Scientists are developing techniques aimed at taming the power of the world’s most devastating storms. The project, backed by funds from Nasa, would involve seeding clouds, coating seas with biodegradable ”slicks” and even beaming microwave radiation from orbiting power stations to slow or even halt hurricanes.

We know, in horrible detail, how it is done. In the case of Ken Bigley, we will soon be able to view the act in video clips on the internet. With the bombing in the Egyptian resort of Taba on Thursday, we know, from eyewitnesses, of the smiles of the suicide bombers as they blew apart holiday-makers. What we are still asking is: ”Why?”

Once Saddam Hussein led a powerful and wealthy state. Now he writes and reads romantic novels. Last week, for the first time, the details of conversations with Saddam were revealed in the final report of the Iraq Survey Group. The report has painted a compelling psychological picture of Saddam in the time before his regime was crushed.

Democratic challenger John Kerry has cemented his recent surge in the United States presidential race opinion polls, with the latest showing him moving into a slight lead over President George Bush. Kerry led the president by 46% to 45% in a tracking poll released on Saturday by respected firm Zogby International.

Earthquake activity has increased at Mount St Helens, but scientists said on Saturday there was no reason to raise the volcano’s alert level. A bubble on the south side of the dome has also risen to at least 100m since scientists first spotted it on September 30 and is now almost as tall as the dome’s 300m summit.

Bafana Bafana made heavy weather of beating Uganda 1-0 in a hard-fought World Cup Group 2 clash played at the Mandela National Stadium on Sunday. But the win has revitalised South Africa’s hopes of qualifying for a third successive World Cup final. Benni McCarthy scored the only goal from a 63rd-minute penalty.

After a weekend of high drama at Suzuka, the Japanese Grand Prix finished in a completely predictable way. World champion Michael Schumacher galloped to his 13th win of the season after comfortably leading from poll. His brother, Ralf, came second, giving Williams BMW their first poll finish in 11 races.