New research into the full genomes of Galápagos finches has revealed an important gene for the beak shape of the birds. The research has also revealed three previously overlooked species.

Quito - Ecuador activated a state of emergency Wednesday at the famous Galapagos Islands, authorities said, a week after the stranding of a cargo ship loaded with supplies that included hazardous materials.

The Dalai Lama requested to meet Pope Francis but was refused the right to meet with him. The Dalai Lama was in Rome on Thursday for a Nobel Peace Prize winners' conference.

Surviving three years of global voting and competition from almost 1,200 other candidates, seven communities were announced Sunday as New7Wonders Cities.

Quito - Thousands of people marched Wednesday in Ecuador against the leftist government of President Rafael Correa, denouncing a move that would allow him to extend his rule beyond 2017.

Quito - Ecuador's Constitutional Court has given lawmakers the green light to set new rules on term limits that would allow President Rafael Correa to extend his rule beyond 2017.

Barcelona - The modern seven most wondrous cities of the world will be revealed Dec. 7 from a list of 14 finalists scattered throughout Earth's six inhabited continents.

Lima - Peru's National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology and History will display until October 12 a priceless mantle recovered from Gothenburg, Sweden. This textile piece ascribed to the Paracas culture is almost 2,000 years old and is in perfect condition.

Quito - At least 15 officers were wounded and multiple arrests were reported in Quito as thousands gathered for rallies for and against leftist President Rafael Correa, officials said.

Quito - After surviving a harrowing rape attempt, Any Hurtado took up boxing -- and found herself surrounded by other Ecuadoran women using their fists for protection in a country torn by sexual violence.

Quito - A shallow 5.1-magnitude earthquake struck the Ecuadoran capital Quito Tuesday, triggering landslides that killed at least two people and violently shaking buildings and homes.

Cairo - The Egyptian ruling military establishment dismantled Saturday the Freedom and Justice Party, political wing of the Muslim Brotherhood, signalling an end to the Islamists' prospects in politics.

Quito - Ecuadoran lawmakers proposed constitutional amendments to allow unlimited presidential terms, following a request from incumbent Rafael Correa.

Doha - The Inca Trail, a complex road network crossing six South American countries was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The award recognizes the historic and cultural significance of the ancient route used by the Incas and later by the conquistadors.

Rust - The representative of Colombia was selected as Miss World Cup Brazil 2014. The competition took place in Germany with participants representing the 32 countries playing in the group stage of the international soccer tournament in Brazil.

Quito - An Ecuadoran court sentenced exiled ex-president Jamil Mahuad to 12 years in jail for corruption.Mahuad, who served from 1998 to 2000, lives in the United States. Interpol has issued a warrant for his arrest.

Quito - Ecuador declared an environmental emergency in the Galapagos Islands Thursday, after a freighter carrying pollutants ran aground last week.

Polyurethane has long been considered non-biodegradable. However, a fungus has been found that can eat and digest the plastic. The fungus was found in the Amazon.

Quito - An Ecuadoran freighter ran aground in the Galapagos islands, but "for the moment" does not pose a threat to the Pacific archipelago's unique environment, the Galapagos National Park said.

Pichincha - Ecuador's election authority has rejected a petition for a referendum on oil exploration and development in Yasuni, a unique nature preserve in the Amazon rain forest.