Australia confident of finding MH370

Missing airliner MH370 is "very likely" to be found if it lies in the undersea zone now being scoured, and is probably in good condition despite being submerged for 10 months, the Australian search chief said.

Pyongyang calls military exercises 'open challenge'

Joint military exercises by the United States and the Republic of Korea this week are "an open challenge" to Pyongyang's "demand" to ease tensions on the divided peninsula, a Pyongyang envoy said on Thursday in Geneva, Switzerland.

Researchers target 3D-printed body parts

Japanese scientists have said they are on their way to being able to create custom-made skin, bone and joints using a 3D-printer.

Sharks force beach closures for week

Beaches at the Australian city of Newcastle were closed for a seventh day on Friday after at least two large sharks were sighted in coastal waters. Meanwhile, a teenage spear fisher was attacked by a shark 390 kilometers to the south.

Prophet cartoons draw protests

Qatar warned on Friday that publishing cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad would "fuel hatred and anger", as a leading Muslimbody called for peaceful protests against French weekly Charlie Hebdo.

More schools offer free dinners as demand rises

The second-largest school district in the US is doubling the number of students served free dinner, with the idea of eventually offering it at every school.

US teens face trial in Chinese student killing

Three Los Angeles teenagers were ordered on Thursday to stand trial on murder charges in the slaying of a Chinese graduate student at the University of Southern California.

Report: Earth heading into 'danger zone'; losses of forests too high

High rates of plant and animal extinction, as well as climate change, are pushing the earth into a danger zone for humanity, a report said on Thursday.

IN BRIEF (Page 12)

Money supply growth fails to maintain momentum

Money supply growth remained tight in China during December with lenders extending far less credit than in November, reflecting the country's "new financial normal", experts said on Thursday.

Loan, deposit measures change

The People's Bank of China is changing its calculation of bank deposits and loans as it moves to increase supervision of cash in the banking system amid a resurgence in shadow banking activity.

Equities surge on credit data

Shares on the Chinese mainland rallied the most in a week on Thursday as credit growth data spurred speculation that authorities are taking steps to support economic growth.