■ United States
Media linked to more sex
A new study has found a direct link between sexy media and teen promiscuity, theorizing that youngsters view the sex-filled messages as if they came from trusted friends or family. The survey from a team of researchers at the University of North Carolina was released yesterday and found that sexually charged music, magazines, television and movies push youngsters into sexual activity at ever-earlier ages. "This is the first time we've shown that the more kids are exposed to sex in media, the earlier they have sex," said Jane Brown, the chief author of the report. The study cross-checked the sexual development of 1,017 adolescents with their exposure to a diet of movies, TV shows, music and magazines.
■ Canada
Marijuana bill to be snuffed
Canada's new Conservative government will scrap draft legislation which would have decriminalized the possession of small amounts of marijuana, Prime Minister Stephen Harper said yesterday. The legislation, drawn up by the previous Liberal government, alarmed police officials in Canada and the neighboring US who said it would only encourage the already booming trade in pot. Once the Liberals lost the Jan. 23 election after 12 years in power, the bill looked to be in deep trouble. One of Harper's five priorities is to clamp down on crime. "We will not be reintroducing the Liberal government's marijuana decriminalization legislation," he said.
■ United States
Astronauts head for airlock
Two astronauts aboard the International Space Station were set to test last night a new procedure for preparing astronauts for spacewalks from the station. Once station commander Bill McArthur and the incoming US crewmember, Jeffrey Williams, are sealed inside the airlock chamber, the pressure will be lowered to test the procedure. Before leaving the outpost, astronauts breathe pure oxygen to remove nitrogen from their bloodstreams. In the vacuum of space, nitrogen in the body can lead to a dangerous condition called "the bends," which can afflict divers who surface too quickly.
■ Peru
Fujimori to be extradited
Former Peruvian president Alberto Fujimori will be extradited from Chile to Lima in the coming months to stand trial on corruption and human rights charges, Peru's justice minister said yesterday. "I have the commitment and the will behind handing Fujimori over to Peruvian police, who will travel to Santiago to bring him in handcuffs, before the current administration ends so that he has his day in court," Alejandro Tudela told the official Andina news agency. President Alejandro Toledo leaves office on July 28, by which time Tudela said Fujimori would be brought from Chile.
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