Is there any science behind the gameplay? Relationship psychologist Susan Quilliam has reviewed the implications of the virtual puppy and found that it can not only help develop our attention spans and motor skills, but also improves our ability to solve problems and think creatively The "nintendogs" concept is easily grasped - you're responsible for a pet, and must offer regular food, exercise and entertainment if you want to keep it happy (however, the good news is that the pet never dies). Susan Quilliam found that the game teaches us how to bond and provides us with a sense of nurture and responsibility. But it can also have emotional effects, helping to raise self-esteem and develop strategic thinking. This is supported by research to coincide with the report, which reveals that nearly half of parents believe that owning a pet can teach the owner about a variety of emotions. The survey asked dog lovers what they think are the positive benefits of a virtual pet. Forty three (43) per cent said lower vet bills (!), 39 per cent said it was because they wouldn't have to go for a daily walk and 35 per cent thought it would be tidier. Is it finally time to replace your household pet with a virtual one?

Eating right and doing it on a budget can be a difficult task, but Michigan State University has made learning how fun. A new computer game called "The Fantastic Food Challenge" is designed to motivate young adults to learn about nutrition.

Dr. Jim Tanaka, a UVic cognitive neuroscientist, has developed a computer game that may improve the face-processing abilities of children with autism by jumpstarting the area of the brain that recognizes faces.

A decent story on James Rosser's work training surgeons with games like Super Monkey Ball.

"Can computer games help raise self-esteem? Researchers from
McGill University in Montreal, Canada, say absolutely. They have
designed and tested computer games they say specifically enhance
self-acceptance."