Other theorists, such as Georgi Dvali of New York University and Joao Magueijo of Imperial College, London, say a changing alpha might come from a hitherto unknown force of nature that could modify the law of gravity.

ECONOMIST: Fundamental physics

Dr Magiorkinis, who did the work in collaboration with the University of Athens and Imperial College London, said the model had helped build a "solid argument" to improve early diagnosis and antiviral treatment in drug users.

BBC: Spread of hepatitis C pinpointed

Exeter University has now joined Imperial College, London, and the University of Cambridge in stating its intention to charge maximum fees from September 2012.

BBC: Wales could spend ?2.3bn on student grants in 9 years

The Association of University Teachers (AUT) believes that cuts being considered by the school of medicine at Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine in London will damage the quality of teaching.

BBC: Call to save medical school jobs

Aston, Bath, Belfast Queens University, Birmingham, Bristol, Cambridge, Cardiff, Durham, Edinburgh, Exeter, Glasgow, Lancaster, Leeds, Liverpool, London Imperial College, London King's College, London School of Economics, London University College, Loughborough, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham, Oxford, Reading, Sheffield, Southampton, St Andrews, Strathclyde, Warwick and York.

BBC: Students fear harsh jobs market