The vehicle involved was a small, grey or light-coloured hatchback and officers said it was "likely to have front-end damage as a result of the collision".

BBC: Owen Wightman hit-and-run: Crimestoppers offer reward

Dr Hoch's team extended this idea, arguing that as a plant starts to disassemble its light-gathering apparatus in preparation for winter, its leaves become particularly sensitive to light damage.

ECONOMIST: The science of autumn

Current ultraviolet light laser treatments can kill micro-organisms - but cannot be used in humans as they would also damage cells in the body.

BBC: Cell infected with HIV