Merrill Lynch says rich turning to gold bars for safety - Telegraph

Merrill Lynch says rich turning to gold bars for safety - Telegraph: "Merrill Lynch has revealed that some of its richest clients are so alarmed by the state of the financial system and signs of political instability around the world that they are now insisting on the purchase of gold bars, shunning derivatives or 'paper' proxies."

Gold rush erupts over financial crisis | The Daily Telegraph

Gold rush erupts over financial crisis | The Daily Telegraph: "Worried investors seeking a safe home for their money are ploughing billions of dollars into the precious metal in a bid to preserve their wealth."

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."