Kashmir Quake stories
Immunization race starts in quake-hit Pakistan
Doctors in Kashmir have begun a campaign to immunize 800,000 children against potentially killer diseases such as diphtheria, measles, polio, tetanus and whooping cough. They will try to reach all children in the earthquake-struck region before winter bites.
Bird flu stories
Vietnam study shows bird flu virus mutating: report
Vietnamese scientists believe that the deadly H5N1 influenza virus has mutated into a more dangerous form that could breed more effectively in mammals. They say that the virus has also developed resistance to anti-flu agents Amatadine and Rimantadine.
China has its own version of bird flu drug: media
China says it has developed a drug similar to Tamiflu for treatment of patients with bird flu. Shikimic acid, a basic ingredient of Tamiflu, comes from the pod of the star-shaped anise fruit which is grown in China, or through fermentation. China is monitoring of patients with pneumonia from unknown causes to determine whether influenza, SARS or bird flu is to blame.
Indonesia Suspects Bird Flu Killed Woman
Indonesia has another suspected death from bird flu. Tests were being undertaken Monday. She lived near chickens that died from the disease.
Hurricane stories
Big Easy Fighting Epic Battle Against Mold, Â Accidents, Mold Pose Risk to Storm Victims
Owners of the big houses of New Orleans have brought in experts to carefully dry out their houses and the contents at great expense. Poorer people have stripped out everything that's wet and are applying bleach. Many in New Orleans are dealing with the same problem; mould. Doing the work themselves has led to many residents having accidents. A lot have also developed coughs, though with fewer cars the air is in some ways cleaner than normal.
Ex-New Orleans Police Officer Arrested
A former New Orleans police officer has been arrested while driving a stolen truck. He resigned early in September after having been absent for duty, but had a police issue pistol on him.
Other stories
Iowans Return to Find Homes Destroyed
At least one person was killed when two tornadoes swept across two counties Saturday late afternoon, two were injured, and others forced to evacuate because of a natural gas leak. Around 40 homes were destroyed.
GOP's Legislative Agenda Losing Steam
The Republican-controlled Congress is finding it harder to get the majority it needs for its legislative agenda. Possible casualties include oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR), and cuts to offset at some of the billions spent cleaning and rebuilding after Hurricane Katrina and other storms.
Calif. May Build Tunnel in Quake Region
There is so much traffic along the eastern rim of Los Angeles' suburban ring that planners are considering a long tunnel close to a fault that produced a 6.0-magnitude earthquake about 100 years ago.
Weather, Diseases Threaten Fla. Citrus
Urbanization, hurricanes and diseases are all taking their toll on Florida's citrus industry. Not only have hurricanes in the last two years directly damaged the crops, but they have also helped spread citrus canker.
Pa. May Let Hunters Use Prehistoric Weapon
The Pennsylvania Game Commission is currently drafting proposed regulations to allow hunters to use the atlatl, a Stone Age handmade weapon made of wood that can propel a six-foot dart at up to 80 mph.
Cottonmouth moccasin
Photo courtesy of NASA
 |
Man Suspected of Trying to Sell Snake Meat
A restaurant owner bought a venomous cottonmouth moccasin and apparently prepared it for sale to his customers. The case is under investigation.
Time picks cloned dog as top invention
Time magazine's most amazing invention of 2005 was the first cloned dog, Snuppy. A bicycle with a hydrogen-powered fuel-cell engine was also featured.
N.J. Biologist Studies Ice-Hardy Worms
NASA has given a scientist a grant to study ice worms (Mesenchytraeus solifugus), a species that can live in freezing temperatures and survive two years without food.
Please see the following message for the remaining stories. Sue [sysop in NewsForum, World Issues, All Animals forums] | 
