SCIENCE & EDUCATION

Taking a step that professors may view as a bit counterproductive, some universities are doling out Apple iPhones and Internet-capable iPods to students. The always-on Internet devices raise some novel possibilities, like tracking where students congregate. With far less controversy, colleges could send messages about canceled classes, delayed buses, campus crises or just the cafeteria menu. While schools emphasize its usefulness - online research in class and instant polling of students, for example - a big part of the attraction is, undoubtedly, that the iPhone is cool and a hit with students. Basking in the aura of a cutting-edge product could just help a university foster a cutting-edge reputation.

The last academic year was the first time that the number of international students registered at Swedish universities and colleges topped the number of Swedes studying abroad. The flood of students in and out of Sweden has increased steadily over the last several decades. But in recent years, fewer Swedes have applied to study abroad. Compared with students from other countries, Swedes more often choose to complete their entire education abroad. ⌠I can imagine that this may lead to the labour market losing accomplished Swedes who decide to stay overseas when they begin their careers. It▓s a sort of brain-drain,■ said University Chancellor Anders Flodström, who heads the agency. The Swedish National Agency for Higher Education (Högskolverket) sees the trend as a problem.