“The ultra-modern view of consciousness turns science upside down, writes Colin Tudge in The Guardian: “Is the brain simply a computer, and is consciousness merely the feeling we get when we think? Or is consciousness a primary component of the universe, which the brain can latch on to, like a radio receiver? A definitive answer will always be elusive, but scientists are making intriguing forays into the subject, and if they are not explaining consciousness, they are certainly telling us a great deal about the nature of science.”

Lie Detection: “A new technique which interprets facial gestures has been developed by scientists at Manchester Metropolitan University and could be the most accurate lie detector yet created. ‘Silent Talker’ detects and analyses the thousands of “microgestures” which indicate someone might be telling untruths and which go unnoticed by both trained and untrained professionals.” BBC

“Urging his nation to “see the big picture” and not focus on one issue, British Prime Minister Tony Blair today explained that unflinching support for President George W. Bush is particularly necessary now if Great Britain is ever to become the 51st U.S. state.” BBSpot [via Walker]

Who will build our biodefenses? “Pharmaceutical firms would like to create the drugs needed in the war against terrorism. But governments have yet to make it worth their while.” The Economist