In Briefs

A deluge of rain and tropical weather has threatened China with its worst flooding crisis in years. China's second biggest lake, the Dongting, is perilously close to overflowing its banks, placing nearly 10 million people in harm's way.

The Dongting acts as a giant overflow for the Yangtze River, a notoriously flood-susceptible waterway. Several thousand kilometers of embankments encircle the lake and protect the nearly 1.6 million acres of farmland surrounding the reservoir. Over 900,000 people have been enlisted to man the embankments and guard against the swelling lake.

The flooding problem is part of a worsening situation across Asia. As of press time, nearly 1,800 lives have been lost in Vietnam, Nepal, India and other Asian countries. Millions of others have been displaced, searching for shelter as the storms show little signs of ceasing.

Flooding is not limited to Asia. Europe has experienced torrential rains and subsequent flooding in the last month. Heavy rains have caused flooding from the Black to the Baltic Seas. Approximately 100 lives have been lost, with thousands of others scrambling for higher ground and billions of dollars in damage.



The U.S. recently reported its second-largest trade deficit on record. The trade gap of $37.2 billion comes right behind May's record of $37.8 billion.

The trade deficit refers to the difference between the value of U.S. exports and imports. June's figures show that imports of goods and services grew by 0.5 percent to $119.2 billion while U.S. exports reached $82 billion, a gain of 1.7 percent. The growth in exports was attributed to increased sales in agricultural items.

The growing trade gap is a trend that will most likely hurt the already damaged U.S. economy. Statistics show that the second quarter saw the three highest monthly trade deficits on record.

U.S. exporters are optimistically eyeing the weakening U.S. dollar. A weaker dollar makes U.S. products more affordable and will potentially increase overseas sales.



Apparently Bill Clinton made quite an impression in his televised press conferences while president. Talks are under way between CBS and Clinton's associates to determine the viability of having Clinton host his own afternoon talk-show.

How serious the talks are is a matter of contention. Clinton's West Coast friends are enthusiastic about his chances of getting the show. But Clinton and his East Coast advisers are reticent to make any real commitment. One adviser pointed out that Clinton has a history of sounding agreeable to interesting propositions, but by no means does that signify assent.

Talks with CBS began after similar ones with NBC fell through. During the failed talks, Clinton requested a salary ranging from $30 to $50 million a year, the highest ever for a rookie talk show host.



Fear that NASA has plans to read the minds of airline travelers is unfounded, says NASA officials. "NASA does not have the capability to read minds, nor are we suggesting that would be done," NASA official Robert Pearce said, as quoted by spaceref.com.

Earlier reports leaked from NASA hinted at the possibility of installing high-tech brain-scanning devices capable of identifying possible terrorists at airports. While NASA does admit the idea was discussed, the organization claims it was merely trying to think outside of the box to stimulate new ideas in regard to the war on terrorism.



Cloned cows: humanity's newest hope for a cure to cancer? Maybe. The journal Nature Biotechnology reports the existence of four cloned calves that produce human antibodies. The calves have extra human DNA, making it possible for them to generate disease-fighting antibodies that could possibly be used to treat multiple sclerosis, infections and even cancer.

Human antibodies have been produced in mice but never in an animal as big as a cow. The bigger animal will be capable of producing more antibodies.

It could be awhile, however, until the consumers will see bovine-manufactured medicine on store counters. The biggest hurdle scientists face is purifying the antibodies extracted from cows and ensuring they are free of harmful viruses.



For those affected by paralysis or without limbs, eye-scanning software has made the job of typing a possibility. No longer are keyboards a necessary component in typing a school paper or resume.

Eye-scanning cameras on top of monitors track eye movement and determine which letter the eye is looking at. Researchers have also developed software that replaces the standard QWERTY keyboard, making typing twice as efficient and accurate for the eyes.

Called "Dasher," the program is similar to controlling a car. "To write with Dasher, you just look at the screen for what you need and steer the cursor into place," said project coordinator David MacKay, as quoted on cnn.com.

Finals Schedule