Global Update: Meningitis Vaccine Gets Longer Window Without Refrigeration

In what may prove to be a major advance for Africa’s “meningitis belt,” regulatory authorities have decided that a new meningitis vaccine could be stored without refrigeration for up to four days. The announcement was made last week at a conference in Atlanta of the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. While a few days may seem trivial, the hardest part of protecting poor countries...

Read More..

DealBook: Ex-Trader Charged in $276 Million Insider Scheme

Federal prosecutors brought what they called “the most lucrative insider trading scheme ever charged,” filing a criminal case on Tuesday against a former trader at a unit of the hedge fund SAC Capital.Mathew Martoma, a former trader at CR Intrinsic, a division of SAC Capital, was charged with making about $276 million in combined profits and avoided losses by obtaining confidential information about...

Read More..

Hamas Strengthens as Palestinian Authority Weakens

RAMALLAH, West Bank — In the daily demonstrations here of solidarity with Gaza, a mix of sympathy and anguish, there is something else: growing identification with the Islamist fighters of Hamas and derision for the Palestinian Authority, which Washington considers the only partner for peace with Israel. “Strike a blow on Tel Aviv!” proclaim the lyrics of a new hit song blasting from shops...

Read More..

Wranglers say 'Hobbit' animals died on unsafe farm

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Animal wranglers involved in the making of "The Hobbit" movie trilogy say the production company is responsible for the deaths of up to 27 animals, largely because they were kept at a farm filled with bluffs, sinkholes and other "death traps."The American Humane Association, which is overseeing animal welfare on the films, says no animals were harmed during the actual...

Read More..

Really?: The Claim: Eye Problems Can Cause Headaches in Children

Really?Anahad O’Connor tackles health myths.THE FACTS When a child complains of frequent headaches, many pediatricians order an eye exam. “In some pediatric ophthalmology practices, it’s a daily occurrence,” said Dr. Zachary Roth, a resident in ophthalmology at Albany Medical Center in New York.Often, a child may experience headaches while reading or doing schoolwork, leading parents to think the...

Read More..

Solar Power as Solution for Storm-Darkened Homes

When Hurricane Sandy wiped out the power in areas like coastal Long Island and the Jersey Shore, what should have been beacons of hope — hundreds of solar panels glinting from residential rooftops — became symbols of frustration. Robert Stolarik for The New York TimesR. David Gibbs of the nonprofit group Solar One directed volunteers in an installation at the Rockaway Beach Surf Club....

Read More..

Gaza Violence Is Unabating as Other Nations Push for Truce

GAZA CITY — Israeli forces killed at least 11 people, including several children, in a single airstrike that destroyed a home here on Sunday, as Israel pressed its bombardment of the Gaza Strip for a fifth day, deploying warplanes and naval vessels to pummel the coastal enclave. The airstrike, which the Israeli military said was meant to kill a Palestinian militant involved in the recent...

Read More..

Singing stars arrive for American Music Awards

Pink on a song with Lauryn Hill? The pop star hopes so.Pink said on the red carpet of the American Music Awards that she'd like to collaborate with the acclaimed singer-rapper.Cyndi Lauper said her musical playlist includes Pink, Nicki Minaj and Carly Rae Jepsen's "Call Me Maybe." Boy band The Wanted is excited to see "Gangnam Style" star PSY and Colbie Caillat wants to watch No Doubt rock the stage.The...

Read More..

News Analysis: Steroids and Back Pain: An Uneasy Match

RANDALL KINNAIRD’S legal clients had steroids injected into their backs last summer for a wide range of reasons. Of the 25, one got three shots in a two-month period when pain never totally disappeared. Another got one as a preventive measure because she was going on a trip to Europe and was worried that cobblestones would aggravate an old injury. Now the 25 — or their survivors — have...

Read More..

Machinima Using Game-Themed Videos to Lure Young Men

LOS ANGELES — Big Media’s hunt for young male viewers is not going so well. News Corporation is holding a fire sale for IGN, its online network aimed at guys. Disney XD, a cable channel for boys, is growing in popularity — among girls. Comcast’s game-focused G4 channel is retooling its entire programming strategy. Where are all the “lost boys,” as analysts sometimes call them? Increasingly,...

Read More..