Stories for January 11th 2009

Sunday, January 11th 2009 - 20:00 UTC

Successful trial in Antarctica of super pressure balloon

NASA and the National Science Foundation have successfully launched and demonstrated over Antarctica a newly designed super pressure balloon prototype that may enable a new era of high-altitude scientific research. The super-pressure balloon ultimately will carry large scientific experiments to the brink of space for 100 days or more.

Sunday, January 11th 2009 - 20:00 UTC

Mini-sub seeks clues to sea levels below Antarctic ice shelves

An autonomous British yellow robot submarine has just set out on a mission which will see it plunge deep beneath Antarctic ice shelves to seek clues to world ocean level rises. The seven meter yellow sub will probe the underside of ice at the end of the Pine Island glacier, which is moving faster than any other in Antarctica.

Sunday, January 11th 2009 - 20:00 UTC

Brazil's capital readies for the fiftieth anniversary in 2010

Brazil's greatest living architect Oscar Niemeyer has presented the blueprint for a new project, “The Sovereignty Plaza” to be built next to the Ministries esplanade in Brasilia. The official opening is scheduled for April 21st, 2010 when the capital city he designed will be celebrating half a century.

Sunday, January 11th 2009 - 20:00 UTC

Ecuador quietly downplays financial dispute with Brazil

Ecuador quietly made overdue payments to Brazil on a loan for the construction of a controversial hydroelectric project, helping to end a months-long diplomatic dispute, revealed Brazil's Foreign Affairs ministry.

Sunday, January 11th 2009 - 20:00 UTC

Uruguay government admits “serious drought” condition

Following weeks of farmers' demands for emergency support, Uruguay's Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries finally admitted the seriousness of the drought for the farming industry and the country's main source of exports.

Sunday, January 11th 2009 - 20:00 UTC

Lloyds TSB pays 350 million USD for violating US sanctions

Britain's Lloyds TSB bank has agreed to pay a 350 million US dollars penalty to US authorities over financial transfers that violated US sanctions. The US Justice Department said Lloyds TSB had acknowledged “criminal conduct” and agreed to forfeit the funds in return for an end to its investigation.