We like to think of computers as being a very modern phenomenon. The first modern electronic computer, the ENIAC, was built in the United States in the 1940s. But nearly 200 years ago, the mathematician and engineer Charles Babbage drew up plans for what he called an Analytical Engine. The plans included the essential components of modern computing, but the machine was never built. Now, in the UK, two men are leading the quest to finally build that ancient mechanical computer.

Report: Molly Guinness, London

Now, if you want to study computer science or any science at university, you learn about things that are grounded in science, right? Well until recently in the UK you could chose between 45 different science degrees in what some would call quackery - like homeopathy, naturopathy and reflexology. But as of this year, six of these courses closed, and nearly half of all alternative medicine courses have disappeared since 2007 - to the delight of most scientists and to the chagrin of those who teach or study the subjects.

Report: Lars Bevanger, Manchester

In Spain, scientists are applying quantum physics principles to Google’s PageRank. That's the proprietary algorithm that lets Google rank pages in search results. In doing so, they believe they could revolutionise the use of the world-famous search engine. In a scientific paper published online last month, they also say they are anticipating the quantum future that hopefully lies just around the corner.

Report: Guy Hedgecoe, Madrid

And finally today, let's talk cybercrime.

For 3.5 years, Koobface was a cybercriminal gang that fooled Facebook users into watching links to YouTube videos that were actually a piece of malware. That malware then infected these computers and made them part of a botnet, a vast network of computers worldwide that can be controlled remotely. Then, the Koobface gang would trick the users again by serving up advertisements, and send them fake computer security warnings and offering them to sell them bogus software. Experts believe that somewhere between 400,000 and 800,000 users were infected -- enough to earn the Russians behind Koobface millions of dollars.

But, last week, the Koobface botnet went dark, after being exposed by a Bulgarian cybersecurity researcher, Dancho Danchev.

Interview: Cyrus Farivar