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Digital Planet: 10/03/2009

Factual: Science & Nature

10/03/2009

BBC World Service - Digital Planet, 10/03/2009

Thrill-seeking fairground technology, Guitar Hero goes academic and no texting for Lent.

Thrill-seeking technology at the fairground, Guitar Hero used for academic research, and bishop asks Catholics to stop texting for Lent. With presenter Gareth Mitchell and studio expert Bill Thompson.

THRILL-SEEKING TECHNOLOGY

Could fairground rides be tailored to scare their riders? Gareth visits the Pioneers 09 exhibition in London to take part in an experiment involving three human guinea pigs and a bucking bronco.

Researcher Brendan Walker from University of Nottingham fits each rider with a heart monitor and helmet-mounted camera to test their reactions. The team are examining whether fairground rides could automatically adjust the thrill level they deliver, depending on the reaction of their rider.

GUITAR HERO GOES ACADEMIC

Flora Graham looks at the new wave of scientists using the computer game Guitar Hero in their research. From training amputees to use their new prosthetic limbs, to measuring the fitness level of musicians, it's proving a hit in the classroom.

NO TEXTS FOR LENT

This week the Archbishop of Modena urged Catholics to give up sending text messages or using Facebook during Lent. This is the period just before Easter, traditionally a time of abstinence for Catholics. 

Normally, followers are expected to give up something they enjoy, such as chocolate or alcohol. But this year, Archbishop Benito Cocchi asked Catholics to "cleanse themselves from the virtual world and get back into touch with themselves". The BBC's Rome correspondent Duncan Kennedy reports.

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