Nordic countries dominate the top while countries in sub-Saharan Africa dominate the bottom levels of the best and worst places to be a mother and a child.

The Mother's Index of US-based global humanitarian organization Save the Children highlighted in the organization's State of the World's Mothers 2008 report compares the well-being of mothers and children in 146 countries

Australian scientists say it is may be possible to lose weight without cutting back on food.

Researchers manipulating fat cells in mice scientists in Melbourne were able to speed up metabolism of a person. When scientists removed an enzyme known as angiotensin converting enzyme, or ACE, the mice were able to eat the same amount as others but they burned more calories and gained less weight

Austria has agreed to contribute $5 million to provide safe drinking water and sanitation services in remote and impoverished areas of the Asia and Pacific region.

The money provides resources to Asian Development Bank's (ADB) Water Financing Partnership Facility

An Australian agency is warning that people around the world are in greater danger of losing their vision because of climate change.

The Fred Hollows Foundation, which works mostly in developing countries to restore sight to people with cataracts, said decreases in the ozone layer could lead to more exposure to ultraviolet rays, one of the most common causes of cataract blindness

According to a study, female veterinarians doubled their risk of miscarriage because of increased exposure to anesthetic gases, pesticides and X-rays.

The study was conducted by the University of Western Australia. It serves as a warning for all young female veterinarians, who must know the inherent risks should they want to get pregnant