Scientists solve mystery of universe 11.05.05 The Planck probe has shown what the universe was like when it was less than a second old   Homeboys hit the streets 16.04.05 BRITAIN IS bringing back national service ­ but only for the under-18s Barbie queue 05.12.05 TOY SHOPS across the British Isles have been forced to ration the Living Barbies dolls that help children with their homework   The Union ends here 12.05.05 THE SCOTS have voted overwhelmingly to leave the Union ­ and to fight to reclaim North Sea oil rights Dry cleaning 18.07.05 AFTER THE bagless vacuum cleaner, drought-affected English homes welcome the waterless washing machine

The break-up of Iraq is likely following the death of Saddam Hussein in April of natural causes. The UN strategy of maintaining the integrity of Iraq ­ by containing Saddam while leaving him in power ­ collapsed as fighting broke out in Baghdad. The Republican Guard looks set to win the war for the central region; the Joint Kurdish Liberation Front holds the north; and Iranian troops invited into the south to protect their co-religionists will, says Tehran, remain until a strong regional government has been established there. MD Drink-driving convictions should fall with the introduction of an instant breathalyser. A hologram on the disposable card picks up traces of alcohol on the breath and displays the result. Breath-Holysers, which are approved by the Police Association, are available from chemists and from vending machines in pubs. SC President Mbeki of South Africa is leading a five-nation call for a weapons convention banning all nuclear weapons within five years. Australia, Mexico, Sweden, Japan and South Africa are appealing to all UN member states to sign up to this radical disarmament plan, following the devastating civil war in Russia two years ago. PR