AFP - The Arctic ice cap keeps melting under the effects of global warming and in August saw its second largest summer shrinkage since satellite observations began 30 years ago, US scientists said.

AFP - Tens of thousands of people have fled to safer areas but more than a million were still trapped in floods after a river changed its course due to heavy rains, an official said Thursday.

AP - Talk about an extreme makeover: Scientists have transformed one type of cell into another in living mice, a big step toward the goal of growing replacement tissues to treat a variety of diseases.

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.

AFP - London shares closed higher on Wednesday, lifted out of earlier losses by an upbeat report on the US manufacturing sector which helped allay fears about the economic outlook, and amid a surge in oil prices.

AP - Gustav swirled toward Cuba on Wednesday after triggering flooding and landslides that killed at least 22 people in the Caribbean. Its track pointed toward the U.S. Gulf coast, including Louisiana where Hurricane Katrina wreaked havoc three years ago.