NEW YORK, Feb 06 (IPS) - A recent study suggests that one of the multiple threats to coral reefs contains both the problem and solution.

UNITED NATIONS, Feb 05 (IPS) - The United Nations, which is the legal guardian of scores of human rights treaties banning torture, unlawful imprisonment, degrading treatment of prisoners of war and enforced disappearances, is troubled that an increasing number of countries are justifying violations of U.N. conventions on grounds of fighting terrorism in conflict zones.

BUENOS AIRES, Feb 05 (IPS) - If cities have souls, the Argentine capital's is turning more and more grey. Real estate speculation, the fencing in and paving of parks, and the installation of private bars and restaurants in public squares have changed the face of the city. Green spaces with carefully tended flower beds? Today they're found mainly in the nostalgia brought on by a classic tango song.

UNITED NATIONS, Feb 05 (IPS) - Formerly derided as the domain of time-wasting and self-obsession, social media has emerged as an unlikely shining light for international relations and social activism.

UNITED NATIONS, Feb 05 (IPS) - Measles remains one of the leading causes of death for young children worldwide, even though a safe and ostensibly affordable vaccine is available.

TAIPEI, Feb 05 (IPS) - "The clock is ticking." Those were the words of Taiwan Democracy Watch Director Yeh Chueh-an on Feb. 4, as scores of civil society organisations in the capital, Taipei, began a countdown for a citizen-based rewriting of Taiwan's constitution aimed at safeguarding human rights and social equity.

, Feb 04 (IPS) - Global tourism, which stood at a mere 25 million international travelers in 1950 has, over the past decades, experienced such phenomenal growth and diversification that today it has become one of the fastest growing economic sectors in the world.

NEW YORK, Feb 04 (IPS) - A proposed bill to bring medical marijuana to New York State will leave the treatment inaccessible to low-income patients, community groups warn.

JAMALPUR, Bangladesh, Feb 04 (IPS) - Shanta* is only four years old, but already she loves school. Every morning, her mother walks her to the small pre-primary facility in Mohonpur village, about 140 km away from Bangladesh's capital Dhaka, and leaves her in the care of a young female teacher, who oversees the day's activities: storytelling, drama, reciting poetry.