Washington, Feb 21 : Scientists are using the phenomenon of gravitational lensing, which they call "Einstein''s telescope", as a scientific "instrument" in their quest to determine the makeup of the universe.

The University of Chicago''s Evalyn Gates''s new book, "Einstein''s Telescope: The Hunt for Dark Matter and Dark Energy in the Universe", explains how it works.

Although based on Albert Einstein''s general theory of relativity, the effect is easily demonstrated.

Washington, Feb 21 : Hopes for the discovery of Atlantis by Google Ocean have been shattered, with the criss-crossing lines near the Canary Islands that were presumed by scientists to be a `grid of streets', turning out be boat mapping lines.

Atlantis is believed to be an island civilization sunk by an earthquake and floods around 9,700BC - nearly 12,000 years ago.

Google Ocean captured an image showing a grid that features a rectangular perimeter of the seabed, a possible location for Atlantis.

This particular region, 620 miles off the west coast of Africa near the Canary Islands, is a location for the legendary continent seemingly suggested by the ancient philosopher Plato.

IT major Vishal

London, Feb 20 : Scientists have found a unique way of harnessing energy - hamsters fitted with electricity generating jackets!

The jackets are strapped to the animals as they run on their cage wheels, capturing the biomechanical energy they release as they exercise.

Developed by Dr Zhong Lin Wang of Georgia University''s Nano Research Group, the jackets are fitted with wires plugged into a nanogenerator that produces energy when they are bent and stretched.

The study showed that one hamster could produce small amounts of AC power - around one twentieth of the output of an AA battery.

London, Feb. 18 : Despite Pakistan's repeated denials of its airbases being used by US Predators to hit suspected militant outfits inside its territory, a Google Earth image has revealed that its airbases are indeed being put to such use by the US security forces.

According to a report published in the Times of London, a 2006 Google Earth image of the Shamsi airbase, which is situated 200 miles southwest of Quetta, shows three predator drones outside a hanger at the end of the runway.

Wellington - Internet users staged a protest outside the New Zealand Parliament Thursday to draw attention to an amendment to the country's copyright laws due to come into effect next week.

The change instructs internet-service providers to block online access to anyone accused of repeatedly flouting copyright regulations by illegally downloading films and music whether they have been convicted or not.