It’s not the end of the world, they think

Published 10:57 pm Saturday, June 28, 2008

Reassuring news: Most scientists are pretty sure the world won’t end when they turn on a giant atom-smasher.

Others are a little more worried, saying it could open up a black hole that swallows Earth. You’ll want to spend your time with these scientists, because they’re the ones cashing out their retirement plans and taking wild trips to Vegas.

Just in case the end is near, you need to maximize your time. A Japanese company is developing just the thing: a headset that detects what you want by tracking your eye movements. The technology will eventually allow people to shop, play video games or use mobile devices using only their eyes.

Researcher Hiroyuki Manabe recently tried to hold a demonstration, but things went haywire the first time he saw a woman walk by.

In other technology news, students at a New Mexico high school were given Microsoft Zunes to help with their schoolwork.

The kids were told to use their Zunes during class and on the school bus. Whenever iPod- toting students visited from neighboring schools, they asked why they were being punished.