Washington, Oct 28 : A previously unknown population of vampire moths has been found in Siberia by entomologists, who say that the bloodsuckers may have evolved from a purely fruit-eating species. 

Only slight variations in wing patterns distinguish the Russian population from a widely distributed moth species, Calyptra thalictri, in Central and Southern Europe known to feed only on fruit. 

According to a report in National Geographic News, when the Russian moths were experimentally offered human hands this summer, the insects drilled their hook-and-barb-lined tongues under the skin and sucked blood. 

Beijing - Chinese shares gained 2.81 per cent on Tuesday following a strong rebound in Hong Kong.

London, Oct 28 : A new study has said that the world could eliminate fossil fuel use by 2090, saving 18 trillion dollars in future fuel costs and creating a 360 billion dollars industry that provides half of the world’s electricity.

According to a report in New Scientist, the study was undertaken by the European Renewable Energy Council (EREC) and environmental group Greenpeace.

The study is one of few reports to look in detail at how energy use would have to be overhauled to meet the toughest scenarios for curbing greenhouse gases outlined by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

“Renewable energy could provide all global energy needs by 2090,” according to the study, entitled “Energy (R)evolution.”

Frankfurt - European stocks rebounded Tuesday in the wake of a rally in Asian shares.

Amsterdam - The share value of Dutch insurer Aegon increased by more than 6 per cent at the opening of the Dutch stock exchange on Tuesday.

Traders were responding to a statement released by Aegon and the Dutch Finance Ministry shortly before trading began that the company would receive 3 billion euros (3.7 billion dollars) in support from the Dutch state.

In exchange, the Dutch state receives Aegon shares at a value of 4 euros per share, above the 3.38 euros Aegon was worth at closing time on Monday.

The Dutch state is to receive 8.5 per cent interest on its investment and will also appoint two people to Aegon's board.

Berlin - Despite the deepening economic gloom, German consumer confidence posted a surprise but modest rise, a key survey released Tuesday showed.

But the Nuremberg-based GfK market research institute's survey showed German consumer expectations about the economic outlook dropping to a five-year low.

The institute's forward-looking consumer confidence index edged up to 1.9 for November from 1.8 in October, helped along by an increase in income expectations on the back of falling inflation.

"Consumers have kept a level head amid the sometimes dramatic developments on the international financial markets, and this is particularly true of their income expectations," the GfK said, releasing its latest survey.