IBM plans 'brain-like' computers

IBM will lead a US government-funded collaboration to make electronic circuits that mimic brains, reports The BBC.

Part of a field called "cognitive computing", the research will bring together neurobiologists, computer and materials scientists and psychologists.

As a first step in its research, the project has been granted $4.9 million from US defence agency Darpa.

Surfing the Internet, playing games and hanging out on social networks are important for teen development, a large study of online use has revealed, says The BBC.

The report counters the stereotypical view held by many parents and teachers that such activity is a waste of time.

More than 800 teenagers and parents took part in the three-year US project.

Jurors suggested in a note to the judge late yesterday that they had reached verdicts on three of four counts against a Missouri mother accused of conspiring to harass a 13-year-old girl with Internet messages that allegedly prompted her suicide, reports The Associated Press.

The note sent on the first day of deliberations asked: "Can we be hung on one count, but unanimous on the others?"

US district court judge George Wu told the jury to return today and resume deliberations.