LiveScience.com - Mass extinctions have served as huge reset buttons that dramatically changed the diversity of species found in oceans all over the world, according to a comprehensive study of fossil records. The findings suggest humans will live in a very different future if they drive animals to extinction, because the loss of each species can alter entire ecosystems.

Reuters - BP Plc removed a failed blowout preventer from atop its ruptured Gulf of Mexico oil well on Friday afternoon, a company spokesman said.

Hurricane Earl had lost some of its strength and was at category 2 strength with winds up to 105 mph early Friday off North Carolina's coast.

SPACE.com - As the summer night sky draws near its close, there are still some cosmic objects that may beckon skywatchers equipped with a small telescope, binoculars or their own two eyes.

Time.com - A new study finds people who are genetically predisposed to obesity may benefit most from physical activity

Reuters - The U.S. government on Friday launched an investigation into Mariner Energy Inc's Gulf of Mexico platform fire, and a light oil sheen spotted near the offshore facility was not believed to be a leak, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.

Reuters - Residents and business owners in the beach communities of Cape Cod and nearby islands of Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard hung plywood over their shop windows on Friday and rued the arrival of Hurricane Earl, which appeared set to spoil their holiday weekend.

Science social network Scitable launches mobile versions of its site.

Science & KS3 Mathematics Teacher - KS3/4 - Hackney High achieving Secondary School September start - 2 terms initially Specialist Technology College Are you a qualified Science teacher who'd be interested in a September start teaching General Science and KS3 Mathematics in a reputable and successful Secondary school based in Hackney, East London?

Science advocates find fertile minds at music festivals

Ronnie Daughtry, a retired educator, says science is fun. Jamicá C. Ashley TARBORO — A general enthusiast talks about the secret life of rocks.