New Zealand plans to implement lifetime ban on cigarettes for youth

New Zealand plans to end tobacco smoking by implementing a lifetime ban for those aged 14 or younger. The minimum age to buy cigarettes would keep rising year after year.

Medicago's plant-based COVID-19 vaccine showing promising trial results, company says

Medicago announced Tuesday that its two-dose vaccine was 71% effective at preventing COVID-19 infection in a large, late-stage study that included several variants including the delta variant.

Biden-Putin square off over Russian troop buildup near Ukraine border

President Biden warned Vladimir Putin that the U.S. would exact “a very real cost” on the Russian economy if it invades neighboring Ukraine.

WHO: Kids in 5-14 age group account for Europe's highest COVID-19 rates

The WHO's office for Europe said children in the 5 to 14 age group now account for the highest rates of reported COVID-19 infections in the region.

Russia-Ukraine conflict: What's behind the recent tensions?

Here’s a look at the roots of the Russia-Ukraine standoff, Russia’s latest military buildup and more background on the tensions.

US to boost COVID-19 vaccine global distribution with $400M investment

“This money will speed efforts both to get shots in arms and to support vaccine manufacturing in low-and-middle-income countries,” USAID administrator Samantha Power announced Monday.

Beijing Winter Olympics: US announces diplomatic boycott of games

White House press secretary Jen Psaki says U.S. athletes will continue to compete and will “have our full support,” but added “we will not be contributing to the fanfare of the games.

Fossils reveal a new dinosaur species that was the size of dogs

The plant-eating critter had a combination of traits from different species that initially sent paleontologists down the wrong path.

Haiti kidnapping: 3 more hostages freed, 12 remain abducted, organization says

The Haitian 400 Mawozo gang kidnapped a group of 17 missionaries in mid-October, made up of 12 adults and five children — including an 8-month-old.

'Significant' human smuggling ring taken down as part of US-Brazil investigation

A “significant” human smuggling ring involving people ultimately bound for the U.S. was taken down and eight people were arrested, U.S. immigration officials said.

Oxford scientist behind COVID-19 vaccine says next pandemic may be worse

Professor Sarah Gilbert, one of the scientists behind the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, is warning that more money needs to be devoted to research and preparations.

Biden, Putin to hold video call Tuesday amid Ukraine tensions

The last known call between the leaders was in July, when Biden pressed Putin to rein in Russia-based criminal hacking gangs launching ransomware attacks against the United States.

Antarctica observes total eclipse, next one expected in 2039

Saturday’s total eclipse was a rare event in Antarctica, only to have happened one other time in the last century.

Italian man tries to get COVID-19 vaccine with fake arm

A nurse said she could tell right away that something was off when a 57-year-old man presented the phony limb for a shot earlier this week.

Omicron variant: South Africa may offer glimpse into the future

The new omicron variant appears to be driving a dramatic surge in South Africa, providing the world a glimpse of where the pandemic might be headed.

1 in 100 in Germany infected with COVID-19, health minister says

More than 1% of the German population is currently infected with the coronavirus, according to the country's health minister

Study suggests past COVID-19 infection may not fend off omicron variant

A research group has been tracking reinfections in South Africa and reported a jump with the arrival of omicron that they hadn't seen when two previous variants, including the extra-contagious delta variant, moved through the country.