Science & Technology Column, Arts & Leisure, Politics & Policy, Money

A Slice Of BRCA - Busting The Gene Monopoly

The long-running litigation over patents for two genes associated with hereditary breast and ovarian cancers - BRCA1 and BRCA2 (pronounced bracka-1 and bracka-2), granted to Myriad Genetics Inc. ended Thursday with the Supreme Court issuing a mixed ruling in the case.

New Layer Of Human Cornea Discovered - Time To Rewrite Textbooks?

It has traditionally been thought that cornea of human eye consists of 5 layers starting from the top to bottom namely, epithelium, Bowman's layer, stroma, Descemet's membrane and endothelium. But it's time for a rewrite now as scientists at the University of Nottingham have discovered a new layer in the cornea.

Tracing The Carbon Footprint Of Running Shoes...

Carbon footprint - a measure of the total greenhouse gas emissions caused directly and indirectly by a person, organization, event or product, is a consumer oriented concept that has received much discussion over the last several years. China is said to be the world's largest greenhouse-gas emitter, followed by the U.S.

Arts & Leisure

'Man Of Steel' Soars To June Record $113 Million Opening

With $113 million over the weekend and another $12 million from Thursday screenings, "Man of Steel" racked up $125 million in total in its first few days in theaters, not only setting the June record but giving Warner Brothers the potential for a lucrative new franchise. Also hitting theaters was "This is the End," an R-rated comedy that brought in a steady $20 million over the weekend.

'Man Of Steel' Poised For Big Opening Weekend At The Box Office

With great release timing and an enormous marketing push from Warner Brothers, franchise-hopeful "Man of Steel" hits theaters this weekend with expectations of posting one of the biggest openings of the year as it reaches roughly 4,200 venues across the country. Also getting launched this week is "This is the End," an R-rated screwball comedy.

'The Purge' Shocks Box Office, Hauls In Chart-Topping $36 Million

Even with a production budget of just $3 million and a relatively small release of only 2,536 theaters, "The Purge" hit a home run with thrill-seeking audiences over the weekend, earning a spectacular $36 million according to early studio estimates. While "The Purge" easily found its target audience, "The Internship" struggled to make much of an impact in theaters.

'The Internship' Could Knock 'Fast & Furious' Out Of Top Box Office Spot

After two weeks of dominance from "Fast & Furious 6," Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson's comedy "The Internship" looks like it's in great shape to finish the weekend as the top overall box office draw as it hits an expected 3,000 total theaters. Another title getting launched this weekend is "The Purge," an R-rated horror-thriller starring Ethan Hawke and Lena Headey.

Politics & Policy

High Disapproval Rating For Congress Reflects Frustration With Gridlock

A significant majority of Americans disapprove of the way Congress is handling its job, according to the results of a Gallup poll released on Wednesday, with many citing ongoing partisan gridlock. The poll found that 78 percent of Americans disapprove of Congress' job performance, while just 17 percent approve.

Obama Outlines Counterterrorism Policy To Confront Shifting Threats

President Barack Obama delivered a highly-anticipated speech on his administration's evolving counterterrorism policies on Thursday, suggesting that the U.S. needs to move away from a "boundless global war on terror." More than a decade after the 9/11 attacks, Obama argued that the terrorist threat has shifted and evolved.

Poll Shows Gun Laws, Immigration Reform Low On List Of Priorities

While gun laws and immigration reform have attracted a lot of attention on Capitol Hill in recent months, the results of a new Gallup poll suggest that the American people want lawmakers to focus more on creating jobs and growing the economy.

Money

World Bank Cuts Global Economic Outlook

The World Bank lowered its growth forecasts for the global economy on Thursday, citing deeper-than-expected recession in the euro area and muted growth in developing countries. Releasing the June edition of the Global Economic Prospects, the lender said it now expects the world economy to grow 2.2 percent this year, decelerating from the 2.3 percent expansion in 2012.

Australia Ranked As World's Happiest Nation Among Developed Economies

For the third consecutive year, Australia has been ranked as the world's happiest nation among developed economies. Australia was followed by Sweden, Canada, Norway and Switzerland in the Better Life Index compiled by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). OECD created the "Your Better Life Index" to support policy making to improve the quality of life.

Why Hair Dye Manufacturers Need To Worry...

Although getting gray hair is natural, not everyone likes to have it. As soon as the first strand of gray hair appears, people begin to color their hair. Now, here's a breakthrough finding that may spell excitement for people who are going gray but may stir worries among hair dye manufacturers.

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