Skin cells may be 'programmed' to work like stem cells; Pakistan suspended from Commonwealth; Iran says it's ready to defend against attack...

23 November :: Discovery of skin-cell property that allows stem-cell behavior hope for researchers, conservative candidates; the discovery means research into curing diseases through stem-cell treatments need not be held back by ban on research that destroys human embryos, conservative candidates in US need not face criticism for opposing life-saving research... Pakistan has been suspended from the Commonwealth for not lifting emergency rule by deadline; organization is comprised of the United Kingdom, former British colonies and Mozambique, total of 53 nations and a population of over 2 billion people... Musharraf has agreed to end Sharif's forced exile to Saudi Arabia after talks with King Abdullah; not clear whether former PM deposed by general in 1999 will arrive in time to file for January election candidacy... Top Revolutionary Guards commander says Iran is "ready" to defend itself in any way necessary, if military strike is employed by "enemies" to halt its nuclear research... US dollar has hit new record lows against major currencies, nearing $1.49 to the Euro, as concerns about spreading slowdown in US economy, possible recession, take hold...