One theory to explain what is happening is that water molecules agitated by microwaves are attracted to water-seeking areas on the surface of proteins, influencing their ability to function.

BBC: Mobile safety debate heats up

Soap is made of long molecules with ends that behave differently: One end of the molecule is attracted to water and the other is repelled by it.

BBC: Magnetic soap could help in oil spill clean-ups

Charity: water has attracted some big names to its cause, which helps with donations and publicity.

FORBES: Tapping the Well of Philanthropy: Scott Harrison and Charity Water

Though brewing is a shadow of its former self here, local leaders are newly mindful that the industry, which used huge volumes of water, attracted other businesses that still remain vibrant.

WSJ: Great Lakes region pins economic hopes on water

He believes the little girl was attracted by balloons floating on the water, and fell in as she tried to grab them.

BBC: Police investigate Kuffour tragedy

Global green tech investments tumbled in 2012, but a few sectors, such as water and agriculture, attracted a greater interest from investors than the year before, according to market data released by the Cleantech Group on Thursday.

FORBES: Water, Food, Transportation: Where Green Tech Investments Will Go In 2013

Organisers say canoe and white water enthusiasts from across the UK could be attracted to the new facility.

BBC: NEWS | UK | Wales | South East Wales | City's white water slalom plans

The pay rise attracted criticism from various consumer groups, including the National Campaign for Water Justice.

BBC: Water chief sees salary doubled

The prospect of shortages has attracted a growing number of venture capital firms and investment funds to place big bets on technologies aimed at replenishing water supplies.

FORBES: The Water-Industrial Complex