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The "spaghetti maps" that forecast hurricane tracks, such as those being used to predict the track of Hurricane Sandy, have become increasingly accurate and sophisticated. That's in part because of the work performed by some of the world's most powerful supercomputers.

The economy is growing and consumer confidence is rising. But the data are too mixed to point to a robust economy. And it may be too late anyway to change voters' impressions.

Now comes the debate over the debates. No matter who "won" or "lost," it's clear that there has been momentum building toward Mitt Romney since he first debated President Obama. Plus, in Indiana, GOP candidate Richard Mourdock's comments about rape, pregnancy and God put his Senate bid in jeopardy.

The Pentagon's research agency, known as DARPA, is challenging scientists to develop robots that can work in man-made disasters like Fukushima. The goal is to develop machines that can be easily operated immediately after disasters strike.

In the United Arab Emirates, a new ecology is emerging at a lake formed by desalinated water that's been pumped in from the Persian Gulf.

Golfers are used to hazards like sand traps, though rarely an obstacle as interesting as a shark. This week, at a golf course in Southern California, a 2-pound leopard shark was spotted on the 12th tee. It had apparently been dropped by an ocean bird flying overhead.

Earthquakes, terrorist attacks and muggings have all scared people to death. Sporting events, too, sometimes cause frenzied fans to drop dead. Neurologist Martin Samuels of Brigham and Women's Hospital explains how positive or negative excitement can lead to a heart-stopping surge of adrenaline.

Proton therapy can be targeted much more precisely than regular radiation. The hope is that it translates into far fewer side effects, such as impotence and incontinence. But it also costs twice as much as regular radiation. And there's no proof it's more effective — it could potentially be worse, say some radiation experts.

Coyotes have moved into the Boston suburb of Belmont, Mass. The Boston Globe says they've lost their fear of humans because people feed them. So, Belmont is training volunteers for coyote hazing. Their job is to harass coyotes — shouting at them, throwing objects their way, even squirting them with water hoses.

Also: Lawyers get ready for recounts in presidential race; publishers Random House and Penguin to combine; BBC opens inquiry into Savile sex abuse case.