It's a good morning to be a U.S. automaker or electric utility, but science fans have reason to celebrate, too. Also, the future of U.S. transportation approaches a crossroads, and electric cars could make kids smarter.

Get ready for "very high speed" trains, green-blooded frogs, cyanide-squirting millipedes and a revolution to diode for.

Obama's a quick study in Cabinetry, but what does his transportation pick have under LaHood? Also, NASA rises above global warming, Exxon Mobil asks "Did you feel a slight pinch?" and scientists urge new moms to use their breast judgment.

Iowa's Vilsack to head USDA; human-caused global warming goes back 5,000 years; "abrupt" climate change looming; Calif. takes "green chemistry"; Florida sugar deal may still sour; the U.S. death map