Honda shows robotics for easy and hands-free ride
TOKYO (AP) -- Look, no hands. Scooting about on what looks like a floating car seat is no sweat for anyone with Honda's new hands-free robotics technology. Swaying your body from side to side is all you need to do to turn, rotate full circle and zip around on the Uni-Cub. The Uni-Cub has one main wheel, while a tiny wheel at the back helps for circular moves. Reporters got a test ride on the machine Tuesday. It takes some getting used to but responds smoothly and quietly. Lean forward to go straight, to the left to go left. If all fails to stop, just put your foot down. Uni-Cub will be on display at a Tokyo science museum. There are no plans yet for a commercial product.
   AP-WF-05-15-12 0424GMT

Posted 4:11 AM EDT on May 15, 2012

NJ gov vetoes Obama-related health exchange bill
TRENTON, N.J. (AP) -- New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie on Thursday became the second governor in the nation to veto legislation that is a key part of President Barack Obama's health care overhaul law. The bill would have established an online marketplace for the middle-class to buy federally subsidized health plans starting in 2014, when federal reforms require most Americans to get coverage. The Republican governor says he's concerned the exchange would impose "unnecessary obligations" on taxpayers at a time when the U.S. Supreme Court is reviewing the law. Democratic Assemblyman Herb Conaway, who is also a doctor, says the governor has put "national political pressures" ahead of the needs of the state's 1.3 million uninsured residents and others who are underinsured. New Mexico's governor was the first to veto such a measure.
   AP-WF-05-10-12 2149GMT

Posted 4:03 AM EDT on May 11, 2012

Post office will not ship laptops, iPads abroad
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The U.S. Postal Service is banning international shipments of electronics with lithium batteries such as smartphones, laptops and iPads, citing the risk of fire. Beginning Wednesday, consumers may no longer make the shipments, including to army and diplomatic post offices. That means friends and family will have to use more expensive private companies such as UPS and FedEx to ship electronics to U.S. troops based abroad. The Postal Service cited discussion by the International Civil Aviation Organization and the Universal Postal Union. They issue semi-binding guidelines for global trade. Officials expect that U.S. consumers can resume shipments in most cases after Jan. 1, once the agency develops a new policy "consistent with international standards." Lithium batteries are believed to have caused at least two fires on cargo planes since 2006.
   AP-WF-05-11-12 1911GMT

Posted 3:48 AM EDT on May 11, 2012

FDA favors first drug for HIV prevention
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Federal drug regulators are affirming that a landmark study showing that a popular HIV-fighting pill already on the market can also help people avoid contracting the virus that causes AIDS in the first place. The Food and Drug Administration will hold a meeting Thursday to discuss whether Truvada should be approved for people who are at risks of contracting HIV through sexual intercourse. The agency's positive review suggests the daily pill will become the first drug approved to prevent HIV infection in high-risk patients. FDA reviewers conclude that using Truvada pre-emptively could spare patients "infection with a serious and life-threatening illness that requires lifelong treatment." Reviewers stressed that the drug only works when taken daily by patients, and that patients may often forget to take the medication.
   AP-WF-05-08-12 1555GMT

Posted 1:07 AM EDT on May 08, 2012

FDA revisits safety of Arena Pharma's diet pill
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Federal health regulators are asking tough questions about the risk of tumors and heart problems with an experimental diet pill from Arena Pharmaceuticals, which was previously rejected for similar safety concerns. The Food and Drug Administration denied approval for Arena's lorcaserin in 2010 after scientists raised concerns about tumors that developed in animals studied with the drug. The company resubmitted the drug with additional data earlier this year, hoping for a better outcome. But questions posted by the FDA ahead of a public meeting this week show the agency still has safety concerns. The agency will ask a panel of advisers Thursday whether Arena has provided enough data to address the risk of tumors seen in animals. The agency will also seek expert opinions on new data about heart risks.
   AP-WF-05-08-12 1313GMT

Posted 1:04 AM EDT on May 08, 2012