Free Republic

ZURICH (Reuters) -- Scientists have smashed together proton beams for the first time in a 27-kilometre tunnel under the French-Swiss border in an initial step toward discovering how the universe came into existence, they said on Monday. Scientists at the European Organisation for Nuclear Research (CERN) hope experiments will already start giving clues about the origins of the universe in the coming months as the world's biggest particle collider starts moving to full power. "It's a great achievement to have come this far in so short a time," said CERN Director General Rolf Heuer about the collision, achieved by sending...

WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama went for the defining television shot in Iraq and got it — pictures of hundreds of U.S. troops cheering wildly as he told them it was time for the Iraqis to take charge of their own future. The war zone photo opportunity produced a stunning show of appreciation for Obama from military men and women who have made great sacrifices, many serving repeated tours in a highly unpopular war. And the televised outpouring of affection likely will prove critical to the credibility of a new and liberal commander in chief as he tries to sell...

Test Achieves Cholesterol Breakthrough Wed Nov 5, 7:58 AM ET By LINDSEY TANNER, AP Medical Writer CHICAGO - An experimental treatment that seems to work like "liquid Drano" for clogged arteries stems from remarkably healthy villagers in northern Italy found to have paradoxically lousy cholesterol levels. Scientists think a genetic mutation in HDL cholesterol explains the villagers' good health. And using a synthetic version of that substance, they were able to reduce fatty artery plaque in just six weeks in patients with heart disease. Larger and longer studies are needed to determine if the experimental treatment will translate into fewer...