Melbourne, Apr 4 : A bacteria present in the fluid near the ovaries may reduce a woman's chances of becoming pregnant via in vitro fertilisation (IVF), according to an Aussie researcher.

Dr. Christine Knox, a microbiologist at Queensland University of Technology, says that this finding contrasts the traditional view that fluid surrounding the ovum, known as follicular fluid, is sterile.

In her opinion, the study can help increase the success rates of assisted reproductive technologies (ART).

Sydney  - An English teenager docked in Tasmania on Saturday at the half-way point of his attempt to break a round-the-world sailing record held by an Australian.

Mike Perham, only just 17, hopes to break the record set 10 years ago by Melbourne's Jesse Martin, who was 18 when he circumnavigated the globe alone.

Perham, who set out in November, said his worst moment came a week ago off the coast of West Australia.

Sydney, Apr. 4 : Australian opener Phillip Hughes has become the youngest player ever to win the prestigious Steve Waugh Medal.

Hughes received the coveted gong for being New South Wale''s most outstanding cricketer this summer.

The 20-year-old made it a one-horse race with 231 votes - 72 votes clear of his nearest rival, fast bowler Aaron Bird.

Sydney  - A

Canberra (Australia), Apr. 4: Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd''s short temper and unreasonable demands have triggered an exodus of personal staff and a backlash from public servants.

The latest casualty is Rudd’s 78,000-dollar-a-year ex-butler John Fisher, dubbed "Jeeves" by the Opposition, The Daily Telegraph reports.

Rudd''s bullying style has come under close scrutiny after it was revealed he had reduced a young RAAF cabin attendant to tears during a VIP flight when she was unable to produce the right meal.

Melbourne, Apr 3 : It looks like Lady GaGa is adapting to fame and stardom, for she is going Down Under with a bizarre list of dressing room demands, including one small plate of non-smelly, non-sweat cheese on ice.

Lady GaGa is slated to support the Pussycat Dolls when they play the Acer Arena in Sydney on May 22.

And the 23-year-old chart-topping star made her demands very clear in a new document posted online by Thesmokinggun. com, reports the Daily Telegraph.