Yum Brands reports strong profit but shares slip
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Even though Yum Brands Inc. reported that its third-quarter profit rose 18 percent, the restaurant operator’s stock slipped Wednesday after it said U.S. sales are causing it heartburn as consumers keep cooking at home to save money.
International research team cracks potato genome
DETROIT — A global team of researchers has mapped the genetic code of the world’s most popular vegetable — the potato.
Lead poisons 121 children in eastern China
BEIJING — Medical tests have shown at least 121 children living near a battery plant in eastern China are suffering from lead poisoning, the latest in a recent string of such cases that have affected hundreds.
China tainted milk parents warned against meeting
BEIJING — Chinese police have tried to prevent parents of children sickened by tainted milk powder from traveling to Beijing to mark the anniversary of last year’s scandal, an activist said Thursday.
Dainippon of Japan acquires US drug maker Sepracor
TOKYO — Japanese drug company Dainippon Sumitomo Pharma Co. is acquiring U.S. drug maker Sepracor Inc. for about $2.6 billion in an effort to expand in the U.S. market, both sides said Thursday.
China stresses prevention of heavy metal pollution
BEIJING — China needs to work harder to fight heavy metal pollution following the recent discovery of clusters of severe lead poisoning involving hundreds of children, the country’s environment minister said Thursday.
China set to approve 1-dose swine flu vaccines
BEIJING — China will soon approve domestically developed swine flu vaccines that manufacturers say can protect people against the virus with only one dose, an encouraging development for health officials racing to prepare for an expected spike in cases this winter.
