Mental skills fade earlier than thought
Simple tests of perceptual speed, spatial ability and verbal function showed that some cognitive skills begin rapidly fading nearly 15 years before death, said Valgeir Thorvaldsson, who worked on the study.
Cells switch identity in biological breakthrough
Talk about an extreme makeover: Scientists have transformed one type of cell into another in living mice, a big step toward the goal of growing replacement tissues to treat a variety of diseases.
Computer virus hits space station
A virus designed to swipe passwords from online gamers has inexplicably popped up in some laptop computers aboard the international space station.
Todd: Biden's time finally arrives
Joe Biden can be counted on to make the case for Barack Obama and prosecute the case against John McCain. But NBC News political director Chuck Todd wonders will he control his instinct to be No. 1?
Bankruptcy filings near 1 million in 12 months
Nearly 1 million individuals and businesses filed bankruptcy in the 12 months ended June 30, according to U.S. Court data released Wednesday.
Jury: Death for child killer Duncan
A federal jury recommended the death sentence for convicted child killer Joseph Edward Duncan III on charges related to the kidnapping and murder of Dylan Groene.
Democrat delegates cast votes
Barack Obama was poised to become the first African-American ever nominated for president by a major political party Wednesday after delegates to the Democratic convention began the historic nomination process.
Regulator: Troubled banks highest since 2003
The number of troubled U.S. banks rose 30 percent to 117 in the second quarter, the highest level in five years, according to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.
Lesbian activist Del Martin dies at 87
Pioneering lesbian rights activist Del Martin, who married her lifelong partner in June on the first day that same-sex couples here gained that right, has died. She was 87.
Floods maroon over a million in India
Indian officials rushed soldiers and air force helicopters Wednesday to flood-ravaged parts of northern India to provide aid to the more than 1 million people stranded by a surging river.
