The head of Pfizer said in an interview aired Thursday that people will "likely" need a third dose of his company's Covid-19 vaccine within a year of being fully vaccinated.

CEO Albert Bourla also said annual vaccinations against the coronavirus may well be required.

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"We need to see what would be the sequence, and for how often we need to do that, that remains to be seen," Bourla told CNBC in an interview recorded on April 1.

"A likely scenario is that there will be likely a need for a third dose, somewhere between six and 12 months and then from there, there will be an annual revaccination, but all of that needs to be confirmed," he said, adding that variants will play a "key role."

"It is extremely important to suppress the pool of people that can be susceptible to the virus," he said.

Researchers currently don't know how long vaccines provide protection against the coronavirus.

Pfizer published a study earlier this month that said its jab is more than 91 percent effective at protecting against the coronavirus, and more than 95 percent effective against severe cases of Covid-19 up to six months after the second dose.

But researchers say more data is needed to determine whether protection lasts after six months.

David Kessler, the head of US President Joe Biden's Covid-19 response team, warned a congressional committee on Thursday that Americans should expect to receive booster shots to defend against coronavirus variants.

"We don't know everything at this moment," he told the House Coronavirus Crisis Subcommittee. "We are studying the durability of the antibody response.

"It seems strong but there is some waning of that and no doubt the variants challenge," he said.

"I think for planning purposes, planning purposes only, I think we should expect that we may have to boost."

The Pfizer vaccine, developed in partnership with German firm BioNTech, currently plays a leading role in American and European vaccination campaigns.

The pharmaceutical giant announced in February that it was testing a third dose of its vaccine to better combat the emerging variants.

(With inputs from agencies)

The head of Pfizer said in an interview aired Thursday that people will "likely" need a third dose of his company's Covid-19 vaccine within a year of being fully vaccinated.

The head of Pfizer said in an interview aired Thursday that people will "likely" need a third dose of his company's Covid-19 vaccine within a year of being fully vaccinated. CEO Albert Bourla also said annual vaccinations against the coronavirus may well be required. "We need to see what would be the sequence, and for how often we need to do that, that remains to be seen," Bourla told CNBC in an interview recorded on April 1. "A likely scenario is that there will be likely a need for a third dose, somewhere between six and 12 months and then from there, there will be an annual revaccination, but all of that needs to be confirmed," he said, adding that variants will play a "key role." "It is extremely important to suppress the pool of people that can be susceptible to the virus," he said. Researchers currently don't know how long vaccines provide protection against the coronavirus. Pfizer published a study earlier this month that said its jab is more than 91 percent effective at protecting against the coronavirus, and more than 95 percent effective against severe cases of Covid-19 up to six months after the second dose. But researchers say more data is needed to determine whether protection lasts after six months. David Kessler, the head of US President Joe Biden's Covid-19 response team, warned a congressional committee on Thursday that Americans should expect to receive booster shots to defend against coronavirus variants. "We don't know everything at this moment," he told the House Coronavirus Crisis Subcommittee. "We are studying the durability of the antibody response. "It seems strong but there is some waning of that and no doubt the variants challenge," he said. "I think for planning purposes, planning purposes only, I think we should expect that we may have to boost." The Pfizer vaccine, developed in partnership with German firm BioNTech, currently plays a leading role in American and European vaccination campaigns. The pharmaceutical giant announced in February that it was testing a third dose of its vaccine to better combat the emerging variants. (With inputs from agencies)

Pfizer CEO says third dose of COVID-19 vaccine 'likely' needed within 12 months

A NASA spacecraft left a mess at an asteroid when it grabbed a load of rubble last year for return to Earth, new pictures revealed Thursday.

The Osiris-Rex spacecraft made one final flyby of asteroid Bennu on April 7 to take photos of the disturbance left by October's sample collection.

A depression is visible where Osiris-Rex penetrated the asteroid's surface. Boulders were hurled by the pressurised nitrogen gas that was fired at the ground to churn up material for vacuuming, and by the spacecraft's getaway thruster.

One 1-ton boulder was flung an estimated 40 feet (12 meters).

The Osiris-Rex team meticulously plotted the final flyover to ensure the best shots.

The pictures were taken around noontime to avoid shadows and better see the changes on Bennu's rocky surface.

''These observations were not in the original mission plan, so we were excited to go back and document what we did,''&nbsp;the University of Arizona's Dathon Golish said in a statement.

Osiris-Rex will depart Bennu's vicinity next month and head back toward Earth with its precious 2-pound (1-kig) sample load. It's due to arrive in 2023.

The solar-orbiting, carbon-rich asteroid is 182 million miles (293 million kilometers) from Earth.

By studying pieces of it, scientists hope to better understand how our solar system's planets formed and how people should react if an asteroid endangers Earth.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A NASA spacecraft left a mess at an asteroid when it grabbed a load of rubble last year for return to Earth, new pictures revealed Thursday. The Osiris-Rex spacecraft made one final flyby of asteroid Bennu on April 7 to take photos of the disturbance left by October's sample collection.

A NASA spacecraft left a mess at an asteroid when it grabbed a load of rubble last year for return to Earth, new pictures revealed Thursday. The Osiris-Rex spacecraft made one final flyby of asteroid Bennu on April 7 to take photos of the disturbance left by October's sample collection. A depression is visible where Osiris-Rex penetrated the asteroid's surface. Boulders were hurled by the pressurised nitrogen gas that was fired at the ground to churn up material for vacuuming, and by the spacecraft's getaway thruster. One 1-ton boulder was flung an estimated 40 feet (12 meters). The Osiris-Rex team meticulously plotted the final flyover to ensure the best shots. The pictures were taken around noontime to avoid shadows and better see the changes on Bennu's rocky surface. ''These observations were not in the original mission plan, so we were excited to go back and document what we did,'' the University of Arizona's Dathon Golish said in a statement. Osiris-Rex will depart Bennu's vicinity next month and head back toward Earth with its precious 2-pound (1-kig) sample load. It's due to arrive in 2023. The solar-orbiting, carbon-rich asteroid is 182 million miles (293 million kilometers) from Earth. By studying pieces of it, scientists hope to better understand how our solar system's planets formed and how people should react if an asteroid endangers Earth. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA spacecraft leaves a mess after grabbing asteroid samples

Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;media tycoon Jimmy Lai will serve 12 months in prison for taking part in an unauthorised assembly during the 2019 mass pro-democracy protests in the Chinese-ruled financial hub.

Organisers say 1.7 million people, almost one-quarter of Hong Kong's population,&nbsp;turned out for a huge rally that formed the backbone of demonstrations that wracked the city throughout 2019.

Lai was among nine of Hong Kong's most prominent democracy campaigners found guilty of organising and participating in the rally.

Many of them have spent decades advocating non-violence in their ultimately fruitless campaign for universal suffrage.

Lai, 73, was on Friday sentenced to 12 months in prison while four of the other campaigners were jailed for between eight and 18 months.&nbsp;

Among the other defendants was Martin Lee, 82, a respected barrister known as the "father of democracy" in Hong Kong, who was once chosen by Beijing to help write the city's mini-constitution.

They also included Margaret Ng, a 73-year-old barrister, and former opposition lawmaker.

Lee and Ng were given prison terms, but their sentences were suspended.&nbsp;

The rallies in 2019 often descended into clashes between riot police and a knot of hardcore participants and posed the most concerted challenge to China's rule since the former British colony's 1997 handover.

But China and the city government successfully silenced the democracy movement with a sweeping crackdown featuring a national security law that criminalises dissent.

They have also pressed a radical overhaul of the city's electoral system to ensure only "patriots" are members of the legislature.

Amnesty International Asia-Pacific regional director Yamini Mishra said Friday's sentencings highlighted the government's determination to eliminate all opposition.

"Having arrested the majority of Hong Kong’s most prominent dissidents using the repressive national security law, the authorities are now mopping up remaining peaceful critics under the pretext of bogus charges related to the 2019 protests," Mishra said.

Before delivering the sentences, judge Amanda Woodcock said the rally was "premeditated" to "circumvent" a police ban.&nbsp;

She also said the fact the rally was peaceful was no defence.

"The Basic Law guarantees freedom of assembly and procession however these rights are not absolute and are subject to restrictions," Woodcock said.

Supporters of the defendants rose and waved to the nine in court as they were taken away after the sentencing.

"Support you until the last," the supporters chanted.

In comments to the court before the sentencing, Ng maintained a defiant tone.

"There is no right so precious to the people of Hong Kong as the freedom of expression and the freedom of peaceful assembly," said Ng, who discharged her legal team and gave her statement in person.&nbsp;

She added that she was prepared to stand with and stand up for the people who "in the last resort, had to give collective expression of their anguish and urge the government to respond".

"I stand the law's good servant but the people's first," said Ng, whose submission ended with a round of loud applause in the courtroom.&nbsp;

"I'm ready for the sentencing and I'm proud that I can walk with the people of HK in this road for democracy," former lawmaker Lee Cheuk-yan said outside court ahead of the hearing.

"We'll walk together through the storm even in darkness."

Lee was sentenced to 12 months in jail.

Lee and Jimmy Lai had pleaded guilty to taking part in another illegal assembly on August 31, 2019.&nbsp;

(With input from agencies)

Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai will serve 12 months in prison for taking part in an unauthorised assembly during the 2019 mass pro-democracy protests in the Chinese-ruled financial hub.

Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai will serve 12 months in prison for taking part in an unauthorised assembly during the 2019 mass pro-democracy protests in the Chinese-ruled financial hub. Organisers say 1.7 million people, almost one-quarter of Hong Kong's population, turned out for a huge rally that formed the backbone of demonstrations that wracked the city throughout 2019. Lai was among nine of Hong Kong's most prominent democracy campaigners found guilty of organising and participating in the rally. Many of them have spent decades advocating non-violence in their ultimately fruitless campaign for universal suffrage. Lai, 73, was on Friday sentenced to 12 months in prison while four of the other campaigners were jailed for between eight and 18 months. Among the other defendants was Martin Lee, 82, a respected barrister known as the "father of democracy" in Hong Kong, who was once chosen by Beijing to help write the city's mini-constitution. They also included Margaret Ng, a 73-year-old barrister, and former opposition lawmaker. Lee and Ng were given prison terms, but their sentences were suspended. The rallies in 2019 often descended into clashes between riot police and a knot of hardcore participants and posed the most concerted challenge to China's rule since the former British colony's 1997 handover. But China and the city government successfully silenced the democracy movement with a sweeping crackdown featuring a national security law that criminalises dissent. They have also pressed a radical overhaul of the city's electoral system to ensure only "patriots" are members of the legislature. Amnesty International Asia-Pacific regional director Yamini Mishra said Friday's sentencings highlighted the government's determination to eliminate all opposition. "Having arrested the majority of Hong Kong’s most prominent dissidents using the repressive national security law, the authorities are now mopping up remaining peaceful critics under the pretext of bogus charges related to the 2019 protests," Mishra said. Before delivering the sentences, judge Amanda Woodcock said the rally was "premeditated" to "circumvent" a police ban. She also said the fact the rally was peaceful was no defence. "The Basic Law guarantees freedom of assembly and procession however these rights are not absolute and are subject to restrictions," Woodcock said. Supporters of the defendants rose and waved to the nine in court as they were taken away after the sentencing. "Support you until the last," the supporters chanted. In comments to the court before the sentencing, Ng maintained a defiant tone. "There is no right so precious to the people of Hong Kong as the freedom of expression and the freedom of peaceful assembly," said Ng, who discharged her legal team and gave her statement in person. She added that she was prepared to stand with and stand up for the people who "in the last resort, had to give collective expression of their anguish and urge the government to respond". "I stand the law's good servant but the people's first," said Ng, whose submission ended with a round of loud applause in the courtroom. "I'm ready for the sentencing and I'm proud that I can walk with the people of HK in this road for democracy," former lawmaker Lee Cheuk-yan said outside court ahead of the hearing. "We'll walk together through the storm even in darkness." Lee was sentenced to 12 months in jail. Lee and Jimmy Lai had pleaded guilty to taking part in another illegal assembly on August 31, 2019. (With input from agencies)

Hong Kong court sentences media tycoon Jimmy Lai to 12 months prison

Opponents of Myanmar's junta announced a National Unity Government on Friday including ousted members of parliament and leaders of anti-coup protests and ethnic minorities, saying their aim was to root out military rule.

Myanmar has been in violent turmoil since a February&nbsp;1 coup that ousted a civilian government led by democracy champion Aung San Suu Kyi, which had held power for five years and was starting its second term after a landslide election victory in November.

People have been taking to the streets day after day to demand the restoration of democracy, defying crackdowns by the security forces in which more than 700 people have been killed, according to a monitoring group.

At the same time, political leaders, including ousted members of parliament from Suu Kyi's party, have been trying to organise to show the country and the outside world that they and not the generals are the legitimate political authority.

"Please welcome the people's government," veteran democracy activist Min Ko Naing said in a 10-minute video address announcing the formation of the National Unity Government.

While setting out few positions, Min Ko Naing said the will of the people was the unity government's priority, while acknowledging the scale of the task at hand.

"We're trying to get this out from the roots so we have to sacrifice a lot," he said, referring to the junta.

One of the unity's government's primary objectives will be to win international support and recognition.

The generals justified their take-over by accusing Suu Kyi's party, the National League for Democracy (NLD), of voter fraud in the November election, though the election commission dismissed their objections.

The military's bloody suppression of the protests has shocked and angered much of the world. International pressure has also been slowly building, particularly from Western governments, though the military has a long record of brushing off what it sees as outside interference.

The unity government released a list of office holders including members of ethnic minorities and protest leaders, underlining the unity of purpose between the pro-democracy movement and autonomy-seeking minority communities, some of whom have battled the central government for decades.

A spokesman for the junta could not be reached for comment.

The unity government's minister of international cooperation, Dr Sasa, who goes by one name, told Reuters in an interview the objective was to end violence, restore democracy and build a "federal democratic union".

"A new day has come for our people, a new era for Myanmar has started," he said.

Federal army

While the politicians were announcing the unity government, other opponents of military rule observed a "silent strike" staying home to mourn those killed or wearing black in small marches in several cities and towns.

"The most silent voice is the loudest," protest leader Ei Thinzar Maung posted on her Facebook page.

Streets in the main city of Yangon were largely deserted, residents said, while black-clad protesters held small rallies in half a dozen cities and towns, media reported.

There were no immediate reports of violence but overnight, two people were shot and killed in the central town of Myingyan, Radio Free Asia reported.

The military has also been rounding up its critics and has published the names of more than 200 people wanted under a law that makes it illegal to encourage mutiny or dereliction of duty in the armed forces.

Two prominent protest organisers were arrested on Thursday along with an actor and singer, both known for speaking out against the coup.

In another show of defiance, a previously unknown group called the Ayeyarwaddy Federal Army said on Facebook it aimed to fight the military to restore an elected government and protect the people and it called for volunteers.

It gave no details about how it aimed to take on the well-equipped and experienced army.

The turmoil has alarmed Myanmar's neighbours in Southeast Asia, who have been trying to encourage talks between the rival sides.

Southeast Asian leaders will meet in Indonesia on April 24 to discuss the situation, Thai and Indonesian media reported.

Junta leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing was due to attend, a Thai broadcaster said, but the Jakarta Post said it had not been confirmed whether the summit would include representatives of the junta or the former government.

Sasa says ASEAN should not invite "murderer-in-chief" Min Aung Hlaing to the summit.

The European Union has agreed to impose sanctions on another 10 individuals linked to the coup and to target two businesses run by the armed forces for the first time in protest at the military takeover, two diplomats said.

Opponents of Myanmar's junta announced a National Unity Government on Friday including ousted members of parliament and leaders of anti-coup protests and ethnic minorities, saying their aim was to root out military rule.

Opponents of Myanmar's junta announced a National Unity Government on Friday including ousted members of parliament and leaders of anti-coup protests and ethnic minorities, saying their aim was to root out military rule. Myanmar has been in violent turmoil since a February 1 coup that ousted a civilian government led by democracy champion Aung San Suu Kyi, which had held power for five years and was starting its second term after a landslide election victory in November. People have been taking to the streets day after day to demand the restoration of democracy, defying crackdowns by the security forces in which more than 700 people have been killed, according to a monitoring group. At the same time, political leaders, including ousted members of parliament from Suu Kyi's party, have been trying to organise to show the country and the outside world that they and not the generals are the legitimate political authority. "Please welcome the people's government," veteran democracy activist Min Ko Naing said in a 10-minute video address announcing the formation of the National Unity Government. While setting out few positions, Min Ko Naing said the will of the people was the unity government's priority, while acknowledging the scale of the task at hand. "We're trying to get this out from the roots so we have to sacrifice a lot," he said, referring to the junta. One of the unity's government's primary objectives will be to win international support and recognition. The generals justified their take-over by accusing Suu Kyi's party, the National League for Democracy (NLD), of voter fraud in the November election, though the election commission dismissed their objections. The military's bloody suppression of the protests has shocked and angered much of the world. International pressure has also been slowly building, particularly from Western governments, though the military has a long record of brushing off what it sees as outside interference. The unity government released a list of office holders including members of ethnic minorities and protest leaders, underlining the unity of purpose between the pro-democracy movement and autonomy-seeking minority communities, some of whom have battled the central government for decades. A spokesman for the junta could not be reached for comment. The unity government's minister of international cooperation, Dr Sasa, who goes by one name, told Reuters in an interview the objective was to end violence, restore democracy and build a "federal democratic union". "A new day has come for our people, a new era for Myanmar has started," he said. Federal army While the politicians were announcing the unity government, other opponents of military rule observed a "silent strike" staying home to mourn those killed or wearing black in small marches in several cities and towns. "The most silent voice is the loudest," protest leader Ei Thinzar Maung posted on her Facebook page. Streets in the main city of Yangon were largely deserted, residents said, while black-clad protesters held small rallies in half a dozen cities and towns, media reported. There were no immediate reports of violence but overnight, two people were shot and killed in the central town of Myingyan, Radio Free Asia reported. The military has also been rounding up its critics and has published the names of more than 200 people wanted under a law that makes it illegal to encourage mutiny or dereliction of duty in the armed forces. Two prominent protest organisers were arrested on Thursday along with an actor and singer, both known for speaking out against the coup. In another show of defiance, a previously unknown group called the Ayeyarwaddy Federal Army said on Facebook it aimed to fight the military to restore an elected government and protect the people and it called for volunteers. It gave no details about how it aimed to take on the well-equipped and experienced army. The turmoil has alarmed Myanmar's neighbours in Southeast Asia, who have been trying to encourage talks between the rival sides. Southeast Asian leaders will meet in Indonesia on April 24 to discuss the situation, Thai and Indonesian media reported. Junta leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing was due to attend, a Thai broadcaster said, but the Jakarta Post said it had not been confirmed whether the summit would include representatives of the junta or the former government. Sasa says ASEAN should not invite "murderer-in-chief" Min Aung Hlaing to the summit. The European Union has agreed to impose sanctions on another 10 individuals linked to the coup and to target two businesses run by the armed forces for the first time in protest at the military takeover, two diplomats said.

Opponents of Myanmar coup announce unity government

Researchers on Thursday unveiled the first calculation of the total T. rex population during the estimated 2.4 million years that this fearsome species inhabited western North America during the twilight of the age of dinosaurs.

They considered factors including the size of its geographic range, its body mass, growth pattern, age at sexual maturity, life expectancy, duration of a single generation and the total time that T. rex existed before extinction 66 million years ago. They also heeded a doctrine called Damuth's law linking population to body mass: the bigger the animal, the fewer the individuals.

Their analysis put the total number of T. rex individuals that ever existed at about 2.5 billion, including approximately 20,000 adults alive at any one time.

Fossils of more than 40 T. rex individuals have been found since it was first described in 1905, providing a wealth of information about a beast that thrives in the popular imagination.

"I think it probably is the iconic dinosaur, " said paleontologist Charles Marshall, who led the study published in the journal&nbsp;Science. "It is huge. It's got a huge head and huge teeth. It's really scary. I think we like feeling small. And boy, do you feel small when you're standing underneath a skeleton."

It was among the largest carnivorous dinosaurs, possessing a skull about 5 feet (1.5 meters) long, massive and muscular jaws with a bite force capable of crushing bone, a mouthful of banana-sized serrated teeth, a keen sense of smell, strong legs and puny arms with hands boasting just two fingers.

Perhaps the largest-known T. rex is a specimen named Sue at the Field Museum in Chicago, measuring 40-1/2-foot-long (12.3-metres), weighing an estimated 9 tons and living about 33 years.

The new study put the weight of the average adult T. rex at 5.2 tons, average lifespan at 28 years, generation time at 19 years, total number of generations of the species at about 125,000, and its geographic range at roughly 890,000 square miles (2.3 million square kilometres).

They calculated an average population density of about one T. rex for every roughly 40 square miles (100 square kilometres).

Marshall said he suspects there may have been "perhaps two in area of Washington, D.C., about one in the area of Manhattan, about one in the area of the city of San Francisco." He added, "But I suspect they were clumpy. They were following herds of prey around. So rather than just being like sentinels, one every 40 square miles, they probably moved in groups following prey."

T. rex fossils have been found in Canada's Alberta and Saskatchewan provinces and the US&nbsp;states of Montana, Wyoming, South Dakota, North Dakota, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico and Texas. T. rex apparently met a fiery end when an asteroid slammed into Mexico, exterminating three quarters of Earth's species.

While the uncertainties in the estimates were large and some of the assumptions may be challenged by other paleontologists, the study was a worthwhile effort to expand the understanding of this famous dinosaur, said Marshall, director of the University of California Museum of Paleontology and a University of California, Berkeley professor of integrative biology.

The formula could be applied to other extinct animals, Marshall added.

Paleontologist and study co-author Ashley Poust of the San Diego Natural History Museum said while 2.5 billion is a lot, it represents only about a third of Earth's current human population - and 20,000 is merely the size of a small town.

(With inputs from agencies)

Researchers on Thursday unveiled the first calculation of the total T. rex population during the estimated 2.4 million years that this fearsome species inhabited western North America during the twilight of the age of dinosaurs.

Researchers on Thursday unveiled the first calculation of the total T. rex population during the estimated 2.4 million years that this fearsome species inhabited western North America during the twilight of the age of dinosaurs. They considered factors including the size of its geographic range, its body mass, growth pattern, age at sexual maturity, life expectancy, duration of a single generation and the total time that T. rex existed before extinction 66 million years ago. They also heeded a doctrine called Damuth's law linking population to body mass: the bigger the animal, the fewer the individuals. Their analysis put the total number of T. rex individuals that ever existed at about 2.5 billion, including approximately 20,000 adults alive at any one time. Fossils of more than 40 T. rex individuals have been found since it was first described in 1905, providing a wealth of information about a beast that thrives in the popular imagination. "I think it probably is the iconic dinosaur, " said paleontologist Charles Marshall, who led the study published in the journal Science. "It is huge. It's got a huge head and huge teeth. It's really scary. I think we like feeling small. And boy, do you feel small when you're standing underneath a skeleton." It was among the largest carnivorous dinosaurs, possessing a skull about 5 feet (1.5 meters) long, massive and muscular jaws with a bite force capable of crushing bone, a mouthful of banana-sized serrated teeth, a keen sense of smell, strong legs and puny arms with hands boasting just two fingers. Perhaps the largest-known T. rex is a specimen named Sue at the Field Museum in Chicago, measuring 40-1/2-foot-long (12.3-metres), weighing an estimated 9 tons and living about 33 years. The new study put the weight of the average adult T. rex at 5.2 tons, average lifespan at 28 years, generation time at 19 years, total number of generations of the species at about 125,000, and its geographic range at roughly 890,000 square miles (2.3 million square kilometres). They calculated an average population density of about one T. rex for every roughly 40 square miles (100 square kilometres). Marshall said he suspects there may have been "perhaps two in area of Washington, D.C., about one in the area of Manhattan, about one in the area of the city of San Francisco." He added, "But I suspect they were clumpy. They were following herds of prey around. So rather than just being like sentinels, one every 40 square miles, they probably moved in groups following prey." T. rex fossils have been found in Canada's Alberta and Saskatchewan provinces and the US states of Montana, Wyoming, South Dakota, North Dakota, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico and Texas. T. rex apparently met a fiery end when an asteroid slammed into Mexico, exterminating three quarters of Earth's species. While the uncertainties in the estimates were large and some of the assumptions may be challenged by other paleontologists, the study was a worthwhile effort to expand the understanding of this famous dinosaur, said Marshall, director of the University of California Museum of Paleontology and a University of California, Berkeley professor of integrative biology. The formula could be applied to other extinct animals, Marshall added. Paleontologist and study co-author Ashley Poust of the San Diego Natural History Museum said while 2.5 billion is a lot, it represents only about a third of Earth's current human population - and 20,000 is merely the size of a small town. (With inputs from agencies)

‘That’s a lot of teeth’: Researchers discover 2.5 billion Tyrannosaurus rex

Australia's federal court found Alphabet Inc's Google misled consumers about personal location data collected through Android mobile devices, the country's competition regulator said on Friday.

The tech giant has been embroiled in legal action in the country in recent months as the government mulled and later passed a law to make Google and Facebook pay media companies for content on their platforms.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) said the court found Google wrongly claimed it could only collect information from the location history setting on user devices between January 2017 and December 2018.&nbsp;

A setting to control web and application activity, when turned on, also enabled Google to collect, store and use the data and was turned on by default on the devices, according to the ACCC.

Users were also not informed that turning off location history but leaving the "Web &amp; App Activity" setting on would allow Google to continue to collect data, the court found.

The regulator said it would seek penalties, but did not specify the amount.

A Google spokesman said that while the court had rejected many of ACCC's claims, the company disagreed with the remaining findings and was reviewing its options, including a possible appeal.

(With input from agencies)

Australia's federal court found Alphabet Inc's Google misled consumers about personal location data collected through Android mobile devices, the country's competition regulator said on Friday.

Australia's federal court found Alphabet Inc's Google misled consumers about personal location data collected through Android mobile devices, the country's competition regulator said on Friday. The tech giant has been embroiled in legal action in the country in recent months as the government mulled and later passed a law to make Google and Facebook pay media companies for content on their platforms. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) said the court found Google wrongly claimed it could only collect information from the location history setting on user devices between January 2017 and December 2018. A setting to control web and application activity, when turned on, also enabled Google to collect, store and use the data and was turned on by default on the devices, according to the ACCC. Users were also not informed that turning off location history but leaving the "Web & App Activity" setting on would allow Google to continue to collect data, the court found. The regulator said it would seek penalties, but did not specify the amount. A Google spokesman said that while the court had rejected many of ACCC's claims, the company disagreed with the remaining findings and was reviewing its options, including a possible appeal. (With input from agencies)

Australia finds Google misled customers over data collection

Iran and Israel: From allies to deadly enemies

Advocates for children from around the world urged&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;chief Mark Zuckerberg on Thursday to ditch plans for a version of Instagram geared toward pre-teens.

Campaign for a Commercial-free Childhood and the Electronic Privacy Information Center were among nearly 100 groups and individuals from North America, Europe, Africa, and Australia to make the plea in a letter to Zuckerberg.

Instagram "exploits young people's fear of missing out and desire for peer approval," the letter contended.

"The platform's relentless focus on appearance, self-presentation, and branding presents challenges to adolescents' privacy and well-being," it argued, building on concerns about predators, bullies, and inappropriate content.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/facebook-building-a-version-of-instagram-for-children-under-13-371695">Facebook building a version of&nbsp;Instagram&nbsp;for&nbsp;children&nbsp;under 13</a>

Instagram is exploring the launch of a version of the image-centric social network for children under 13, with parental controls.

Facebook-owned Instagram, like its parent company, allows only those older than 13 to join but verifying age on the internet makes it challenging to catch all rule-breakers.

"The reality is that kids are online,"&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;spokeswoman Stephanie Otway said.

"They want to connect with their family and friends, have fun and learn, and we want to help them do that in a way that is safe and age-appropriate."

Facebook&nbsp;is working with child development and mental health experts to prioritise safety and privacy, according to Otway.

Instagram, which has more than a billion users, recently unveiled technology aimed at preventing underage children from creating accounts and blocking adults from contacting young users they don't know.

The platform is also looking at ways to make it more difficult for adults who have been exhibiting "potentially suspicious behavior" to interact with teens.

The children's advocates were dubious about the proposed youth version.

"Facebook's long track record of exploiting young people and putting them at risk makes the company particularly unsuitable as the custodian of a photo sharing and social messaging site for children," their letter said.

"In short, an Instagram site for kids will subject young children to a number of serious risks and will offer few benefits for families."

(With input from agencies)

Advocates for children from around the world urged Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg on Thursday to ditch plans for a version of Instagram geared toward pre-teens. Campaign for a Commercial-free Childhood and the Electronic Privacy Information Center were among nearly 100 groups and individuals from North America, Europe, Africa, and Australia to make the plea in a letter to Zuckerberg.

Advocates for children from around the world urged Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg on Thursday to ditch plans for a version of Instagram geared toward pre-teens. Campaign for a Commercial-free Childhood and the Electronic Privacy Information Center were among nearly 100 groups and individuals from North America, Europe, Africa, and Australia to make the plea in a letter to Zuckerberg. Instagram "exploits young people's fear of missing out and desire for peer approval," the letter contended. "The platform's relentless focus on appearance, self-presentation, and branding presents challenges to adolescents' privacy and well-being," it argued, building on concerns about predators, bullies, and inappropriate content. Also read| Facebook building a version of Instagram for children under 13 Instagram is exploring the launch of a version of the image-centric social network for children under 13, with parental controls. Facebook-owned Instagram, like its parent company, allows only those older than 13 to join but verifying age on the internet makes it challenging to catch all rule-breakers. "The reality is that kids are online," Facebook spokeswoman Stephanie Otway said. "They want to connect with their family and friends, have fun and learn, and we want to help them do that in a way that is safe and age-appropriate." Facebook is working with child development and mental health experts to prioritise safety and privacy, according to Otway. Instagram, which has more than a billion users, recently unveiled technology aimed at preventing underage children from creating accounts and blocking adults from contacting young users they don't know. The platform is also looking at ways to make it more difficult for adults who have been exhibiting "potentially suspicious behavior" to interact with teens. The children's advocates were dubious about the proposed youth version. "Facebook's long track record of exploiting young people and putting them at risk makes the company particularly unsuitable as the custodian of a photo sharing and social messaging site for children," their letter said. "In short, an Instagram site for kids will subject young children to a number of serious risks and will offer few benefits for families." (With input from agencies)

Ditch plans for kids' version of Instagram, advocates for children urge Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg

At least a third of&nbsp;French&nbsp;wine&nbsp;production this year, representing almost two billion euros ($2.4 billion) in sales, will be lost due to a bout of unusually cold early spring weather, a federation said Wednesday.

National Federation of Agricultural Holders' Unions (FNSEA) secretary general Jerome Despey told AFP that the estimate was made after consultations with all the players in the sector.

The rare freezing temperatures that have caused some of the worst damage in decades to crops and vines struck across France earlier this month, with the consequences compounded by the fact the cold snap came after warm weather.

"This is probably the greatest agricultural catastrophe of the beginning of the 21st century," Agriculture Minister Julien Denormandie said on Monday, adding that France has never seen such an frost wave in early spring. The government is preparing an emergency package of measures.

The government is readying an emergency rescue package following rare freezing temperatures that could cause some of the most damage in decades to crops and vines across the country.

From Bordeaux to Burgundy and the Rhone valley to Champagne, winemakers were back out in their fields on Friday inspecting the destruction.&nbsp;

To ward off frost overnight on Tuesday and Wednesday, farmers across the country lit thousands of small fires and candles near their vines or fruit trees.

Some well-heeled vineyards hired helicopters to try and keep the heat close to the ground.

The burning was so intense in the southeast that it led to a layer of smog over the region, including over the city of Lyon. &nbsp;

As well as vines, growers of kiwis, apricots, apples and other fruit have been badly hit along with farmers of other crops such as beet and rapeseed.

During a visit to the Loire&nbsp;wine-making area,&nbsp;French&nbsp;Agriculture Minister Julien Denormandie said it was "an episode of extreme violence which has caused extremely significant damage".

The government has declared an "agricultural disaster", meaning it will begin offering financial support to farmers, and Denormandie called on banks and insurance companies to join in the efforts.

Many&nbsp;wine&nbsp;makers are not insured against the effects of frost because of the cost of the coverage and many producers were already struggling financially.

The Covid-19 pandemic has depressed demand for&nbsp;wine&nbsp;globally because of the closure of restaurants and bars.&nbsp;

Exports to the United States have also been hit by tariffs on&nbsp;French&nbsp;wine&nbsp;imposed by former US president Donald Trump, while the vital British market has also suffered because of Brexit.

A group of 60&nbsp;French&nbsp;MPs from&nbsp;wine-making areas published on open letter Friday urging the government to come to the rescue of producers, saying they "really feared the worst." &nbsp;

The practice of lighting fires or candles near vines or fruit trees to prevent frost forming is a long-standing technique used in early spring when the first green shoots and flowers are vulnerable to the cold.

Some winegrowers also use wind machines to keep frost from setting in.

Others use water sprinklers to deliberately create ice which acts like a mini-igloo around branches, preventing the frost from drying out the leaves.

At least a third of French wine production this year, representing almost two billion euros ($2.4 billion) in sales, will be lost due to a bout of unusually cold early spring weather, a federation said Wednesday.

At least a third of French wine production this year, representing almost two billion euros ($2.4 billion) in sales, will be lost due to a bout of unusually cold early spring weather, a federation said Wednesday. National Federation of Agricultural Holders' Unions (FNSEA) secretary general Jerome Despey told AFP that the estimate was made after consultations with all the players in the sector. The rare freezing temperatures that have caused some of the worst damage in decades to crops and vines struck across France earlier this month, with the consequences compounded by the fact the cold snap came after warm weather. "This is probably the greatest agricultural catastrophe of the beginning of the 21st century," Agriculture Minister Julien Denormandie said on Monday, adding that France has never seen such an frost wave in early spring. The government is preparing an emergency package of measures. The government is readying an emergency rescue package following rare freezing temperatures that could cause some of the most damage in decades to crops and vines across the country. From Bordeaux to Burgundy and the Rhone valley to Champagne, winemakers were back out in their fields on Friday inspecting the destruction. To ward off frost overnight on Tuesday and Wednesday, farmers across the country lit thousands of small fires and candles near their vines or fruit trees. Some well-heeled vineyards hired helicopters to try and keep the heat close to the ground. The burning was so intense in the southeast that it led to a layer of smog over the region, including over the city of Lyon. As well as vines, growers of kiwis, apricots, apples and other fruit have been badly hit along with farmers of other crops such as beet and rapeseed. During a visit to the Loire wine-making area, French Agriculture Minister Julien Denormandie said it was "an episode of extreme violence which has caused extremely significant damage". The government has declared an "agricultural disaster", meaning it will begin offering financial support to farmers, and Denormandie called on banks and insurance companies to join in the efforts. Many wine makers are not insured against the effects of frost because of the cost of the coverage and many producers were already struggling financially. The Covid-19 pandemic has depressed demand for wine globally because of the closure of restaurants and bars. Exports to the United States have also been hit by tariffs on French wine imposed by former US president Donald Trump, while the vital British market has also suffered because of Brexit. A group of 60 French MPs from wine-making areas published on open letter Friday urging the government to come to the rescue of producers, saying they "really feared the worst." The practice of lighting fires or candles near vines or fruit trees to prevent frost forming is a long-standing technique used in early spring when the first green shoots and flowers are vulnerable to the cold. Some winegrowers also use wind machines to keep frost from setting in. Others use water sprinklers to deliberately create ice which acts like a mini-igloo around branches, preventing the frost from drying out the leaves.

A third of French wine production lost due to cold snap: Industry body

Several Chinese feminist channels on Douban, a popular social networking forum in&nbsp;China, were abruptly shut this week, triggering online anger and prompting calls for women to "stick together".

Douban has closed at least eight feminist channels, citing extremism, and radical political views and ideological content, women's rights supporter Zhou Xiaoxuan wrote on social media.

"I firmly support my sisters on Douban, and oppose Douban's cancellation of feminist channels," said Zhou, who in 2018 filed a sexual assault suit against a national TV anchor, fuelling&nbsp;China's #MeToo movement.

The groups mentioned in Zhou's post were no longer accessible, though other feminist channels and content existed on Douban,&nbsp;one of&nbsp;China's earliest online forums with discussion channels on a host of themes.

The deleted Douban channels included groups with links to the so-called "6B4T" movement, a variant of feminism originating from South Korea that urges women to refrain from relationships with men, reject religion and stop buying products such as a corset that are hostile to the female gender.

The closures prompted social media users to create new Douban channels in hopes of resurrecting the groups, while the hashtag "women stick together" sprang up on&nbsp;China's Twitter equivalent, Weibo, garnering almost 50 million views.

"We should stick together," one Weibo user wrote. "Otherwise 'The Handmaid's Tale' will be our tomorrow."

China&nbsp;says it seeks to empower women and protect their rights, but it does not tolerate activities and discourse - online or offline - that it feels could agitate social order or signify defiance to its authority.

In 2015, authorities arrested five activists, later dubbed the "Feminist Five," who were planning to demonstrate against sexual harassment on public transport. They were released a month later.

"Generally, online platforms conclude that the government dislikes feminism, so they tend to restrict feminism," New York-based feminist activist Lv Pin said.

Several Chinese feminist channels on Douban, a popular social networking forum in China, were abruptly shut this week, triggering online anger and prompting calls for women to "stick together".

Several Chinese feminist channels on Douban, a popular social networking forum in China, were abruptly shut this week, triggering online anger and prompting calls for women to "stick together". Douban has closed at least eight feminist channels, citing extremism, and radical political views and ideological content, women's rights supporter Zhou Xiaoxuan wrote on social media. "I firmly support my sisters on Douban, and oppose Douban's cancellation of feminist channels," said Zhou, who in 2018 filed a sexual assault suit against a national TV anchor, fuelling China's #MeToo movement. The groups mentioned in Zhou's post were no longer accessible, though other feminist channels and content existed on Douban, one of China's earliest online forums with discussion channels on a host of themes. The deleted Douban channels included groups with links to the so-called "6B4T" movement, a variant of feminism originating from South Korea that urges women to refrain from relationships with men, reject religion and stop buying products such as a corset that are hostile to the female gender. The closures prompted social media users to create new Douban channels in hopes of resurrecting the groups, while the hashtag "women stick together" sprang up on China's Twitter equivalent, Weibo, garnering almost 50 million views. "We should stick together," one Weibo user wrote. "Otherwise 'The Handmaid's Tale' will be our tomorrow." China says it seeks to empower women and protect their rights, but it does not tolerate activities and discourse - online or offline - that it feels could agitate social order or signify defiance to its authority. In 2015, authorities arrested five activists, later dubbed the "Feminist Five," who were planning to demonstrate against sexual harassment on public transport. They were released a month later. "Generally, online platforms conclude that the government dislikes feminism, so they tend to restrict feminism," New York-based feminist activist Lv Pin said.

'Stick together': Closure of online feminist groups in China sparks outrage

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen on Thursday told emissaries visiting at US&nbsp;President Joe Biden's request that the island would work with the United States to deter 'adventurous manoeuvres and provocations' amid threats from Chinese military activities.

Former senior US&nbsp;officials, including former US&nbsp;Senator Chris Dodd and former Deputy Secretaries of State Richard Armitage and James Steinberg, are visiting Taipei in a trip to signal Biden's commitment to Taiwan and its democracy.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/stay-out-of-taiwan-china-warns-biden-377666/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Tsai told the US&nbsp;delegation in a meeting at the Presidential Office that Chinese military activities in the region have threatened regional peace and stability.

"We are very willing to work with like-minded countries, including the United States, to jointly safeguard the peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific and deter adventurous manoeuvres and provocations," Tsai said in the meeting that was broadcast live on Facebook.

She vowed to continue to cooperate with the United States to counter "cognitive warfare" and misinformation. She did not elaborate.

Tsai also told the delegation that Taiwan looks forward to resuming trade talks with the United States as soon as possible.

Taiwan is&nbsp;China's most sensitive territorial issue and a major source of contention with Washington, which is required by US&nbsp;law to help the island defend itself.

The island has complained over the last few months about almost daily missions by&nbsp;China's air force near its air defence identification zone (ADIZ). Twenty-five Chinese aircraft, including fighters and nuclear-capable bombers, entered Taiwan's ADIZ on Monday in the largest reported incursion to date.

The unofficial US&nbsp;visit, which a White House official called a "personal signal" of the president's commitment to Chinese-claimed Taiwan, is further straining Sino-US&nbsp;relations.

China&nbsp;on Wednesday described its military exercises near Taiwan as "combat drills" and said the meeting of the US&nbsp;officials with Tsai "will only exacerbate the tense situation in the Taiwan Strait".

(With input from agencies)

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen on Thursday told emissaries visiting at US President Joe Biden's request that the island would work with the United States to deter 'adventurous manoeuvres and provocations' amid threats from Chinese military activities.

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen on Thursday told emissaries visiting at US President Joe Biden's request that the island would work with the United States to deter 'adventurous manoeuvres and provocations' amid threats from Chinese military activities. Former senior US officials, including former US Senator Chris Dodd and former Deputy Secretaries of State Richard Armitage and James Steinberg, are visiting Taipei in a trip to signal Biden's commitment to Taiwan and its democracy. Tsai told the US delegation in a meeting at the Presidential Office that Chinese military activities in the region have threatened regional peace and stability. "We are very willing to work with like-minded countries, including the United States, to jointly safeguard the peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific and deter adventurous manoeuvres and provocations," Tsai said in the meeting that was broadcast live on Facebook. She vowed to continue to cooperate with the United States to counter "cognitive warfare" and misinformation. She did not elaborate. Tsai also told the delegation that Taiwan looks forward to resuming trade talks with the United States as soon as possible. Taiwan is China's most sensitive territorial issue and a major source of contention with Washington, which is required by US law to help the island defend itself. The island has complained over the last few months about almost daily missions by China's air force near its air defence identification zone (ADIZ). Twenty-five Chinese aircraft, including fighters and nuclear-capable bombers, entered Taiwan's ADIZ on Monday in the largest reported incursion to date. The unofficial US visit, which a White House official called a "personal signal" of the president's commitment to Chinese-claimed Taiwan, is further straining Sino-US relations. China on Wednesday described its military exercises near Taiwan as "combat drills" and said the meeting of the US officials with Tsai "will only exacerbate the tense situation in the Taiwan Strait". (With input from agencies)

Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen says will counter China's 'adventurous manoeuvres' with US

China&nbsp;needs to halve carbon dioxide emissions from its coal-fired power plants by the end of the decade if it is to remain on course to become carbon neutral by 2060, according to research published on Thursday.

To half emissions, the world's biggest producer of climate-warming greenhouse gas must shut, retrofit or put into reserve capacity as much as 364 gigawatts (GW) of coal-fired power by 2030,&nbsp;around a third of its current total, according to London-based climate data provider TransitionZero.

The research used satellite imagery and machine learning to estimate carbon emissions from&nbsp;China's coal-fired plants.

It also estimated that&nbsp;China&nbsp;could save $1.6 trillion by replacing the majority of its coal-fired power plants with clean alternatives.

"Independent of climate considerations, our analysis finds&nbsp;China&nbsp;could save money, reduce stranded assets and improve its international reputation by replacing coal plants with zero-carbon alternatives," said Matthew Gray, co-chief executive of TransitionZero.

Experts and campaigners have said that&nbsp;China&nbsp;should immediately halt all new coal plant approvals in order to meet climate goals.

However, the country said in its 2021-2025 five-year plan published in March that it would continue to promote the "clean and efficient use of coal".

According to research published by the Global Energy Monitor and other energy think tanks last week, a recent boom in coal-fired power construction in&nbsp;China&nbsp;is offsetting the cuts made in the rest of the world.

China&nbsp;completed 38.4 GW of new capacity in 2020, higher than the 37.8 GW of coal plants that were retired globally. It commissioned 76 per cent&nbsp;of the world's new coal plants last year, up from 64 per cent&nbsp;in 2019, according to a report by TransitionZero.

(With input from agencies)

China needs to halve carbon dioxide emissions from its coal-fired power plants by the end of the decade if it is to remain on course to become carbon neutral by 2060, according to research published on Thursday.

China needs to halve carbon dioxide emissions from its coal-fired power plants by the end of the decade if it is to remain on course to become carbon neutral by 2060, according to research published on Thursday. To half emissions, the world's biggest producer of climate-warming greenhouse gas must shut, retrofit or put into reserve capacity as much as 364 gigawatts (GW) of coal-fired power by 2030, around a third of its current total, according to London-based climate data provider TransitionZero. The research used satellite imagery and machine learning to estimate carbon emissions from China's coal-fired plants. It also estimated that China could save $1.6 trillion by replacing the majority of its coal-fired power plants with clean alternatives. "Independent of climate considerations, our analysis finds China could save money, reduce stranded assets and improve its international reputation by replacing coal plants with zero-carbon alternatives," said Matthew Gray, co-chief executive of TransitionZero. Experts and campaigners have said that China should immediately halt all new coal plant approvals in order to meet climate goals. However, the country said in its 2021-2025 five-year plan published in March that it would continue to promote the "clean and efficient use of coal". According to research published by the Global Energy Monitor and other energy think tanks last week, a recent boom in coal-fired power construction in China is offsetting the cuts made in the rest of the world. China completed 38.4 GW of new capacity in 2020, higher than the 37.8 GW of coal plants that were retired globally. It commissioned 76 per cent of the world's new coal plants last year, up from 64 per cent in 2019, according to a report by TransitionZero. (With input from agencies)

China needs to halve power sector emissions by 2030 to meet climate goals: Study

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