Beijing highlights UN role in political solutions for Syria

GENEVA - A senior Chinese diplomat on Wednesday welcomed the upcoming peace talks on Syria in Geneva and stressed the role of the United Nations in the mediation to end the lasting conflict in the war-torn country.

Professor has taken 'selfie' every day for 30 years

BOSTON - Long before they were called selfies, Karl Baden snapped a simple black and white photo of himself. Then he repeated it, every day, for the next three decades.

IN BRIEF (Page 12)

Women staying ahead of men as life gets longer

LONDON - While most people born in rich countries will live longer by 2030 - with women in South Korea projected to reach nearly 91 - Americans will continue to have one of the lowest life expectancies of any developed country, a new study predicts.

Fly in, stress out for workers

SYDNEY - Workers who are employed on a fly-in, fly-out basis become less engaged and more stressed over the course of their work cycle, Australian researchers have found.

Robots on a roll in Estonia's high-tech delivery revolution

TALLINN - A knee-high, black-and-white buggy rolls down a snowy sidewalk in Estonia's capital and, carefully avoiding pedestrians, stops obediently at the red traffic light of a large intersection.

Mixed message for women and minorities ahead of Oscar bash

LOS ANGELES - Women and minorities are faring better in Hollywood and feature prominently at this year's upcoming Oscars, but they are still woefully underrepresented overall in the entertainment industry, according to a report issued on Tuesday.

Ninja steps up as Japan's next big tourism hope

TOKYO - Japan is turning to those hooded samurai-era acrobatic spies known as ninja to woo tourism.

Carnival revelers hunt for bargains in crisis

RIO DE JANEIRO - Instead of costly and elaborate costumes with glittering sequins, expect more cheap get-ups featuring fake mustaches, hats and tiaras at this year's Carnival.

Scientists bank on new runway for Antarctica access

SYDNEY - Australian scientists are considering plans for a year-round runway in Antarctica to improve access to research sites.

Bride and joy of Nollywood hints at healthy future

LAGOS - Nigerian film The Wedding Party has shown the country's cinema at the top of its game, with its success at the box office taking it to new audiences across Africa and the world.

Slain dogs used to promote pet death felony legislation

FLORIDA, NEW YORK - When Denise Krohn came home to find her goldendoodle Kirby bleeding on the kitchen floor, she at first thought it was a terrible accident.