Austria police have arrested a man suspected of robbing banks while wearing a mask of US President Barack Obama.

The millions of tonnes of chicken feathers discarded each year could be used in plastics, researchers say in a report to the American Chemical Society meeting.

A Florida judge denies a request by ex-astronaut Lisa Nowak to seal her criminal record over a highly publicised case involving a romantic rival.

Nearly 48 million women, one in three, give birth around the world each year without expert help, a report from Save the Children says.

The Bank of Japan's "tankan" survey shows Japanese manufacturers were optimistic about economic growth before the earthquake and tsunami struck.

Former Argentine Gen Eduardo Cabanillas and three intelligence agents are jailed for running a notorious detention centre during military rule.

On a visit to Lampedusa, Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi promises that the island will be free of migrants in 48-60 hours.

Consumer prices in South Korea rose in March, speeding up inflation to a 29-month high.