The new study, published in the journal PNAS (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America), reports "chemical and sensory analysis" of the historic liquid. It was led by Prof Philippe Jeandet, from the University of Reims in Champagne-Ardenne, France.

During a survey in 2009, the Norwegian Coastal Administration (NCA) located some twenty wrecks in the area. A recent search revealed an additional 15 wrecks, taking the total to at least 35.

Most of the wrecks stem from the post-WW2 scuttling, but there were also some that we could not associate with this campaign, said chief scientist at Norway's Defence Research Institute, Petter Lågstad.

Some of the wrecks were obviously unrelated to the scuttling because of their size and age.

Are you in or around Plymouth (England) this coming Friday, 24th April 2015? Renowned photographer Dr Alex Mustard is opening the Underwater Photographer Of The Year (2015) Finalist Exhibition at the National Marine Aquarium. Alex is also going to be speaking on tales and techniques of this skilled practice. Doors open @ 18.00, tickets are free, but you must pre-register! Email mark.parry@national-aquarium.co.uk to secure your place.

Researchers from Jerusalem’s Hebrew University have filmed crawling octopuses to learn how the animals utilized their flexible arms when they move. Until now, scientists have struggled to understand how their elaborate crawling movements are coordinated. The answer proved remarkably simple: they just choose which arm to use to push themselves along without a trace of rhythm.