IBT Staff Reporter

Two papers recently published by scientists theorize that our universe might be contained in a bubble, and that there are other universes contained in numerous other bubbles making up a "multiverse".

Big media companies reported strong results but a bleak economic outlook has investors worried over whether they can deliver again in the face of high unemployment and slumping U.S. consumer spending.

This fall, Alec Baldwin will be the season's opening host of Saturday Night Live. The New York Times first reported the story, and this will mark Baldwin's 16th appearance as the host of the sketch show. It will also be a record for the star, beating out rival Steve Martin with 15 host credits.

Time Inc plans to make all 21 of its magazines, including Real Simple and Entertainment Weekly, available on leading tablet computers by the end of the year, the publishing arm of Time Warner said on Wednesday.

Mila Kunis told off a reporter in Russian on Justin's behalf.

A downgrade to the U.S. sovereign credit rating could open up a new world of pain for the dollar.

A badly injured sea turtle that underwent a year of rehabilitation and innovative surgeries was released Wednesday by caretakers hoping he finds a mate and helps his endangered species prosper.

Two former top officials at the Federal Reserve conditionally endorsed a further round of bond buying by the U.S. central bank to spur a flagging economic recovery, the Wall Street Journal said on Wednesday.

As Brazil watches much of the so-called rich world struggle with debt crises, it can take some solace in the likelihood that its growing ties with China should shield it from the worst aftershocks.

Superman may be a hero, but Clark Kent still answers to Perry White. The newest film to enter the Superman franchise, "Man of Steel," has gained its White in the form of Laurence Fishburne.

An initial public offering of shares in Chrysler Group LLC is unlikely in 2012, Sergio Marchionne, the chief executive of both Chrysler and its controlling shareholder Fiat SpA , said on Wednesday.

MasterCard Inc said second-quarter profit jumped 33 percent, as inflation in the United States lifted spending volume and more international consumers used debit and credit cards.

Earth once might have had two moons, according to researchers.

The pace of growth in the services sector ticked down unexpectedly in July to the lowest level since February 2010 and the number of jobs created by the private sector also slowed, reports showed on Wednesday.

Private equity firm KKR & Co reported lower-than-expected second-quarter earnings on Wednesday as investment income declined and the value of its investments rose less than the previous year, sending its shares lower.

Britain's electronic spy agency told Reuters on Wednesday a report disclosing unprecedented cyber raids demonstrated the need for an international shared understanding of acceptable online activity that could boost trade and social development.

South Africa has agreed to a 2.5 billion rand bailout for Swaziland to help it through a budget crunch that had prompted unprecedented protests against Africa's last absolute monarch, officials said on Wednesday.

Best Buy is offering a Google Nexus S phone with a two-year contract today.

Indian conglomerate Essar plans to spend up to $4 billion constructing a plant to process iron ore from Zimbabwe's Mwanesi resource within the next five years, Industry and Commerce Minister Welshman Ncube said on Wednesday.

South African government bonds rallied sharply on Wednesday and the yield on the benchmark note fell to 9-month lows as a gloomy global economic climate cast a shadow on the domestic outlook.

Tips on how you and your family can get back to the basics and break your digital addiction. Do think you can do it?

The 1m-wide spherical tank was found in Lake Nacogdoches, near the Texas town of the same name where much of the debris initially fell. The tank was part of the ill-fated orbiter's electrical power system and contained liquid hydrogen or oxygen.

Moody's Investors Service said it may cut its ratings on Bank of New York Mellon Corp and JPMorgan Chase & Co over the next 18 months, saying the banks might get less U.S. government support in the future.

Garmin forecast a grim year ahead as it grapples with the relentless decline of its once popular personal navigation devices and looks for ways to make them more appealing to customers, who are favoring free navigation apps on their smartphones and tablets.

Service sector growth slowed in July but stayed above a level indicative of growth, the Institute for Supply Management said on Wednesday.

Casey Anthony's defense attorneys are fighting a judge's order requiring her to return to Florida and serve a year of probation for a check fraud conviction. Anthony's attorneys said that she would be in "great peril" if she were to return.

Britain said Wednesday it will introduce a digital exchange where licenses for copyright works may be bought and sold, as part of a revamp of its 300-year-old copyright laws.

With financial markets in turmoil and economic growth slowing, policymakers around the world may once again be forced to cooperate to try to head off a crisis, as they did successfully in 2008-2009. But this time, they have fewer good options.

Dunkin' Brands Group Inc said on Wednesday its franchisees are raising prices at Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin-Robbins stores to help cover the higher costs of key ingredients such as coffee and milk.