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09. 01. 11. - 13:00

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09. 01. 11. - 13:00

Robot Elephant Offers Hope to Autistic Kids

Kathryn Quinn

A robotic elephant that can hug using its trunk and has hundreds of potential facial expressions is offering hope to autistic children.

Scientists at Vrije University in Brussels have developed the robot, which is now being trialled with children from Romanian orphanages which they believe could be a major breakthrough for children suffering from autism.

Autism is a neural disorder characterized by impaired social interaction and communication, and by restricted and repetitive behaviour that first appear when a child is three years old.

Probo the robot can gives hugs and express feelings that psychologists and scientists alike hope will help autistic children to identify feelings and emotions and help them interact with the people around them.

The robot which is currently on an exchange program at the psychology department at the Babes-Bolyai University in Cluj, Romania, has reportedly achieved some remarkable results in its interaction with autistic children.

They said Probo uses human-like social cues and communication abilities to teach the children.

The robot has a fully actuated head, with 20 degrees of freedom, capable of showing facial expressions.

Health minister considers taxing fast food and beer
The new Health Minister Vasile Cepoi said today (Thurs) that the next Health Care Law might include a new tax on fast food and beer, local press informs.

Romania wont ratify ACTA
Romania will not ratify the highly controversial (Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement)ACTA until the agreement won't be altered as to comply with demands recently formulated by the European Court of Justice, the minister of Communication Dan Nica told a press conference today (Thurs).

Romania wont ratify ACTA
Romania will not ratify the highly controversial (Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement)ACTA until the agreement won't be altered as to comply with demands recently formulated by the European Court of Justice, the minister of Communication Dan Nica told a press conference today (Thurs).

Government to introduce ‘Robin Hood’ tax on oil companies
Minister of Economy Daniel Chitoiu announced today (Weds) that the government is working on a piece of legislation on introducing a supplementary tax on the exceptional incomes of the oil companies that should be passed by the year end and implemented as of 2013.

Education Minister stepps down amid plagiarism accusations
Ioan Mang, the education minister appointed only two weeks ago together with the new cabinet of Social Liberal Union (USL) leader Victor Ponta, resigned Tuesday (yesterday) night.

Brancusi’s son doesn’t want his father remains to be moved to Romania
John Moore, the only child of sculpture Constantin Brancusi, reacted to Romania’s intention to repatriate the remains of his father, saying his last will was to be buried in Paris at Montparnasse, Libertatea newspaper informs today (Weds).

Romania back in recession, growth to resume in H2
Romania officially entered recession today, following the figures published by the National Statistics Institute (NSI) that show a decrease of the GDP for two consecutive quarters (Q).

Police head sacked over underground boss runaway row
The head of the Romanian Police Liviu Popa (picture) was sacked today (Tues) by Home Affairs Minister Ioan Rus, the ministry informs.

UK Ambassador Harris says new Cabinet took right decisions so far
The UK Ambassaodr in Romania, Martin Harris says Victor Ponta’s new government got off on the right foot by making clear that its economic policy will continue to be framed within the programme agreed between Romania and the EU, World Bank, and IMF.

Carmen Sylvas x-rayed hand to be auctioned
A x-ray of the left hand of Romanian Queen Elisabeta will be auctioned in Bucharest by Artmark auction house, Libertatea newspaper informs today (Tue).