When I grew up, we didn't have a TV, and I think more families today have ambitions of getting out of their environment, such as sending their children to university.

Parents should talk to their children, even when they are babies and can't talk back.

We are more dependent on science and engineering than at any other time in history. However, there is plenty of evidence that far too many people are scientifically illiterate, often having been put off science at school.

It is important that legislation keeps pace with scientific progress.

I don't know whether it is important to study science at a young age, though current thinking emphasises the need.

It is time my colleagues got real. All British universities doing worthwhile research use animals, and, instead of hiding, they should be boasting of their achievements.

However pragmatic you are, it is very demanding being a new parent.