North Korea Announces New Development

North Korea announced a scientific breakthrough, and it had nothing to do with the missile tests that startled the world this week. Researchers developed a new cosmetic agent to make skin supple, state-run media boasted. ``They analyzed in a scientific way why the hand skin of those who are making bean paste is smooth and fair,'' state news agency KCNA reported. Armed with the data, scientists made an agent that helps fight wrinkles and lightens moles and freckles, it said.Bean paste is a staple of Korean cooking, and the North Korean scientists who designed the cosmetic agent might be onto something because beans are used in some skin care products around the world. However, few North Koreans other than the elite get enough to eat let alone have the income to splurge on beauty products.