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Genecard By decoding the human DNA, scientists can now record and scan the entire genetic make-up of individuals on a smart card. However, some are sceptical that such cards could be misused. Sir Paul Nurse, the chief executive of Cancer Research, UK, predicts that the process of unravelling a human genome could be completed far more swiftly in future. In a speech to the Royal Society’s People’s Science Summit, reported by BBC, he said he could foresee a time - perhaps within 20 years - when the entire genetic code of every newborn baby would be recorded. This, he said, might eventually help predict vulnerability to common diseases and help them avoid illness by taking preventive measures. But Sir Paul added the advances risked leading to genetic apartheid as insurers and employers ruled out people with genetic defects. Cellphone remote Software created by a Swedish programmer turns a Bluetooth-equipped Sony Ericsson cellphone into a universal remote for the Macintosh. The software senses when the phone enters or leaves a room, pausing music or even triggering the central heating system. Last week, Salling released the versatile piece of software for Mac OS X called the Sony Ericsson Clicker, which turns a Bluetooth-equipped Sony Ericsson cell phone into a universal remote for the Mac — and more, reports Wired. Using scripts freely available on the Net, Salling’s $ 10 software can be set up to make the machine play music automatically when owners enter the room, and pause it when they leave (as long as they’re carrying their cellphone). India hot for ATM China and India are the "hottest markets" in Asia for automated teller machines (ATMs), a banking industry monitor has said. International Data Corp (IDC) says Singapore and Hong Kong are two of the most established ATM markets in the region, marked by heavy usage rates. Singapore, in particular, makes heavy use of cash-dispensing machines with multiple functions. IDC’s new report on banking trends in the Asia-Pacific region said: "Low ATM penetration rates in many regional markets, especially when contrasted with the USA, indicate that there is significant room for growth." The IDC report says differing levels of financial development in each country create a regional market with uneven investment trends and a lack of strategic direction. Smart phones Smart telephones may one day be able to sense when you are too busy to be interrupted and ask the caller to leave a message. Scientists at Carnegie Mellon University in Pennsylvania are working on the technology that could be used in instant messaging systems and office and mobile phones, according to New Scientist magazine. Tiny microphones, cameras and sensors reveal body language and computer software analyses the signals to determine whether someone is too occupied to take a call. Pounding a computer keyboard, closed office doors, speaking to another person and the time of day are possible signals of being busy. — Agencies
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