In the papers...

Climate bribes 

Scientists, economists and policy analysts were each offered $10,000 (£5118) by the American Enterprise Institute, a thinktank funded by the oil company ExxonMobil, to dispute the findings of the Intergovernmental panel on climate change (see p9). Climate scientists described the move as an attempt to cast doubt over the 'overwhelming scientific evidence' on global warming. 
The Guardian, 2 February 2007 

Slip and burn 

The US Defence advanced research projects agency has asked for proposals to develop a  polymer-based artificial black ice , for altering fighting terrain and restricting enemy mobility. A 'reversal agent' would restore traction in US soldiers' boots. And the US military has demonstrated a  heat-ray gun which projects a millimetre-wave high energy beam around 500m to repel enemies. The beam can heat the skin up to 54°C, penetrating to a 0.4mm depth; its effects are described as feeling like a blast from a hot oven. 
BBC News Online, 25 January 2007 

Royal rainmaking 

The king of Thailand's rainmaking technology is to be exported to East Africa. His Majesty Bhumibol Adulyadej's patented  cloud-seeding technique - which uses two aircraft to spray chemicals into both warm and cold clouds at different altitudes - will be demonstrated to Tanzania at the drought-prone country's request. 
Bangkok Post,  16 February 2007 

Chinese renewables 

China Guangdong Nuclear Power Group has received approval to develop two  renewable energy projects, in Gansu and Sichuan Provinces. The hydro station in Sichuan is scheduled to start operation in 2009. 
China plans to spend 1.5 trillion yuan [£90 billion] over the next 15 years to develop renewable energy. 
China Daily, 16 February 2007