Spider gets teeth into central Asia
Scientists from Altai State University have warned that the Karakurt or Mediterranean black widow spider ( Latrodectus tredecimguttatus ) is on the increase in central Asia with nine recorded bite victims so far. All the victims, including a 19-year-old student, survived.
US resident faces trial in China
An academic held by the Chinese authorities on suspicion of spying for Taiwan is likely to be put on trial this month, according to her lawyers. Unlike Li Shaomin, a naturalised United States citizen ordered to be deported from China earlier this week, Gao Zhan is a Chinese citizen with permanent United States residency.