United Kingdom

New software converts speech into sign languages, uses avatar to communicate

Washington, Oct 1 : Researchers at IBM, UK, have developed a software that converts spoken words into sign language and engages an avatar to communicate using gestures.

Its developers say the onscreen translator, named “Say It Sign It”, could work as a pop-up on a television, personal computer, mobile phone or auditorium screen, giving the hearing impaired wider access to television, radio and education.

Fear necessary for school kids to overcome their fears

London, Oct 1 : A daily dose of fear is just what the doctor ordered for kids, insists a leading headmaster in the UK.

Anthony Seldon, the headmaster of Wellington College, insists that kids are too protected these days, and as a result are missing out on things, as they are not allowed to conquer their fears by confronting them.

Speaking at The Dangerous Event for Boys, Dr Seldon insisted that both boys and girls needed to start pushing themselves so that they can experience the 'challenge of adventure'.

Daily dark chocolate dose may help reduce chronic fatigue

London, Oct 1 : Eating a daily dose of dark chocolate a day may help reduce chronic fatigue say researchers from Hull York Medical School, UK.

Saddam’s Rolex up for sale for 100,000 pounds

London, Oct 1 : A diamond-encrusted Rolex belonging to former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein is up for sale.

Madeleine McCann mystery: Search on for irate ex-employee

London, Sept 30 : In a major development in the Madeleine McCann case, police have launched a search for a new suspect, an irate ex-employee, after receiving a tip-off from the Prince Charles.

An anonymous e-mail sent to the Prince’s website says that the Brit toddler, who went missing during a family vacation in Portugal in May, was kidnapped by an angry ex-employee.

The informer claimed that a maid sacked from the Mark Warner Ocean Club holiday resort made way with the three-year-old in a revenge plot.

Born minutes apart to the same mum, but these babies aren’t twins!

London, Sept 30 : They were born just minutes apart to the same mother, but five-month old baby girls Ame and Lia Herrity are not twins.

In fact, thought they share the same birthday, the little girls were conceived an entire three weeks apart thanks to a million-to-one medical rarity called superfetation, where the body carries on releasing more eggs for fertilisation after a pregnancy has already occurred.

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