Less than a decade ago, it fired its first human being into orbit. Now, Beijing is working on a multi-capsule outpost in space. But what is the political message of the Tiangong ‘heavenly palace’? China has laid out plans for its future in space, unveiling details of an ambitious new space station to be built […]
Two-headed python found in Germany
A REPTILE shop owner in Germany has bred a two-headed Royal python. The one-year-old python has two spinal cords and two heads, both of which are active. It has no known physical problems and manages to eat and digest food with little difficulty. However, only one head does the eating, as if both heads were […]
Computer experts warn of Osama malware scams
COMPUTER security experts warned on Monday that online scammers have already started to exploit the death of Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden to spread malware. ‘Watch out for the links you’re likely to come across in email or on social networking sites offering you additional coverage of this newsworthy event,’ Mr Paul Ducklin of computer […]
Amid ‘war on obesity,’ sceptics warn of stigma
THE images are striking: Overweight boys and girls staring sombrely from billboards and online videos, real-life embodiments of the blunt messages alongside. ‘Chubby kids may not outlive their parents,’ for example. Or: ‘Big bones didn’t make me this way. Big meals did.’ The ads – part of a new ‘Stop Child Obesity’ campaign in Georgia […]
Sony execs apologise for network security breach
SONY executives bowed in apology on Sunday for a security breach in the company’s PlayStation Network that compromised the personal data of some 77 million accounts on the online service. ‘We deeply apologize for the inconvenience we have caused,’ said Mr Kazuo Hirai, chief of Sony Corp’s PlayStation video game unit, who was among the […]
US tests bin Laden’s DNA, used facial ID: Official
THE United States (US) is conducting DNA testing on slain al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, and used facial recognition techniques to help identify him, a US official said on Monday. Bin Laden was identified by the assault force that killed him in a firefight in Pakistan in which he resisted and was shot in […]
World cheers bin Laden’s death as victory
THE death of Osama bin Laden was celebrated around the world as a victory for justice, but many people cautioned that it would not end terrorist attacks or ease suffering of those who lost loved ones in bombings by Al-Qaeda-linked militants. Spontaneous, celebratory rallies broke out in New York City at ground zero, where the […]
Obamas report $2.1m income for 2010
US PRESIDENT Barack Obama and his wife earned US$1.7 million (S$2.1 million) last year, a significant drop from the prior year as sales of the president’s books slowed, according to tax documents released on Monday. The president and first lady Michelle Obama reported 2010 adjusted gross income of US$1,728,096, down from US$5.5 million in 2009. […]
New nuclear power plants in China ‘set to be approved’
Photo shows the Changjiang Nuclear Power Plant Phase II under construction at Tangxing village in Changjiang county in southern China’s Hainan province. NEW nuclear power projects may be approved, following suspension of the procedure on March 16 by the State Council after the Japanese tsunami, when the nuclear safety plan is issued, probably in August, […]
William, Kate marry as 2 billion tune in across globe
With not one but two kisses and tender whispered words, Prince William and Kate Middleton smiled and blushed Friday as they started their life as future king and queen. A day of seamless pageantry inspired hopes that this royal couple might live happily ever after. They appeared at ease throughout their wedding day, with William […]