A series of predictions about life in the middle of the century includes wearable muscles, neural interfaces with computers, and most excitingly – chatty chihuahuas. How many times do dog owners look at their pets and say, 'If only they could talk.' Well, if futurologist Ian Pearson is right, they might be able to. One day. In a report prepared ahead of The Big Bang Fair – an upcoming science, technology, engineering and maths fair for young people - Dr Pearson describes how a convergence of organic life forms and electronic devices would be the overarching trend of the next half century. Almost as an afterthought to the dizzying speculation about nanotechnology growing replacement teeth for us, or 'support tights' with their own extra muscles, comes an amazing series of predictions about the pets of 2050. Dr Pearson believes that it's entirely possible that we will use technology to enhance the abilities of our pets and other animals. Implanted devices will make animals cleverer than