Four people have been rescued after their boats crashed off the coast of Yeppoon in central Queensland.

At least 138 people have died after a powerful earthquake of magnitude 7.1 struck central Mexico, toppling buildings in the heavily populated capital where rescuers searched rubble frantically for survivors.

The new national cervical cancer screening program has received a boost, with a large clinical trial showing screening for the human papillomavirus (HPV) is significantly better at detecting potential pre-cancerous cells than the traditional Pap smear.

A new form of high-resolution 'printing' which could be developed for anti-counterfeiting measures in banknotes has been discovered by scientists.

The body overseeing the postal survey on same-sex marriage is working with online sales sites to take down listings of those trying to sell their ballots.

After years in limbo on Manus Island and Nauru, some refugees will soon know whether they will be moving to the US to start a new life.

Tony Abbott has warned he'll vote against the coalition government if it tries to legislate a clean energy target, with up to six backbenchers tipped to follow him.

HOW DES HASLER'S SIX YEARS AT CANTERBURY PLAYED OUT:* 2012 - Runners-up (1st)Made an immediate impact on his arrival from Manly with a revolutionary style of attack that included ball-playing forwards with Ben Barba creating chaos out the back.

Maroons great Ben Ikin wants North Queensland coach Paul Green to pull the trigger and unleash Cowboys enforcer Matt Scott on the Sydney Roosters in their NRL grand final qualifier in Sydney.

Toys 'R' Us Inc, which filed for bankruptcy late Monday, will ask a judge for permission to borrow money so that it can start paying suppliers to ensure it has Lego building blocks and Barbie dolls for the holiday season.