European Union chief executive Jean-Claude Juncker will propose to national leaders next month a handful of options for shoring up unity once Britain launches a withdrawal that some fear could trigger a further unraveling of the bloc. The European Commission president wants some states to be able to deepen cooperation further and faster without the whole bloc having to follow suit, but this idea has raised concerns, especially among poorer eastern countries, that their richer neighbors may use Brexit to cut EU subsidies to them. Juncker has said he will …

By using a common bacteria, scientists have figured out a way to potentially sterilize disease-carrying mosquitoes.  That could make it possible to control the mosquito that spreads Zika and Dengue. Wolbachia is a common bacteria that has the ability to infect up to 70 percent of the world’s insect species.   It has evolved in different ways — some insects even rely on it for their existence, but in others, it plays a parasitic role and can interfere with the viability of eggs. Two genes may hold the key Unfortunately, …

U.S. President Donald Trump has revived China’s fears by once again calling it a currency manipulator, weeks after many felt the issue had been shelved. Trump reemphasized his stand last week, hours after Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin indicated China would not be singled out for adverse treatment on the currency issue. “Well they, I think, they’re grand champions at manipulation of currency. So I haven’t held back,” Trump told Reuters, adding, “We’ll see what happens.” The U.S. Treasury Department is expected to make a call on the issue on April 15. …

The Oscar awarded to a documentary about the daily lives of volunteers of a Syrian search and rescue group called the “White Helmets” shows people care about its mission to help civilians caught in Syria’s civil war, the group said on Monday. The White Helmets operate a rescue service in rebel-held parts of Syria, which have been subjected to fierce bombardment by the government and Russia’s air force during the country’s civil war that has leveled whole city districts. Syria’s government under President Bashar al-Assad has accused the group of …

And the red carpet goes to … the women in red, for one, with equal accolades for shiny and shimmery gold worthy of the Oscars, this and all years.   Long sleeves and belts played major roles Sunday in Los Angeles at the Dolby Theatre, along with a beautiful Janelle Monae, transformed in Elie Saab Haute Couture into a busy but fabulous fashion city of black tulle, birds, lace, feathers, sequins, crystal stones and a head piece that served as the perfect topper.   There were some midnight blues, including …

Many dog and cat owners think they know what how their animals are feeling. While that may be true, an animal collar or jacket, equipped with sensors, could give them even more information about the emotional state of their pet. The sensors provide data on things like body temperature and heart rate. VOA’s Deborah Block has more. … From: MeNeedIt

It was a big night for actress Viola Davis, who won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in “Fences”. Her crowning achievement comes after a long and illustrious career filled with numerous awards and three Oscar nominations. Her win also highlights Hollywood’s growing interest in complex minority characters. VOA’s Penelope Poulou has more. … From: MeNeedIt

It was a big night for actress Viola Davis, who won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for “Fences”. Her crowning achievement comes after a long and illustrious career of numerous awards and three Oscar nominations. The Oscar nod also highlights Hollywood’s interest in complex minority characters. For those who watched Denzel Washington’s film drama “Fences”, about the intricate family dynamics in a 1950’s African American household, it is difficult to forget Davis’ powerhouse performance. She plays Rose, the introspective wife who stands by her man, aware of his imperfections. …

Here are the winners of some of the major categories for the 2017 Academy Awards … From: MeNeedIt