Michael Jackson's doctor, Conrad Murray, denies a charge of involuntary manslaughter over the singer's death.

A quantum physics trick is set to give smartphones and hand-held devices pressure-sensitive switches and screens.

Ukraine is waiting for Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko to either contest results from Sunday's presidential election, or resign.

An activist who questioned why so many died in a huge earthquake in China in 2008 is jailed for five years for subversion.

A US soldier is arrested after allegedly waterboarding his four-year-old daughter for not reciting the alphabet, say Washington state police.

Californian scientists think they may have discovered the part of the brain which makes people fear losing money.

The family of a Haitian man says he has survived four weeks under rubble since the devastating quake hit of 12 January.

Pressure is building in the West for new international sanctions against Iran, after its announcement it will step up uranium enrichment.

New Orleans Saints' quarterback Drew Brees said the Hurricane Katrina disaster inspired his side to a 31-17 Super Bowl win over Indianapolis Colts.

Shane Warne describes England captain Andrew Strauss's decision to miss his country's tour of Bangladesh next month as disrespectful.

Why surprise plays little part in latest Afghan operation

Will Ukraine PM Yulia Tymoshenko challenge outcome?

How a talent show winner scored in Las Vegas

The former chief executive of Merrill Lynch, John Thain, was at the heart of the bonus row - now he has a new job as boss of US lender CIT.

Mining group Xstrata is to resume dividend payments despite reporting a drop in full-year profits.

India's economic growth forecast raises the chance that state support could be withdrawn.

The US space agency (Nasa) has launched its shuttle Endeavour on a mission to the International Space Station (ISS).

Hollywood couple Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt sue the News Of The World newspaper over allegations about their relationship.

Romantic drama Dear John knocks sci-fi blockbuster Avatar off the top spot in the North American box office in its opening weekend.

The Cassini probe returns yet more data to back up the idea of a sub-surface sea on Saturn's moon Enceladus.

Scientists film the giant serpent-like oarfish in its natural deep-sea habitat for the first time, as well as the rare manefish.

Experts fear older women are ditching contraception in the mistaken belief that fertility inevitably wanes at a certain age.

The commander of Canada's largest Air Force base has been charged with the murder of two women, police say.

Fresh snow is forecast to hit the Mid-Atlantic US as some cities remain largely paralysed for a third day by blizzards.

The campaign for presidential and senatorial candidates begins in the Philippines ahead of May's elections.

Australia's immigration minister says policy will change to focus on skilled migrants, to support mining and health needs.

France is to sell Russia an advanced helicopter assault ship, and is considering a request for three others, officials say.

Metropolitan Police Commander Ali Dizaei is sentenced to four years for misconduct and perverting the course of justice.

An Iranian opposition leader is jailed for six years over unrest following June's disputed presidential election, reports say.

Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula calls on Muslims in the region to wage holy war against the US and its allies.

The defeated candidate in Sri Lanka's presidential election, General Sarath Fonseka, is arrested for "military offences".

India says at least 17 soldiers have been killed after an avalanche struck a high-altitude military training camp in Kashmir.

MPs are to vote on Gordon Brown's plan for a referendum on changing Britain's "first past the post" voting system.

The fault which caused a plane to crash land at Heathrow airport in January 2008 was "unrecognised", a report says.

The BBC is to reveal the total amount paid to its performers who broadcast on radio and television.

A UK civilian stabilisation group is to be launched later to help rebuild countries hit by conflict or disaster.

Laws protecting workers' rights need to be improved to properly tackle poverty, a charity says.

UK retail sales described as 'awful' as icy weather and the unsteady economy keep shoppers at home.