‘250 billion’ plastic fragments in Mediterranean

Some 250 billion microscopic pieces of plastic are floating in the Mediterranean, creating a biological hazard that reverberates up the food chain, according to research supported by green campaigners. The estimate comes from French and…

Israel confirms major gas find

Noble Energy, a US-based oil and gas firm, along with its Israeli exploration partners, have confirmed the discovery of a huge offshore gas field called Leviathan, 130km off the coast of the Mediterranean port of Haifa. Delek Energy, one…

Korean Crisis:China backs Six-Party Talks

Beijing on Thursday reiterated its support for talks between the Republic of Korea (ROK) and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) after Seoul signaled a desire to ease tensions on the Korean Peninsula. “Talks…

Small steps offer no respite from climate effects

Professor Kevin Anderson, the director of the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research, evaluates the outcome of the UN climate summit in Cancun and argues that success at next year’s negotiations will not compensate for…

Japan concious of business relations with China

 Japanese Ambassador Uichiro Niwa recently embarked on a three day visit in China.  According to China Daily, Niwa met Japanese entrepreneurs and local officials in a move that analysts said will help improve strained ties between…

Asia: Guinea Pigs Aplenty for Drug Giants

Bangkok, Thailand — Before any pill reaches the pharmacy shelf, it must first pass through a gauntlet of human guinea pigs: the “clinical subjects” paid to take trial drugs so specialists can observe their symptoms….