Gustav headed for current that fuels big storms (AP)

AP - The difference between a monster and a wimp for Gulf of Mexico hurricanes often comes down to a small patch of warm deep water that's easy to miss. It's called the Loop Current, and hurricane trackers say Gustav is headed right for it, reminiscent of Katrina.

Arctic sea ice drops to 2nd lowest level on record (AP)

AP - More ominous signs Wednesday have scientists saying that a global warming "tipping point" in the Arctic seems to be happening before their eyes: Sea ice in the Arctic Ocean is at its second lowest level in about 30 years.

Purdue reprimands fusion scientist for misconduct (AP)
AP - Purdue University on Wednesday reprimanded a scientist who has been accused of falsifying claims he produced nuclear fusion in tabletop experiments.

Fay leaves behind lots of water for Fla. lake (AP)

AP - Tropical Storm Fay brought some good news to the state's parched Everglades and its liquid heart, Lake Okeechobee — lots and lots of water.

Hurricanes: Our 5 Worst Fears (LiveScience.com)

LiveScience.com - On the third anniversary of Hurricane Katrina's devastating landfall in New Orleans, residents all along the U.S. coastline today cast a wary eye out to Tropical Storms Gustav and Hanna, both predicted to ramp up to hurricane strength and possibly strike the United States early next week. The 2005 season - the busiest season on record - was an obvious wake-up call for emergency officials and coastal residents. Yet three years later, fears linger that history will repeat. ...

Hurricane-force winds, heavy rain hit Phoenix area (AP)
AP - A series of fast-moving thunderstorms packing winds of up to 100 mph plowed through the Phoenix area, leaving tens of thousands without power, damaging several airliners and collapsing a brand-new college football facility.

Dnepr Rocket Launches Satellite Quintet into Orbit (SPACE.com)
SPACE.com - PARIS - The five-satellite RapidEye commercial Earth observation constellation launched successfully on Friday aboard a silo-based Dnepr rocket from Russia's Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. All five satellites have sent signals and are healthy in low Earth orbit, the satellite's owners and the prime contractor said.

Baby panda feted in Japan dies after just three days (AFP)

AFP - A giant panda cub whose rare birth by artificial insemination led to rejoicing in Japan died on Friday after just three days, zoo officials said.

Fossil of Ancient Pregnant Turtle Discovered (LiveScience.com)
LiveScience.com - A turtle that toddled alongside the dinosaurs died just days before laying a clutch of eggs. Now, about 75 million years later, paleontologists are announcing their find of the fossilized mother-to-be and the eggs tucked inside her body.

Palin views on oil, polar bears may be liabilities (AP)

AP - Democrats are probably cobbling together the campaign ad right now: "John McCain's running mate is for big oil and against the environment," a somber voice intones as cute baby polar bears scamper across the screen.