The brain damage that characterizes Alzheimer's disease may originate in a form similar to that of infectious prion diseases such as bovine spongiform encephalopathy (mad cow) and Creutzfeldt-Jakob, according to newly published research by The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. "Our findings open the possibility that some of the sporadic Alzheimer's cases may arise from an inf...

U.S. researchers suggested green tea may slow down weight gain and serve as another tool in the fight against obesity, Xinhua news agency reported. Obese mice fed a compound found in green tea along with a high-fat diet gained weight significantly more slowly than a control group of mice that did not receive the green tea supplement, according to U.S. Pennsylvania State University food scientist...

NEW YORK (AP) — In its 23rd year on TV, "The Simpsons" could be on the endangered species list. The show's producer said Tuesday the show can't continue under its current financial model, following a report that big pay cuts are being sought for the actors who provide voices for Homer, Marge and Bart Simpson and other characters. "We believe this brilliant series can and should continue, but we...

NEW YORK (AP) -- We all want a bite out of Apple, according to a report valuing global brands out Tuesday. The maker of the popular iPhone, iPad2, music players and computers was one of the biggest gainers in an annual marketing industry report on the top 100 global brands, jumping to No. 8 from No. 17, despite news that Chief Executive Steve Jobs is stepping down. "It isn't just the fact they ...

WASHINGTON (AP) — A prolonged sore throat once was considered a cancer worry mainly for smokers and drinkers. Today there‘s another risk: A sexually transmitted virus is fueling a rise in oral cancer. The HPV virus is best known for causing cervical cancer. But it can cause cancer in the upper throat, too, and a new study says HPV-positive tumors now account for a majority of these cases of what...

A young man assumed to be the 16-year-old grandson of North Korean leader Kim Jong-il apologized to his compatriots for their hunger in a 2007 YouTube posting seen by Yonhap News Agency on Monday. "Anthem North Korea," a YouTube posting by a person nicknamed 'gliango' in December 2007, drew more than 1,500 comments, which included about 10 written by 'kimhs616,' a nickname believed to be used by...

PARIS (AFP) -- Women who use hormonal birth control are roughly twice as likely to become infected with HIV or pass on the AIDS virus to their partner, according to a study published on Tuesday. The research was carried out among 3,790 heterosexual couples in Africa where one partner had the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) while the other was uninfected. The findings, if confirmed, could hav...

Russia’s reclusive math genius Grigory Perelman has de facto refused to join the ranks of the Russian Academy of Sciences, local media reported. The St. Petersburg-based Steklov Institute of Mathematics proposed Perelman’s candidacy but he did not reply to the invitation, Interfax reported Monday. “He hasn’t responded to our telegrams or phone calls. And he has not made any attempt to communica...