As believers across the globe prepare for the forecast Mayan apocalypse, a Chinese villager says he’s going to save humanity with his giant tsunami proof survival pods. ­The pods are made using a fiberglass casing over a steel frame, cost $48,000 each to make and are equipped with oxygen tanks, food and water supplies. They also come with seat belts – essential for surviving in storms. “The... 

Scientists reprogram urine cells to generate neurons: Chinese scientists claim to have succeeded in reprogramming cells from human urine into brain cells (neural progenitor), in a study that may contribute to future advances in the treatment of degenerative illnesses like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Research has contributed to the advancement of the treatment of degenerative diseases... 

A newly revealed top secret document indicates that the US once instituted a military plan by which it would launch an instantaneous “full nuclear attack” against both China and Russia, if attacked by one of the two, even accidentally or by conventional arms. The document, published Wednesday by the Washington-based National Security Archives, shows that until 1968, the US had a protocol in place... 

Japan launched 8 fighter jets in response to an airspace “violation” by a Chinese plane that strayed into territory above disputed islands in East China Sea. Japan slammed the move as “deplorable” and lodged a formal complaint against the Chinese. The Japanese Foreign Ministry issued a statement, saying a Chinese state aircraft had strayed into airspace over the disputed archipelago, prompting... 

Did you see the huge crowds of protesters that flooded the Michigan Capitol on Tuesday? They were there to protest two bills there were being considered by the state legislature that would limit the power of unions in the state. Michigan lawmakers approved the bills and this absolutely infuriated the protesters. There is a lot of passion on both sides of this debate, but I am afraid that both sides... 

Inmates in a Chinese prison German multinational engineering and electronics company, Bosch, has come under attack by human rights activists for offering surveillance systems to China to spy on inmates at visiting time. Kai Muller, the manager of the International Campaign for Tibet, told the German-language newspaper Suddeutsche Zeitung that it is unacceptable that the Gerlingen-headquartered company... 

Despite a flurry of grand initiatives, Doha 2012 has yielded few specifics – with Europe the only major carbon emitter prepared to set clear emissions targets. Its zeal is likely to hamper growth, while doing little to lower worldwide CO2 levels. ­The two-week UN climate change conference in the oil-funded opulence of Qatar had to be extended by a day to produce an agreement that is only as much... 

In just five years, China surpassed the US as leading a trading partner in the world. With 124 countries considering China their largest trading partner and only 76 having that relationship with the US, the Asian country’s influence is on the rise. In 2006, the US was the larger trading partner for 127 countries, while China dominated among 70. In 2011, the numbers reversed, with China dominating... 

The remains of a monumental imperial palace have been unearthed at the mausoleum of China’s fist emperor, inside his tomb. It’s believed to be the largest complex ever found at Qin Shi Huang’s resting place. ­An associate researcher at the Shaanxi provincial institute of archaeology, Sun Weigang, told the Xinhua news agency that the courtyard-style palace was estimated to be 690... 

In reviewing all the breaking news over the last few months and looking for the “big picture” of where America is headed, one pattern has emerged with striking regularity: America has quietly become less free in many ways than nations like Cuba, China and even Venezuela. This is especially true in California, where “justice” has become a joke, and the power of the state is unleashed in personal... 

India renamed Russian-origin Admiral Gorshkov aircraft carrier (shown) to “INS Vikramaditya.” Indian Defense Minister AK Antony says Russia will deliver a renovated Soviet-era aircraft carrier in the last quarter of 2013. The Indian minister told the lower house of the parliament on Monday that the end of 2013 was set as the date for the handover of the Russian-origin aircraft carrier, which is... 

The skyscraper 838 meters tall is to be built in China. It will be not only the highest skyscraper in the world, but also a massive construction built in a record time. The project is being implemented by BROAD Sustainable Building (BSB), which is known for its buildings in the sky. BSB has recently built a 30-storey hotel in 15 days. This time, the company has decided to build a skyscraper in just... 

J-15 jet about to land. China has successfully landed a warplane on its first aircraft carrier. The new J-15 jet fighter touched down on the Liaoning as part of the ship’s operational tests. The Liaoning, a refurbished Soviet-made ship, was delivered to the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy on September 25 in a move that will bolster China’s ability to project military power. A video of... 

The new Chinese administration will continue to build partnership relations with Russia, Andrey Karneyev, Vice-Chancellor of the Institute of Asian and African Studies of Moscow State University told Pravda.Ru. “Indeed, China has formed a new team that will lead the country in the next 10 years. The fact that it is all happening in a relatively stable fashion is also a sign of success –... 

Xi Jinping has been elected General Secretary of the Communist Party of China and will also now be the country’s commander-in-chief, making him de facto leader of the world’s most populous country. ­In a no-surprise promotion on Thursday, veteran politician Xi was confirmed to be China’s paramount leader for the next 10 years. Wearing a dark suit, he led the new seven-man Central Politburo...