A novel computer mouse , marking a major development in human-computer interaction, was developed by Michael Macauley and Alistair May within the Department of Computer Science . Unlike traditional mice, the new mouse is able to sense how hard the user presses the mouse button. When used with future software, the new design could alert users when they click the mouse excessively hard, helping to eliminate potentially injurious habits. Striking a chord Postgraduate student Owain Pedgley took music into the new millennium when he successfully designed and prototyped a groundbreaking acoustic guitar . Unlike traditional wooden guitars, the primary sound-generating components of the new instrument are constructed from plastics.
Production is anticipated to be quick and relatively inexpensive.
As well as providing impressive technical performance, the polycarbonates used can be moulded into novel shapes and finished with a wide range of surface textures and colours.