IN THE PAPERS
In The Papers 16 September
16-09-2009
by Deirdre McArdle
Young Scientists net European prize | Steps taken to boost research spend
The Irish Times reports that John D O’Callaghan and Liam McCarthy from Kinsale Community School, who won the BT Young Scientist title in early 2009 have gone on to secure first prize at the EU Young Scientist contest in Paris. The pair won for their project, "The Development of a Convenient Test Method for Somatic Cell Count and its Importance in Milk Production", which involves a cheap and efficient way for farmers to detect infection in milk cows.
The paper also says that Minister of State for Science Conor Lenihan has indicated state spending on scientific research is to be treated as if it were a single budget item as and from the next budget. The decision follows the news that research spending fell by about EUR140 million, or 15 percent, in 2008. The cuts came as departments that invest in research, including Enterprise Trade and Employment, Education and Agriculture among others, selectively trimmed their allocations for research.
The same paper reports that Minister Lenihan was also on hand to launch a new EUR20 million research centre -- Systems Biology Ireland -- in UCD. The centre aims to merge the fields of computer technology and life sciences, as noted by ENN.
According to the Irish Independent, Eircom has lodged an appeal in the High Court against a decision by ComReg ordering the company to drop its monthly charge for access to its network for competitors from EUR8.41 to EUR0.77. While details of the basis of the appeal are unknown, it is understood it relates to the extent of the drop required by the regulator.
The paper also reports on Google's launch of a new-look news website called Fast Flip. Read more about the site on ENN.
The Wall Street Journal reports that digital content security company Nagravision and 3D company 3ality Digital have developed a new set-top box system that will allow consumers to browse through and access 3D offerings from their cable or satellite TV company. The prototype will be shown at the 3D Entertainment Summit this week in Los Angeles. It's called the Nagra Media Guide for 3D. No cable company has yet committed to the set-top technology.
Oracle CEO Larry Ellison has showcased a machine that integrates Oracle's database software with the hardware of Sun Microsystems, reports the Wall Street Journal. The online transaction processing database machine, Exadata version 2, incorporates Oracle's software with what is known as FlashFire technology from Sun. Oracle, which announced it would buy Sun in a USD7.4 billion deal in April, is still awaiting regulatory approval for the transaction.
The Financial Times reports that Adobe Systems on Tuesday purchased ad-measurement company Omniture for USD1.8 billion in an effort to diversify as its core software business continues to decline. Adobe will offer USD21.50 per share in cash for all outstanding Omniture stock, and hopes to complete the transaction by the end of the year. With Omniture, Adobe hopes to create an integrated workflow for designers, developers and online marketers. Omniture will become a new business unit within Adobe.
Caped Koala Studios has built a virtual world for kids, combining education and social networking 