God games’ in which players must control virtual people and societies could be educational, says research. A US researcher has suggested that games such as “The Sims” could be a good way to teach languages. Ravi Purushotma believes that the world of “The Sims” can do a better job of teaching vocabulary and grammar than traditional methods.

The inherent fun of game playing could help to make learning languages much less of a chore, said Purushotma.

Instead of fearing computer games, Purushotma believes that educationalists, particularly language teachers should embrace games. He believes that the “phenomenal ability” of games such as “The Sims” and others to capture the interest of adolescent audiences is ripe for exploitation.

Why some entice mosquitoes:

Scientists believe they have discovered the reason why mosquitoes find some of us “more tasty” than others. It was already known that some people produce “come and get me” smells which appeal to the bloodsuckers.

Rothamsted Research, in Herts, found those less likely to be bitten produced odours, which masked these scents. The natural repellent could be used to protect everyone from the bugs, suggests the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council. Until that happens, people who are frequently bitten might benefit from hanging around those who escape relatively unscathed.

Professor Chris Curtis of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine said it was true that some people were more attractive to mosquitoes than others, but warmth “is another important factor”.