Apple and Google have released a software tool that will make it possible for nations to release coronavirus contact-tracing apps.

Together, the tech giants rolled out a&nbsp;COVID-19&nbsp;exposure notification system, essentially a unified programming interface that will allow public&nbsp;health&nbsp;departments to create their own contact tracing applications.

Contact-tracing apps are designed to automatically log when two people come into proximity to each other for a significant amount of time.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/scientists-release-app-to-track-covid-19-symptoms-inform-users-about-hot-spots-296975" hreflang="en">Scientists release app to track COVID-19 symptoms, inform users about hot spots</a>

If one is later diagnosed with the coronavirus, the other can be given an alert, which might suggest they self-isolate and/or request a medical test of their own.

The software relies on Bluetooth wireless technology to detect when someone who downloaded the app has spent time near another app user who later tests positive for the virus.

It is much safer in comparison to other applications&nbsp;as it does not use&nbsp;Global Positioning System (GPS) technology.

"Starting today, our Exposure Notifications technology is available to public health agencies on both iOS and Android," Apple and Google said in a statement.

"Today, this technology is in the hands of public health agencies across the world who will take the lead and we will continue to support their efforts."

The companies had&nbsp;announced the unprecedented collaboration&nbsp;to leverage their technology to help trace and contain the spread of coronavirus last month, and say 22 countries and several US states are already planning to build voluntary phone apps using their software.

Apple and Google have released a software tool that will make it possible for nations to release coronavirus contact-tracing apps. Together, the tech giants rolled out a COVID-19 exposure notification system, essentially a unified programming interface that will allow public health departments to create their own contact tracing applications.

Apple and Google have released a software tool that will make it possible for nations to release coronavirus contact-tracing apps. Together, the tech giants rolled out a COVID-19 exposure notification system, essentially a unified programming interface that will allow public health departments to create their own contact tracing applications. Contact-tracing apps are designed to automatically log when two people come into proximity to each other for a significant amount of time. Also read: Scientists release app to track COVID-19 symptoms, inform users about hot spots If one is later diagnosed with the coronavirus, the other can be given an alert, which might suggest they self-isolate and/or request a medical test of their own. The software relies on Bluetooth wireless technology to detect when someone who downloaded the app has spent time near another app user who later tests positive for the virus. It is much safer in comparison to other applications as it does not use Global Positioning System (GPS) technology. "Starting today, our Exposure Notifications technology is available to public health agencies on both iOS and Android," Apple and Google said in a statement. "Today, this technology is in the hands of public health agencies across the world who will take the lead and we will continue to support their efforts." The companies had announced the unprecedented collaboration to leverage their technology to help trace and contain the spread of coronavirus last month, and say 22 countries and several US states are already planning to build voluntary phone apps using their software.

Apple and Google launch digital COVID-19 contact tracing system

The only man ever convicted in the 9/11 attack in the US,&nbsp;Zacarias Moussaoui, has said that he is renouncing&nbsp;al-Qaida and the Islamic State.

In a handwritten court motion Moussaoui filed with the federal court in Alexandria last month, Moussaoui wrote: ''I denounce, repudiate Osama bin Laden as a useful idiot of the CIA/Saudi. I also proclaim unequivocally my opposition to any terrorist action, attack, propaganda against the US.''

He also said he wanted ''to warn young Muslim against the deception and the manipulation of these fake jihadis.''

<img alt="Zacarias Moussaoui" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="01c0a609-1a03-4220-9b5d-b406756cb39e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/1328.jpg" /> 
Zacarias Moussaoui

Moussaoui made his renunciation in a petition seeking relaxation of the conditions under which he serves his sentence. In particular, he says he wants either Donald Trump’s lawyer&nbsp;Rudy Giuliani&nbsp;or Alan Dershowitz to represent him as a lawyer, so he can testify in a civil trial filed by victims of the 9/11 attacks.

He has written numerous letters seeking to testify at the 9/11 civil trial, and at the military trials of al-Qaida members including Khalid Sheikh Mohammed.

He is serving his life sentence&nbsp;at a federal prison in Colorado after narrowly escaping the death penalty at his 2006 trial.

&nbsp;

The only man ever convicted in the 9/11 attack in the US, Zacarias Moussaoui, has said that he is renouncing al-Qaida and the Islamic State. In a handwritten court motion Moussaoui filed with the federal court in Alexandria last month, Moussaoui wrote: ''I denounce, repudiate Osama bin Laden as a useful idiot of the CIA/Saudi.

The only man ever convicted in the 9/11 attack in the US, Zacarias Moussaoui, has said that he is renouncing al-Qaida and the Islamic State. In a handwritten court motion Moussaoui filed with the federal court in Alexandria last month, Moussaoui wrote: ''I denounce, repudiate Osama bin Laden as a useful idiot of the CIA/Saudi. I also proclaim unequivocally my opposition to any terrorist action, attack, propaganda against the US.'' He also said he wanted ''to warn young Muslim against the deception and the manipulation of these fake jihadis.'' Zacarias Moussaoui Moussaoui made his renunciation in a petition seeking relaxation of the conditions under which he serves his sentence. In particular, he says he wants either Donald Trump’s lawyer Rudy Giuliani or Alan Dershowitz to represent him as a lawyer, so he can testify in a civil trial filed by victims of the 9/11 attacks. He has written numerous letters seeking to testify at the 9/11 civil trial, and at the military trials of al-Qaida members including Khalid Sheikh Mohammed. He is serving his life sentence at a federal prison in Colorado after narrowly escaping the death penalty at his 2006 trial.

Only 9/11 attack convict renouncing terrorism and Bin Laden

The head of&nbsp;NASA's human space flight resigned a week before the first manned launch on US soil in almost a decade, citing a "mistake" reported to be over the rush to land on the Moon by 2024.

Saying he took risks for which he must now bear the consequences, Douglas Loverro announced his resignation just six months after joining the space agency to lead the Trump administration's&nbsp;Artemis&nbsp;programme.

Loverro began serving in his role as the head of NASA's human spaceflight programs in December, replacing William Gerstenmaier, who served in the role for more than a decade. In his nearly 700-word note, Loverro told NASA workers only that leaders are "called on to take risks" and added that, "I took such a risk earlier in the year because I judged it necessary to fulfill our mission."

"Now, over the balance of time, it is clear that I made a mistake in that choice for which I alone must bear the consequences," Loverro wrote. "And therefore, it is with a very, very heavy heart that I write to you today to let you know that I have resigned from NASA effective May 18th, 2020."

Nasa indicated on Tuesday the launch would proceed according to that schedule.&nbsp;A vital launch readiness review is planned for later this week.

According to statement released by the space agency, ''Next week will mark the beginning of a new era in human spaceflight with the launch of Nasa astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley to the International&nbsp;Space&nbsp;Station.''

<img alt="Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="53cf0fc3-1612-4e09-8dd0-a8001088d5d8" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/3000.jpg" /> 
Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley

''This test flight will be a historic and momentous occasion that will see the return of human spaceflight to our country, and the incredible dedication by the men and women of Nasa is what has made this mission possible.''

NASA's deputy associate administrator and a former astronaut, will&nbsp;take Loverro's place until a permanent replacement is found.

Next week,&nbsp;Elon Musk’s&nbsp;SpaceX&nbsp;is due to put two US astronauts on a much-anticipated test&nbsp;flight&nbsp;of the company’s Dragon capsule to the International Space Station from Florida.

The head of NASA's human space flight resigned a week before the first manned launch on US soil in almost a decade, citing a "mistake" reported to be over the rush to land on the Moon by 2024.

The head of NASA's human space flight resigned a week before the first manned launch on US soil in almost a decade, citing a "mistake" reported to be over the rush to land on the Moon by 2024. Saying he took risks for which he must now bear the consequences, Douglas Loverro announced his resignation just six months after joining the space agency to lead the Trump administration's Artemis programme. Loverro began serving in his role as the head of NASA's human spaceflight programs in December, replacing William Gerstenmaier, who served in the role for more than a decade. In his nearly 700-word note, Loverro told NASA workers only that leaders are "called on to take risks" and added that, "I took such a risk earlier in the year because I judged it necessary to fulfill our mission." "Now, over the balance of time, it is clear that I made a mistake in that choice for which I alone must bear the consequences," Loverro wrote. "And therefore, it is with a very, very heavy heart that I write to you today to let you know that I have resigned from NASA effective May 18th, 2020." Nasa indicated on Tuesday the launch would proceed according to that schedule. A vital launch readiness review is planned for later this week. According to statement released by the space agency, ''Next week will mark the beginning of a new era in human spaceflight with the launch of Nasa astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley to the International Space Station.'' Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley ''This test flight will be a historic and momentous occasion that will see the return of human spaceflight to our country, and the incredible dedication by the men and women of Nasa is what has made this mission possible.'' NASA's deputy associate administrator and a former astronaut, will take Loverro's place until a permanent replacement is found. Next week, Elon Musk’s SpaceX is due to put two US astronauts on a much-anticipated test flight of the company’s Dragon capsule to the International Space Station from Florida.

NASA human spaceflight chief resigns ahead of launch due to 'mistake'

All tourists who are visiting Malaysia must compulsarily pay&nbsp;for quarantine&nbsp;Senior Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said.

Travellers entering the country will have to bear the cost of mandatory quarantine and are to sign a letter agreeing to pay before they can make the trip to the country.

''This will take effect from June 1 as Malaysia will continue to impose compulsory quarantine on those who return from abroad to prevent the spread of&nbsp;Covid-19,''&nbsp;he said at his daily media briefing on Wednesday.

Malaysians would pay half the cost of quarantine services while non-citizens, including spouses and family members of Malaysian citizens, had to bear the full cost.

''The signing of the letter can be done at Malaysian embassies and high commissions. After the agreement is signed, the office will also issue a letter permitting them to return to Malaysia,''&nbsp;Sabri&nbsp;said.

He said the Immigration Department would play its part to ensure returnees were aware of the new condition set by the government.

“The immigration will be issuing a directive to all airline companies to make it a condition for passengers disembarking in Malaysia to have this letter of undertaking with them,” he said.

Since April 3, the government had enforced compulsory quarantine for all Malaysians returning from abroad.

All tourists who are visiting Malaysia must compulsarily pay for quarantine Senior Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said. Travellers entering the country will have to bear the cost of mandatory quarantine and are to sign a letter agreeing to pay before they can make the trip to the country.

All tourists who are visiting Malaysia must compulsarily pay for quarantine Senior Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said. Travellers entering the country will have to bear the cost of mandatory quarantine and are to sign a letter agreeing to pay before they can make the trip to the country. ''This will take effect from June 1 as Malaysia will continue to impose compulsory quarantine on those who return from abroad to prevent the spread of Covid-19,'' he said at his daily media briefing on Wednesday. Malaysians would pay half the cost of quarantine services while non-citizens, including spouses and family members of Malaysian citizens, had to bear the full cost. ''The signing of the letter can be done at Malaysian embassies and high commissions. After the agreement is signed, the office will also issue a letter permitting them to return to Malaysia,'' Sabri said. He said the Immigration Department would play its part to ensure returnees were aware of the new condition set by the government. “The immigration will be issuing a directive to all airline companies to make it a condition for passengers disembarking in Malaysia to have this letter of undertaking with them,” he said. Since April 3, the government had enforced compulsory quarantine for all Malaysians returning from abroad.

Tourists visiting Malaysia to pay for mandatory quarantine: Minister

The coronavirus pandemic&nbsp;has starkly exposed inequalities worldwide and could set back human development for the first time since 1990, the United Nations said on Wednesday.

It said the crisis had, though, revealed the strength of collective action in the face of a common threat and urged the world to show the same force on climate change.

''The Covid-19 pandemic is unleashing a human development crisis,''&nbsp;the UN Development Programme (UNDP) said in a report.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-covid-19-vaccine-produces-antibodies-in-mice-guinea-pigs-300037">US: COVID-19 vaccine produces antibodies in mice, guinea pigs</a>

Other shocks such as the financial crisis of 2007-2009 or the Ebola outbreak in West Africa in 2014-2016 have dealt a blow but did not prevent year-on-year development gains overall, said UNDP head Achim Steiner.

''Covid-19, with its triple hit to health, education, and income, may change this trend,''&nbsp;he added.

Besides deaths from Covid-19, which have now topped 320,000, the crisis could indirectly mean an extra 6,000 children die each day from preventable causes in the next six months, UNDP said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/nasa-finds-evidence-of-parallel-universe-where-time-runs-backward-299949" hreflang="en">NASA finds evidence of parallel universe where time runs backward</a>

Six out of 10 children globally are not getting an education due to school closures, and with deep recessions hitting most economies, the decline in UNDP's human development index would be equivalent to erasing all the progress of the past six years.

The decline is affecting rich and poor nations, but is expected to be far steeper in developing countries that are less able to cope with the pandemic’s social and economic fallout.

''If we fail to bring equity into the policy toolkit, many will fall further behind,''&nbsp;said Pedro Conceição, director of the UNDP office that produces its annual Human Development Report.

''This is particularly important for the 'new necessities'&nbsp;of the 21st century, such as access to the internet, which is helping us to benefit from tele-education, telemedicine, and to work from home,''&nbsp;he added in a statement.

UNDP estimated that 86 per cent of children in primary education are effectively out of school in countries with low development, because they lack the tools for web-based learning, compared with just 20 per cent in the wealthiest nations.

Expanding access to the internet in low- and middle-income countries would cost US$100 billion, about 15 per cent of the income they will lose this year and 1 per cent of the fiscal stimulus the world has committed in response to Covid-19, the report said.

The coronavirus pandemic has starkly exposed inequalities worldwide and could set back human development for the first time since 1990, the United Nations said on Wednesday.

The coronavirus pandemic has starkly exposed inequalities worldwide and could set back human development for the first time since 1990, the United Nations said on Wednesday. It said the crisis had, though, revealed the strength of collective action in the face of a common threat and urged the world to show the same force on climate change. ''The Covid-19 pandemic is unleashing a human development crisis,'' the UN Development Programme (UNDP) said in a report. Also read: US: COVID-19 vaccine produces antibodies in mice, guinea pigs Other shocks such as the financial crisis of 2007-2009 or the Ebola outbreak in West Africa in 2014-2016 have dealt a blow but did not prevent year-on-year development gains overall, said UNDP head Achim Steiner. ''Covid-19, with its triple hit to health, education, and income, may change this trend,'' he added. Besides deaths from Covid-19, which have now topped 320,000, the crisis could indirectly mean an extra 6,000 children die each day from preventable causes in the next six months, UNDP said. Also read: NASA finds evidence of parallel universe where time runs backward Six out of 10 children globally are not getting an education due to school closures, and with deep recessions hitting most economies, the decline in UNDP's human development index would be equivalent to erasing all the progress of the past six years. The decline is affecting rich and poor nations, but is expected to be far steeper in developing countries that are less able to cope with the pandemic’s social and economic fallout. ''If we fail to bring equity into the policy toolkit, many will fall further behind,'' said Pedro Conceição, director of the UNDP office that produces its annual Human Development Report. ''This is particularly important for the 'new necessities' of the 21st century, such as access to the internet, which is helping us to benefit from tele-education, telemedicine, and to work from home,'' he added in a statement. UNDP estimated that 86 per cent of children in primary education are effectively out of school in countries with low development, because they lack the tools for web-based learning, compared with just 20 per cent in the wealthiest nations. Expanding access to the internet in low- and middle-income countries would cost US$100 billion, about 15 per cent of the income they will lose this year and 1 per cent of the fiscal stimulus the world has committed in response to Covid-19, the report said.

Coronavirus pandemic may reverse human development for first time in three decades: UN

Ukrainian&nbsp;President&nbsp;Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced on Wednesday&nbsp;that the leaked recordings of phone calls allegedly between Joe Biden and former president Petro Poroshenko would be investigated by the country’s law enforcement agencies.

The recordings, containing what appear to be heavily edited conversations between Biden and Poroshenko while in office, were published by a Ukrainian associate of&nbsp;Rudy&nbsp;Giuliani,&nbsp;attorney of US&nbsp;President Donald Trump,&nbsp;in an apparent attempt to embarrass the politicians and dent Biden’s presidential run against Trump in the 2020 Presidential elections.

Andrii Derkach, the Giuliani ally, claimed to have received the tapes from investigative journalists. Opponents have pointed at the lawmaker’s ties to Russia. Derkach is a former MP for the pro-Russian Party of Regions faction and attended a KGB-run high school in Moscow. His father was a former KGB officer and then headed Ukraine’s intelligence service.

In the edited conversations, Biden apparently ties the delivery of $1bn in aid to Ukraine to Poroshenko firing&nbsp;Viktor Shokin, a former general prosecutor widely considered to be corrupt. In another, the two discuss the potential appointment of his successor, Yuri Lutsenko.

The tapes contain few revelations and their provenance remains murky. Still, Trump allies have sought to leverage them to revive scrutiny, as well as conspiracy theories, about Biden’s ties to&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;ahead of the 2020 elections.

Zelenskiy's statement&nbsp;that their contents might be ''perceived, qualified as treason''&nbsp;prompted an angry rebuttal from Poroshenko, who said that the Zelenskiy administration may have played a role in their release and should be investigated.

<aside data-component="rich-link" data-link-name="rich-link-1 | 1">Poroshenko on Wednesday called the leaked audio ''fabricated'' and a Biden spokesman said they were ''heavily edited … and it’s still a nothingburger that landed with a thud''.</aside>

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced on Wednesday that the leaked recordings of phone calls allegedly between Joe Biden and former president Petro Poroshenko would be investigated by the country’s law enforcement agencies.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced on Wednesday that the leaked recordings of phone calls allegedly between Joe Biden and former president Petro Poroshenko would be investigated by the country’s law enforcement agencies. The recordings, containing what appear to be heavily edited conversations between Biden and Poroshenko while in office, were published by a Ukrainian associate of Rudy Giuliani, attorney of US President Donald Trump, in an apparent attempt to embarrass the politicians and dent Biden’s presidential run against Trump in the 2020 Presidential elections. Andrii Derkach, the Giuliani ally, claimed to have received the tapes from investigative journalists. Opponents have pointed at the lawmaker’s ties to Russia. Derkach is a former MP for the pro-Russian Party of Regions faction and attended a KGB-run high school in Moscow. His father was a former KGB officer and then headed Ukraine’s intelligence service. In the edited conversations, Biden apparently ties the delivery of $1bn in aid to Ukraine to Poroshenko firing Viktor Shokin, a former general prosecutor widely considered to be corrupt. In another, the two discuss the potential appointment of his successor, Yuri Lutsenko. The tapes contain few revelations and their provenance remains murky. Still, Trump allies have sought to leverage them to revive scrutiny, as well as conspiracy theories, about Biden’s ties to Ukraine ahead of the 2020 elections. Zelenskiy's statement that their contents might be ''perceived, qualified as treason'' prompted an angry rebuttal from Poroshenko, who said that the Zelenskiy administration may have played a role in their release and should be investigated. Poroshenko on Wednesday called the leaked audio ''fabricated'' and a Biden spokesman said they were ''heavily edited … and it’s still a nothingburger that landed with a thud''.

Ukraine to probe leaked calls between Biden and ex-President

Heavy rain, 185 kmph winds wreak havoc as Cyclone Amphan hits coasts

US&nbsp;immunotherapy company Inovio Pharmaceuticals Inc said on Wednesday its experimental&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;to prevent coronavirus infection produced protective antibodies and immune system responses in&nbsp;mice&nbsp;and&nbsp;guinea&nbsp;pigs.

"We saw antibody responses that do many of the things we would want to see in an eventual&nbsp;vaccine," said Dr. David Weiner, director of the&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;and immunotherapy center at the Wistar Institute, which has collaborated with Inovio.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-vaccine-first-human-trial-reflects-possibility-of-creating-immunity-299481">COVID-19 vaccine first human trial reflects possibility of creating 'immunity'</a>

"We are able to target things that would prevent the virus from having a safe harbor in the body."

The company's shares, which have more than quadrupled this year on hopes of its&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;working, surged another 18 per cent&nbsp;to $15.77 early trading.

There are currently no approved treatments or&nbsp;vaccines for COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus, with governments, drugmakers and researchers working on around 100&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;programs.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/oxford-coronavirus-vaccine-found-protective-in-small-monkey-study-298903">Oxford coronavirus vaccine found 'protective' in small monkey: Study</a>

Experts predict a safe and effective&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;could take 12 to 18 months to develop.

Inovio began human testing of its&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;in April. Many other drugmakers including Moderna Inc, Pfizer Inc, Johnson &amp; Johnson, Sanofi and AstraZeneca Plc are also in various stages of&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;development.

On Monday, Moderna said its experimental COVID-19&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;produced protective antibodies in a small group of healthy volunteers, according to very early data, putting it at the front in the race.

Inovio said preliminary results from its human trial are expected in June. The 40 healthy participants in the Phase 1 trial are given two shots, four weeks apart, of the&nbsp;vaccine, called INO-4800, and then followed for two weeks.

"We are already seeing safety data and it has been benign," Dr. Katherine Broderick, head of research and development at Inovio, told Reuters. "Some people have slight redness of the arm."

Both Moderna and Inovio are using newer technology that focuses on specific genes on the outer "spike" portion of the virus.

Inovio's&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;was designed using its DNA medicine platform, while Moderna's&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;uses messenger RNA (mRNA) technology. Both companies have no approved drug in the market.

Inovio has been severely criticized by Citron Research, with the short seller slapping a target price of $2 on the company's stock.&nbsp;

Once the preliminary data is in, Inovio expects to approach the US&nbsp;Food and Drug Administration for authorization to move into a Phase 2/3 trial, which could happen in July or August.

Inovio said the latest animal study results, published in the journal Nature Communications, validate its DNA medicines platform.

It plans to test the&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;in larger animals including rabbits and monkeys, and undertake "challenge" studies in&nbsp;mice, ferrets and monkeys, Broderick said.

"Challenge" studies involve intentionally giving the virus to an animal and then seeing if the&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;prevents infection.

Inovio's&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;efforts are funded by a global coalition and the company has said it can manufacture 1 million doses by the end of the year for additional trials and emergency use.

US immunotherapy company Inovio Pharmaceuticals Inc said on Wednesday its experimental vaccine to prevent coronavirus infection produced protective antibodies and immune system responses in mice and guinea pigs.

US immunotherapy company Inovio Pharmaceuticals Inc said on Wednesday its experimental vaccine to prevent coronavirus infection produced protective antibodies and immune system responses in mice and guinea pigs. "We saw antibody responses that do many of the things we would want to see in an eventual vaccine," said Dr. David Weiner, director of the vaccine and immunotherapy center at the Wistar Institute, which has collaborated with Inovio. Also read: COVID-19 vaccine first human trial reflects possibility of creating 'immunity' "We are able to target things that would prevent the virus from having a safe harbor in the body." The company's shares, which have more than quadrupled this year on hopes of its vaccine working, surged another 18 per cent to $15.77 early trading. There are currently no approved treatments or vaccines for COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus, with governments, drugmakers and researchers working on around 100 vaccine programs. Also read: Oxford coronavirus vaccine found 'protective' in small monkey: Study Experts predict a safe and effective vaccine could take 12 to 18 months to develop. Inovio began human testing of its vaccine in April. Many other drugmakers including Moderna Inc, Pfizer Inc, Johnson & Johnson, Sanofi and AstraZeneca Plc are also in various stages of vaccine development. On Monday, Moderna said its experimental COVID-19 vaccine produced protective antibodies in a small group of healthy volunteers, according to very early data, putting it at the front in the race. Inovio said preliminary results from its human trial are expected in June. The 40 healthy participants in the Phase 1 trial are given two shots, four weeks apart, of the vaccine, called INO-4800, and then followed for two weeks. "We are already seeing safety data and it has been benign," Dr. Katherine Broderick, head of research and development at Inovio, told Reuters. "Some people have slight redness of the arm." Both Moderna and Inovio are using newer technology that focuses on specific genes on the outer "spike" portion of the virus. Inovio's vaccine was designed using its DNA medicine platform, while Moderna's vaccine uses messenger RNA (mRNA) technology. Both companies have no approved drug in the market. Inovio has been severely criticized by Citron Research, with the short seller slapping a target price of $2 on the company's stock. Once the preliminary data is in, Inovio expects to approach the US Food and Drug Administration for authorization to move into a Phase 2/3 trial, which could happen in July or August. Inovio said the latest animal study results, published in the journal Nature Communications, validate its DNA medicines platform. It plans to test the vaccine in larger animals including rabbits and monkeys, and undertake "challenge" studies in mice, ferrets and monkeys, Broderick said. "Challenge" studies involve intentionally giving the virus to an animal and then seeing if the vaccine prevents infection. Inovio's vaccine efforts are funded by a global coalition and the company has said it can manufacture 1 million doses by the end of the year for additional trials and emergency use.

US: COVID-19 vaccine produces antibodies in mice, guinea pigs

US&nbsp;President Donald&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;on Wednesday said he may seek to revive a face-to-face meeting of Group of Seven leaders near Washington, after earlier canceling the in-person gathering of world leaders due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.

"I am considering rescheduling the G-7, on the same or similar date, in Washington, D.C., at the legendary Camp David,"&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;said in a Twitter post.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Now that our Country is “Transitioning back to Greatness”, I am considering rescheduling the G-7, on the same or similar date, in Washington, D.C., at the legendary Camp David. The other members are also beginning their COMEBACK. It would be a great sign to all - normalization!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1263113203749453827?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 20, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"The other members are also beginning their comeback. It would be a great sign to all - normalization!"

In March, the Republican president canceled the physical summit scheduled for June, moving to a video conference as nations grappled with the shutdown of international travel and multiple closures to fight the outbreak.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/new-cluster-of-cases-shows-coronavirus-may-be-mutating-299964" hreflang="en">New cluster of cases shows coronavirus may be mutating</a>

The leaders' April and May discussions were also moved to teleconference.

But&nbsp;Trump, who is head of the G7 this year, said an in-person summit would be a symbol of the United States and other countries seeking to return to normal, something the president has urged should happen quickly despite concerns from public health experts.

French President Emmanuel Macron is open to traveling to the United States for an in-person meeting of Group of Seven leaders if the coronavirus epidemic situation allows, an Elysee official said on Wednesday.

"He's open, he's even willing to go there, but obviously with this caveat: only if the sanitary conditions allow," the official said, after the two leaders talked on the phone.

All 50 US&nbsp;states have sought to re-open at least partially as of Wednesday, although the nation's capital and its suburbs remain largely shuttered. Camp David is an hour's drive north of Washington in Thurmont, Maryland.

The pandemic has afflicted the United States more than any other country, with more than 1.5 million known infections and more than 90,000 deaths.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said he may seek to revive a face-to-face meeting of Group of Seven leaders near Washington, after earlier canceling the in-person gathering of world leaders due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said he may seek to revive a face-to-face meeting of Group of Seven leaders near Washington, after earlier canceling the in-person gathering of world leaders due to the novel coronavirus pandemic. "I am considering rescheduling the G-7, on the same or similar date, in Washington, D.C., at the legendary Camp David," Trump said in a Twitter post. Now that our Country is “Transitioning back to Greatness”, I am considering rescheduling the G-7, on the same or similar date, in Washington, D.C., at the legendary Camp David. The other members are also beginning their COMEBACK. It would be a great sign to all - normalization! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 20, 2020 × "The other members are also beginning their comeback. It would be a great sign to all - normalization!" In March, the Republican president canceled the physical summit scheduled for June, moving to a video conference as nations grappled with the shutdown of international travel and multiple closures to fight the outbreak. Also read: New cluster of cases shows coronavirus may be mutating The leaders' April and May discussions were also moved to teleconference. But Trump, who is head of the G7 this year, said an in-person summit would be a symbol of the United States and other countries seeking to return to normal, something the president has urged should happen quickly despite concerns from public health experts. French President Emmanuel Macron is open to traveling to the United States for an in-person meeting of Group of Seven leaders if the coronavirus epidemic situation allows, an Elysee official said on Wednesday. "He's open, he's even willing to go there, but obviously with this caveat: only if the sanitary conditions allow," the official said, after the two leaders talked on the phone. All 50 US states have sought to re-open at least partially as of Wednesday, although the nation's capital and its suburbs remain largely shuttered. Camp David is an hour's drive north of Washington in Thurmont, Maryland. The pandemic has afflicted the United States more than any other country, with more than 1.5 million known infections and more than 90,000 deaths.

Trump expresses possibility of hosting G7 meeting in-person despite pandemic

Ramadan is traditionally a lucrative time for food vendors in Muslim-majority countries, with more people going out for late-night meals after breaking their fast at sunset.

But the global virus outbreak, with more than 5&nbsp;million people infected, has led to widespread curbs.

Malaysian authorities have imposed a&nbsp;lockdown until June 9&nbsp;and called off Ramadan bazaars. They are usually attended by packed crowds and feature hundreds of stalls selling food for iftar, or the fast-breaking meal.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tourists-visiting-malaysia-to-pay-for-mandatory-quarantine-minister-300083" hreflang="en">Tourists visiting Malaysia to pay for mandatory quarantine: Minister</a>

The movement curbs have forced thousands of street hawkers and vendors to embrace digital platforms, mirroring a shift in neighbouring Indonesia, where roadside businesses enjoy a sizeable online presence.

<img alt="Ramzan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f90467b7-3411-45cd-a629-d34efbf143fc" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/2020-04-28T020051Z_1432924453_RC2EDG9LKPAP_RTRMADP_3_HEALTH-CORONAVIRUS-RAMADAN-MALAYSIA%20%281%29-1588047856.jpg" /> 
An online Ramadan bazaar trader wraps "Popiah" spring rolls at his home, during the movement control order due to the outbreak of the coronavirus disease, in Sungai Buloh, Malaysia

“In Indonesia, you can order pretty much anything you want on an app,” said Rosli Sulaiman, president of the Malaysian Malay Hawkers and Small Traders Association.

“Here we have to do a bit more educating as most vendors are used to just being on the street. Going online or dealing with cashless transactions will be something new for them.”

Malaysian hawkers have been badly hit by the curbs, with estimated losses of about 50 million ringgit&nbsp; for some 100,000 traders.

To soften the impact, several companies have developed e-bazaar platforms to help Ramadan traders partner with delivery companies and reach more customers online.

Many small food businesses, however, prefer marketing directly to customers on social media as they do not earn enough profit to share with delivery firms.

Dozens of Ramadan bazaar groups have popped up on Facebook, where sellers can offer cash-on-delivery services to customers closest to them.

Virtual bazaars have also been set up in Singapore, which cancelled Ramadan markets last month.

The pandemic has heavily impacted observance of Ramadan, traditionally a month when Muslims spend most of their time with families and attend nightly mass prayers at mosques.

Ramadan is traditionally a lucrative time for food vendors in Muslim-majority countries, with more people going out for late-night meals after breaking their fast at sunset.

Ramadan is traditionally a lucrative time for food vendors in Muslim-majority countries, with more people going out for late-night meals after breaking their fast at sunset. But the global virus outbreak, with more than 5 million people infected, has led to widespread curbs. Malaysian authorities have imposed a lockdown until June 9 and called off Ramadan bazaars. They are usually attended by packed crowds and feature hundreds of stalls selling food for iftar, or the fast-breaking meal. Also read: Tourists visiting Malaysia to pay for mandatory quarantine: Minister The movement curbs have forced thousands of street hawkers and vendors to embrace digital platforms, mirroring a shift in neighbouring Indonesia, where roadside businesses enjoy a sizeable online presence. An online Ramadan bazaar trader wraps "Popiah" spring rolls at his home, during the movement control order due to the outbreak of the coronavirus disease, in Sungai Buloh, Malaysia “In Indonesia, you can order pretty much anything you want on an app,” said Rosli Sulaiman, president of the Malaysian Malay Hawkers and Small Traders Association. “Here we have to do a bit more educating as most vendors are used to just being on the street. Going online or dealing with cashless transactions will be something new for them.” Malaysian hawkers have been badly hit by the curbs, with estimated losses of about 50 million ringgit for some 100,000 traders. To soften the impact, several companies have developed e-bazaar platforms to help Ramadan traders partner with delivery companies and reach more customers online. Many small food businesses, however, prefer marketing directly to customers on social media as they do not earn enough profit to share with delivery firms. Dozens of Ramadan bazaar groups have popped up on Facebook, where sellers can offer cash-on-delivery services to customers closest to them. Virtual bazaars have also been set up in Singapore, which cancelled Ramadan markets last month. The pandemic has heavily impacted observance of Ramadan, traditionally a month when Muslims spend most of their time with families and attend nightly mass prayers at mosques.

Malaysia's traditional Ramzan markets go digital amid pandemic

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Wednesday that recent treatment of Hong Kong pro-democracy activists made it more difficult to assess that the territory remains highly autonomous from China, a requirement for the special treatment it enjoys under american law.

Pompeo said a Congressionally mandated state department assessment as to whether the former British colony has such a degree of autonomy was still pending.

"We are closely watching what's going on there," he told a news conference.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wuhan-officially-bans-eating-and-hunting-of-wild-animals-300129" hreflang="en">Wuhan officially bans eating and hunting of wild animals</a>

Pompeo said pro-democracy lawmakers had been "manhandled" this week while trying to stop what he characterized as procedural irregularity by pro-Beijing legislators, and added: "leading Hong Kong activists like Martin Lee and Jimmy Lai were hauled into court. actions like these make it more difficult to assess that Hong Kong remains highly autonomous from mainland China."

The Chinese foreign ministry's office of the commissioner to Hong Kong said in a statement on Thursday that Pompeo was "blackmailing" the Hong kong Government and blatantly interfering in Beijing's internal affairs.

Pompeo announced on May 6 he was delaying the report assessing whether Hong Kong was sufficiently autonomous to warrant the special economic treatment that has helped it remain a world financial center.

He said this was to account for any actions Beijing might contemplate ahead of China's National People's Congress this Friday.

On Sunday, Pompeo said he believed China had threatened to interfere with the work of US&nbsp;journalists in Hong Kong, and warned Beijing that any decision impinging on hong kong's autonomy could affect the american assessment.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Wednesday that recent treatment of Hong Kong pro-democracy activists made it more difficult to assess that the territory remains highly autonomous from China, a requirement for the special treatment it enjoys under american law.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Wednesday that recent treatment of Hong Kong pro-democracy activists made it more difficult to assess that the territory remains highly autonomous from China, a requirement for the special treatment it enjoys under american law. Pompeo said a Congressionally mandated state department assessment as to whether the former British colony has such a degree of autonomy was still pending. "We are closely watching what's going on there," he told a news conference. Also read: Wuhan officially bans eating and hunting of wild animals Pompeo said pro-democracy lawmakers had been "manhandled" this week while trying to stop what he characterized as procedural irregularity by pro-Beijing legislators, and added: "leading Hong Kong activists like Martin Lee and Jimmy Lai were hauled into court. actions like these make it more difficult to assess that Hong Kong remains highly autonomous from mainland China." The Chinese foreign ministry's office of the commissioner to Hong Kong said in a statement on Thursday that Pompeo was "blackmailing" the Hong kong Government and blatantly interfering in Beijing's internal affairs. Pompeo announced on May 6 he was delaying the report assessing whether Hong Kong was sufficiently autonomous to warrant the special economic treatment that has helped it remain a world financial center. He said this was to account for any actions Beijing might contemplate ahead of China's National People's Congress this Friday. On Sunday, Pompeo said he believed China had threatened to interfere with the work of US journalists in Hong Kong, and warned Beijing that any decision impinging on hong kong's autonomy could affect the american assessment.

Hong Kong's treatment of activists making autonomy assessment more difficult, says Pompeo

In pictures: Temple remains and idol residues found in Ayodhya

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Vyomica Berry

Home

Live Tv

Latest

World

India

Business

Entertainment

Sports

Opinions

Videos

Photos

Gravitas

Lifestyle

Science

Tech

Rajasthan News in Hindi: In-depth coverage of Rajasthan Crime, Political News, Education, Rajasthan Weather Update and Latest Rajasthan News on Zee News Rajasthan.