New H7N9 bird flu death confirmed in China: hospital
A Chinese woman infected with the deadly H7N9 bird flu virus died of multiple organ failure, a Beijing hospital said, bringing the total fatalities from the disease to 45.
Big animals crucial for soil fertility: study
The mass extinction of large animals in the Pleistocene era caused today's dearth of soil nutrients, scientists said Sunday, and warned of further damage if modern giants like the elephant disappear.
Abbott vows to be Australia's 'PM for Aborigines'
Australian conservative leader Tony Abbott pledged Saturday to spend one week every year in a remote indigenous community if elected, saying he wanted to be the "prime minister for Aboriginal affairs".
10 August 2013
Critically ill Mandela 'more alert' every day: daughter
Nelson Mandela is becoming more alert and more responsive by the day, his youngest daughter said Friday, adding that the anti-apartheid hero is "not going anywhere anytime soon".
10 August 2013
Monasteries decline as TV and smartphones grip Bhutan
Kencho Tshering, a red-robed Buddhist monk, takes a call from the King of Bhutan's office, then duly dashes off to start a ceremony praying for a break in the monsoon rains.
Philippine oil spill turns Manila Bay red
A diesel oil spill spread a large reddish stain over Manila Bay in the Philippines' capital on Friday, posing potential health and environmental hazards.
Camel may be MERS virus host: study
Researchers on Friday pointed to the Arabian camel as a possible host of the deadly human MERS virus plaguing the Middle East.