We all say it, if only...

I have to admit to watching a lot of telly. Probably far more than is healthy. But there's one thing that's missing. If only there was a button I could press on my remote control that would show me what's going on. Let's call it the 'what the hell's that button'. It'd be quite simple – my telly screen would pick up the exact spot I'm pointing at and something would pop up to tell me who this person is, where this scene was shot or the name of that funky bit of kit House is just about to strap his patient to.
I'm not alone in my wish for better things. Take neurobologist Professor Colin Blakemore – he'd like an "attractive solution" to global warming. "What about synthetic Wisteria, capable of performing artificial photosynthesis, capturing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and converting sunlight to electricity, with it's roots connected to the national grid." Then there's comedian Ben Miller, who wants an intelligence dial in the middle of his forehead – crank it high for situations that require brain power and low to watch trashy telly.
Pretty random eh? Well, loads of ideas have been gathered to help publicise a contest for young inventors, the National Science and Engineering Competition. After all, if only has to be the start of any process of invention. 
So what's your if only? Something to keep a pizza warm until you've finished it, something that means you don't have to clear hair and gunk from the plug hole or a solution to world peace? Oh, and if you're aged 11-18 and have actually come up with a solution to your if only thought, it could be well worth you're while visiting  www.nationalsciencecompetition.org