Astronomy students looking for supernovae examined photographs and found asteroids. They used both unaided eyes and computer analysis to identify the asteroids. The images were composited from three separate images, one each of green, red, and blue. When combined into one image, asteroids stand out because they move against the background. In the past, it`s always been hard to convince young women and minorities to major in the sciences. A new university mentoring program has not only gotten st .....More>>

A new study suggests that college students may handle stressful situations better if they have a pet. Research has already shown that pets can improve the quality of life for people who are aging or those who are chronically ill. But researchers at Ohio State University recently found that many college students may also benefit from owning a cat or a dog. A survey of students at a large university and other adults in the area found that nearly a quarter of college students surveyed believe .....More>>

Astronomers have uncovered strong evidence that brown dwarfs form like stars. Using the Smithsonian`s Submillimeter Array (SMA), they detected molecules of carbon monoxide shooting outward from the object known as ISO-Oph 102. Such molecular outflows typically are seen coming from young stars or protostars. However, this object has an estimated mass of 60 Jupiters, meaning it is too small to be a star. Astronomers have classified it as a brown dwarf. Brown dwarfs are on the dividing line bet .....More>>

The remarkable journey of a green turtle from Indonesia into Australian waters is helping conservationists to track the migratory route of this species to the Kimberley-Pilbara coast - one of the few relatively pristine coastal areas left on Earth. Ana, a female green turtle, was tagged in Indonesia in November as part of a turtle tracking project by WWF and Udayana University in Bali, Indonesia, and has slowly made her way from a nesting beach in East Java, across the Indian Ocean, and is on .....More>>

The glitch that froze many older Zune music players should now have been cleared, says Microsoft. Many owners of 30GB Zune players found that the gadget froze up on the last day of 2008, thanks to a problem with software on the device. But, said Microsoft, players should function properly once fully charged and switched on again on 1 January. However, some Zune owners were still reporting lingering problems with their portable player. Disgruntled owners filled Microsoft`s support .....More>>

Scientists in China say they believe a group of dinosaur fossils discovered in the east of the country could be the largest collection ever found. The researchers, from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, say they have unearthed 7600 dinosaur bones since March in Shandong province. Most of the bones date back to the late Cretaceous period which is around the time when dinosaurs became extinct. The scientists hope the find will help to explain why the creatures died out. "Dinosaur Ci .....More>>

Keen golfers are being warned by doctors that they could be risking their hearing for their sport. Players who use a new generation of thin-faced titanium drivers to propel the ball further should consider wearing ear plugs, experts advise. Ear specialists suspect the `sonic boom` the metal club head makes when it strikes the ball damaged the hearing of a 55-year-old golfer they treated. They outline the details of this case in the British Medical Journal. The man had been playin .....More>>

There is no evidence that products widely promoted to help the body "detox" work, scientists warn. The charitable trust Sense About Science reviewed 15 products, from bottled water to face scrub, and found many detox claims were "meaningless". Anyone worried about the after-effects of Christmas overindulgence would get the same benefits from eating healthily and getting plenty of sleep, they said. Advertising regulators said they looked at such issues on a case-by-case basis. The .....More>>

The US space agency`s (Nasa) Mars rovers are celebrating a remarkable five years on the Red Planet. The first robot, named Spirit, landed on 3 January, 2004, followed by its twin, Opportunity, 21 days later. It was hoped the robots would work for at least three months; but their longevity in the freezing Martian conditions has surprised everyone. The rovers` data has revealed much about the history of water at Mars` equator billions of years ago. "These rovers are incredibly resi .....More>>

Amid the last-minute shopping bustle, the voice in the Black Hawk helicopter simulator shouted with an urgency that exceeded even the holiday mall frenzy. "Enemy right! Enemy right!" Triggers squeezed. Pixels exploded. Shopping waited. At Franklin Mills, a mall here, past the Gap Outlet and the China Buddha Express, is a $13 million video arcade that the U.S. Army hopes will become a model for recruitment in urban areas, where the armed services typically have a hard time attracting rec .....More>>

FELIPE ANGELES, Mexico: Four hooded men smashed in the door to the adobe home of an 80-year-old farmer here in November, handcuffing his frail wrists and driving him to a makeshift jail. They released him after relatives and friends paid a $9,000 ransom, which included his life savings. The kidnapping was a dismal story of cruelty and heartbreak, familiar all across Mexico, but with a new twist: the daughter of this victim lived in the United States and was able to wire money to help assemble .....More>>

MINNEAPOLIS -- The state Canvassing Board was poised to certify the results of the recount in Minnesota`s grueling Senate election in Al Franken`s favor - but that doesn`t mean the race is definitely over. The board was to meet Monday and was expected to declare which candidate received the most overall votes from nearly 3 million ballots cast. The latest numbers showed Franken, a Democrat, with a 225-vote lead over Republican Sen. Norm Coleman, who led Franken on election night. But after .....More>>

CHICAGO -- Illinois U.S. Senate appointee Roland Burris plans to have a high-stakes showdown on Capitol Hill this week with Democratic leaders who continue to say he won`t be seated in Congress. Dozens of black leaders and ministers organized by U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush gave Burris a rousing send-off Sunday at New Covenant Church on Chicago`s South Side. Burris took the stage to a crescendo of drums, organ music and applause as hundreds of supporters cheered his appointment. "We are hoping and .....More>>

WASHINGTON -- The Cabinet that President-elect Barack Obama picked on a fast track has an unexpected opening, with New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, Obama`s choice for commerce secretary, withdrawing under pressure of a federal investigation into how his political donors landed a lucrative transportation contract. Richardson insisted he would be cleared in a grand jury probe. But he and Obama said the investigation would have likely disrupted a timely nomination to a top economic post. "I h .....More>>

WASHINGTON -- Barack Obama is heading to Capitol Hill to push for quick action on a broad economic stimulus package that congressional leaders are saying won`t be ready until mid-February at the earliest - almost a month later than the president-elect wanted. Obama planned to meet Monday with House and Senate Democratic leaders and with a bipartisan group of key lawmakers. He had hoped to have Congress enact the recovery plan in time for him to sign his when he takes office Jan. 20. But even .....More>>

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip -- Israeli forces consolidated their hold on parts of the Gaza Strip on Monday, seizing three high-rise buildings on the outskirts of the territory`s biggest city and killing seven children as militants pummeled southern Israel with rockets. At least six other civilians were killed as the bruising campaign against Hamas militants entered its 10th day. Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak said the offensive would continue until Israel achieved "peace and tranquility" fo .....More>>

WASHINGTON -- When he ran for president, Bill Richardson touted more than an adventurous style and impressive resume. He was the guy who embraced flaws as a strength, the one who said the American people "don`t want blow-dried candidates with perfection." A federal grand jury investigation into what could be a serious flaw, however, has led New Mexico`s governor to a tough decision to leave the national political stage--at least for now. Richardson on Sunday scrapped his nomination to be B .....More>>

Future first lady Michelle Obama and daughters Malia and Sasha flew to Washington on Saturday, just one day before President-elect Barack Obama`s planned departure for D.C. The timing of the move – at the start of a new school semester – echoes Michelle`s vow to help her girls transition smoothly into their new life. On Monday, Malia, 10, and Sasha, 7, will begin classes at the prestigious Sidwell Friends School, according to The Washington Post. At Sidwell Friends, a private institu .....More>>

Adam Sandler dresses up as a princess to read his daughter’s stories.

The Bedtime Stories actor and comedian likes to get into character when he regales tales to daughters Sadie, two, and newborn Sunny, who is a month old.

Adam, 42, said, “I like to dress up as the lead character in whatever story I am reading. This is a little weird because my daughter loves the Disney princesses. But you`d be surprised at how good .....More>>

Matthew McConaughey was rescued by an 82-year-old Mexican woman after his truck broke down.

The Fool’s Gold star was travelling with close friend Gus on the 14-day road trip to Baja California when the pair’s vehicle ground to a halt.

Matthew – who has a five-month-old son Levi with girlfriend Camila Alves – said, “We broke down in the middle of the desert while on that trip, in a place where we hadn`t seen no .....More>>

Jessica Alba’s family attended her wedding reception on Friday (December 19) seven months after she got married.

The Sin City star tied the knot with Cash Warren in a secret ceremony in May this year, but had delayed celebrating their union with family and friends until now.

One guest at the party, which took place at the couple’s Beverly Hills home, said, “The party was to celebrate their love and commitment to e .....More>>

Madonna is reportedly having a fling with a Brazilian male model.

The 4 Minutes singer met Jesus Luz in Rio de Janeiro while on a shoot for American magazine W, and the pair became so close she invited him to join her on the Sao Paolo leg of her Sticky and Sweet world tour.

A source told the New York Post newspaper, “She was very interested in him. He`s there with her now and photographer Steven K .....More>>

Katie Holmes is obsessed with playgrounds.

The actress, who has a two-year-old daughter Suri with husband Tom Cruise, has developed an interest in children’s outdoor recreational areas since becoming a mother.

She said, “We were in Berlin and I was impressed with their playgrounds. It’s amazing what you become aware of as a mother. You think, ‘Nice wood on that swing set.’ �

Although she and Tom are one o .....More>>

Sir Ian McKellen wishes he had revealed he was gay earlier.

The openly homosexual actor – who came out on live radio in 1988 when he was 49 years old – regrets spending nearly half a century being dishonest about his sexuality.

He said, “You don’t like yourself. It rots you.�

However, the Lord of the Rings star thinks his illustrious career might have been different had he been open about his sexual .....More>>

Nicole Richie and her boyfriend Joel Madden want to adopt.

Joel – who already has an 11-month-old daughter, Harlow, with Nicole – has revealed the pair would love to extend their family.

The Good Charlotte rocker said, “I’m definitely not against adopting. I went to the Central African Republic and fell in love with the place. If I was going to adopt, it would probably be from there.

“Nicole and I are very .....More>>

Helena Bonham Carter admits pregnancy made her defensive about her vices.

The 42-year-old actress – who has two children with partner Tim Burton, son Billy, five and 13-month-old daughter Nell – found it impossible to give up coffee while pregnant, and developed a sharp retort for when she was criticized for succumbing to her caffeine cravings.

According to The Black Book of Hollywood Pregnancy Secrets, if a man con .....More>>

Janet Jackson’s boyfriend has denied she is pregnant, or that they are getting married.

Writing on his blog, Jermaine Dupri insists recent rumors about him and Janet aren’t true, but confirmed they are still together.

He wrote, “No, she is not pregnant and yes we`re still together. It baffles me how y`all let these blog and magazines control your lifes [sic].�

Jermaine, 36, added he set up his website to disp .....More>>

Britain`s Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie donned fancy dress to attend a charity boxing match.

Beatrice, 20, and Eugenie, 18, – daughters of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson – were among 450 spectators watching 12 men take part in six bouts – refereed by former world champion Barry McGuigan – at the Fistycuffs Fight Night at London`s Shepherd`s Bush Pavillion.

The royals wore shorts, leggings, silver and black bomber jackets and bright pink leg warmers to the event. < .....More>>

Britain`s Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, has reportedly been nicknamed “Duchess of Dolittle� by palace staff due to her reluctance to carry out official engagements.

The duchess – who is married to Prince Charles – only carried out 137 activities in the last year, the least of any member of the royal family. It is the third time she has been bottom of the list since she married Charles in 2005.

A source told Britain`s The Daily Star newspaper, "It`s a real c .....More>>

The mother of Kate Middleton, the girlfriend of Britain`s Prince William, fears they will never marry.

Despite Kate insisting she is "not bothered" that the prince has still not proposed after six years together, her mum Carole is said to be worried that she will never see her daughter walk down the aisle with William.

A source close to the former air hostess is quoted by Britain`s The Daily Mail newspaper as saying, "Carole is very concerned that it might not happen. .....More>>

Monaco`s Prince Albert handed out Christmas presents to children this week.

The prince was joined by his sisters Princess Caroline of Hanover and Princess Stephanie as he welcomed young local people to the palace on Wednesday (December 17).

The royal party also took part in the traditional viewing of the Christmas tree.

Albert was sporting a festive Santa Claus tie to mark the occasion and he took responsibility for distributing gifts from under the spectacular Chri .....More>>

Dustin Hoffman had an embarrassing encounter when he met Britain`s Queen Elizabeth.

The actor met the monarch in 1979 at a royal premiere for his movie Kramer vs. Kramer and says his mother`s insistence at joining him in the receiving line lead to red faces when she got stuck on a rope.

He explained, "We went to London to have a big premiere, and I brought my parents. You stand in the line and it`s the queen, and there`s someone next to her who always whispers who`s .....More>>

Britain`s Princess Anne had a near miss yesterday, when a car chase ended in a crash just yards from a school she was due to visit.

Three suspected armed robbers fired shots at police before crashing their stolen Audi outside Westminster Academy in London`s Westbourne Green district minutes before the princess was due to arrive. Police alerted Buckingham palace and the royal visit was called off with minutes to spare.

A palace spokeswoman said, "This happened 20 minutes befor .....More>>

Britain`s Prince William`s friends are betting on whether he will shave off his beard in time for Christmas.

The 26-year-old royal has been pictured with increasingly bushy facial hair recently, and his friends have dared him to keep it for the royal family`s official Christmas gathering.

A source told Britain`s The Sun newspaper, "William likes the beard. But the royal gathering will be live on television. He says he would like to keep it but we have bet he will shave .....More>>

Britain`s Prince Andrew says the royal family are banned from playing board game Monopoly.

The Duke of York made the admission when he was presented with a version of the property game during a visit to Leeds Building Society`s new headquarters in North England. He said, "We`re not allowed to play Monopoly at home. It gets too vicious."

This is not the first time the prince has given an insight into royal life – last year he admitted his mother Queen Elizabeth sometimes wat .....More>>

Britain`s Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, was greeted by a grinning horse yesterday (17.12.08).

The royal was attending The London International Horse Show at Olympia when one equine competitor took a shine to her. As the duchess smiled for a photograph during a tour of the stables backstage, the handsome horse also bared his teeth and played up to the cameras as he posed alongside the royal guest.

Camilla, who is patron of The British Equestrian Federation, attended the ev .....More>>

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. -- Tyrese Rice came through with another big game against North Carolina, one that ended all the talk of a perfect season for the top-ranked Tar Heels. Rice scored 25 points and Rakim Sanders added 22 to help Boston College stun North Carolina 85-78 on Sunday, likely ending the Tar Heels` run atop the early season polls with a surprisingly one-sided road victory. Reggie Jackson had 17 points -- including seven in the decisive second-half run -- for the Eagles (13-2, 1-0 .....More>>

LOS ANGELES -- Allen Iverson was having one of his worst shooting games, so the last thing the Los Angeles Clippers wanted to do was help him out. Iverson got some timely assistance from Al Thornton, who was called for goaltending by referee Tommy Nunez Jr. after swatting away a driving scoop shot with 4.9 seconds on the clock. The ruling gave the Detroit Pistons the deciding points in an 88-87 victory on Sunday. "You know you`re having a bad-shooting game when you get the game-winner -- .....More>>

NEW YORK -- It`s definitely a slump now. The Boston Celtics can`t even beat the New York Knicks anymore. Wilson Chandler scored a career-high 31 points and the Knicks snapped an eight-game losing streak against the sputtering Celtics with a 100-88 victory Sunday night. Harrington added 30 for the Knicks, who hadn`t beaten Boston at Madison Square Garden since March 23, 2005, dropping the last six meetings. Capitalizing on a quiet night for Kevin Garnett, they seized control in the third qu .....More>>

Bill Cowher will not be in the running for the New York Jets` head coach vacancy. A high-ranking Jets official told ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen that the Jets reached out to Cowher on Tuesday about the job, but Cowher`s agent called back to tell the Jets that his client had no interest in the opening. "After reaching out to coach Cowher`s representatives, we were informed tonight that he is not a candidate for the position," Jets spokesman Bruce Speight told The Associated P .....More>>

NEW YORK -- Peyton Manning took a different approach to earning a record-tying third Associated Press NFL Most Valuable Player award. The Indianapolis Colts quarterback got hurt, struggled when he came back, then lost a bunch of games. Hardly vintage Manning. But when he rediscovered the touch that has made him one of football`s dominant players for a decade, Manning and the Colts were virtually unstoppable. Now Manning can tell Brett Favre to move over and make room for him atop the ro .....More>>

NEW YORK -- Mike Smith and Tony Sparano performed so brilliantly as rookie head coaches it was almost impossible to separate them. Atlanta`s Smith edged Miami`s Sparano by one vote Sunday for The Associated Press 2008 NFL Coach of the Year award. Both coaches oversaw sensational turnarounds, leading their teams from last-place finishes in 2007 to playoff berths this year. Their achievements were reflected by the closeness of the balloting, with Smith getting 23½ votes and Sparano 22½ fro .....More>>

MINNEAPOLIS -- Above the Metrodome`s deafening noise, Donovan McNabb stayed poised. Completing passes precisely when the Eagles needed him to, McNabb repeatedly sidestepped the Minnesota rush and sent Philadelphia to a 26-14 playoff win Sunday after being all but forgotten as a postseason contender just one month earlier. Next up: the Super Bowl champion New York Giants. Brian Westbrook caught a short pass out of the backfield and zigzagged for a devastating 71-yard touchdown midway thr .....More>>

Picking up 15 wins this season and his fifth straight NHRA POWERade Series world championship has earned Tony Schumacher the Driver of the Year Award. He becomes just the third NHRA driver to claim the prize, presented by the Driver of the Year Foundation, based in Sarasota, Fla. Past winners include Mario Andretti, who was the first winner in 1967, Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt, A.J. Foyt, Al Unser and Darrell Waltrip. "What an honor it is to be singled out as the Driver of the Year fo .....More>>

SYDNEY, Australia -- John Daly smashed a spectator`s camera into a tree while shooting a 6-over 78 in the first round of the Australian Open on Thursday, making it likely he will miss the cut for the third consecutive week Down Under. After pushing his tee shot wide on the ninth hole -- his last -- Daly walked into a clump of trees, where spectator Brad Clegg tried to take a picture at close range. Daly snatched the camera and smashed it against the nearest tree, telling the man, "You want .....More>>