Search｜Photos & Images & Videos｜KYODO NEWS IMAGES INC

Star Explosion Reveals New Space Ingredients

Handout - Scientists have spotted chlorine and potassium hiding inside the remains of a blown-up star for the first time. Using Japan’s XRISM space telescope, they found these elements inside the giant cloud of debris left behind by the supernova called Cassiopeia A. The explosion happened about 11,000 light-years from Earth, but it is still giving up new secrets today. The find shows how stars don’t just light up the sky, they also make many of the elements that help build planets and life. Even long after a star explodes, it can still teach us something new about the universe. This discovery was published in a scientific paper on December 4 this year, and the image was released on January 28, 2024, using data from NASA’s Chandra telescope along with Hubble, Webb and Spitzer. Photo by Image credit: X-ray: NASA/CXC/SAO; Optical: NASA/ESA/STScI; IR: NASA/ESA/CSA/STScI/Milisavljevic et al., NASA/JPL/CalTech; Image Processing: NASA/CXC/SAO/J. Schmidt and K. Arcand via ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Robonaut 2 on display at NASM - USA

Handout Photo - Jonathan Rogers, chief of the Robotic Systems Technology Branch at NASA’s Johnson Space Center and former Robonaut project manager, answers questions about Robonaut 2 from museum guests at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum’s Steve F. Udvar-Hazy Center Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, in Chantilly, Va. Robonaut 2, the first humanoid robot to fly to space, is displayed publicly for the first time near the space shuttle Discovery. Robonaut 2, often called “R2”, was originally sent to the International Space Station (ISS) by NASA in 2011. Developed in a unique partnership between NASA’s Johnson Space Center (JSC) in Houston, General Motors, and Oceaneering, R2 represents cutting-edge advancements in humanoid robotics. The robot is designed to assist astronauts with tasks that require both dexterity and precision, improving efficiency and safety for crew members aboard the ISS. The humanoid robot showcases numerous component technologies, including advanced vision systems, sophisticated image r

E

Robonaut 2 on display at NASM - USA

Handout Photo - Robonaut 2 is seen at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum’s Steve F. Udvar-Hazy Center Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, in Chantilly, Va. Robonaut 2, the first humanoid robot to fly to space, is displayed publicly for the first time near the space shuttle Discovery. Robonaut 2, often called “R2”, was originally sent to the International Space Station (ISS) by NASA in 2011. Developed in a unique partnership between NASA’s Johnson Space Center (JSC) in Houston, General Motors, and Oceaneering, R2 represents cutting-edge advancements in humanoid robotics. The robot is designed to assist astronauts with tasks that require both dexterity and precision, improving efficiency and safety for crew members aboard the ISS. The humanoid robot showcases numerous component technologies, including advanced vision systems, sophisticated image recognition capabilities, integrated sensors, and tendon hands with dexterous, lifelike motion. R2’s intricate control algorithms enable it to handle tools, operate in

E

Robonaut 2 on display at NASM - USA

Handout Photo - Robonaut 2 is seen at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum’s Steve F. Udvar-Hazy Center Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, in Chantilly, Va. Robonaut 2, the first humanoid robot to fly to space, is displayed publicly for the first time near the space shuttle Discovery. Robonaut 2, often called “R2”, was originally sent to the International Space Station (ISS) by NASA in 2011. Developed in a unique partnership between NASA’s Johnson Space Center (JSC) in Houston, General Motors, and Oceaneering, R2 represents cutting-edge advancements in humanoid robotics. The robot is designed to assist astronauts with tasks that require both dexterity and precision, improving efficiency and safety for crew members aboard the ISS. The humanoid robot showcases numerous component technologies, including advanced vision systems, sophisticated image recognition capabilities, integrated sensors, and tendon hands with dexterous, lifelike motion. R2’s intricate control algorithms enable it to handle tools, operate in

E

Robonaut 2 on display at NASM - USA

Handout Photo - Robonaut 2 is seen at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum’s Steve F. Udvar-Hazy Center Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, in Chantilly, Va. Robonaut 2, the first humanoid robot to fly to space, is displayed publicly for the first time near the space shuttle Discovery. Robonaut 2, often called “R2”, was originally sent to the International Space Station (ISS) by NASA in 2011. Developed in a unique partnership between NASA’s Johnson Space Center (JSC) in Houston, General Motors, and Oceaneering, R2 represents cutting-edge advancements in humanoid robotics. The robot is designed to assist astronauts with tasks that require both dexterity and precision, improving efficiency and safety for crew members aboard the ISS. The humanoid robot showcases numerous component technologies, including advanced vision systems, sophisticated image recognition capabilities, integrated sensors, and tendon hands with dexterous, lifelike motion. R2’s intricate control algorithms enable it to handle tools, operate in

E

Robonaut 2 on display at NASM - USA

Handout Photo - Robonaut 2 is seen at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum’s Steve F. Udvar-Hazy Center Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, in Chantilly, Va. Robonaut 2, the first humanoid robot to fly to space, is displayed publicly for the first time near the space shuttle Discovery. Robonaut 2, often called “R2”, was originally sent to the International Space Station (ISS) by NASA in 2011. Developed in a unique partnership between NASA’s Johnson Space Center (JSC) in Houston, General Motors, and Oceaneering, R2 represents cutting-edge advancements in humanoid robotics. The robot is designed to assist astronauts with tasks that require both dexterity and precision, improving efficiency and safety for crew members aboard the ISS. The humanoid robot showcases numerous component technologies, including advanced vision systems, sophisticated image recognition capabilities, integrated sensors, and tendon hands with dexterous, lifelike motion. R2’s intricate control algorithms enable it to handle tools, operate in

E

U.S.-LOS ANGELES-ENTERTAINMENT WRITERS-STRIKE

(230503) -- LOS ANGELES, May 3, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Entertainment industry writers demonstrate in Hollywood, Los Angeles, the United States, on May 2, 2023. Television and movie writers with the Writers Guild of America began their strike on Tuesday for the first time in 15 years, bringing Hollywood production to a halt. The Writers Guild of America said in a statement Monday night that the labor union's negotiation with Hollywood studios and streamers had failed to reach an agreement after spending the last six weeks negotiating with Netflix, Amazon, Apple, Disney, Discovery-Warner, NBC Universal, Paramount and Sony under the umbrella of the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. (Xinhua)

E

U.S.-LOS ANGELES-ENTERTAINMENT WRITERS-STRIKE

(230503) -- LOS ANGELES, May 3, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Entertainment industry writers demonstrate in Hollywood, Los Angeles, the United States, on May 2, 2023. Television and movie writers with the Writers Guild of America began their strike on Tuesday for the first time in 15 years, bringing Hollywood production to a halt. The Writers Guild of America said in a statement Monday night that the labor union's negotiation with Hollywood studios and streamers had failed to reach an agreement after spending the last six weeks negotiating with Netflix, Amazon, Apple, Disney, Discovery-Warner, NBC Universal, Paramount and Sony under the umbrella of the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. (Xinhua)

E

U.S.-LOS ANGELES-ENTERTAINMENT WRITERS-STRIKE

(230503) -- LOS ANGELES, May 3, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Entertainment industry writers demonstrate in Hollywood, Los Angeles, the United States, on May 2, 2023. Television and movie writers with the Writers Guild of America began their strike on Tuesday for the first time in 15 years, bringing Hollywood production to a halt. The Writers Guild of America said in a statement Monday night that the labor union's negotiation with Hollywood studios and streamers had failed to reach an agreement after spending the last six weeks negotiating with Netflix, Amazon, Apple, Disney, Discovery-Warner, NBC Universal, Paramount and Sony under the umbrella of the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. (Xinhua)

E

U.S.-LOS ANGELES-ENTERTAINMENT WRITERS-STRIKE

(230503) -- LOS ANGELES, May 3, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Entertainment industry writers demonstrate in Hollywood, Los Angeles, the United States, on May 2, 2023. Television and movie writers with the Writers Guild of America began their strike on Tuesday for the first time in 15 years, bringing Hollywood production to a halt. The Writers Guild of America said in a statement Monday night that the labor union's negotiation with Hollywood studios and streamers had failed to reach an agreement after spending the last six weeks negotiating with Netflix, Amazon, Apple, Disney, Discovery-Warner, NBC Universal, Paramount and Sony under the umbrella of the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. (Xinhua)

E

U.S.-LOS ANGELES-ENTERTAINMENT WRITERS-STRIKE

(230503) -- LOS ANGELES, May 3, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Entertainment industry writers demonstrate in Hollywood, Los Angeles, the United States, on May 2, 2023. Television and movie writers with the Writers Guild of America began their strike on Tuesday for the first time in 15 years, bringing Hollywood production to a halt. The Writers Guild of America said in a statement Monday night that the labor union's negotiation with Hollywood studios and streamers had failed to reach an agreement after spending the last six weeks negotiating with Netflix, Amazon, Apple, Disney, Discovery-Warner, NBC Universal, Paramount and Sony under the umbrella of the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. (Xinhua)

E

Report finds livestock, medical technology among Australia's top AI opportunities

STORY: Report finds livestock, medical technology among Australia's top AI opportunities SHOOTING TIME: Dec. 7, 2023 DATELINE: Dec. 8, 2023 LENGTH: 00:00:47 LOCATION: Canberra CATEGORY: TECHNOLOGY SHOTLIST: 1. various of CSIRO Discovery center 2. various of AI robert hand 3. various of robot 4. various of livestock 5. various of robot STORYLINE: Livestock, medical technology and horticulture have been identified as key artificial intelligence (AI) commercial opportunities for Australia by the national science agency. A report published by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) on Wednesday calls for Australia to more efficiently turn its AI research into economic opportunities. According to the report, which was commissioned by the CSIRO's National AI Center and released during the country's first AI Month, Australia produces 1.6 percent of global AI research but only 0.2 percent of global AI patents. Stela Solar, director of the National AI Center, said in a media rele

E

7 scientists awarded Shaw Prize in Hong Kong

STORY: 7 scientists awarded Shaw Prize in Hong Kong SHOOTING TIME: Nov. 12, 2023 DATELINE: Nov. 13, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:45 LOCATION: HONG KONG, China CATEGORY: SCIENCE SHOTLIST: 1. various of the ceremony 2. SOUNDBITE (English): JOHN LEE, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) STORYLINE: Seven scientists were awarded the Shaw Prize Award in Hong Kong on Sunday for their prominent work in the prize's three categories. The Astronomy prize was awarded in equal shares to Matthew Bailes from the Australian Research Council, Duncan Lorimer and Maura McLaughlin from West Virginia University in the United States, for the discovery of fast radio bursts. The three laureates described the first fast radio burst found by human beings in a research paper written in 2007. The Life Science and Medicine prize went to Patrick Cramer from the Max Planck Society in Germany, and Eva Nogales from the University of California, Berkeley, in the United States, for pioneering structural biolo

E

Discovery of rare jellyfish in S China's Guangdong Province

STORY: Discovery of rare jellyfish in S China's Guangdong Province DATELINE: Sept. 29, 2023 LENGTH: 00:00:28 LOCATION: GUANGZHOU, China CATEGORY: ENVIRONMENT SHOTLIST: 1. various of jellyfish STORYLINE: In a recent discovery at the Wanlu Lake Scenic Area in Guangdong's Heyuan region, staff members were thrilled to spot the rare peach blossom jellyfish during a routine patrol. The peach blossom jellyfish, often referred to as the "giant panda of water", is a freshwater species with stringent water quality requirements, and a living testament to biological evolution, dating back several hundred million years. Wanlu Lake, the largest in South China, is renowned for maintaining national first-class surface water standards year-round. Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Guangzhou, China. (XHTV)

E

U.S.-LOS ANGELES-ENTERTAINMENT WRITERS-STRIKE

(230503) -- LOS ANGELES, May 3, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Entertainment industry writers demonstrate in Hollywood, Los Angeles, the United States, on May 2, 2023. Television and movie writers with the Writers Guild of America began their strike on Tuesday for the first time in 15 years, bringing Hollywood production to a halt. The Writers Guild of America said in a statement Monday night that the labor union's negotiation with Hollywood studios and streamers had failed to reach an agreement after spending the last six weeks negotiating with Netflix, Amazon, Apple, Disney, Discovery-Warner, NBC Universal, Paramount and Sony under the umbrella of the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. (Xinhua)

E

U.S.-LOS ANGELES-ENTERTAINMENT WRITERS-STRIKE

(230503) -- LOS ANGELES, May 3, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Entertainment industry writers demonstrate in Hollywood, Los Angeles, the United States, on May 2, 2023. Television and movie writers with the Writers Guild of America began their strike on Tuesday for the first time in 15 years, bringing Hollywood production to a halt. The Writers Guild of America said in a statement Monday night that the labor union's negotiation with Hollywood studios and streamers had failed to reach an agreement after spending the last six weeks negotiating with Netflix, Amazon, Apple, Disney, Discovery-Warner, NBC Universal, Paramount and Sony under the umbrella of the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. (Xinhua)

E

U.S.-LOS ANGELES-ENTERTAINMENT WRITERS-STRIKE

(230503) -- LOS ANGELES, May 3, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Entertainment industry writers demonstrate in Hollywood, Los Angeles, the United States, on May 2, 2023. Television and movie writers with the Writers Guild of America began their strike on Tuesday for the first time in 15 years, bringing Hollywood production to a halt. The Writers Guild of America said in a statement Monday night that the labor union's negotiation with Hollywood studios and streamers had failed to reach an agreement after spending the last six weeks negotiating with Netflix, Amazon, Apple, Disney, Discovery-Warner, NBC Universal, Paramount and Sony under the umbrella of the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. (Xinhua)

E

U.S.-LOS ANGELES-ENTERTAINMENT WRITERS-STRIKE

(230503) -- LOS ANGELES, May 3, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Entertainment industry writers demonstrate in Hollywood, Los Angeles, the United States, on May 2, 2023. Television and movie writers with the Writers Guild of America began their strike on Tuesday for the first time in 15 years, bringing Hollywood production to a halt. The Writers Guild of America said in a statement Monday night that the labor union's negotiation with Hollywood studios and streamers had failed to reach an agreement after spending the last six weeks negotiating with Netflix, Amazon, Apple, Disney, Discovery-Warner, NBC Universal, Paramount and Sony under the umbrella of the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. (Xinhua)

E

U.S.-LOS ANGELES-ENTERTAINMENT WRITERS-STRIKE

(230503) -- LOS ANGELES, May 3, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Entertainment industry writers demonstrate in Hollywood, Los Angeles, the United States, on May 2, 2023. Television and movie writers with the Writers Guild of America began their strike on Tuesday for the first time in 15 years, bringing Hollywood production to a halt. The Writers Guild of America said in a statement Monday night that the labor union's negotiation with Hollywood studios and streamers had failed to reach an agreement after spending the last six weeks negotiating with Netflix, Amazon, Apple, Disney, Discovery-Warner, NBC Universal, Paramount and Sony under the umbrella of the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. (Xinhua)

E

Renovation of Hirosaki Castle

AOMORI, Japan - Water removal begins Nov. 25, 2014, from the moat surrounding the central tower of Hirosaki Castle in the city of Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture, in northeastern Japan, ahead of a planned landfill of a moat area to repair the stone wall. The city government has decided to rebuild part of the wall, the first such work in about 100 years, after the discovery of a bulge, a sign of potential collapse, with the work expected to complete by the end of March 2024.

E

New cow in Miyazaki suspected of foot-and-mouth disease

MIYAZAKI, Japan - Miyazaki Gov. Hideo Higashikokubaru speaks to reporters after a meeting to discuss foot-and-mouth disease countermeasures at the prefectural hall in Miyazaki City on July 5, 2010, following the discovery of another cow with symptoms of the disease in the city. The new suspected case was the first to come to light since June 18.

E

2 Japanese in space together for 1st time as shuttle docks at ISS

TOKYO, Japan - NASA Television on April 7, 2010 in Tokyo shows Japanese astronaut Shoichi Noguchi (L), who is stationed at the International Space Station, posing as he welcomes U.S. astronaut Clayton Anderson (R) from the U.S. space shuttle Discovery after it docked at the ISS. Noguchi later met with Naoko Yamazaki, another Japanese astronaut on the Discovery, for the first such meeting between two Japanese astronauts in space.

E

2 Japanese in space together for 1st time as shuttle docks at ISS

TOKYO, Japan - NASA Television on April 7, 2010 in Tokyo shows Japanese astronaut Naoko Yamazaki (C) entering the International Space Station from the U.S. space shuttle Discovery. Yamazaki met with Shoichi Noguchi, another Japanese astronaut who was already stationed at the ISS, for the first such meeting between two Japanese astronauts in space.

E

2 Japanese in space together for 1st time as shuttle docks at ISS

TOKYO, Japan - NASA Television on April 7, 2010 in Tokyo shows Japanese astronaut Naoko Yamazaki (front) entering the International Space Station from the U.S. space shuttle Discovery with other crew members. Yamazaki met with Shoichi Noguchi, another Japanese astronaut who was already stationed at the ISS, for the first such meeting between two Japanese astronauts in space.

E

Discovery docks at ISS

TOKYO, Japan - NASA Television on April 7, 2010 in Tokyo shows the U.S. space shuttle Discovery (C), carrying seven crew members including Japanese astronaut Naoko Yamazaki, docking at the International Space Station. Yamazaki met with Soichi Noguchi, another Japanese astronaut who was already stationed at the ISS, for the first such meeting between two Japanese astronauts in space.

E

Discovery docks at ISS

TOKYO, Japan - NASA Television on April 7, 2010 in Tokyo shows the U.S. space shuttle Discovery (C), carrying seven crew members including Japanese astronaut Naoko Yamazaki, docking at the International Space Station, with the earth in the background. Yamazaki met with Soichi Noguchi, another Japanese astronaut who was already stationed at the ISS, for the first such meeting between two Japanese astronauts in space.

E

Discovery docks at ISS

TOKYO, Japan - NASA Television on April 7, 2010 in Tokyo shows the U.S. space shuttle Discovery (C), carrying seven crew members including Japanese astronaut Naoko Yamazaki, docking at the International Space Station. Yamazaki met with Soichi Noguchi, another Japanese astronaut who was already stationed at the ISS, for the first such meeting between two Japanese astronauts in space.

E

Shuttle succeeds in entering orbit with Yamazaki on board

CAPE CANAVERAL, United States - The space shuttle Discovery lifts off from the launch pad at Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, carrying Japanese astronaut Naoko Yamazaki, on April 5, 2010. Yamazaki, the first Japanese mother to fly into space, and six other crew members are on a mission to the International Space Station.

E

Shuttle succeeds in entering orbit with Yamazaki on board

CAPE CANAVERAL, United States - The space shuttle Discovery lifts off from the launch pad at Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, carrying Japanese astronaut Naoko Yamazaki, on April 5, 2010. Yamazaki, the first Japanese mother to fly into space, and six other crew members are on a mission to the International Space Station.

E

Shuttle succeeds in entering orbit

CAPE CANAVERAL, United States - The space shuttle Discovery lifts off from the launch pad at Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, carrying Japanese astronaut Naoko Yamazaki, on April 5, 2010. Yamazaki, the first Japanese mother to fly into space, and six other crew members are on a mission to the International Space Station.

E

Shuttle succeeds in entering orbit

CAPE CANAVERAL, United States - The space shuttle Discovery lifts off from the launch pad at Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, carrying Japanese astronaut Naoko Yamazaki, on April 5, 2010. Yamazaki, the first Japanese mother to fly into space, and six other crew members are on a mission to the International Space Station.

E

Yamazaki prepares to go on Discovery

CAPE CANAVERAL, United States - Japanese astronaut Naoko Yamazaki (2nd from L) and other crew members of NASA's space shuttle Discovery wave as they head to the launch pad at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, on April 5, 2010. Yamazaki, the first Japanese mother to fly into space, is one of seven crew members on a mission to the International Space Station.

E

Yamazaki prepares to go on Discovery

CAPE CANAVERAL, United States - Japanese astronaut Naoko Yamazaki (2nd from L) and other crew members of NASA's space shuttle Discovery wave as they head to the launch pad at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, on April 5, 2010. Yamazaki, the first Japanese mother to fly into space, is one of seven crew members on a mission to the International Space Station.

E

Yamazaki prepares to go on Discovery

CAPE CANAVERAL, United States - Japanese astronaut Naoko Yamazaki gives a thumbs-up before heading to the launch pad to board NASA's space shuttle Discovery at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, on April 5, 2010. Yamazaki, the first Japanese mother to fly into space, and six other crew members are bound for the International Space Station.

E

Yamazaki prepares to go on Discovery

CAPE CANAVERAL, United States - Japanese astronaut Naoko Yamazaki waves as she heads to the launch pad to board NASA's space shuttle Discovery at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, on April 5, 2010. Yamazaki, the first Japanese mother to fly into space, is one of the seven crew members to be on a mission to the International Space Station.

E

Yamazaki prepares to go on Discovery

CAPE CANAVERAL, United States - Japanese astronaut Naoko Yamazaki waves as she heads to the launch pad to board NASA's space shuttle Discovery at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, on April 5, 2010. Yamazaki, the first Japanese mother to fly into space, is one of the seven crew members to be on a mission to the International Space Station.

E

Japanese astronaut Wakata ready for Discovery launch

CAPE CANAVERAL, United States - Japanese astronaut Koichi Wakata (C) speaks after arriving at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on March 8 for the launch of the U.S. space shuttle Discovery. Wakata will be the first Japanese to stay a long time in space in the International Space Station.

E

Japanese astronaut Wakata ready for Discovery launch

CAPE CANAVERAL, United States - Japanese astronaut Koichi Wakata (C) waves as he arrives at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on March 8 for the launch of the U.S. space shuttle Discovery. Wakata will be the first Japanese to stay a long time in space in the International Space Station.

E

Astronauts inspect Discovery's heat shield

HOUSTON, United States - Japanese astronaut Akihiko Hoshide (L in front) waves to a camera from the flight deck of the space shuttle Discovery in this image from NASA TV on June 1. The seven crew members aboard the space shuttle Discovery began their first full day of work in space and inspected the orbiter's heat shields in preparation for their arrival at the International Space Station on June 2.

E

NASA cancels Discovery's Florida landing, aims at California

CAPE CANAVERAL, Florida - A woman appears tired as the clock ticks to indicate the Space Shuttle Discovery's first landing opportunity at Kennedy Space Center in Florida early Aug. 9. NASA later announced Discovery will not land at Kennedy Space Center because of rain and set the next landing opportunity at 8:12 a.m. in California.

E

Discovery blasts off, carrying Japanese astronaut Noguchi

CAPE CANAVERAL, United States - The space shuttle Discovery lifts off from Kennedy Space Center in Florida, at 10:39 a.m. EDT on July 26, on the first shuttle flight in almost two and a half years since the Columbia disaster.

E

Discovery blasts off, carrying Japanese astronaut Noguchi

CAPE CANAVERAL, United States - The space shuttle Discovery lifts off on July 26 from Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the first shuttle flight in almost two and a half years since the Columbia disaster. Carrying a crew of seven astronauts, including Japan's Soichi Noguchi, Discovery launched at 10:39 a.m. EDT.

E

Food Safety Commission OKs easing of all-cow testing for BSE

TOKYO, Japan - Japan's independent Food Safety Commission is in session in Tokyo on May 6 on the issue of the country's import ban on American beef. The panel approved an easing of the blanket testing of all cows for mad cow disease, paving the way for lifting the ban imposed after the December 2003 discovery of the first U.S. case of mad cow disease.

E

Noguchi to fly space in May

TOKYO, Japan - Japanese astronaut Soichi Noguchi (file photo) will be among the seven crew members of the space shuttle Discovery to be launched in mid-May, the first shuttle to lift off since February 2003 when Columbia broke up as it reentered the atmosphere due to damage on its wing caused by insulation parts that fell from its external fuel tank. All seven on board died.

E

Japan, U.S. begin working-level talks on beef row

TOKYO, Japan - Officials from Japan (L, back) and the United States (front) begin working-level talks in Tokyo on April 24 to seek ways to resolve a beef trade dispute that followed the discovery in late December of the first U.S. case of mad cow disease.

E

U.S. Embassy officials brief Japan on BSE discovery

TOKYO, Japan - U.S. Embassy officials meet Japanese farm ministry officials in Tokyo on Dec. 24 to explain the U.S. government's announcement of the first U.S. case of mad cow disease in Washington State.

E

Tokyo beef fair opens to revive demand

TOKYO, Japan - People attend an annual beef fair which opened Nov. 17 in Tokyo's Minato Ward. Sponsors of the two-day fair hope to boost beef consumption, which has sharply dropped amid fears of mad-cow disease following the discovery of Japan's first case of the deadly brain-wasting illness in September.

E

Brain tissues found in exhumed Yayoi-era human skulls

TOTTORI, Japan - Photo shows two of three skulls of 2nd-century AD people in which brain tissues have been found. The skulls were unearthed at the Aoya-Kamijichi ruins in the town of Aoya in Tottori Prefecture, western Japan, last May, the prefecture's education and culture foundation and Takao Inoue, professor of anatomy at Tottori University's School of Medicine, said April 16. It is believed to be the first discovery of its kind in Japan.

E

Archaeologist admits burying 'oldest' stoneware pieces

SENDAI, Japan - Shinichi Fujimura (R), 50, a senior director at the Tohoku Paleolithic Institute, admits at a news conference held at the Miyagi prefetural government building in Sendai on Nov. 5 that he fabricated the discovery in the prefecture of stoneware at first believed to be more than 600,000 years old by burying the objects himself.

E

Discovery ready to take 1st Japanese to int'l station

CAPE CANAVERAL, United States - A timer on Oct. 4 displays a countdown to liftoff of the space shuttle Discovery (background) Oct. 5 from Florida's Kennedy Space Center. It will carry a crew of seven, including Japanese astronaut Koichi Wakata. During an 11-day mission, the crew will add critical components to the International Space Station, and Wakata will be the first Japanese astronaut to visit it.