Man-Made Bacteria Produces a Fuel That’s Better Than Gas : Gas 2.0

Man-Made Bacteria Produces a Fuel That’s Better Than Gas : Gas 2.0: "Researchers reported Monday that they have re-engineered a common bacteria to produce complex and energy-dense alcohols similar to the hydrocarbon compounds found in fuels such as gasoline. This is the first time these types of alcohols have been synthesized by bacteria (man-made or otherwise) in the lab."

Ocean currents can power the world, say scientists - Telegraph

Ocean currents can power the world, say scientists - Telegraph: "The technology can generate electricity in water flowing at a rate of less than one knot - about one mile an hour - meaning it could operate on most waterways and sea beds around the globe."

Mint Widens Freeze on Gold Coin Sales - WSJ.com

Mint Widens Freeze on Gold Coin Sales - WSJ.com: "NEW YORK -- Citing extraordinary demand the U.S. Mint has broadened its freeze on sales of gold bullion coins as individual investors who are priced out of the futures markets have been piling up their holdings of the metal as a hedge against market uncertainty. 'Due to the extreme fluctuating market conditions for 2008 as well as current market conditions gold and silver demand is unprecedented and the demand for platinum is unusually high ' the Mint said in a memorandum late Monday released to its authorized purchasers. The Mint added in the memo that it s halting the production and sales of several gold and platinum coins while putting a few other coins under allocation sales. The move came after the Mint halted sales of two other coins in September and August."

Geothermal Sources Could Add Significant Power Generation Capacity : CleanTechnica

Geothermal Sources Could Add Significant Power Generation Capacity : CleanTechnica: "A study released last week from the U.S. Geological Survey reports that geothermal power production could significantly add to electric power generating capacity within the United States."

US Govt to take over mortgage giants - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

US Govt to take over mortgage giants - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation): "US media reports say mortgage giants Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae are set to be put under government control in an attempt to rescue the firms.

The two companies own or guarantee nearly half of the nation's mortgages, totalling more than $US5 trillion.

Congressman Barney Frank has told reporters that US Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson will use government powers to ensure the continued and stable functioning of the companies."

Credit crunch forcing US middle classes to live in their cars | World news | The Guardian

Credit crunch forcing US middle classes to live in their cars | World news | The Guardian: "Homeless people living in cars and motorhomes across the US are being joined by a new breed: the middle class."

US confidence plummets as house prices slump 23% - Times Online

US confidence plummets as house prices slump 23% - Times Online: "US house prices dropped 22.8 per cent over the last three months as American consumer confidence signalled the worst level of consumption since since 1974."