IBT Staff Reporter

President Barack Obama on Thursday ratcheted up pressure on Israel to freeze settlements as he sought to reassure visiting Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas of U.S. support for Palestinian statehood.

Dell Inc, the world's No. 2 PC maker, narrowly beat analysts' expectations for sharply reduced profit on Thursday, even as the global downturn hit technology spending, helping its shares rise after hours.

Germany and the United States get what may be their last chance to save Opel on Friday when they try to put a heated row behind them and forge a plan to shield the carmaker from a bankruptcy of its parent General Motors.

Hulu took another step forward to sealing its online presence by rolling out a downloadable desktop version of its own video Web site.

Target Corp shareholders reelected its four incumbent directors, the retailer said on Thursday, dealing a defeat to activist investor William Ackman, who launched a heated proxy contest seeking five seats on its board.

Australian Bank of Queensland on Thursday launched its first in-branch foreign currency ATM making it easier for locals to get foreign currency before heading abroad.

Stocks climbed more than 1 percent on Thursday as higher oil prices drove up energy shares and falling yields in the bond market eased concerns that higher borrowing costs would hinder economic recovery.

The cardiovascular fitness level of cancer survivors is not affected by many standard cancer therapies, say researchers from Georgetown University Medical Cancer. That is the finding of a new observational study to be presented today at the American College of Sports Medicine in Seattle.

GE Oil & Gas said on Thursday it will supply Abu Dhabi Company for Onshore Oil Operation (ADCO) with its advance technology and services together with ABB in supplying the variable speed drive system (VSDS) electrical scope, including motors, transformers and converters.

Time Warner Inc on Thursday made official plans to separate its AOL division sometime around the end of this year, a widely expected move that sheds one of the media company's weakest divisions.

Independent oil and gas research, Derrick petroleum Service on Thursday said a $20 Billion excess of Oil and Gas assets is currently for sale worldwide due to the whipsaw in oil and gas prices demand in the economic downturn with estimated value of more than $10 million.

The State of Florida took a major step forward to save lives and protect children yesterday when Governor Charlie Crist signed a $1 per pack surcharge into law.

Stocks climbed more than 1 percent on Thursday as higher oil prices drove up energy shares and falling yields in the bond market eased concerns that higher borrowing costs would hinder economic recovery.

Funding for poison control services has been completely eliminated from the Governor's budget. Poison control services cost California $5.9 million but save $70 million in health care costs and prevent 164,000 emergency room visits each year.

The 37th annual Fragrance Foundation 2009 FIFI(R) Award on May 27 went to Sean John for his latest “I am King” fragrance.

There are green shoots, but not much more.

Dell Inc. posted on Thursday lower-than-expected sales for its first quarter which ended on May 1, saying it was severely hurt by its reliance on business customers.

General Motors Corp persuaded its major bondholders to accept a sweetened ownership plan on Thursday, a deal that could result in a smoother ride for the carmaker through bankruptcy.

Starting pregnancy at a healthy weight and gaining the right amount during pregnancy is critical to giving a baby a healthy start in life, the March of Dimes said today in response to new guidelines from the Institute of Medicine (IOM).

Google has unveiled a new-age communication and collaboration tool developed by the same team that brought us Google Maps.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, in conjunction with Ralphs and L.A. Care Health Plan, will give away the largest free supply of nicotine patches and gum in California, and are asking residents who are interested in helping others quit smoking to volunteer during this giveaway.

Stocks climbed on Thursday as rising oil prices drove up shares of energy companies and falling yields in the bond market eased concerns that higher borrowing costs would delay an economic recovery.

Alfred Lane, MD, knows that kids love summer and kids love sun. However, Dr. Lane cautions, parents must remember that

Sales of new U.S. single-family homes rose slightly in April, while fewer workers filed for first-time jobless aid last week, raising hopes the worst of the deep economic recession was likely over.

Treatment guidelines exist to help physicians choose the best treatment options for their patients based on current scientific studies.

Palm Inc's iPhone competitor Pre got an unexpected boost on Thursday as No. 1 U.S. mobile service Verizon Wireless said Pre would be part of its upcoming device line-up, sending Palm shares up 8.8 percent.

The European Union's executive body will study plans by Google to make millions of books available online after Germany said the Internet company's project flouts EU copyright law.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas met President Barack Obama on Thursday to urge stronger U.S. pressure on Israel to halt settlement building even as the Jewish state rebuffed Washington's latest appeal.

A pickup in U.S. home sales has kindled hopes for a housing recovery, but plunging prices, rising unemployment and a new wave of foreclosures are clouding prospects for a quick end to the American real estate debacle.