BEIJING, June 23 (UPI) -- China has doubled or tripled the prices of some rare earth metals, raising concerns about global supplies of the 17 elements, crucial for green energy and high-tech components.

Just in the last three weeks europium oxide, used in the manufacturing of energy-saving light bulbs, plasma TVs and smartphones has nearly tripled in price from about $1,260 a kilogram to $3,400, The Guardian newspaper…

http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2011/24jun_wildweather/

Such sheets of fire, such bursts of horrid thunder,

Such groans of roaring wind and rain, I never

Remember to have heard; man's nature cannot carry

The affliction nor the fear … from Shakespeare's Tragedy of King Lear

June 21,…

By Fiona

Roberts

Last updated at 3:31 AM on 26th June 2011

The former mayor of New Orleans has revealed how he became so paranoid after Hurricane Katrina he was convinced the government was trying to poison him.

Ray Nagin also tells the bizarre story of how heavily-armed men in combat suits allegedly stormed his command centre and attempted to plant bugs, as he led the response to the 2005 disaster.

He makes the revelations in a self-published memoir, Katrina's…

By Glen Owen

Last updated at 12:35 PM on 26th June 2011…

(Reuters) - Two bombs were found inside a Borders Bookstore in a suburban Denver shopping mall overnight, the FBI said on Saturday.…

Signatures for the petition : Reject S. 3002 - The Nutritional Supplement Prohibition Act

Reject S. 3002 - The Nutritional Supplement Prohibition Act

Hacking Suspect Diagnosed with Autism, Refused Bail - 6/25/2011

19-year-old Ryan Cleary was arrested last Monday at his home in Wickford, Essex in the UK on charges of bringing down the website of the Serious Organised Crime Agency (Soca). His arrest is part of a probe by Scotland Yard and the FBI about the hacking group LulzSec, which has claimed…

I've just returned to the UK after a 2 week visit to Ireland. While I was there I bought an item of clothing from a well known retailer. Now, its worth remembering that this particular retailer has never ever sent me email, spam or otherwise. In fact, they don't even advertise much on the internet. Yet, two days after my purchase and return to the UK, I get a promo email from them? I didn't sign anything, but paid by card.

If we do NOT want to be complicit in our own…

WARNING! Disturbing Graphic Video. Do NOT watch if you are offended by graphic real violence.

View More Disturbing Videos from Libya >>>

Monsignor Claudio Maria Celli leads the Vatican office that developed the portal, which will aggregate news from the Church's other radio, television and print media outlets.

First Posted: 06/25/11 11:33 AM ET Updated: 06/25/11 12:13 PM ET

VATICAN CITY – The…

By Huw Jones, Reuters June 25, 2011

By Jason Palmer Science and technology reporter, BBC News

24 June 2011 Last updated at 12:14 ET

Reflections of sound off a surface (top), off an…

An Israeli couple has confessed to stealing objects from the Auschwitz-Birkenau Nazi death camp memorial and have settled for a suspended prison term and a fine, officials said Saturday.

The Associated Press

WARSAW, Poland —

An Israeli couple has confessed to stealing objects from the Auschwitz-Birkenau Nazi death camp memorial and have settled for a suspended prison term and a fine, officials said Saturday.

An Israeli couple has confessed to…

Is the United States knowingly using a dangerous battlefield weapon banned by the United Nations because of its long-term effects on the local inhabitants and the environment? Explore the illegal worldwide sale and use of one…