Monkey think, monkey do

Directing a computer by thought alone is the stuff of sci-fi, but American academics are researching with monkeys for just such an end. The BBC reports that researchers at Brown University in the States are harnessing brain power for computing purposes. Effectively, the monkeys can control a video game by the power of their thoughts alone. ...more

Ireland struggles with 3G licensing

Four licences available, three applications made... ...more

Government to pay for search engine listings

The UK government is turning to paid-for listings with search engines to help drive traffic to its flagship website. Directgov has not had the pulling power previously hoped for, and now the government is turning to Google, Overture and Espotting to help boost its figures, reports the BBC. Launched at the beginning of March this year, Directgov is a one-stop-shop for online government services, simplifying access to various Whitehall departments. ...more

Spammers charged with fraud and spoofing offences

The Federal Trade Commission has moved against two operations that are allegedly responsible for millions of spam emails sent to mailboxes in the US. The companies, one based in Detroit the other in Australia, have been charged with the mis-selling of products, and under various provisions of the so-called CAN-SPAM Act. The Detroit-based Phoenix Avatar is alleged to have fraudulently sold bogus diet patches for $59. ...more

UK games chart: Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater takes number one

Konami's jungle-based action game - Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater - is a new entry at number one in this week's ELSPA UK games chart. For the PlayStation 2, the game is based in the mid-1960s and involves a lone agent venturing into enemy territory to recapture an important scientist. Another new entry is the Star Wars spin-off Republic Commando, which is straight in at number three. ...more