The biofuels industry, hit hard by the global credit crunch, is getting a shot in the arm from a new source

BERLIN -- The victory of Chancellor Angela Merkel's new alliance in elections last month promises to extend the country's use of nuclear power -- and reignite protests among those who have fought to phase it out.

A day after dropping its pursuit of rival Anglo American PLC, mining giant Xstrata PLC will turn its focus toward projects it already has in the pipeline, rather than seek new acquisitions, its chief executive said in an interview.

SEOUL

In a major break with most other large companies, Wal-Mart Stores Inc. Tuesday told the White House that it supports requiring employers to provide health insurance to workers, a centerpiece of President Barack Obama's effort to provide near-universal coverage to Americans.

In a setback for Novartis AG, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration asked the Swiss drug maker for more information about its meningitis-vaccine candidate, Menveo, with respect to patients between ages 11 and 55.

Landmark legislation to curb U.S. greenhouse-gas emissions was approved by the House of Representatives in a close vote late Friday, securing an initial victory for a cornerstone of President Barack Obama's agenda.

Landmark legislation to curb U.S. greenhouse-gas emissions was approved by the House of Representatives in a close vote late Friday, securing an initial victory for a cornerstone of President Barack Obama's agenda.

A big question hanging over the wide-ranging greenhouse-gas proposals in the U.S. Congress is whether they will reduce emissions as much as advertised without significantly raising energy bills.

Looking to gain an early lead in the emission-free vehicle market, Mitsubishi Motors Corp. Friday launched a compact, four-door electric car that it will market in Japan to corporate customers starting in late July.