Japan a week after Tsunami and Earth quake

Massive Earthquake and Tsunami in Japan

Japan was hit by a massive earthquake the measured 8.9 on the Richter scale, on March 11. This was followed by a 10 meters high Tsunami wave that washed away Northern Japan. The nearest city to the epicenter is the coastal city of Honshu, 130 km (80 miles) from the quake center. Japan's capital city Tokyo is situated 373 km (231 miles) away.

Panda Population Booms This Year

China’s panda population is booming this year to a record number of births in captivity – a rare accomplishment for the endangered species known for being poor breeders. The most recent addition – the birth of female twins – brought the total number of births this year to 19, surpassing the record of 18 births in 2006.

Through artificial insemination, researchers have been able increase the number of pandas in captivity to more than 300 – a number that experts say should remain steady.