The Democratic-controlled US House of Representatives passed a bill bolstering embryonic stem cell research that advocates say shows promise for numerous medical cures.

Ignoring a veto threat, the US House of Representatives moved today towards approving a Bill loosening President George Bush’s restrictions on stem cell research, with supporters claiming prospects were enhanced by promises that such research would offer new treatments for a host of debilitating ailments.

Thousands of Australian residents have been put on evacuation alert as rising temperatures and dangerous wind gusts pushed a fire storm closer to the national capital.

Out-of-control bush fires raging near Australia's capital have destroyed several homes and are forcing thousands of people to evacuate.