HOUSTON, May 1 /PRNewswire/ --

Endeavour International Corporation (NYSE-Amex: END) (LSE: ENDV) today reported discretionary cash flow for first quarter 2009 of US$23.4 million and adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (adjusted EBITDA) of US$17.9 million. For the period, net loss to common stockholders, excluding the impairment charge caused by falling natural gas prices of US$29.4 million, unrealized gains on derivatives and currency impacts on deferred taxes (net loss, as adjusted), was US$2.2 million as compared to a loss of US$4.7 million in the same quarter in 2008.

A new study by University of Maryland researchers suggests that the potential for an avian influenza virus to cause a human flu pandemic is greater than previously thought and the results also illustrate how the current H1N1 swine flu outbreak likely came about. 

TORRANCE, California, May 1 /PRNewswire/ --

Trident Space Defense has opened a European Office in Fareham, UK, to provide program management, engineering and customer support for its European customers, as well as increasing its ability to source European manufactured components.

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Regular hand washing is recommended by both the WHO and the NHS as one of the most effective ways of controlling infections.   Using a hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available is also a good idea.

With swine flu topping the agenda of business around the world, global risks specialist, Maplecroft has released three new maps and indices revealing the countries most at risk from an influenza pandemic.

The Influenza Pandemic Risk Index (IPRI) consists of three categories: Risk of Emergence, Risk of Spread and Capacity to Contain. Each index generates a list of countries most at risk and that require a tailored policy response on the part of government and business. Maplecroft's research focuses on global risks to business.

The map of Risk of Spread shows the United Kingdom most at risk to the spread of an influenza pandemic, ranking number 1 out of 213 countries.

People who want to take extra precautions against swine flu should look for masks with built-in filters, according to Dr Robin J Harman, a pharmaceutical and regulatory expert.

There has been much debate about the benefits of wearing a mask to prevent infection with swine flu. Ordinary surgical masks provide some protection from airborne particles, but the UK Department of Health has stated that 'basic face masks don't protect people from becoming infected'.(1)

High school biology teachers may be even more important than the curriculm, according to a University of Minnesota study published in the May issue of BioScience.

Co-authors Randy Moore and Sehoya Cotner, professors in the College of Biological Sciences, surveyed 1,000 students taking introductory biology classes at the University of Minnesota to learn how biology majors view evolution compared to non-majors. Results showed that the two groups' views were similar and revealed that high school biology teachers influence whether majors and non-majors college students accept evolution or question it based on creationism.

Dolphins have a clever trick for overcoming sleep deprivation, according to Sam Ridgway from the US Navy Marine Mammal Program and colleagues.   They are able to send half of their brains to sleep while the other half remains conscious. What is more, the mammals seem to be able to remain continually vigilant for sounds for days on end.

Does the dolphins' unrelenting auditory vigilance tire them and take a toll on the animals' other senses? Ridgway and his team set about testing two dolphins' acoustic and visual vigilance over a 5 day period to find out how well they functioned after days without a break.

LUXEMBOURG, April 30 /PRNewswire/ --

Alternative Petroleum Technologies S. A. (APT) announced today that its shares of common stock have been listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (FSE) under the symbol WRR. We believe that the listing on the FSE, along with our global expansion, will provide more recognition for Alternative Petroleum Technologies and its exciting developments with its partners and the investment community, stated Mr. Patrick Grimes, President of APT. We are extremely pleased with the listing of our shares on the FSE as it completes an important step in APT's strategic growth plan.

About Alternative Petroleum Technologies (www.altpetrol.com)

PALO ALTO, California, April 30 /PRNewswire/ --

- Accomplished regulatory executive enhances Nfocus device development team.

Endovascular device start-up Nfocus Neuromedical Inc. announced today the appointment of accomplished regulatory executive Robert O'Holla to its leadership team in the role of Vice President of Regulatory Affairs.