Global swine flu deaths top 1,100

More than 1,100 people worldwide have died from swine flu since it emerged in Mexico and the U.S. in April, according to the latest figures from the World Health Organization. As of July 31, the total number of victims killed by the H1N1 virus, also known as swine flu, stood at 1,154 — an increase of 338 since WHO’s previous update on July 27.

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What’s Behind Japan’s Love Affair with Robots?

If Japanese engineers had their way, we might soon be cheering on a robotic World Series. Every year or two, Japanese researchers roll out a new robotic invention — the latest to grab headlines earlier this month was a mechanized baseball duo of a batter and pitcher that can throw 90% of its pitches in the strike zone

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Swimming: Fifth gold for Phelps at worlds

Michael Phelps claimed his fifth gold medal as the U.S. 4x100m medley squad fittingly rounded off a remarkable eight days of competition at the Foro Italico with the 43rd world record. Phelps had produced the probably the performance of these world championships in claiming the 100m butterfly crown in a new world record on Saturday

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Media Freak-outs: Every Week Is Shark Week

Tracy Jordan on 30 Rock once sagely declared, “Live every week like it’s Shark Week!” But what does that mean? You could say it means to seize the day, to live as if at any moment, a hammerhead might chomp through your torso.

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Formula One signs new deal to seal future

Formula One’s future has been secured after a tumultuous week which saw BMW withdraw from next year’s championship and Felipe Massa’s serious injury pave the way for Michael Schumacher’s return. The FIA, the sport’s governing body, said in a statement that 12 teams had signed a new Concorde Agreement — the contract governing how Formula One is run and its financial spoils split.

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