, as the UN says more than 9,000 have died in unrest.

Pope Benedict arrives in the Cuban capital Havana to meet President Raul Castro on the second day of his visit to the communist-run island.

US doctors have carried out what they say is the most extensive face transplant ever performed, by giving a man a new jaw, teeth and tongue.

The stance taken in England on replacing PIP breast implants - at the centre of a health scare - "flies in the face of common sense", MPs say.

The world's largest research databank for cleft lip and palate is being set up in the UK.

Business and conservation groups should be able to "unite behind" revised planning rules for England, says Communities Secretary Eric Pickles.

Plans to allow students to apply for university places after they receive their A-level grades have been dropped.

Playing music to patients while they go under the knife reduces their anxiety and may even improve healing, surgeons say.