News Wednesday, January 20, 2010 D A youngster is introduced to robot baby Yotaro a simulator which boasts a range of facial expressions and movements in reaction to others around it. It was created at the University of Tsukuba in Japan and it can cry Picture: Wenn usage will remain substantial. Despite the growing range of non- linear options, most content will con- tinue to be consumed according to programming schedules, it predicts. Technologys contribution to CO2 reduction in 2010 will come in the form of more efficient aeroplanes and electric cars. But Deloitte predicts the biggest green movement will come in the area of cement. Cement production accounts for five per cent of global emissions, but Deloitte predicts we should see the worlds first laboratory scale carbon- negative cement plant in 2010. Other predictions include the rise of the prosumer people who buy gadgets for both work and play, and publishers continuing to threaten but not follow through on plans to charge for online content. Our future looks better, if the TV guide allows it WEVE seen the future mankind will improve communications, save the environment and take great strides in technology but will still remain a slave to the TV schedule. Despite the advent of television on demand, viewers will still sit down whenever their TV guide tells them. In Deloittes annual technology, media and telecommunications pre- dictions for the year, it claims the gap between linear and non-linear By Ross McDonagh i-Spy with my little i-Phone TECHNOLOGY has made trust a thing of the past with the launch of a new iPhone application that catches partners who read loved ones texts. The iTrust works by creating a locked dummy screen to stop suspicious eyes poring over the owners texts, e-mails or social networking accounts. The canny device also stores a fingerprint record of every button pressed on the screen. Fish oils could be elixir of youth FISH oil may be the true elixir of youth new evidence of its effect on biological ageing has revealed. Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil extend the genetic fuse that determines the lifespan of cells, say scientists. Although these fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties and lower levels of some blood fats, they are poorly understood. Now, new US research suggests that omega-3 has a direct effect on biological ageing by slowing down the rate at which protective caps on the ends of chromosomes shorten. Rock-a-bye robot FARMING STOCK: Most men are farmers at heart and not hunters. A study of chromosomes among European men shows 80 per cent owe their lineage to Near East farmers who migrated 10,000 years ago. Most women descend from hunter-gatherers, suggesting farmers had the edge over hunters. Maybe, back then, it was just sexier to be a farmer, said Dr Patricia Balaresque of Leicester University. BROOd FOOd: Women should be allowed to eat and drink during labour, researchers said. Expectant mothers unlikely to be anaesthetised were not put at risk from inhaled food particles causing fatal lung damage as previously feared. There is no justification for nil by mouth policies during labour, provided women are at low risk of complications, said South African researcher Mandisa Singata. BeAMING SMIle: A visit to the dentist could soon be less painful after scientists found a new way to stop tooth decay. Plasma jets capable of wiping out harmful bacteria could replace the dentists drill. Firing low-temperature plasma beams at dentine the tooth structure beneath the enamel coating reduced the amount of bacteria by up to 10,000 times, said experts in Germany. If you have a story for MiniCosm please e-mail us at news@metroherald.ie MINICOSMSCIENCE & DISCOVERY IN BRIEF metro herald competition To celebrate the launch of the Flat White in Dublin, Starbucks is giving 10 lucky readers the chance to win a 100 Starbucks Card to spend in store. At Starbucks you can enjoy your perfect coffee made just the way you like it - whether its your favourite morning latte or something extra hot and extra strong. With Starbucks Card Rewards you can experiment and add extras for free, and with free Wi-Fi available, why not work CELEBRATE THE ARRIVAL OF THE FLAT WHITE WITH A 100 STARBUCKS CARD! away from the office or take time to connect with friends? The new Starbucks Flat White, will be particularly appealing for coffee lovers who are looking for a more intense coffee, and is made with two shots of 100% Fairtrade certified espresso topped with creamy steamed whole-milk. Starbucks is also announcing the arrival of specialist Coffee Master Classes where customers can attend events in Starbucks coffeehouses or book a personal appointment with a local Starbucks Coffee Master to help them find their perfect coffee. Its not just coffee. Its Starbucks. Terms & Conditions: The competition closes at Thursday Midnight 21st of January and the winners will be chosen at random from the entries received. Entrants must be over 18 years old. Usual Metro Herald rules apply. The Editors decision is final. SP. Oxygen8, Hospitality House, Cumberland Street South, D2. Customer Service number 0818286606 To be in with a chance to win one of ten 100 Starbucks cards, simply answer the following question: (A) Seattle (B) Chicago (C) Los Angeles What American city, made popular by Greys Anatomy, is the home of Starbucks Coffee Company? Text COFFEE followed by your answer A, B or C and your name to 53133 (texts cost 60c + standard network charge) or email your answer, your name and contact details to comps@metroherald.ie index.html2.html3.html4.html5.html6.html7.html8.html9.html10.html11.html12.html13.html14.html15.html16.html17.html18.html19.html20.html21.html22.html23.html