Pineapple holds promise for cancer treatment
Australian scientists have discovered that certain molecules found in pineapples can act as powerful anti-cancer agents and said the research could lead to a new class of cancer-fighting drugs. Scientists at the Queensland Institute of Medical Research said their work centered on two molecules from bromelaine, an extract derived from crushed pineapple stems that is used to tenderize meat, clarify beers and tan hides. One of the molecules, CCZ, stimulates the body's immune system to target and kill cancer cells, the other, CCS, blocks a protein called Ras, which is defective in 30 percent of all cancers.
Giant panda cub born at National Zoo in Washington
A giant panda cub was born early on Saturday at the US National Zoo, the first for the endangered bears now living there, the zoo said. Mother and cub are doing well, having survived the first few crucial hours after birth.
US losing lead in science and engineering: study
More than half a century of US dominance in science and engineering may be slipping as America's share of graduates in these fields falls relative to Europe and developing nations like China and India, a study says. The study, written by Richard Freeman at the National Bureau of Economic Research in Washington, warned that changes in the global science and engineering job market may require a long period of adjustment for US workers.
Norway fjords, Egypt desert head for shelter list
Some of the world's deepest Norwegian fjords and a fossil-strewn Egyptian desert are set to join the UN's heritage site protection list, a key conservation agency said. The Swiss-based IUCN said the sites -- Norway's Gerangerfjord and Naeroyfjord plus Egypt's Wadi Al-Hitan, or Whale Valley -- are among eight it has recommended for approval at a meeting of the World Heritage Committee in South Africa next week.
Unusual number of wildfires scorch Alaska coast
Rising temperatures in Alaska have sparked an unusual number of storms along the state's south-central coast this summer, officials say, and the multitude of lightning strikes and resulting fires have burned more than 400,000 hectares. In recent weeks, there have been thunderstorms nearly every day along the normally temperate south-central coastline, said Sharon Alden, manager of Alaska's fire weather program.
Burgers from a lab? US study says it's possible
Laboratories using new tissue engineering technology might be able to produce meat that is healthier for consumers and cut down on pollution produced by factory farming, researchers said. While NASA engineers have grown fish tissue in lab dishes, no one has seriously proposed a way to grow meat on commercial levels.
Bacteria linked with dangerous mouth cancer
Three different types of mouth bacteria are associated with the most common form of oral cancer, researchers said in a discovery that may lead to a simple test for the often-fatal tumor. The study, published in the Journal of Translational Medicine, also suggests the bacteria may play a role in causing the cancer, called oral squamous cell carcinoma, the researchers said.
Brush fires caused Australian extinctions: study
A study of ancient eggshells and teeth supports the controversial theory that early humans caused the extinction of many of Australia's huge animals by setting brush fires, researchers said on Thursday. The study also showed why it sometimes does not pay to be a picky eater -- the giant birds that were more choosy about their diets perished, while the indiscriminate emu survived.
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