NYC battles soaring drug overdoses

New data from the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene show that from 2010 to 2013, drug overdose deaths in the metropolis increased by 41 percent - from 8.2 to 11.6 per 100,000 New Yorkers.

Singapore 'debarking' idea angers dog lovers

A suggestion by Singapore's public housing authority that owners of noisy dogs consider "debarking" their pets to avoid inconveniencing neighbors has raised animal lovers' hackles in the city-state and prompted much ridicule on social media.

Phone apps to monitor heart for elderly people get approval

For the growing US elderly population, tracking heart health via a smartphone can mean the difference between life and death.

US waffles as Syria refugees top 3 million

UN official calls crisis the 'biggest humanitarian emergency of our era'

Peacekeepers to use 'deadly force'

Seventy-five Filipino members of a UN peacekeeping force besieged by Syrian rebels on the Golan Heights are ready to use "deadly force" to defend themselves, their commander in Manila said on Friday.

Australia seeks surrogacy case aid

Australia urged Thailand on Friday to allow Australian couples with babies birthed by Thai surrogate mothers to return home with their children following a crackdown on commercial surrogacy that has left many couples in limbo.

Malaysia Airlines to cut 6,000 in radical overhaul

Malaysia Airlines will slash nearly a third of its 20,000-strong workforce and cut back its global route network as part of a radical 6 billion ringgit ($1.9 billion) restructuring following the devastating impact of back-to-back jetliner disasters.

Putin urges release of Ukrainian soldiers

Humanitarian situation 'alarming', fighting killed nearly 2,600, UN says

PM: Ukraine wants to seek NATO membership

Ukraine's Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk said on Friday that his government is seeking to join NATO and is submitting a bill to parliament to end the country's official "non-bloc" policy.

Scientists probe Ebola's deadly genes for clues

Scientists tracking the spread of Ebola across West Africa released 99 sequenced genomes of the deadly and highly contagious hemorrhagic virus on Thursday, hoping the data might accelerate diagnosis and treatment.

Illegal giant African snails invading US

The giant African snail damages buildings, destroys crops and can cause meningitis in humans. But some people still want to collect, and even eat, the slimy invaders.

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