cellular watches and internet hunters

Source: BBC News A group of Swedish researchers claim that they have "...detected patterns which show warm-heartedness and trust or neuroticism and impulsiveness...." in the pits and lines of a person's iris. Based on an examination of 428 people, they claim that iris "crypts" (pits) and "furrows" (lines) are determined by a neurodevelopmental gene called PAX6. They state that "...those with more crypts were likely to be tender, warm and trusting, while those with more furrows were more likely to be neurotic, impulsive and give in to cravings." Sounds an awful lot like palm reading to me.

Source: Reuters A study (funded by the maker of Mars bars) has found that flavanols in chocolate increase blood flow to the brain so may be useful in helping to treat certain forms of vascular impairment. This finding is supposed to be particular interest to older people; a small dose of chocolate may help offset cognitive impairment. If you need an excuse to eat chocolate, this is as good as any, but take any study funded by people with a vested interest with a grain of, er, cocoa. It'll help you think better.

Source: Reuters Japanese researchers have successfully grown working teeth from primitive cells, at least for mice. They harvested the cells from each mouse and placed them in a collagen matrix which was eventually transplanted back into each mouse. The teeth appeared to grow and function normally. The next step is to apply this technology to replacing teeth in humans.

Source: Sci Fi Tech SMS Technology in Australia are releasing a Bluetooth-enabled cellphone watch that is compatible with any GSM network.

Source: Globe and Mail File this under "really bad ideas". Two years ago, a businessman in Texas decided to make hunting easier for the disabled by trapping animals in a pen with an internet-controlled rifle and a webcam. Anyone in the world could then pay for the privilege of shooting these animals from the comfort of their own home. In response, the state of Texas declared internet hunting illegal because there was no way to confirm that the hunters even had a valid license. The Human Society is, understandably, pushing for a nationwide ban.

Assorted tech photos

Source: Now that’s what I call a knife

Source: Dart Board Score Board

Source: IWARD nursebot looks to clean hospitals, fend off intruders

Source: POPO the robotic fish / marshmallow wannabe

Source: Rinspeed and Bayer develop transparent eXasis vehicle