The two-day contest will use the extraordinary Mindball game - part of the NEURObotics...the future of thinking? exhibition - where the competitors have to be as relaxed as possible to win.

The game works by two players going literally head to head. They are strapped up with headbands which pick up brain waves produced when a person is calm and relaxed. These brain waves control the ball with the aim being to move the ball into the opponent's goal. The game works using EEG neurofeedback and expert Melissa Foks will be on hand to explain how this amazing technology works.

Dominique Driver"Å¡ contest organiser from the Science Museum"Å¡ said: "This is a strangely compelling game which is the direct opposite of most sporting endeavour - if you are calmer than your opponent you will win the game. It is exciting to play and watch as evenly matched games can be like mental arm wrestling.

"It is also a really fun way of helping visitors understand that our brains are very active even when we are relaxed"š and they can be used to directly control computers and gadgets."

Mindball Championship takes place on 28 and 29 December between 12 and 3pm. Entry is free and the winner stays on. There will be various prizes for successful players over the two days with the most successful player overall winning the title of the most relaxed mind in Britain.

Mindball is an exhibit in the NEURObotics"¦the future of thinking? exhibition in the Antenna Gallery"š a space devoted to the latest scientific research. NEURObotics"š which runs until end of March 2007"š is sponsored by Siemens and looks at amazing medical brain technologies"š covering exciting subjects such as brain stimulation"š lie detection and how humans can have mind control over machines.

By www.sciencemuseum.org.uk