EU boosts hi-tech research budget

The EU has announced 6.4bn euros (£5.4bn) of funding for scientific research and innovation next year - a 12% increase on this year's allocation. The programme is aimed at creating more than 165,000 jobs and developing "a more competitive and greener Europe", the European Commission says.

Via BBC News

Apple posts record quarterly earnings

The success of the iPad has paid dividends, with Apple celebrating the financial success of the last "phenomenal quarter" in 2010, posting record quarterly earnings this week.

Via Techradar

U.S. Says Up to 24 Million Americans Lack Access to Broadband

As many as 24 million U.S. citizens have no access to broadband Internet service and are unlikely to get the higher-speed connection any time soon, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission said yesterday.

Via BusinessWeek

Verizon LTE Network To Launch On November 15th With Two Data Cards?

In line with earlier reports, Verizon is set to launch its commercial 4G LTE network in selected cities by November 15th. Details are still quite sketchy, but there should be two data cards that will be offered when the service goes live.

Via Ubergizmo

Extreme Hobbyists Put Satellites Into Orbit With $8,000 Kits

Attention wannabe supervillains: Putting your own, personal satellite into orbit is not such a far-fetched idea after all. Interorbital Systems, which makes rockets and spacecrafts, created a kit last year that lets almost anyone with a passion for electronics and space build a satellite. The $8,000 kit includes the price of the launch.

Via Wired.com

Music 'Tones the Brain,' Improves Learning

Learning to play a musical instrument changes the brain, leading to a slew of potential benefits, including improved learning and understanding of language, according to a recent review article. Studies highlighted in the review suggest connections made between brain cells during musical training can aid in other forms of communication, such as speech, reading and understanding a foreign language.

Via Yahoo News