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The Ecuadorian government has temporarily cut internet access for the WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, who has been living in its London embassy for four years. Officials said he had recently released classified material that would have an impact on the American presidential elections.

From the red soil of Uganda, these farmers are unearthing an unlikely solution to a silent killer. Orange flesh sweet potatoes are rich in beta-carotene, needed to prevent Vitamin A deficiency; an affliction that leads to the death of an estimated 670,000 people globally every year. In Uganda 32% of children under five are estimated to suffer from Vitamin A deficiency. Scientists here are hoping to change that. Through a technique called biofortification, they interbred sweet potatoes from across the world to produce the most nutrient-rich variety.

Work has officially begun on a new British polar research ship, the RRS Sir David Attenborough, named after the broadcaster and naturalist. The vessel is perhaps best known for the online vote to name it, which saw the public choose ‘Boaty McBoatface’ after a social media campaign hijacked the poll. Once complete, the vessel will conduct crucial scientific research in both the Arctic and the Antarctic.