AP - The volcano that looms above his village is spewing smoke and lava, and scientists warn it could erupt anytime. But like many people farming the fertile slopes of Mount Merapi, Ismail says there is no need to panic.

AP - Jimmie Miller was ready this week when the first of thousands of double-crested cormorants — large, hook-billed birds accused of swallowing up Michigan's perch and other fish populations — began their annual return to the Upper Peninsula.

AP - Global temperatures are likely to rise by 5.4 degrees by the end of the century, sharply increasing drought and water shortages, Britain's chief scientist said.

AP - With worries about Oregon's growing cougar population on the rise, the state Fish and Wildlife Commission unanimously approved a plan to reduce the cats' numbers in places where they conflict with people and livestock.

AP - NASA workers and flight crews on Wednesday observed the 25th anniversary of the first space shuttle flight with equal parts pride and optimism.

Reuters - The thought of test launching a new spaceship with people aboard is unfathomable to NASA, which hopes to have a replacement for the space shuttle ready for test flights as early as 2016.