Brainy boffins present novel theories

WORMS replacing dogs as man's best friend is one of the novel theories being aired at the Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition which opens to the public this morning.

The "Green Space" environmental display at the show tackles the topical subjects of waste reduction, recycling and re-use through a range of exhibits including an interactive worm composting station.

For those who prefer not to get their hands dirty, the 1,040 students behind the 482 projects short-listed for this year's competition will be happy to do the hard work by demonstrating for visitors their research methods and discoveries in range of subjects from maths and physics to ecology and behavioural sciences.