expand the threads.

View menu (alt+V) > Threads > expand all.

This isn't a viable answer. Expanding the threads results in over 120 pages of data from a typical newsgroup - just not viable. What I'm looking for is a collapsed thread page where it is clearly obvious with less than very good eyesight, which threads have changed - and changed includes a brand new thread.

It seems to be that this is most simply achieved by replacing underlining by emboldening. The only objection to this might be the loss of differentiation between brand new and updated threads - but is this really of any importance?

If this is not a current option, I look forward to an early update to Thunderbird

I suggest you file an enhancement bug in bugzilla then, cause an update will not happen unless someone requests it, if at all. https://bugzilla.mozilla.org/

Thanks. I'll do that.

also found this https://groups.google.com/forum/#!topic/mozilla.support.thunderbird/B0-HDq7Uems

some information on userchrome here http://kb.mozillazine.org/index.php?title=UserChrome.css&printable=yes Not the folder and file do not exist, you must create both.

Many thanks for that. So it is just not me having sight problems! I agree with the chap who criticises the use of colour. I'll press on with the, I think, better solution based upon "If it has changed since last you last looked, it is in bold"