IN BRIEF (Page 12)

Chinese help propel record for UK tourism

The fall in sterling's value that followed Britain's referendum decision to leave the European Union coupled with an increase in the number of visitors from China contributed to a record year for the country's tourism sector, according to the United Kingdom's tourism authority.

Bike sharing becomes new way of transport, exercise in Phuket

PHUKET, Thailand - Since Chinese bike sharing company Ofo launched its service in the Thai resort island of Phuket, smart bikes have become a new alternative mode of transport and exercise for locals and tourists.

Myanmar wall climbers take latest yoga trend to dizzying new heights

YANGON - First there was beer and paddleboard yoga. Then someone added goats to the mix. Now fitness buffs in Myanmar are taking the latest body-bending trend to whole new heights - pulling off yoga poses on a climbing wall.

SpaceX puts 10 next-generation satellites into orbit

LOS ANGELES - US private spaceflight company SpaceX launched its Falcon 9 rocket on Monday carrying 10 satellites to bolster the global data communications network for Virginia-based company Iridium.

Sniffing out secrets of pungent fruit's puzzle

WASHINGTON - Scientists have answered one of nature's most pungent questions: What gives the world's smelliest fruit its distinctive aroma.

Twin sisters devoted to cultural ties

CAIRO - After a recommendation by their brother Abdullah Kamal, an Egyptian journalist who foresaw the rise of China as a global power, twin sisters Rasha and Shiamaa Kamal decided to study the Chinese language in the 1990s to better understand the emerging economic force.

Hollywood mogul fired after harassment claims

LOS ANGELES - Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein was fired from his film studio the Weinstein Company on Sunday following reports that he sexually harassed women over several decades, according to US media.

Indigenous Peoples Day? Italians reject moves to replace Columbus

NEW YORK - A movement to abolish Columbus Day and replace it with Indigenous Peoples Day has gained momentum in some parts of the United States, with Los Angeles in August becoming the biggest city yet to decide to stop honoring the Italian explorer and instead recognize victims of colonialism.

Animal lovers go online to help save strays

BAGHDAD - The welfare of stray cats and dogs roaming Iraq's capital Baghdad is far from a priority for most residents after years of bloodshed and insecurity.

Hatching a plan to use eggs as cure

TOKYO - Scientists in Japan have succeeded in making hens lay eggs that contain a pharmaceutical agent that can be used to treat such diseases as cancer and hepatitis.

Thais blend profit with social good

BANGKOK - Six years ago, Somsak "Pai" Boonkam drew up a plan with two villages in northern Thailand for tourists to stay with local families and immerse themselves in hill-tribe culture. The aim was for the villagers to see some financial benefit from their country's multibillion-dollar tourism industry.