Braunschweig, Germany - If you use a radio-controlled watch in Western Europe, or observe an airport clock, the chances are that both are being calibrated from a laboratory in the north of Germany.

When European clocks were set back by one hour early Sunday morning, ending summer time, the change was largely automated using signals from a bank of atomic clocks in Braunschweig.

The 45-year-old man in charge of them, Ekkehard Peik, is head of the Time and Frequencies Department at the German Agency for Physics Technology.

"Our system of clocks has never stopped," he says proudly.

It sometimes happens that one clock fails and has to be replaced, but the set keeps going.

Washington, Oct 26 : An ancient Chinese exercise can effectively treat pain and physical impairment in people with severe knee osteoarthritis, says a new study.

Tai chi is an ancient Chinese exercise that uses an integrated mind-body approach to enhance muscle function, balance, and flexibility and has been known to reduce pain, depression and anxiety in those who practice the exercise.

Osteoarthritis, or OA as it is commonly called, is the most common joint disease affecting middle age and older people. It can limit movement and cause pain and swelling.

London, October 26 : Prince Harry will be guarded with super guns made famous by Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible 3.

The 24-year-old, who served for 77 days on the front line in the Afghan War, will be shielded with the powerful Heckler & Koch G36 pump-action assault rifles if he is posted to another war front.

The 750 pounds short-barrelled rifle can bring about fatal consequences by firing up to 750 rounds per minute.

London, October 26 : Madonna’s daughter Lourdes has begged her parents ‘not to be mean to each other’ while the couple decides to go their separate ways.

The 12-year-old’s touching plea might just pave the way for her parents Madonna and Guy Ritchie’s early divorce settlement.

Lourdes, who is a biological daughter of Madonna and ex-lover Carlos Leon, had apparently made the request when the couple informed their kids of the heart-breaking news.

Wellington - A minister in New Zealand's Labour-led coalition government announced on Sunday that he is switching sides and will only serve in a conservative administration after next month's general election.

Peter Dunne, minister of revenue and leader of the United Future party, said he would only support a government formed by the opposition National Party if it wins the election on November 8.

Washington, Oct 26 : A new study by researchers at Washington State University has found that celebrity endorsement during presidential campaigns is an effective political strategy to get younger voters to the polls.

The researchers wanted to determine the effectiveness of celebrity endorsement campaigns in lowering complacency among young voters and prompting their participation in the political process.

It focused on the use of celebrities such as Beyonce Knowles, Christina Aquilera and P. Diddy in ‘get-out-the-vote’ campaigns conducted during the 2004 presidential campaign.