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Financial Times examines needs of smallholder farmers in developing countries

Reflecting on USAID's plans to reduce reliance on food aid to fight global hunger by investing in agricultural development through microloans, the Financial Times examines the needs of smallholder farmers throughout the world. The piece looks at the role that lenders and large suppliers can play in assisting smallholder farmers and ways to maximize the relationships between farmers and these groups.

4 Jun 2010

Ontarians from racialized backgrounds more likely to live in poverty, face barriers to find job: Study

Ontarians from racialized backgrounds are far more likely to live in poverty, face barriers to finding a job, and receive less pay for work, says a study of Census data by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives.

4 Jun 2010

International development forum addresses U.S. foreign aid reform

USAID Administrator Rajiv Shah and Rep. Gerald Connolly (D-Va.) discussed the need for a new foreign aid strategy and vision at an international development forum, hosted by InterAction on Wednesday, Congressional Quarterly reports.

4 Jun 2010

Mexico offers a viable option for Canadian and American retirees

Baby boomers retiring in Mexico may find it's cheaper to live there than in Canada or the U.S., however, a study suggests retirees are often isolated both from their families back home - and from the mainstream of Mexican life.

3 Jun 2010

Increased physical activity tied to tidy home

An Indiana University study that examined the relationship between physical activity and a range of variables involving urban residents' homes and neighborhoods found that the inside of study subjects' homes had more to do with higher physical activity levels than the sidewalks, lighting and other elements considered.

3 Jun 2010

U.S. Southern Command ends major military operations in Haiti

The U.S. Southern Command on Tuesday said it was ending major military relief operations in Haiti aimed at aiding the nation after the January earthquake, Reuters reports. "Spearheaded by the U.S. Army's 82nd Airborne Division, thousands of American troops were deployed in Haiti as part of Operation Unified Response.

3 Jun 2010

AstraZeneca receives 2010 EcoLeadership Award for second consecutive year

AstraZeneca announced today it has received the 2010 EcoLeadership Award by the Alliance for Workplace Excellence for the second consecutive year. The EcoLeadership Award recognizes companies that demonstrate their commitment to environmental sustainability practices such as energy efficiency, waste minimization and water conservation.

2 Jun 2010

Intimate partners can have important influence on another's substance use: Study

A new study of young people in the two years after high school finds that those in romantic relationships are less likely than their peers to report heavy drinking and marijuana use.

2 Jun 2010

FC Barcelona agrees to make Herbalife its Official Nutrition Sponsor

Herbalife Ltd. announced a three-year, multi-million dollar agreement with FC Barcelona to make Herbalife the club's Official Nutrition Sponsor. At the same time, Leo Messi has agreed to a personal sponsorship agreement.

2 Jun 2010

Two-day Africa-France business relations summit begins, food security, fighting poverty will be discussed

The 25th Africa-France Summit, a two-day gathering "aimed at developing better business relations between" the regions, began Monday in the French city of Nice, All Headline News reports.

2 Jun 2010

Consent forms for research: Have they improved in 25 years?

The consent forms that people sign before participating in research are widely considered difficult to understand and sometimes inaccurate. The lack of clarity was implicated in a high-profile legal settlement in April between Arizona State University and a Native American tribe, which claimed that blood samples that its members provided for genetic research were used for purposes not stated in the consent form. Efforts have been made to improve the forms, but how effective are they?

1 Jun 2010

Risky alcohol-related traffic behaviors among college students continue to be major public-health concern

Alcohol-impaired driving and associated motor-vehicle accidents are a major public-health problem. National studies have shown that approximately 25 percent of college students report that they have driven while intoxicated in the past month, and an even greater percentage report having driven after having any amount of alcohol and/or ridden with a driver believed intoxicated.

1 Jun 2010

Preparation reduces winter sports injuries

During winter those who are active need to prepare for the cold conditions or risk injuries, warns Sports Medicine Australia.

31 May 2010

World No Tobacco Day observed worldwide

In a new online survey of 15,559 Internet users in China findings show that more than fifty percent smokers find it difficult to quit the habit without professional assistance. This survey came in the wake of the World No Tobacco Day observed on the 31st of May and supported by the media center of the Ministry of Health and the Life Times newspaper.

31 May 2010

PADF urges residents to put together emergency plans to survive during hurricane

On the eve of what is predicted to be one of the worst Atlantic hurricane seasons in years, the Pan American Development Foundation is urging residents in Central America and the Caribbean to put together emergency plans.

31 May 2010

Algal blooms in India threaten access to food, livelihood

The problem of toxic algae is not just confined to the Nordic countries - in India algal blooms are threatening poor people's access to food and their livelihoods, a problem that has been exacerbated by global warming. With funding from the Swedish Research Council for Environment, Agricultural Sciences and Spatial Planning and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, researchers from the University of Gothenburg are to attempt to reduce the effects of algal blooms.

31 May 2010

Launch of online video tour showcases the fascinating world of parasites

Who said that learning about bugs was boring? An amazing new journey through the wonderful world of parasites launches on YouTube today. Four exciting videos, inspired by the 'Parasites Life Undercover' exhibition at the Berlin Natural History Museum and developed by Bayer Animal Health, showcase some fascinating highlights from the exhibition and provide useful information about protecting your pets.

29 May 2010

Iced tea for summer from PG tips

As the mercury rises, the pace quickens and the days get longer, the need for a cool, refreshing and healthy beverage to quench the thirst is paramount. Look no further, PG tips black tea makes a fresh and flavorful summer iced tea that you can feel good about. Known throughout the UK as England's most beloved tea, PG tips also makes the transition from hot tea to iced tea as easy as a summer breeze.

29 May 2010

New research hopes to provide next generation HazMat boot

The rubber boots that emergency personnel wear when responding to situations where hazardous materials are present may be functional, but they're not very comfortable. New research coming out of North Carolina State University hopes to provide a next generation HazMat boot that meets both criteria.

29 May 2010

The Extra Gear founder earns distinction of Certified Consultant

Dana Blackmer, Ph.D., a resident of Richmond, has become one of the region's only professionals to earn the distinction of Certified Consultant by the Association for Applied Sport Psychology, the leading organization of sport and exercise psychology.

29 May 2010