Internet and Technology

Do you own one of Amazon’s Kindle, Kindle2 or Kindle DX? How about Sony’s PRS-500, PRS-505 or PRS-700? These are some of the e-book readers (with proprietary software and formats) that are sold in the market and it is very probable that you do not own one of them. But you own a computer just like many people and households around the world, don’t you? So what should you do if you wanted to read (or even create) e-books on your computer? The following are some of the software which you can download for free and install to your computer (Windows, Macintosh or Linux-based) which will enable you to read e-books.

Adobe Reader

Adobe Reader formally known as Acrobat Reader is available as a free download from the Adobe website (www.adobe.com). This software can be used on all current operating systems. It allows a user to read and print files which are created in Portable Document Format (PDF). E-books which can be viewed using Adobe Reader end in “.PDF”. To create PDF documents, the Adobe Acrobat program suite (which is not free) can be used. A version of Adobe Reader (LE v2.5) can also be used on phones which run on the Symbian S60 3rd Edition operating system.

Microsoft Reader

Microsoft Reader is available as a free download from the Microsoft website (www.microsoft.com) for computers running on the Windows operating system only. It allows users to read files which are created in the “.LIT” (stands for literature) format. Microsoft Reader has the advantage of displaying the book like the printed copy with cover image and illustrations if there are any. Other features include Text-To-Speech for reading books out aloud and navigation to the last page that was read before the program was closed. To create .LIT files, Read in Microsoft Reader is an add-on from Microsoft which can be used with Microsoft Word. If you do not a computer that runs on Windows, ConvertLit is software (available from http://www.convertlit.com) that converts .LIT files into open formats. Microsoft Reader also works on Pocket PCs that run on the Windows Mobile operating system.

eReader

eReader is a free program which is available at www.ereader.com. It displays e-books which end in the “.PDB” format. Versions are available for computers which run on Microsoft Windows and Apple Macintosh. There are also versions for the iPhone, iPod Touch, Symbian phone operating system, Blackberry, PalmOS and Pocket PC/Smartphones that run on Windows Mobile. To create .pdb documents, the free DropBook application also from http://www.ereader.com can be used.

Mobipocket Reader

Mobipocket Reader is free software from Mobipocket.com (www.mobipocket.com). It displays e-books which end in the “.PRC” format. Mobipocket Reader has a version which runs on Windows-based personal computers. Other versions include those made for PDAs, Smartphones; BlackBerry, Symbian, PalmOS and Windows Mobile devices. There are also versions for e-book reading devices like Kindle, Cybook, iLiad and Psion. The Mobipocket Reader software version for Windows personal computers allows a user to import other file formats such as PDF, HTML, TXT and DOC. These are then converted into the PRC format for viewing. On attaching a supported hand-held device to your computer for the first time, Mobipocket Reader automatically installs the appropriate version of the software to that device and allows you to send e-books to it.

FBReader

FBReader (which stands for FictionBookReader) is a free and open-source program for reading e-books for computers on all platforms including Linux. It is for reading e-books created in the FictionBook format which end in “.FB2”. It also supports a wide variety of formats such RTF (Rich Text Format), HTML, PRC (unprotected files only), TXT and so on. It is available for download from www.fbreader.org. FBReader also has versions for Nokia tablet devices like the Nokia 770 and Google Android-based phones.

Lexcycle Stanza

Lexcycle Stanza is a free program for reading e-books created in a variety of formats for personal computers which run on Windows and Macintosh. This software is available for download from www.lexcycle.com. It displays books in formats like Microsoft’s LIT (unprotected files only), HTML, DOC (Microsoft Word), AWZ (Amazon Kindle’s proprietary format), PDF, etc. There is also a version for the iPhone and iPod Touch.

Okular

Okular is a free e-book reader and document viewer for computers which run KDE 4 (the desktop environment for Unix-based computers such as Linux). Okular also works across others platforms like Windows and Macintosh. It supports such formats as PDF, HTML, EPUB, FB2, and so on. It is available for download from http://okular.kde.org.

PyBookReader

This is a free e-book reader written in the Python programming Language for Linux, FreeBSD and other such operating systems. It is an open-source program. It is available for download from www.sourceforge.net/projects/pybookreader.

The above are free software guaranteed to turn your home computer into a veritable library whether you use a Windows, Macintosh or Linux-based computer. A good idea would be to download and install those which handle the proprietary e-book formats: PDF, LIT, PRC, PDB and FB2.

Article by jekky

About 3 times, about 5 years, “Optics Valley of China” Laser focused on the three M & finally settled. Clearly, laser industry has already become one of the top four of the Chinese workers Technology , Chutian Laser, Laser united together to form a new company, its size will exceed the Shenzhen Han’s Laser and “became the largest laser companies.” Together to enhance the competitiveness of the Big Three 1 13, the signing of the merger agreement restructuring the statement, the chairman of Sun Yat Chutian laser excited several times raising his voice: “Today is a milestone in China’s laser industry day will be shocked the world laser field day! ” According to reports, the new listed company will choose an auspicious day, the three M & A specific way: Chinese workers and Technology through a private placement to raise funds 300,000,000 yuan, available funds, the Chinese laborers technology investment 100 million yuan, with the laser to be re-Chutian quality assets, joint venture, a joint venture by the Chinese laborers Technology Holdings, the main business of medical laser products; laborers technology investment 100 million yuan, and the unity of laser quality assets to be re-established joint venture, a joint venture by the Chinese laborers Technology Holdings, operates mainly in high-power cutting, Longitudinal flow laser products; laborers laborers laser technology capital increase to 100 million yuan, mainly Investment Fiber Laser , Semiconductor Pump laser and other projects. Reorganization is complete, “Optics Valley of China” laser industry, will focus on the core competitiveness of Chinese laborers to the listed company’s technology to form the main body of the three clear division of labor: Chinese laborers laser, Chinese workers and Chinese workers Chutian unity. Highlight the three core business, significant economies of scale, will form a leader, a division of labor and cooperation, a new pattern of industrial concentration. Chairman Ma Xinjiang Science and Technology said Chinese workers, Chinese laborers after the reorganization of industrial laser technology will become the largest high-power laser Equipment manufacturing Business, the first laser Medical equipment Small and medium sized manufacturers and the first power laser equipment manufacturers, and international laser industry giants to contend with. Signed the agreement in two weeks ago, Sun Yat-sen and his competitors?? Laborers Technology Chairman Ma Xinjiang as the central business representatives, along with being nominated for CCTV’s “China Year”, but ultimately unsuccessful. An insider said: “If the agreement signed last year, at least one person to screen!” Indeed, despite all the domestic laser industry “leader”, but the relative size of other areas of their businesses that are much smaller. According to statistics, “Optics Valley of China” laser focus on the three companies last year’s sales total income of less than 1 billion yuan. Goal: to expand the international market “Not surprisingly, the new company after the reorganization will be officially launched in February this year, sales revenue is expected rushed to 1.2 billion years.” Wuhan East Lake Development Zone, revealed that a responsible person. Chutian laser or before the reorganization of Asia’s largest manufacturer of medical laser products. But still ambitious sen, said: “Chinese workers are technology companies raise money through targeted support, the confidence to do that we will have double value for 5 consecutive years, further expansion into international markets.” Few years ago, is sen optical transmission over a continuous R & D Laser welding machine Not only replace a large number of import equipment, and successfully exported to the U.S. Silicon Valley, to achieve exports of developed countries, China’s laser “zero” breakthrough. Chair the new company will be fully working Maxin Jiang also said that restructuring is complete, “Optics Valley of China” main laser industry will focus its technology to Chinese workers to form the main body of the three clear division of labor: Chinese laborers laser, Chinese workers and Chinese workers Chutian unity. The three companies will form a leader, a division of labor and cooperation, industrial concentration pattern of the laser industry, to build to the source of Huazhong University of technology, internationally competitive industry, a complete laser chain, so as to drive China’s laser industry group toward a more good direction. Small Baotuan triggered “self” Laborers science and technology in business planning and restructuring of the three laser focus, while mergers and acquisitions, “Optics Valley of China” the other dozens of small and medium enterprises have already begun planning for laser alignment to counter the dangers coming market. In mid-December 2006, the public and Thailand lasers, optoelectronics, Wuhan Lingyun bleomycin and 6 small laser company set up in Wuhan, “Wuhan laser? Light Electronic Industry Alliance “, and began to accept other conditions for approval of the laser line business to join. According to reports, the “China Optics Valley” is known as a barometer of China’s laser industry, now has developed into the largest laser research and development, production, and high-level personnel training as an important base, the existing more than 50 laser production more than 40 kinds of products, the domestic market share has remained at about 50%. Laser for many small and medium enterprises, three laser giant restructuring will further aggravate “the upper and lower pincer attack” of survival: the giant laser to deal with large-scale competition, the next to suffer a small laser workshop of spoiler.

Article by Arturo Chuong

People who are interested in the subject, even if they are not experts, usually want to know what is new in information technologies. There are so many new things going on that only a few new things can be mentioned here. However, this will give a few of the emerging information technologies which are improving and in use.

One of the trends that is being put to use right now is semiconductor technology. This is where microchips are being used to transmit information quickly. This technology was being used in the 1970s with automobiles, however, they are virtually everywhere now. Microchips with microelectomechanical systems are being in used in many small devices to carry information.

Examples of these devices are ink jet printers and hard disk drives heads. They are also seen in accelerometers which deploy airbags. The reason that this technology is so popular is because it is becoming very fast yet it is very economical. The cheaper something is yet is functional the more marketable it is.

The next thing that is advancing in technology is information storage. Disk drives and other forms have improved with their speed and capacity to store. This is also becoming less costly which is many times the goal in this business. It is noted this is the form that information is stored in mainly compared to other forms. As we have seen over the past couple of decades, computers have gone down in price considerably. This is because the advanced technology which does not cost as much.

The next emerging technology is networking. More and more, computers are becoming connected either in local area networks or wide area networks. The reason that networking has grown as it has is because of the advent of optic fibers. Nothing shows how networking has increased exponentially like how the use of the internet has exploded.

Another example of why information technology has emerged the it has is because there are so many applications. If one looks at a computer, there are so many different applications like word processing, spreadsheets, and so much other software. It is almost impossible to think that things will slow down in this field requiring the use of IT specialists for years to come.

There are many other forms of emerging technologies which can be found either online or in IT journals. Many people are working on new projects which may be the next success story.

The world of information technology may seem like it is overloaded because of all of the products that are out now, but there is probably more new technologies yet to be discovered. This is still a virtually young field in that with as much progress has been made, it has happened in the past 20 to 30 years. Many business types that IT helps still have many places to grow to help their target consumers or audience. This is a topic that one can say stay tuned for what else might come up to help a large population out there.

Article by Michael Ekman

The CIA is an independent government agency. They are responsible for providing national security intelligence to the president and other U.S. policymakers. Their main mission is to support the president and the top officials who make the U.S. national security policies. They do this by conducting counterintelligence and special activities that are connected with foreign intelligence and national security. They work to gather all of this comprehensive foreign intelligence information and then hand over their knowledge to the appropriate personnel. There are five main job classifications within the CIA: analysts, clandestine services, language positions, science, engineering & technology jobs, as well as support & professional positions.

Analysts study and evaluate information that flows in from sources all around the world. These sources come from things such as satellite surveillance, foreign broadcasts, and human contacts. Unforutnately, the data isn’t always accurate. There can be conflicting or incomplete reports. Therefore, it’s the analyst’s job to turn the data into meaningful and understanding intelligence assessments.

The Clandestine Service provides information on critical international developments. Officers often work overseas to gather information on terrorism and weapons of mass destruction. They also deal with developments that directly relate to military and political issues. It’s a job that requires extreme self-reliance and responsibility. In fact, it’s more of a way of life than just a job.

Linguists can have a very compensating career within the CIA. They have a specific program that actually caters to the maintenance of foreign language skills, which is the Central Intelligence Language Institute. The institute employs all of the latest technologies to teach sixteen different foreign languages. Employees can receive monetary incentives for learning a new language. If they already know more than one language, a new employee will receive a significant hiring bonus.

The CIA must maintain leadership across a broad range of science and technological developments. They need to stay ahead of the fast-paced global advancements that are happening across the world. Therefore, science, engineering, and technology positions are crucial. Individuals applying for these jobs should want to work in a fast-pace agency that works to define the leading edge of science.

Support and professional positions are ones that can work to meet the CIA’s missions. They hire people from all sorts of careers, these can range from architects to cartographers. There are more than fifty different career disciplines of people they hire and all play an important part of the national security of our country.

Article by jekky

?? Visit Kai Dali Instrument Co., Ltd. General Manager Mr. Chen XingliangKaida Li Instrument Co., Ltd. General Manager Mr. Chen XingliangHe graduated from Southeast University electronic professional Chen Xingliang attaches great importance to technological innovation, he pioneered the development of Yueqing city, the production of electronic type Power Meter One person. Although Kai Dali instrument moderate the size of the ground, but because of technological leadership, the company’s products have been into the North China Electricity Net. The company is producing a higher technological content IC Card prepaid meter, smart card water Electric meter, GPS Meter and other products. Because Chen Xingliang electronic professional background, his production process in terms more familiar than the average company, has its own set of “technology through.” The early 90s from the 20th century, electronic power meters from there to the current large-scale use in local provinces, indicating electronic energy meter has been gradually accepted by the user, in terms of quality or technology has matured. From the original analog chip transition to digital chips, electronic and mechanical energy meter energy meter is relatively simple compared to the production process, high accuracy, the error curve flat, stable and reliable, its low loss, and functional advantages of easy expansion. With the “two net” transformation near the end, mechanical energy meter demand will decline, while a variety of electronic energy meter demand will steadily. Technology set up the factory Chenxing Liang Kai Dali Instrument Co., Ltd. was founded in 1998, is the first Yueqing development, production and manufacturers of electronic energy meter home. Independent research and development company based mainly in the field of energy meter, Kaida Li is the leader. Kai Dali has always been from the start-up enterprises attach great importance to product quality. Turning to the reason, Chen Xingliang said, “because I was doing technical background, so poor quality of products we do not do it, mind will not get much done.” About Business Experience, Chen Xingliang that may themselves have the characteristics of hard work and Willow City. Design Institute is the time before in the nine to five. When companies first started, Chen Xingliang day to work at least 16 hours, all the R & D is his own doing. “The new products are my first test. If I do not have this background, I can not.” Chen Xingliang of technological innovation has developed a taste: “We are working with domestic universities, the establishment of R & D, technology leadership through the high ground occupied by the market, create new heights of economic growth.” Chen Xingliang many students in the East is already a large PhD supervisor, he often these students to communicate on technical issues, in recent years has specialized in the formation of the factory’s technical problems of research projects, to the Southeast University, a graduate student to do. “Now I have also with two graduate students, this piece of their high level in programming, but I am rich in experience that.” Chen Xingliang the school context to school-enterprise cooperation, he has a unique resource. At present, Kai Dali has and the National College The first listed company —– Fudan University, Shanghai Fuhua Technology Co., Ltd., Southeast University, Nanjing, pairing will be available intelligent series electric meter, electric automation technology products. Materials Technology double check “Now prices of raw materials, products, prices are down This is a normal phenomenon.” As China Instrumentation Industry Association Professional Committee of Electronic Power Meter Communication Chen Xingliang members said. 1999, when the IC Form or emerging industries. Country Home Appliances Power Division, a Director said, “pre-paid (meter) technology is not very mature.” Is this sentence, Liu City, many companies in trouble meter. However, in 2000 changed the form, Liu Municipal Rural Reconstruction by chance, with the implementation of the national electricity policy, the whole industry chain development. Chen Xingliang the idea is very simple, “the price we can not compete with the others, only the people want quality, recognition of our brand, when he will be.” Electronic energy meter of the main chips and components are generally used industrial products, its core chip for the measurement chip, single-phase form generally used by the U.S. ADI’s ADE7755 chip, there is also compatible with the ADE7755, such as home-made chips BL0955 and ATT7021 so. In the three-phase form, with the South African SAMES the SA9105F, ADI’s ADE7752 and other domestically produced ATT7030. MCU intelligent energy meter with a foreign brand products generally, now used more for Microchip’s PIC series SCM, PHILIPS’s PLC Series. Also in the multi-function table, Japan NEC The company’s microcontroller used more as MOTOROLA, ST and other brands also have an upward trend, while also gradually change from OTPMCU products to FLASHMCU. Electrolytic Capacitor Generally use Japanese Red Gem The YXF series; chip brands such content Murata of Japan; film resistance generally use Samsung And Taiwan Province of China some brands. Talk about product quality, President Chen said, “Kai Dali focus on product quality. Due process, raw materials, all better. Therefore, the necessary high price, focus on the quality of our products our customers prefer, I need The on coming back. ” “Materials guarantee, technology, the entire production process, from raw materials to machine are done on a line in Willow City, the industry, energy meter business only Chint And we can do. A quote machine more than 100 million pieces, many companies yet. “Talking about his product line, President Chen a look of pride. New R & D Present, Kai Dali has developed a water card, using a software control a six-meter. The products have been mass promotion. Next, the R & D enterprise Chen Xingliang want to major on the GPS and the power meter product line contains fabric system. Had chosen self-developed GPS Meter Products, Chen Xingliang have their own ideas, “I am that the national standards committee, I am very familiar with this product, the market has great potential.” He set up in Shenzhen, Shenzhen SDIC Electric Power Technology Co., Ltd., Shenzhen is responsible for R & D, Yueqing responsible for the production. “(Shenzhen) there are more talent and Liushi side electronics are relatively few people.” Other projects in addition to GPS meter, Chen Xingliang team is also developing power line distribution system is contained, wireless transmission. He said the price Kai Dali is a fight recklessly, but other enterprises. However, research and development, he seemed a bit like

Choosing to work in the field of veterinary science affords the individual a wide range of career choices that will continue to be in demand in the coming years. Veterinarians, veterinary technicians and technologists, and veterinary assistants will all be growing career fields. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) income for veterinarians continued to increase from 2005 to 2007 (the most recent study).

Veterinarians (Clinical and Hospital Practitioners)

Veterinarians in private practice earned more than in many other areas with those veterinarians working with food animals earning the most. The mean income range for private practitioners rose from $ 105,510 annually in 2005 to $ 115,447 annually in 2007.

Veterinary Technicians and Technologists

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics employment opportunities for veterinary technicians and technologists is expected to increase more than 36% over the 2008-2018 projection period. Annual wages for veterinary technicians in May of 2008 averaged between $ 23,580 and $ 34,960. Technician wages averaged between $ 19,770 and $ 35,000 depending on geographic location. Veterinary technologists will enjoy especially excellent job opportunities in wildlife facilities, diagnostic laboratories, and drug and food manufacturing companies.

Veterinary Assistants

Wages for this occupation vary tremendously by region. However, according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics annual salaries range from $ 21,190 to $ 36,650 with the highest salaries being paid in the pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing industries. The second highest paying industry for this position is in local and federal government regulation at $ 30,880.

According to statistics the highest paying state for this profession is Washington, D.C. with California having the largest number of veterinary assistants employed.

Dr. Elizabeth White

Veterinary Science Information Technologies

PC software is available on any computer that you purchase whether it be essential programs or added features such as games and free trials. Many choose to download or purchase extra PC software for added essential such as making the use of a computer more simple, fun and efficient. The various programs available include anti-virus software, file managers, file recovery and much more.

PC software is available either for purchase or free download. When downloading free software, make sure you are not imposing upon any digital rights such as illegal duplicates being handed out for downloading purposes. There are a number of websites which will list the best free PC software available for you to purchase without the risk of possible infringement. Such PC software includes PC Inspector File Recovery to help you find files that you may have accidentally deleted off of your computer.

When you delete a file, that does not mean that it is erased off of your hard drive forever, but the faster you recover the deleted file, the better your chances are of getting it back before it is gone all together.

Advanced System Care is a wonderful program that comes with both a free and paid for version. Advanced System Care is one of the best recommended PC software available when it comes to maintaining your computer, keeping it up to speed and up to date. The way this software works is it detects problems with your registry and viruses and works within minutes to clean all of the errors up. There is also an internet and pc optimization available to help your PC run at top speed.

If you are the type of person who loves to use instant messenger programs but can’t seem to keep various windows from flashing away on your desktop, Gaim is the PC software for you.

Gaim can be used with either Windows or Linux and runs a multiple amount of instant messenger at once such as ICQ, AIM, Yahoo, MSN and more. The window can be minimized to your system tray which means that it keeps the clutter off of your desktop so you can continue working in peace while keeping track of all of your messenger lists in one list pane.

For those who love browsing the internet, many are used to the ever popular Internet Explorer though Mozilla Firefox has taken the world by storm. Mozilla is available for free and is a browser used for internet search just as Internet Explorer is. The difference is that Mozilla has peaked their level of security features as well as their speed. You can find pages at least seconds faster than you can whilst using Internet Explorer, making this one very popularly downloaded PC software.

There are many more applications and software available for you to use with your PC. These include those which help you find wireless hotspots, photo editing software, music editing software and so much more. Whether you are looking to purchase or download PC software, you can certainly make your computer a much better machine for you to use by doing one or the other.

Article by Mike Bordon

There are two forms of internet connection. One is Dial up and another is broadband. The dial up internet connection uses the traditional phone line to get entered into the internet line. This type of internet connection is not able to provide sufficient speed to the user. The broadband internet connection is able to provide higher speed internet connection to the user than dial up method. It is also able to carry more space of data than the dial up can do.

The latest and new version of this broadband technology is able to transmit 30 mbs in every second but the ability of the dial up is not more than 56 kbs per second. Beside this the broadband connection is also cost effective due to its high speed of data transfer capability.

But as a matter of fact this outstanding service of broadband internet is not available for all. People who live in the rural areas are not able to get this service yet. In many countries the relating ministry department feels the necessity of broadband connection. So, hopefully within few years this facility will reach to every towns and villages also.

Whatever, the broadband internet service brings a great change in the world of technology. The taste of internet surfing has been changed due to this outstanding speed facility. You can get broadband internet service from your local internet service provider if they have this facility. They are able to provide you broadband service instead of some monthly fees. The fees may be varied due to types of service, bandwidth, sharing speed etc. The piece of this service can also vary depending upon geographical option and connectivity of your area also.

These are the days of speeds. Everyone is busy now. So, in these speedy days you must be a speedy one to win the race of life. A broadband internet connection is able to make you speedy.

Broandband is the most popular internet technology available today. Click here to know more about Broandband

Article by Sai

Nowadays with the advancement of technology medical science has also made a valuable growth. It is essential to know that medical events and conferences now provide an open stage for the exchange of valuable information regarding latest advancements and up gradations in medical technology

Here you can see different batch of specialists in medical fields together. And you can also find the current innovations and improvements which inspires them. An entire group of experienced and reputed faculties gather here to make you aware of the new technology which can serve you much better then previous years. This year there are many upcoming medical events are there.

Here in medical events you can have meeting with specialized medical practitioners and experts which can bring solution to your medical problem. They discuss your problem among the entire gathering to get you absolute solution. There are several web portals which promote these events as they attain an inimitable reputation in promoting these. One such portal is medical events where you can find the list of upcoming medical exhibitions. These sites are very beneficial as they make you aware of the latest medical technology and the advancement made in any therapy.

Upcoming Medical Event Calender 2011

1. Public Health will held between 11 – 14 October, 2011 at International Healthcare Exhibition Kiev, Ukraine.

2. PHAR/MEDEXPO will held between 17-19 October, 2011 at mid east medical pharmaceutical international comprehensive exhibition Amman, JORDAN.

3. Medical Fair Brno Central Europe 2011 will held between 18 – 21 October, 2011at Exhibition Centre/Czech Republic.

4. Kenya Medex 2011will held between 21 – 23 October, 2011at Kenyatta International Convention Centre, Nairobi.

5. Abu Dhabi Medical Exhibition will held between 23 – 25 October, 2011at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

6. Medtrade 2011will held Expo October 25-27, 2011 between Conf: October 24-27, 2011at Georgia World Congress Center.

7. Iraq Health will held between 27 – 30 October, 2011at International Medical Equipment, Healthcare Industry and Services Exhibition and Conference Basra International Fair Ground Atlanta, Georgia.

8.DIHE will held btween 27 – 29 October, 2011at Dushanbe International Healthcare Exhibition Dushanbe, Tajikistan.

Here you can also know about any unbelievable success achieved in the field of medical science. Attending the events can be fruitful for you as you can come to know remedies of many diseases easily and from specialist. So now to participate in these medical events you can see the timings of medical events in the site.

Article by Peter Renwick

A new programme called Sciencehorizons, sponsored by the UK government, plans to open up communication between the public, the scientists and the policy makers. Sciencehorizons encourages people to talk about their hopes and fears for technologies of the future, and will pass on their views directly back to the government. What this means is that you yourself can help shape the future of science policy today.

This exciting new scheme has just been launched, and the public is encouraged to download so called ‘discussion packs’ from the official website at Sciencehorizons The Science and Innovation Minister Malcolm Wicks said that he wants everyone, and not just the scientists to participate in this programme and share their views.

Debates generated by the ‘discussion packs’ will be recorded and passed on to the government in autumn. The results of these talks will then be used to shape future science and technology policy. The programme is funded by the Department for Trade and Industry and hopes to promote and facilitate better communications between the government and the people. “The exciting new Sciencehorizons project will help us learn what people think about the future of science and enable the scientific community to hear and respond to both their hopes and concerns for the future” said Martin Earwicker, the director of Science Museum who also heads the project.

The Internet has so far been a great catalyst in stimulating public debate about technology, science and world affairs and today, more and more blogs and virtual communities are springing up all over the world that allow all members of the public to participate in discussion and make their views heard. Sites like Scienceblog and Praetorium are giving ordinary people the chance to express their hopes and fears, and now, with the help of new initiates like Sciencehorizons, these views may play a part in ultimately shaping our own future.