Health

WASHINGTON — Scientists are expanding the genetic code of life, using man-made DNA to create a semi-synthetic strain of bacteria — and new research shows those altered microbes actually worked to produce proteins unlike those found in nature.

HALIFAX — Nova Scotia's auditor general attached a firm figure Wednesday to how worried he is by the premier's suggestions he strayed from his mandate in a report identifying gaps in the province's health system. Michael Pickup said it was "zero.

TORONTO — The three months of Bill VanGorder's retirement were among the longest of his career.

OTTAWA — Canadians are putting in more effort in the classroom, additional time on the job and extra teeth-gnashing minutes on the road getting to and from work, Statistics Canada says in the latest — and last — batch of numbers from the 2016 census.

SASKATOON — An inquest into the death of a 17-year-old boy who was being held at a Saskatoon youth centre has heard that the day before he died, the teen had told a nurse about using crystal meth in his cell.

OTTAWA — Statistics Canada issued its sixth and final batch of 2016 census numbers Wednesday, this one focused on education, labour, journey to work, language of work and mobility and migration.

OTTAWA — The top 10 occupations in Canada last year for men and women, according to the 2016 census: WOMEN 1. Retail salespersons 2. Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses 3. Cashiers 4. Elementary school and kindergarten teachers 5.

TORONTO — When it comes to treating Clostridium difficile with a fecal transplant — yes, human poop — swallowing a frozen capsule appears to have far less of an "ick factor" and works as well as delivering the therapy via colonoscopy, researchers say

TEHRAN, Iran — In a square in a poor eastern Tehran neighbourhood known for its drug addicts and dealers, psychologist Atefeh Azimi draws another drop of blood from a worried passer-by's finger.

EDMONTON — Workers would have the right to refuse dangerous work under new job site rules proposed by the Alberta government.