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Learn to relax with a little "Breathing
Space"
Scientists at Dublin's have developed a computer game
controlled, not by the conventional methods of a joystick
or mouse, but by the player's breathing.
Sensors placed on the player's body control on-screen
characters. The game's controls then monitor breathing
and only move the characters if the player breathes
in the right way. The sensors, which are placed on a
player's waist and ribcage, measure the expansion and
contraction of their diaphragm.
The game is designed for hospitalised children as a
way of helping them cope with boredom during long periods
of bed rest and recuperation.
The first version of the game, called Breathing Space,
tries to make players relax by forcing them to do things
that calm them down and involves controlling a flying
dragon to move along a valley and fly through rings
of fire.
Breathing deeply causes the dragon to rise up; not
breathing causes it to fall to the bottom of the valley.
The Media Lab Europe research group is also working
on other ways to alter people's moods through using
computers or through playing computer games.
Higher education supports both
personal and community health
A new report claims university graduates are less depressed,
healthier and more likely to vote in elections than
those who do not acquire a higher education.
The Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE)
along with researchers at the Institute of Education
also found graduates of higher education were more likely
to become involved with their own children's education.
Experts suggest that graduates receive further benefits
from higher education other than those normally associated
with a degree, such as better pay and increased career
prospects.
"On average, graduates are less likely to smoke,
are less obese, have a higher sense of well-being, and
read more to their children. They are also more likely
to be involved with their children's school's Parent
Teacher Association (PTAs), hold more tolerant attitudes
towards other races, and are more likely to be involved
in their communities through voluntary activities"
states HEFCE.
The study also found that the benefits of higher education
to graduates are evident across gender, age group and
social class. On the other hand, students who dropped
out of higher education before graduation showed a reduction
in the indicators of good health compared with those
who completed their studies and gained a degree.
Sir Howard Newby, Chief Executive of the HEFCE, said,
"Higher education is a key driver in providing
economic and social benefits. Not only are the knowledge,
skills and attitudes of graduates critical to business
success, they also contribute strongly to civilising
and cultural values in society and delivering other
social gains. Increasing the number of graduates brings
considerable benefits to communities and society."
Lloyd's returns to profitability
For the first time in six years, Lloyd's of London made
a profit. The world's oldest and largest insurance market
made £834m ($1.3 billion) in 2002, after losing
£3.1 billion during the previous year.
The result is in line with their expectations and marks
a strong return to profitability for the market.
Lloyd's Chief Executive Nick Prettejohn said, "These
results demonstrate a very strong performance. It was
the market's resilience and disciplined approach, at
a time when the industry as a whole has faced many difficulties,
that generated 2002's healthy result."
During 2002, the net resources of the Society and its
members increased by 85% to £7,509 million (from
£4,052 million in 2001).
The world's biggest re-insurer, Munich Re, also reported
a profit of euro 1.1 billion ($1.0 billion) for 2002.
European Union discusses "hard
core" alternative to NATO
Belgium has proposed the creation of a "hard core"
of European Union countries, beginning with itself,
France and Germany, to form a defence group separate
and distinct from NATO.
The European Union has since 1992, been slowly moving
toward a military capability, mainly focused on supporting
peacekeeping missions.
Amid intense debate over whether an EU military force
was a justifiable move, the process has since gathered
steam. However, due to issues with available forces
and funds, as well as continued political questions
regarding relations with NATO, it remains unclear when
and how such a force would be used.
The Belgians also seemed to imply that Britain is too
close to America to be part of the new group. The idea
is due for discussion on April 29th.
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