Give it up for the mouse; I mean the computer mouse of course. Forty years ago this week, Douglas Engelbart first demonstrated how the humble device (which was built by Bill English) could be used to help computer users click, copy, paste and edit.

Scheufele's study, "Religious Beliefs and Public Attitudes Toward Nanotechnology in Europe and the United States," examines the potential conflict between religiosity and science.

A few years ago, only scientists and engineers knew about light-emitting diodes. Now you see them everywhere — tiny flashlights, instrument lights, TV remote controls, truck and bus tail-lights, traffic lights and even stadium TV screens.

UK scientists believe that you can now catch Alzheimer's disease. Their recent research shows that the same virus that causes cold sores, herpes simplex, produces large amounts of the plaques that clog the brain as we age. Those plaques are what is believed to cause a patient to have trouble with their memory.

Ever wanted to be part of a giant supercomputing project? How about one that has the noble goal of making a better solar panel? Today is your lucky day: Harvard's Clean Energy Project wants you...and your PC.

In the absence of an over-arching national strategy (eliminate foreign oil dependence in a sustainable manner, for instance), it's harder to evaluate options for local decisions with so many moving price pieces and in the swirl of so many opinions.