LYCOS is launching a global humanitarian project that uses sensor and wireless communication technology to provide people throughout the world with access to critical, life-saving environmental information.

The LYCOS Life Project, a not-for-profit foundation, will give families the power to instantly test the quality of the water and air in their homes and communities with small portable sensors given to them for free by the LYCOS Life Project.

Information from these sensors will be used as an early warning system to help people detect and uncover patterns of growing environmental problems in their homes and communities. This information can be shared in real-time with the user's family, community, and the rest of the world. The data will be permanently and openly available to individuals, NGOs and schools worldwide.

''The Life Project will provide basic tools that can lead to healthier living situations for millions of children and their families,'' said Brad Cohen, president and chief strategy officer of LYCOS. ''Our future rests with our children; happier and healthier kids can directly lead to a more peaceful and productive future for all.''

Shares of the company gained Rs 1.7, or 4.39%, to trade at Rs 40.45. The total volume of shares traded was 116,131 at the BSE (9.42 a.m., Tuesday).