Head-to-head match-ups

More women want to carpool with Obama than McCain

Women would rather carpool or go on vacation with Democratic White House hopeful Barack Obama than with his Republican rival John McCain, a new poll of US women voters showed on Tuesday.

Once is enough to hook smokers: Study

For some people, one cigarette is all it takes to become hooked on nicotine, while others are repelled by it.

Australia's birth rate at 25-yr high

Australia's birth rate has hit a 25-year high, but government urgings to "have one for mum, one for dad, and one for the country", and cash payments for newborns have had little impact, a new study has found.

'Unfinished Canvas' of Berlin draws artists of all colors

If you're an artist and you dream of honing your skills alone in a tiny garret, hungry and cold but filled with inspiration, then Berlin may not be for you.

News Makers

Fuel-cell industry pioneer dies at 76

Hiroshima atomic bomb anniversary remembered

Tens of thousands bowed their heads at a ceremony in the Japanese city of Hiroshima yesterday, the 63rd anniversary of the world's first atomic attack, as the city's mayor hit out at countries that refuse to abandon their bombs.

Chinese ambassador attends memorial service

A Chinese diplomat made an unprecedented appearance at the 63rd anniversary of the world's first nuclear attack in the Japanese city of Hiroshima yesterday.

Scientists: Salt in Mars soil is not bad for life

Traces of a rocket fuel ingredient found in the Martian soil would not necessarily hinder potential life, mission scientists said on Tuesday.

US says Iraq spends little oil cash on post-war reconstruction efforts

Iraq has spent little of its growing oil revenues on rebuilding its war-ravaged infrastructure, while the United States has paid billions of dollars for reconstruction, a new US report said on Tuesday.

Business International

Corn leaps to record on US floods

Corn advanced to a record, extending its rally to a ninth session, as floods damaged crops in the US, the world's largest producer and exporter, threatening global food supplies.