Reuters Video: In Depth

Drought blamed for fall of Mayan civilization

Tue, 15 May 2012 16:12:00 +0100

May 15 - Researchers in Mexico say the mighty Mayan civilization that thrived in central America for 2700 years from 1800 BC, might have been brought down by climate change. Based on research deep underground, the scientists say there's evidence of long-term drought during the period of population decline. Tara Cleary reports.

Ancient city of Jericho boasts new, eco-friendly walls

Tue, 15 May 2012 14:29:00 +0100

May 15 - Developers in the West Bank's Jericho, the world's lowest lying city, are building an the first ever eco-housing project in the Palestinian territories.The homes are designed to offset searing summer temperatures and put a modern face on the ancient city. Joel Flynn reports.

Commercializing crocodile conservation

Tue, 15 May 2012 10:51:00 +0100

May 15 - A commercial crocodile farm in Mexico is striking a balance between business and conservation to help protect the region's endangered Morelet crocodile. The reptile is under threat from habitat loss and poaching but the farm is helping the species thrive in the wild. Tara Cleary reports.

Doctors credit stem cell therapy for saving girl's life

Mon, 14 May 2012 16:48:00 +0100

May 14 - An experimental stem cell treatment has, according to doctors, saved the life of a seven-year old Romanian girl with a deadly bone marrow disease. The treatment was used as a last resort after two bone marrow transplant operations failed and has proven so successful that the little girl is getting ready to return home from hospital. Jim Drury reports.

Sky’s the limit for China instant buildings

Mon, 14 May 2012 17:38:00 +0100

May 14 - A Chinese company builds a low-carbon, three-story building from scratch in just over a week using a unique system of prefabricated modules, but its ambitious CEO has much larger plans. Maxim Duncan reports.

Zambians say "ni hao" to get a job

Mon, 14 May 2012 01:18:00 +0100

May 14 - By the end of 2010 China had invested an estimated 2 billion US dollars in Zambia, and now learning Mandarin is becoming increasingly popular with local workers to give them the competitive edge in the job market. Ciara Sutton reports

Denver zoo embraces the power of dung

Sun, 13 May 2012 15:52:00 +0100

May 13 - The Denver Zoo is vying to become the greenest zoo in the world with the installation of a new energy system run entirely on waste. Using a process called gasification, engineers at the zoo have developed a technique they say will convert animal dung and human trash into enough energy to run the zoo's new 10 acre elephant exhibit. Ben Gruber reports

Orangutans go ape over iPads

Fri, 11 May 2012 22:24:00 +0100

May 11 - Orangutans at the Jungle Island Zoo in Florida are learning to use iPads to identify object like body parts and food. The hi-tech approach to communication is modeled on a system used successfully with autistic children. The zoo is hoping it will help visitors connect with the apes and promote awareness of their endangered status in the wild. Ben Gruber paid them a visit.

World's rarest gorilla makes camera-trap debut

Wed, 09 May 2012 14:11:00 +0100

May 9 - Video images of the world's rarest and most endangered gorilla species, the Cross River gorilla, have been captured by a forest camera-trap for the first time. There are thought to be no more than 300 Cross River gorillas in the wild and conservationists hope the footage will prompt efforts to help save the species from extinction. Rob Muir reports.

Rain hits UK retailers

Wed, 09 May 2012 16:37:00 +0100

May 9 - British retail sales posted their biggest fall in more than a year in April. Wet weather was blamed for putting off shoppers, but growth in the number of people placed in permanent jobs also slowed, raising the risk of another quarter of economic contraction. Joanna Partridge reports.