Washington, Jan 14: A new research has suggested that the earliest known bird, Archaeopteryx, had a similar hearing range to the modern emu, which suggests that the 145 million-year-old creature, despite its reptilian teeth and long tail, was more birdlike than reptilian.

The research was done by a team of paleontologists and biologists from London, Munich and Ohio.

Islamabad, Jan 14: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ijaz Butt has said that the Board is on the verge of bankruptcy due to the "wrong policies" of his predecessor, Dr. Nasim Ashraf.

Ijaz was summoned by the Pakistan Senate Committee on Sports to explain the controversy of "illegal appointments"' and "unnecessary sackings" of lower grade employees in the PCB, The News reported.

Washington, Jan 14 : University of Oklahoma researchers are developing a process that would help convert biomass into eco-friendly gasoline.

The research team led by Lance Lobban, director of the School of Chemical, Biological and Materials Engineering are interested in how best to use catalysts (solids that accelerate certain chemical reactions) and chemical reactors to convert biomass into new fuels that would alleviate dependence on foreign oil.

Melbourne, Jan 14 : Hollywood actor Brad Pitt was left shocked after a drunken woman called him an "ugly dog" at the Golden Globes after party.

The 45-year old actor was at HBO''s party after the Golden Globes event when he was confronted by the drunken woman, reports Daily Telegraph.

"Brad was enjoying a cocktail and chatting with friends at party when this woman, who was clearly drunk, approached him," a source told Daily Mail.

Washington, Jan 14 : Taiwan researchers are developing a bicycle that would tell the riders when to change the gear.

They are designing a computer for pedal cyclists that tells them when to change gear to optimise the power they develop while maintaining comfort.

While riding a bicycle, few people know how to adjust the gears to get the most power out of their pedalling without becoming uncomfortable either through having to pedal too fast in a low gear on level roads or straining when going up hill or to maintain a high speed.

Researchers from National Defense University, Tashi, Taiwan, ROC have developed a computerised system that would tell exactly when to change gear.

San Jose, Costa Rica - The Costa Rican government is seeking international aid in the wake of last week's devastating earthquake, news reports said Tuesday.

According to Costa Rican authorities, the death toll in the 6.2-magnitude quake has risen to 20 and damage has been estimated at around 100 million dollars.

Eight bridges, 7 power lines, 61 villages and 26 roads were badly damaged in the earthquake, officials said.