On December 24th 2015, researchers at the University of Colorado-Boulder, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the University of California, Berkley, announced that they had made a breakthrough in optical computing. They've created a new micro processing chip that uses light instead of electricity to transfer data, allowing it to do so at rapid speed, while using small amounts of energy.
The micro processing chips of today's supercomputers, desktops, laptops, and tablets use electricity to communicate and transfer information. As processors become smaller, getting down to the scale of an electron has proven to be a limitation. This is due to the unpredictable nature of the quantum world. To overcome this problem, the researchers discovered that light can be sent across longer distances using the same amount of power.
Milos Popovic, an assistant professor in CU-Boulder's Department of Energy Engineering, says that an advantage of using light is that it can be sent over the same optical fiber as that which is used in the internet backbone. He say's that the infrared light that they use is less than a micron, which allows for dense packing of communication ports on chips, giving them a bandwidth of up to 300 gigabits per second per square millimeter.
The chips can also integrate with traditional electronic components and into the current manufacturing process. The researchers believe that the chip will one day give rise to faster computers for business and personal use.
Wednesday, December 30, 2015
Wednesday, December 23, 2015
SpaceX Launches And Then Lands Falcon 9
On December 21st 2015, SpaceX announced that it had successfully landed it's Falcon 9 rocket booster at Cape Canaveral. The launch and landing of the Falcon 9 marks SpaceX's return to space flight after the explosion of a Falcon 9 rocket, bound for the International Space Station in June of 2015, left the program grounded. The Falcon 9 has now become the first piece of an orbital vehicle to make a soft landing after returning from space.
The launch of the Falcon 9 took place a 8:29 pm. Once in orbit, the spacecraft deployed 11 Orbcomm OG-2 communications satellites. 10 minutes after the launch, using rocket propulsion, the booster stage was bought back some 90 miles to a near flawless landing at Cape Canaveral Air Force Center in Florida. In the past, booster rockets were left to tumble back to Earth where they suffered the intense heat and damage of re-entry.
SpaceX is looking to the Falcon 9's successful landing to be the first step in the further development of reusable rocket boosters. Reusing rockets will help SpaceX eliminate 16 million dollars in cost. Recycling engines and the Falcon 9's aluminum lithium alloy booster stage will allow SpaceX to undercut its US and European rivals. Currently, SpaceX's standard launch price is 61.2 million.
The launch of the Falcon 9 took place a 8:29 pm. Once in orbit, the spacecraft deployed 11 Orbcomm OG-2 communications satellites. 10 minutes after the launch, using rocket propulsion, the booster stage was bought back some 90 miles to a near flawless landing at Cape Canaveral Air Force Center in Florida. In the past, booster rockets were left to tumble back to Earth where they suffered the intense heat and damage of re-entry.
SpaceX is looking to the Falcon 9's successful landing to be the first step in the further development of reusable rocket boosters. Reusing rockets will help SpaceX eliminate 16 million dollars in cost. Recycling engines and the Falcon 9's aluminum lithium alloy booster stage will allow SpaceX to undercut its US and European rivals. Currently, SpaceX's standard launch price is 61.2 million.
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
NASA And Google Announce Breakthrough In Quantum Computing
On December 8th 2015, NASA and Google announced that they had made a breakthrough in quantum computing. The new computer is called the D-Wave 2X and is currently being housed at NASA's Ames Research Center at Moffett Field near Mountain View California. An experiment using the D-Wave 2X found that the new computer can solve a problem 100 million times faster than a conventional computer.
Quantum computing relies on the use of particles called quantum bits or qubits. these qubits can exist in more than two physical states at the same time. Problems solved by a quantum computer are done so as the result of quantum annealing, This is the process of feeding AI (artificial intelligence) or optimization problems into the D-Wave 2X. The superposition of the qubits allows the the D-Wave 2X to examine as many as 1,000 variables at once.
The D-Wave 2x stands about 10 feet high and is about the size of a garden shed. While its awesome computing speed represents a major advancement in super computing, there are a few drawbacks. Quantum computers use particles that are subject to problems with predictions and quantum properties such as entanglement. The D-Wave 2X has to be super cooled to a temperature that's 150 time colder than deep space, which means that a stockpile of liquid helium would also be necessary.
Quantum computing relies on the use of particles called quantum bits or qubits. these qubits can exist in more than two physical states at the same time. Problems solved by a quantum computer are done so as the result of quantum annealing, This is the process of feeding AI (artificial intelligence) or optimization problems into the D-Wave 2X. The superposition of the qubits allows the the D-Wave 2X to examine as many as 1,000 variables at once.
The D-Wave 2x stands about 10 feet high and is about the size of a garden shed. While its awesome computing speed represents a major advancement in super computing, there are a few drawbacks. Quantum computers use particles that are subject to problems with predictions and quantum properties such as entanglement. The D-Wave 2X has to be super cooled to a temperature that's 150 time colder than deep space, which means that a stockpile of liquid helium would also be necessary.
Wednesday, December 9, 2015
Stonehenge Bluestones Source Identified
On December 7th 2015, a team of British archaeologists announced that they had solved the mystery of the Stonehenge Bluestones. The team, working out of the University of Central London, said that they had found evidence of quarrying for Neolithic stones at two site in Wales. The new excavations pinpoint the location in the Preseli Hills in what is today's Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. It is believed that the stones were transported 140 miles to their present location.
Scientists estimate that Stonehenge dates back to about 4,500 year ago, and believe that the Bluestones were quarried some 500 years before building began. Of an estimated 80 Bluestones, 43 have survived to form the inner horseshoe at the Stonehenge site. The archaeologists have determined when and how the stones were quarried, by examining and dating artifacts that were found there.
Mike Parker Pearson, director of the project, and a professor at the University of Central London says, "While we knew the locations where the rocks originated, the really exciting thing was to find the actual quarries." So far the archaeologists have discovered stone tools, dirt ramps and platforms, burnt charcoal and chestnuts, and an ancient sunken road believed to have been an exit route. Carbon dating has place the age of the burnt charcoal and chestnuts at between 5,400 and 5,200 years ago.
Previous researchers have suggested that the Bluestones were taken southward from the Preseli Hills to Milford Haven, and floated on boats or rafts. Professor Parker Pearson believes that the stones may have been taken either by sea around St David's Head or over land through the valleys, using teams of people or oxen. Professor Parker Pearson and his team also believe that Stonehenge was erected around 2,900 BC.
Scientists estimate that Stonehenge dates back to about 4,500 year ago, and believe that the Bluestones were quarried some 500 years before building began. Of an estimated 80 Bluestones, 43 have survived to form the inner horseshoe at the Stonehenge site. The archaeologists have determined when and how the stones were quarried, by examining and dating artifacts that were found there.
Mike Parker Pearson, director of the project, and a professor at the University of Central London says, "While we knew the locations where the rocks originated, the really exciting thing was to find the actual quarries." So far the archaeologists have discovered stone tools, dirt ramps and platforms, burnt charcoal and chestnuts, and an ancient sunken road believed to have been an exit route. Carbon dating has place the age of the burnt charcoal and chestnuts at between 5,400 and 5,200 years ago.
Previous researchers have suggested that the Bluestones were taken southward from the Preseli Hills to Milford Haven, and floated on boats or rafts. Professor Parker Pearson believes that the stones may have been taken either by sea around St David's Head or over land through the valleys, using teams of people or oxen. Professor Parker Pearson and his team also believe that Stonehenge was erected around 2,900 BC.
Wednesday, December 2, 2015
Estonian Startup Announces Breakthrough In Li-Fi
On November 25th 2015, Estonian startup Velmenni announced that they had made a breakthrough in wireless technology. The new technology is called Li-Fi, as it uses visible light to transmit and receive digital data at speeds 100 times faster than Wi-Fi. Velmenni used a light bulb to transmit data at a speed of 1 gigabit per second in a real world test.
Li-Fi refers to visible light communications (VLC) technology. It can deliver high speed bidirectional networked communications that is similar to Wi-Fi. The term Li-Fi was first used by German physicist Herald Hass in 2011. Hass later went on to create the company, PureLiFi, which claims to be the leader in Li-Fi technology.
Hass' vision is to see the world replace current wireless routers with LED light bulbs. He says that Li-Fi devices will be able to transmit not just one data stream, but thousands. Some other advantages of Li-Fi are efficiency, availability, and security. The same bulb that you use as a light source can also be used to transmit data. Every light bulb being used everywhere is a potential transmission point. And, since light can't penetrate walls, personal networks can only be accessed by people in the same room.
At this time, however, there are some down sides to the technology. Li-Fi doesn't work outside due to being overpowered by light from the sun. Because Li-Fi doesn't travel through walls, you have to have an open floor plan or use Li-Fi to compliment your existing Wi-Fi setup. Also, a Li-fi connection can be blocked by placing a solid object in front of the transmission source. But, even with those limitations, the increased speed is more than enough to make Li-Fi a desirable emerging technology
Li-Fi refers to visible light communications (VLC) technology. It can deliver high speed bidirectional networked communications that is similar to Wi-Fi. The term Li-Fi was first used by German physicist Herald Hass in 2011. Hass later went on to create the company, PureLiFi, which claims to be the leader in Li-Fi technology.
Hass' vision is to see the world replace current wireless routers with LED light bulbs. He says that Li-Fi devices will be able to transmit not just one data stream, but thousands. Some other advantages of Li-Fi are efficiency, availability, and security. The same bulb that you use as a light source can also be used to transmit data. Every light bulb being used everywhere is a potential transmission point. And, since light can't penetrate walls, personal networks can only be accessed by people in the same room.
At this time, however, there are some down sides to the technology. Li-Fi doesn't work outside due to being overpowered by light from the sun. Because Li-Fi doesn't travel through walls, you have to have an open floor plan or use Li-Fi to compliment your existing Wi-Fi setup. Also, a Li-fi connection can be blocked by placing a solid object in front of the transmission source. But, even with those limitations, the increased speed is more than enough to make Li-Fi a desirable emerging technology
Thursday, November 26, 2015
SpaceX Gets NASA Order For First Crewed Mission
On November 20th 2015, NASA announced that it had made its first crewed mission order from SpaceX. With this order, SpaceX becomes the second private company to be awarded one of four guaranteed orders under NASA's CCtCap (Commercial Crew Transportation Capability) contracts. In May of 2015, NASA made an order for Boeing to send a commercial crew to the ISS (International Space Station) in 2017.
NASA states that SpaceX's Crew Dragon and Falcon 9 have been certified after successfully passing through their development phases. NASA is looking to Boeing and SpaceX as a means of reducing the cost of accessing space. Since the retirement of the Space Shuttle program, NASA has been paying Russia $70 million a seat for a ride on a Soyuz to the ISS. NASA expects to have each mission carry four crew members and 220lb of pressurized cargo.
NASA has been working for some time to cede control of its low earth orbit operational flights to private companies. The idea is to move the agency back to mission destinations like the moon, an asteroid, or Mars. Meanwhile, since CCtCap orders are made two to three years in advance, and both Boeing and SpaceX have now both received orders, the race is on to see which company will launch first.
NASA states that SpaceX's Crew Dragon and Falcon 9 have been certified after successfully passing through their development phases. NASA is looking to Boeing and SpaceX as a means of reducing the cost of accessing space. Since the retirement of the Space Shuttle program, NASA has been paying Russia $70 million a seat for a ride on a Soyuz to the ISS. NASA expects to have each mission carry four crew members and 220lb of pressurized cargo.
NASA has been working for some time to cede control of its low earth orbit operational flights to private companies. The idea is to move the agency back to mission destinations like the moon, an asteroid, or Mars. Meanwhile, since CCtCap orders are made two to three years in advance, and both Boeing and SpaceX have now both received orders, the race is on to see which company will launch first.
Wednesday, November 18, 2015
Breakthrough Brings IBM To Nanotube Chips
On October 1st 2015, IBM announced that they had made a breakthrough in their efforts to continue the miniaturization of computer chips. A $3 billion project has helped researchers develop computer chips that are made of carbon nanotubes. Current silicon based technology has been swiftly approaching a barrier to further chip miniaturization, due to the inability to continue to scale transistors. Carbon nanotubes have solved this problem.
Nanotubes are hollow cylinders with walls that are made of a single layer of carbon atoms aligned in a hexagonal lattice. The lattice is 10,000 times smaller than a human hair and looks like a tiny roll of chicken wire. Electrons in carbon transistors move freer and easier than in silicon based devices, which allows for quicker transport of data. An advantage of using nanotubes, is that they can be shaped for transistors at the atomic level.
Transistor gate and contact length have been the two major issues in regard to chip scalability. The gate issue was solved by IBM two years ago. IBM has now solved the contact length issue by shrinking down the contact length to 9nm, without any increase in resistance. IBM scientists say that at maximum power, the carbon nanotube chips could run at significantly faster speeds.
Nanotubes are hollow cylinders with walls that are made of a single layer of carbon atoms aligned in a hexagonal lattice. The lattice is 10,000 times smaller than a human hair and looks like a tiny roll of chicken wire. Electrons in carbon transistors move freer and easier than in silicon based devices, which allows for quicker transport of data. An advantage of using nanotubes, is that they can be shaped for transistors at the atomic level.
Transistor gate and contact length have been the two major issues in regard to chip scalability. The gate issue was solved by IBM two years ago. IBM has now solved the contact length issue by shrinking down the contact length to 9nm, without any increase in resistance. IBM scientists say that at maximum power, the carbon nanotube chips could run at significantly faster speeds.
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
Closest Earth Sized Exoplanet Is Found
On November 12th 2015, a team of scientists announced the discovery of what they are calling the closest rocky exoplanet ever found. The planet is named GJ 1132b, which is derived from the name of the star that it orbits. The star the planet orbits is 39 million light years away. The scientists say that this is important because it means that GJ 1132b is close enough that they can use telescopes to examine the chemistry of its atmosphere.
The planet, GJ 1132b orbits a red dwarf star in the constellation Vela, which can be found in the southern sky. GJ 1132b is about 16% larger than the Earth and orbits at 1.4m miles from its sun. This is closer than Mercury is to our sun which orbits at 39m miles. Scientists estimate that it has a surface temperature range between 278 degrees and 572 degrees. These temperatures are too hot for the planet's surface to retain water, so life there would be impossible.
The scientists are hoping that this planet has an atmosphere. The belief is that if it does have an atmosphere, it may be possible that they will find cooler planets just like it that orbit smaller stars and have atmospheres. GJ 1132b is tidally locked to its star, so that one side of the planet faces its sun, just as our moon is locked to the Earth. The team has already asked for more time on the Hubble and Spitzer space telescopes so they can examine the planet in more detail.
The planet, GJ 1132b orbits a red dwarf star in the constellation Vela, which can be found in the southern sky. GJ 1132b is about 16% larger than the Earth and orbits at 1.4m miles from its sun. This is closer than Mercury is to our sun which orbits at 39m miles. Scientists estimate that it has a surface temperature range between 278 degrees and 572 degrees. These temperatures are too hot for the planet's surface to retain water, so life there would be impossible.
The scientists are hoping that this planet has an atmosphere. The belief is that if it does have an atmosphere, it may be possible that they will find cooler planets just like it that orbit smaller stars and have atmospheres. GJ 1132b is tidally locked to its star, so that one side of the planet faces its sun, just as our moon is locked to the Earth. The team has already asked for more time on the Hubble and Spitzer space telescopes so they can examine the planet in more detail.
Wednesday, November 4, 2015
Twitter Replaces Favorites With Likes
On November 3rd 2015, Twitter officially changed its star symbol for favorites to a heart symbol for likes. The change will take place on Vine as well, which is also owned by Twitter. The move was made in an effort to simplify the the Twitter experience and to woo new users to the service. Twitter's product manager, Akarshan Kumar said, "We want to make Twitter easier and more rewarding to use, and we know that at times the star could be confusing, especially to newcomers."
Favorites came about shortly after the birth of Twitter. Originally, favorites were designed as a means of bookmarking tweets. Over time, the act of favoring was made possible in real time. This gave power users like journalists a way to save articles that they wanted to read at a later date. Retweets and Hashtags were added later. With the move to hearts, Twitter is taking a cue from Facebook which is considering adding emojis as a means of giving its users more ways to express themselves.
Opinions about this latest move by Twitter are mixed. It's hard to imagine that the change will make a huge difference, as long as the functionality of the new heart symbol remains the same as the star symbol. The gamble will be whether it is easier and more rewarding to like something than it is to favorite something.
Favorites came about shortly after the birth of Twitter. Originally, favorites were designed as a means of bookmarking tweets. Over time, the act of favoring was made possible in real time. This gave power users like journalists a way to save articles that they wanted to read at a later date. Retweets and Hashtags were added later. With the move to hearts, Twitter is taking a cue from Facebook which is considering adding emojis as a means of giving its users more ways to express themselves.
Opinions about this latest move by Twitter are mixed. It's hard to imagine that the change will make a huge difference, as long as the functionality of the new heart symbol remains the same as the star symbol. The gamble will be whether it is easier and more rewarding to like something than it is to favorite something.
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
YouTube Red Arrives
On October 28th 2015, Google officially launched it new subscription video service called YouTube Red. As announced earlier this month, YouTube Red will be an ad free version of the popular video site, priced at $9.99 a month. The new service was originally introduced as YouTube Music Key in the fall of 2014. As YouTube Red, the service will be released first in the U S before being rolled out to the rest of the world.
Ad free viewing is only the beginning. Subscribers will be able to access YouTube Red from their PCs, smartphones, tablets, and TV apps. You will also be able to subscribe to Apple devices, but the cost is $12.99 per month. A YouTube Red membership also comes with full access to Google Play Music at no extra cost. Videos can be downloaded for viewing offline for up to 30 days.
In early 2016, YouTube Red subscribers will get access to members only original shows and movies. If it all of this sounds temping but you're still not sure, you can get a 30 day free trial to YouTube Red, so you can try before you buy
Ad free viewing is only the beginning. Subscribers will be able to access YouTube Red from their PCs, smartphones, tablets, and TV apps. You will also be able to subscribe to Apple devices, but the cost is $12.99 per month. A YouTube Red membership also comes with full access to Google Play Music at no extra cost. Videos can be downloaded for viewing offline for up to 30 days.
In early 2016, YouTube Red subscribers will get access to members only original shows and movies. If it all of this sounds temping but you're still not sure, you can get a 30 day free trial to YouTube Red, so you can try before you buy
Wednesday, October 21, 2015
Artificial Skin Gives Sense Of Touch
On October 16th 2015, researchers at Stanford University announced that they had created artificial skin that could feel pressure. This development is expected to one day give prosthetic limbs a sense of touch. The researchers say that the plastic skin is capable of distinguishing the strength of a hand shake and can send that information to the central nervous system. The break through was made by Zhenan Bao, professor of chemical engineering and her team, and was a decade in development.
Dr. Bao and her coworkers made the artificial skin by connecting, microstructured resistive pressure sensors, flexible organic electronic circuits, and nerve cells that contained light activated ion channels. The sensors, which measured conductance in response to applied pressure, were made of carbon nanotube elastomer that coated the surface. Each sensor was then connected to an organic printed circuit that converted the pressure signal into electrical impulses that increased in frequency in response to an increase in pressure.
From there, the electrical impulses were used to modulate the frequency of a light emitting diode (LED). Light from the LED was fed through an optical fiber which then stimulated a slice of mouse brain tissue. The nerve cells in the mouse brain tissue were treated with channelrhodosins that opened and closed in response to light, which triggered the nerve cells to fire.
Dr Bao said, "This is just the beginning of the path toward building fully integrated artificial skin." She and her team hope to mimic other human sensing functions, such as the ability to feel heat.
Dr. Bao and her coworkers made the artificial skin by connecting, microstructured resistive pressure sensors, flexible organic electronic circuits, and nerve cells that contained light activated ion channels. The sensors, which measured conductance in response to applied pressure, were made of carbon nanotube elastomer that coated the surface. Each sensor was then connected to an organic printed circuit that converted the pressure signal into electrical impulses that increased in frequency in response to an increase in pressure.
From there, the electrical impulses were used to modulate the frequency of a light emitting diode (LED). Light from the LED was fed through an optical fiber which then stimulated a slice of mouse brain tissue. The nerve cells in the mouse brain tissue were treated with channelrhodosins that opened and closed in response to light, which triggered the nerve cells to fire.
Dr Bao said, "This is just the beginning of the path toward building fully integrated artificial skin." She and her team hope to mimic other human sensing functions, such as the ability to feel heat.
Wednesday, October 14, 2015
YouTube Subscription Services Coming Soon
On September 25th 2015, it was announced that YouTube is in the final stages of launch preparations for its much anticipated new music service. According to Peter Kafka of Recode.com, an email was sent to content creators advising them to accept and agree to new terms by October 22nd 2015. After such time, if they have not, their "videos will no longer be available for public display or monetization in the United States."
YouTube plans to bundle two separate services into one offering. They are going to offer both its music service, YouTube Music Key, and another service that they have yet to launch. The services will be priced at $10 a month and will be ad free. Most of the money will go to the record labels and copyright owners. While an actual launch date has not been given, the new premium ad free subscription service is expected to arrive by the end of November.
YouTube plans to bundle two separate services into one offering. They are going to offer both its music service, YouTube Music Key, and another service that they have yet to launch. The services will be priced at $10 a month and will be ad free. Most of the money will go to the record labels and copyright owners. While an actual launch date has not been given, the new premium ad free subscription service is expected to arrive by the end of November.
Wednesday, October 7, 2015
Two Scientists Win Nobel Prize For Neutrino Oscillations
On October 6th 2015, two scientists were awarded the Nobel Prize in physics for the discovery of neutrino oscillations. The discovery, which was made by Takaaki Kajita and Arther B McDonald, definitively proves that neutrinos do have mass. The announcement was made during a press conference by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences. The two men will share an award of 8 million Swedish Krona ($964,000).
The two physicists led separate teams, Kajita at the University of Tokyo in Japan and McDonald at Queen's University in Canada. They each used massive detectors designed to alert them if a neutrino had passed through them. Neutrinos have very little mass, no electric charge, and rarely interact with other particles. They are found as the result of radioactive decay and most notably as a by product of the nuclear fusion reaction that powers the sun.
Because they rarely interact with anything, billions of them, streaming from the sun, pass through the earth and our bodies every second. Neutrinos come in what is called, three "flavors," electron, muon, and tau. The experiments conducted by Kajita and McDonald revealed that one type of neutrino could turn into another by a process called oscillation. It was further determined that this process occurs as neutrinos travel from the sun towards the earth.
It is not yet known what the mass of each of the three flavors of neutrinos are, but it is believed that it is very small, on the order of at least a million times smaller than the mass of the electron. Some scientists believe that the success of the experiments by Kajita and McDonald will not only help to increase our understanding of how the fusion process works inside the sun, but it may also one day aide in the creation of fusion reactors here on earth.
The two physicists led separate teams, Kajita at the University of Tokyo in Japan and McDonald at Queen's University in Canada. They each used massive detectors designed to alert them if a neutrino had passed through them. Neutrinos have very little mass, no electric charge, and rarely interact with other particles. They are found as the result of radioactive decay and most notably as a by product of the nuclear fusion reaction that powers the sun.
Because they rarely interact with anything, billions of them, streaming from the sun, pass through the earth and our bodies every second. Neutrinos come in what is called, three "flavors," electron, muon, and tau. The experiments conducted by Kajita and McDonald revealed that one type of neutrino could turn into another by a process called oscillation. It was further determined that this process occurs as neutrinos travel from the sun towards the earth.
It is not yet known what the mass of each of the three flavors of neutrinos are, but it is believed that it is very small, on the order of at least a million times smaller than the mass of the electron. Some scientists believe that the success of the experiments by Kajita and McDonald will not only help to increase our understanding of how the fusion process works inside the sun, but it may also one day aide in the creation of fusion reactors here on earth.
Wednesday, September 30, 2015
Water Flows On The Surface Of Mars
On September 28th 2015, NASA announced that they had made conformation of liquid water flowing on the surface of Mars. Photos taken from the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter have revealed what researchers at NASA are calling, recurring slope lineae or (RSL), which are narrow, dark streaks on the planet's surface. NASA's director of planetary sciences division, James L Greene said, "We now have, I think, great opportunities to investigate the possibility of life."
The recurring slope lineae or RSL are about 15 feet in width or smaller and appear on slopes during the planets warm seasons. These lineae then fade during the cooler seasons only to reappear when the temperature warms again. Previous analysis of data from the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter's Compact Reconnaissance Imaging Spectrometer found neither salt nor water. However, the new study has yielded greater detail.
A team of researchers, led by Lujendra Ojha, of the School of Earth Sciences at the Georgia Institute of Technology, found evidence of hydrated salts like magnesium chlorate, magnesium perchlorate, and sodium perchlorate. All of these substances can effectively lower the freezing point of water so that it can flow freely at cooler temperatures. The average temperature on Mars is 70 degrees below zero but can reach as high as 70 degrees above zero near the equator.
NASA and other research institutions are developing new technologies to search for a bio-signature on Mars. Some of those bio-hunting devices are expected to be incorporated into the next NASA mission, Mars 2020 rover and the European Space Agency's ExoMars Mission. Researchers are now expressing some concern as to how life can be detected without causing cross contamination. Any robotic mechanism designed to detect Martian life may ultimately only be detecting life brought there from Earth.
The plan for future exploration is to use a sort of, "stand off," analysis. At this time, the idea is to use Raman Spectroscopy, which is a form of vibrational spectroscopy. While it's harder for Raman Spectroscopy to distinguish between fossils and carbon based materials, it is however very adept at distinguishing between organic compounds that were once alive and those that are living now. Some researchers believe that the ideal way to examine the Martian soil, is to do a Mars sample return.
The recurring slope lineae or RSL are about 15 feet in width or smaller and appear on slopes during the planets warm seasons. These lineae then fade during the cooler seasons only to reappear when the temperature warms again. Previous analysis of data from the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter's Compact Reconnaissance Imaging Spectrometer found neither salt nor water. However, the new study has yielded greater detail.
A team of researchers, led by Lujendra Ojha, of the School of Earth Sciences at the Georgia Institute of Technology, found evidence of hydrated salts like magnesium chlorate, magnesium perchlorate, and sodium perchlorate. All of these substances can effectively lower the freezing point of water so that it can flow freely at cooler temperatures. The average temperature on Mars is 70 degrees below zero but can reach as high as 70 degrees above zero near the equator.
NASA and other research institutions are developing new technologies to search for a bio-signature on Mars. Some of those bio-hunting devices are expected to be incorporated into the next NASA mission, Mars 2020 rover and the European Space Agency's ExoMars Mission. Researchers are now expressing some concern as to how life can be detected without causing cross contamination. Any robotic mechanism designed to detect Martian life may ultimately only be detecting life brought there from Earth.
The plan for future exploration is to use a sort of, "stand off," analysis. At this time, the idea is to use Raman Spectroscopy, which is a form of vibrational spectroscopy. While it's harder for Raman Spectroscopy to distinguish between fossils and carbon based materials, it is however very adept at distinguishing between organic compounds that were once alive and those that are living now. Some researchers believe that the ideal way to examine the Martian soil, is to do a Mars sample return.
Wednesday, September 23, 2015
A New Species Of Human Is Found In South Africa
On September 10th 2015, scientists in South Africa announced that they had discovered what they believed to be a new species of human. The fossil find was made while searching the Rising Star Cave. The remains, which were many, covered the earthen floor just beyond the caves narrow entrance. Deep within what is being called the Dinaledi Chamber were the 1,500 bones of approx 15 hominids that have been named Homo Naledi.
The international team that made the discovery consisted of 60 scientists who were led by Lee R Burger. Burger is an American paleontologist and a professor of human evolution studies at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg. Burger says that the species' name, Homo Naledi, is derived from the cave where the remains were found, and that "naledi" means "star" in the local Sesotho language.
Researchers analyzing the Homo Naledi remains have yet to determine the actual age of the fossils. A determination has been difficult due to the muddled chamber contents and the absence of fauna. Because the species had a brain no larger than an orange, Dr Burger believes that it might have evolved near the root of the Homo genus. If this is true, then it's possible that Homo Naledi may have lived 2.5 to 2.8 million years ago.
The scientists who made the discovery have noted that Homo Naledi has a combination of both primitive as well as modern characteristics, which include their jaws, teeth and feet. The average Homo Naledi is believed to have stood five feet tall and weighed about 100 pounds.
The international team that made the discovery consisted of 60 scientists who were led by Lee R Burger. Burger is an American paleontologist and a professor of human evolution studies at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg. Burger says that the species' name, Homo Naledi, is derived from the cave where the remains were found, and that "naledi" means "star" in the local Sesotho language.
Researchers analyzing the Homo Naledi remains have yet to determine the actual age of the fossils. A determination has been difficult due to the muddled chamber contents and the absence of fauna. Because the species had a brain no larger than an orange, Dr Burger believes that it might have evolved near the root of the Homo genus. If this is true, then it's possible that Homo Naledi may have lived 2.5 to 2.8 million years ago.
The scientists who made the discovery have noted that Homo Naledi has a combination of both primitive as well as modern characteristics, which include their jaws, teeth and feet. The average Homo Naledi is believed to have stood five feet tall and weighed about 100 pounds.
Wednesday, September 16, 2015
Arctic Ice Shrinks To Fourth Lowest Level
On September 15th 2015, the National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC) announced that the sea ice in the Arctic had reached its fourth lowest level in recorded history. The decline is seen as a long term trend that has been monitored via satellite since the 1970s. Melting sea ice is closely tied to warmer weather in the region as average Arctic temperatures continue to rise.
The National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC) stated that the lowest extent occurred on September 17th 2012, when the ice only covered 1.31 square miles of terrain. This year's level, reached on September 11th, was 1.70 square miles. The NSIDC went on to say that, "the nine lowest extents recorded during the satellite era all occurred in the last nine years. They added that in 2013, the ice experienced an unexpected revival when the volume was recorded as increasing by 41%.
Tony Scambos, head of the NSIDC science team, said that unlike 2012 when storms broke up a great deal of ice, there wasn't anything particularly extraordinary, in an atmospheric sense. He believes that the Arctic is "evolving," and says that, "even relatively typical summers in the Arctic lead to relatively low sea ice extents." NASA, which funds the NSIDC, added that, "The sea ice decline has accelerated since 1996.
The NSIDC has not released a full analysis of this year's ice melt. They note that there is still a chance that changing wind patterns or low season melt could possibly see the ice recede even further.
The National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC) stated that the lowest extent occurred on September 17th 2012, when the ice only covered 1.31 square miles of terrain. This year's level, reached on September 11th, was 1.70 square miles. The NSIDC went on to say that, "the nine lowest extents recorded during the satellite era all occurred in the last nine years. They added that in 2013, the ice experienced an unexpected revival when the volume was recorded as increasing by 41%.
Tony Scambos, head of the NSIDC science team, said that unlike 2012 when storms broke up a great deal of ice, there wasn't anything particularly extraordinary, in an atmospheric sense. He believes that the Arctic is "evolving," and says that, "even relatively typical summers in the Arctic lead to relatively low sea ice extents." NASA, which funds the NSIDC, added that, "The sea ice decline has accelerated since 1996.
The NSIDC has not released a full analysis of this year's ice melt. They note that there is still a chance that changing wind patterns or low season melt could possibly see the ice recede even further.
Wednesday, September 2, 2015
NASA Creates Material That Heals Its Self
On August 27th 2015, NASA announced that it had created a material that can self heal after being punctured. The research, funded by NASA, and carried out at the University of Michigan, has produced a "Terminator style," material that may one day be used to protect spacecraft from being damaged by space debris.
The material consists of two layers of polymer with a third layer of a liquid resin called, Thiol-ene-Tryialkyborane, which is sandwiched in between them. When the material is punctured, the resin is released and mixes with the surrounding oxygen. The resin quickly hardens to form a solid plug in the damaged area.
University of Michigan researchers believe that the new material could also be used to line the inside of fuel tanks, in airplane hulls, or in just about anything that may face the risk of being depressurized due to a breach. The most notable possible application is the outer hull of the International Space Station.
The material consists of two layers of polymer with a third layer of a liquid resin called, Thiol-ene-Tryialkyborane, which is sandwiched in between them. When the material is punctured, the resin is released and mixes with the surrounding oxygen. The resin quickly hardens to form a solid plug in the damaged area.
University of Michigan researchers believe that the new material could also be used to line the inside of fuel tanks, in airplane hulls, or in just about anything that may face the risk of being depressurized due to a breach. The most notable possible application is the outer hull of the International Space Station.
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
Apple Is Moving Foward With Driverless Car
On August 14th 2015, The Guardian announced that it had obtained documents that confirm that Apple is building a self driving electric car. Despite some skepticism from some tech bloggers, Apple continues to hire engineers and car executives from around the auto industry, including some from Tesla Motors, which would indicate that they are moving forward with their plans to build a car.
The documents, which The Guardian obtained under a public records request, states that Apple's self driving car project is code named Titan. It further reveals that in May of 2015, Apple engineers from its Special Projects Group met officials from GoMentum Station. GoMentum Station is a former Navel base outside San Fransisco that is now being used as a high security test facility for autonomous vehicles.
Also, in the documents obtained by The Guardian, is a correspondence from Apple's Frank Fearon, who stated, "We would Like to get an understanding of timing and availability for the space and how we would need to coordinate around other parties who would be using it." The GoMentum Station site offers 20 miles of everyday transport scenarios and 24 hour surveillance provided by armed soldiers.
While the details of project Titan remain unknown, there are reports that Apple has met with officials from German car maker BMW. It is believed that Apple is interested in the carbon fiber reinforced BMW i3 electric vehicle, which is thought to be the most energy efficient car in the US.
The documents, which The Guardian obtained under a public records request, states that Apple's self driving car project is code named Titan. It further reveals that in May of 2015, Apple engineers from its Special Projects Group met officials from GoMentum Station. GoMentum Station is a former Navel base outside San Fransisco that is now being used as a high security test facility for autonomous vehicles.
Also, in the documents obtained by The Guardian, is a correspondence from Apple's Frank Fearon, who stated, "We would Like to get an understanding of timing and availability for the space and how we would need to coordinate around other parties who would be using it." The GoMentum Station site offers 20 miles of everyday transport scenarios and 24 hour surveillance provided by armed soldiers.
While the details of project Titan remain unknown, there are reports that Apple has met with officials from German car maker BMW. It is believed that Apple is interested in the carbon fiber reinforced BMW i3 electric vehicle, which is thought to be the most energy efficient car in the US.
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
Study Suggests That Aboriginies Were First Americans
On July 21st 2015, it was announced that a study has revealed a genetic link between Australian Aborigines and Amazonians of Brazil. The study, co authored by David Reich, was done by a group of researchers from Harvard University. Reich says that, "About 2% of the ancestry of Amazonians today comes from this Australian lineage that's not present anywhere in the Americas."
It has always been the conclusion that native Americans from both continents originally migrated across an icy land bridge between Russia and Alaska in the Baring Straits. The new study proposes that a first migration that took place some 15,000 years ago, came from two groups, Eurasians and native people from the continents that form the Pacific Ring, and include, Australia, New Guinea, and the Andaman Islands. The Harvard study also suggests that the latter group may have actually been the first of the two to make the journey.
Reich and his research group collected and analyzed the DNA of nine Brazilian populations. They then compared that DNA with with the genomes of 200 non American Populations. What they found was that the Karitiana Tribe, Tupi speaking Surui people that first came in contact with the modern world in 1969, and the Ge-speaking Eastern Brazilians, all had a genetic link to indigenous Australians. However, the Harvard research team was not able to find any other traces in any other Native American groups in South, Central, or North America.
The Harvard research team believes that the genetic link may be as old as the first humans to colonize the continent, and that the Aborigine population might have even been living in the area before Native Americans. They say that their findings also suggests that skeletons of some Native Americans found in Brazil have skulls that have Australian features, and that this may mean that there was a greater diversity of the founding population than what was once believed.
It has always been the conclusion that native Americans from both continents originally migrated across an icy land bridge between Russia and Alaska in the Baring Straits. The new study proposes that a first migration that took place some 15,000 years ago, came from two groups, Eurasians and native people from the continents that form the Pacific Ring, and include, Australia, New Guinea, and the Andaman Islands. The Harvard study also suggests that the latter group may have actually been the first of the two to make the journey.
Reich and his research group collected and analyzed the DNA of nine Brazilian populations. They then compared that DNA with with the genomes of 200 non American Populations. What they found was that the Karitiana Tribe, Tupi speaking Surui people that first came in contact with the modern world in 1969, and the Ge-speaking Eastern Brazilians, all had a genetic link to indigenous Australians. However, the Harvard research team was not able to find any other traces in any other Native American groups in South, Central, or North America.
The Harvard research team believes that the genetic link may be as old as the first humans to colonize the continent, and that the Aborigine population might have even been living in the area before Native Americans. They say that their findings also suggests that skeletons of some Native Americans found in Brazil have skulls that have Australian features, and that this may mean that there was a greater diversity of the founding population than what was once believed.
Wednesday, August 12, 2015
Columbia House Files For Bankruptcy
On August 10th 2015, Columbia House filed for bankruptcy under chapter 11. The one time mail order giant known to many consumers in the 80s and 90s as the Columbia Music and DVD Club, was once worth some 1.4 billion dollars in revenue a year. Film Entertainment Inc., the company that owns Columbia House, cited the advent and subsequent rise of digital distribution, and the continuing pace of the growth of technology, for the company's demise.
Columbia House was founded in 1955 as a division of CBS Inc. Early on, it was most noted for offering records and tapes, and then in the 80s it was CDs and cassettes that could be had for a penny. As their business continued to grow, DVDs were added. The company would offer as many as a dozen or more CDs or DVDs for the low penny price, if the consumer was willing to commit to a two, three, or four year contract to buy them at regular club prices. Those prices could be as much as $19.99 each.
Digital file formats such as the Mp3 in the 90s slowly began to erode the popularity of music's physical distribution model and many feel, the value of music as well. File sharing increased the possibility and the amount of illegal downloading and music piracy. At the beginning of the twenty first century, the introduction of the of the iPod and digital music stores made buying singles the preferred way to buy music as opposed to albums.
By 2010, Columbia House had given up the music side of its trade in favor of a DVD only business. But, by 2014, annual revenue had fallen to just $17 million, while its membership had fallen to just 110,000 participants. Film Entertainment has tested both film and music streaming, but it is not clear if the company will proceed in either direction in the future.
Columbia House was founded in 1955 as a division of CBS Inc. Early on, it was most noted for offering records and tapes, and then in the 80s it was CDs and cassettes that could be had for a penny. As their business continued to grow, DVDs were added. The company would offer as many as a dozen or more CDs or DVDs for the low penny price, if the consumer was willing to commit to a two, three, or four year contract to buy them at regular club prices. Those prices could be as much as $19.99 each.
Digital file formats such as the Mp3 in the 90s slowly began to erode the popularity of music's physical distribution model and many feel, the value of music as well. File sharing increased the possibility and the amount of illegal downloading and music piracy. At the beginning of the twenty first century, the introduction of the of the iPod and digital music stores made buying singles the preferred way to buy music as opposed to albums.
By 2010, Columbia House had given up the music side of its trade in favor of a DVD only business. But, by 2014, annual revenue had fallen to just $17 million, while its membership had fallen to just 110,000 participants. Film Entertainment has tested both film and music streaming, but it is not clear if the company will proceed in either direction in the future.
New Song Released
I've just released a new track by Nprogram entitled, "Whatcha Want Me To Do." It's now available at iTunes. Click the Widget below or to the right for a full stream preview.
Wednesday, August 5, 2015
Four Legged Snake Fossil Is Unearthed
On July 23rd 2015, it was announced that the fossil remains of a four legged snake had been discovered. Paleontologist David Martill of the University of Portsmouth, the UK, found the snake in the Museum Solnhofen in Germany. Martill said, "When I noticed the fossil had front legs, I realized we actually got the missing link between lizards and snakes."
Martill and his colleague Nicholas Longrich of Britain's Bath University, believe that the snake fossil, which was found in Brazil dates back to the Cretaceous period some 110 to 125 million years ago. The snake, named Tetrapodophis, measured 7.9 inches with a head the size of an adult fingernail. Its front legs were a small 0.4 inches with tiny hands that were half as long. Its hind legs and feet were slightly longer.
For years scientists have argued over whether snakes evolved from land or sea animals. Tetrapodophis has no adaptations that would have made it a marine animal. However, its skull and its body proportions are consistent with an animal that had adapted to burrowing. Longrich feels that this finding shows that it must be true that snakes originated in the Southern Hemisphere, and he supports the theory of a terrestrial origin.
Martill and his colleague Nicholas Longrich of Britain's Bath University, believe that the snake fossil, which was found in Brazil dates back to the Cretaceous period some 110 to 125 million years ago. The snake, named Tetrapodophis, measured 7.9 inches with a head the size of an adult fingernail. Its front legs were a small 0.4 inches with tiny hands that were half as long. Its hind legs and feet were slightly longer.
For years scientists have argued over whether snakes evolved from land or sea animals. Tetrapodophis has no adaptations that would have made it a marine animal. However, its skull and its body proportions are consistent with an animal that had adapted to burrowing. Longrich feels that this finding shows that it must be true that snakes originated in the Southern Hemisphere, and he supports the theory of a terrestrial origin.
Wednesday, July 29, 2015
Windows 10 Is Now Available
At 12:00 AM on July 29th 2015, Microsoft began its roll out of Windows 10, its first new operating system in three years. The OS is being offered as a free upgrade to Windows 7 and Windows 8 and 8.1. Microsoft hopes that the move to offer its new operating system as a free upgrade will help to purge the memory of Windows 8. The Windows 10 download is being offer free for the first year and then $119 there after.
Those wishing to get their free upgrade of Windows 10 must first reserve a copy. Eligible users are those who are running Windows 7, 8 and 8.1 There should be a new icon in the right corner of your system tray. Click this icon and a new window will open that will explain how to reserve your free copy of Windows 10. If you've already reserved your copy, clicking the same icon will start your Windows 10 download. The file is 3.5 GB in size but downloads fairly quickly over a high speed connection.
Once the download is complete, a window will open and offer you the opportunity to choose when you wish to install your upgrade. When you are less than one hour away from your install you will be alerted again, and offered the opportunity to either start your install, install at a later time, or let the timer start the install as first scheduled. To install before the scheduled time, click the the new icon and the Windows updater will open and prompt you to restart your computer. The install will begin after your computer restarts and will take approx 40 to 50 minutes.
A progress screen will let you know how close you are to the completion of your installation. Once Windows 10 has successfully installed, you will be prompted to enter your user account password. From there you will be guided through a brief setup, followed by your new look desktop screen complete with the return of the now familiar start menu. All of your files and applications, as well as your settings should remain untouched.
Some of the most notable users in the tech world who have downloaded, installed, and are using Windows 10 are very pleased with the new look and the ease of its performance.
Those wishing to get their free upgrade of Windows 10 must first reserve a copy. Eligible users are those who are running Windows 7, 8 and 8.1 There should be a new icon in the right corner of your system tray. Click this icon and a new window will open that will explain how to reserve your free copy of Windows 10. If you've already reserved your copy, clicking the same icon will start your Windows 10 download. The file is 3.5 GB in size but downloads fairly quickly over a high speed connection.
Once the download is complete, a window will open and offer you the opportunity to choose when you wish to install your upgrade. When you are less than one hour away from your install you will be alerted again, and offered the opportunity to either start your install, install at a later time, or let the timer start the install as first scheduled. To install before the scheduled time, click the the new icon and the Windows updater will open and prompt you to restart your computer. The install will begin after your computer restarts and will take approx 40 to 50 minutes.
A progress screen will let you know how close you are to the completion of your installation. Once Windows 10 has successfully installed, you will be prompted to enter your user account password. From there you will be guided through a brief setup, followed by your new look desktop screen complete with the return of the now familiar start menu. All of your files and applications, as well as your settings should remain untouched.
Some of the most notable users in the tech world who have downloaded, installed, and are using Windows 10 are very pleased with the new look and the ease of its performance.
Wednesday, July 22, 2015
NASA Plans Return To The Moon
On July 20th 2015, NASA announced that it has plans to return humans to the Moon within the next 5 years. A new study conducted by NexGen Space LLC, and funded by NASA, says that a partnership between NASA and private companies could make it possible to send humans back to the Moon within 5 to 7 years for approximately $10 billion. The study further states that a permanent base could be built on the moon within 10 to 12 years after that.
According to Charles Miller, president of NexGen, by entering a private-public partnership with companies like SpaceX, Orbital ATK, and United Launch Alliance, NASA could cut its cost for establishing a human presence on the Moon "by a factor of 10." This could help NASA expand its plans for future missions without exceeding its estimated $4 billion a year space flight budget. The costs would be spread between the companies who would essentially place bids for various contracts.
Establishing a base or colony on the Moon would create an opportunity to mine for natural resources. Scientists believe that there is as much water on the Moon as there is in the great Salt Lake in Utah. The water is frozen at the Moon's poles, and rovers would be sent to the Moon to retrieve it and convert it into hydrogen. The hydrogen would then be sent into orbit around the Moon, where spacecraft would collect it.
The first robotic team could return to the moon as early as 2017. Rovers could search for hydrogen in 2018 while prospecting could begin in 2019 or 2020. Robots could begin building a permanent base in 2021, with humans landing on the Moon a year later.
According to Charles Miller, president of NexGen, by entering a private-public partnership with companies like SpaceX, Orbital ATK, and United Launch Alliance, NASA could cut its cost for establishing a human presence on the Moon "by a factor of 10." This could help NASA expand its plans for future missions without exceeding its estimated $4 billion a year space flight budget. The costs would be spread between the companies who would essentially place bids for various contracts.
Establishing a base or colony on the Moon would create an opportunity to mine for natural resources. Scientists believe that there is as much water on the Moon as there is in the great Salt Lake in Utah. The water is frozen at the Moon's poles, and rovers would be sent to the Moon to retrieve it and convert it into hydrogen. The hydrogen would then be sent into orbit around the Moon, where spacecraft would collect it.
The first robotic team could return to the moon as early as 2017. Rovers could search for hydrogen in 2018 while prospecting could begin in 2019 or 2020. Robots could begin building a permanent base in 2021, with humans landing on the Moon a year later.
Wednesday, July 15, 2015
New Horizons Spacraft Flys By Pluto
On July 14th 2015, NASA's New Horizons Spacecraft made history as it flew within 7,800 miles of the dwarf planet Pluto. The spacecraft passed by Pluto at 7:49 am EDT and remained silent until 8:52 pm EDT, when it made contact with mission controllers. At that time it informed them that it had completed the flyby and had performed all assigned tasks. The flyby makes the New Horizons Spacecraft the first to visit Pluto. The US has now visited every planet in the solar system.
The New Horizons Spacecraft was launched in January of 2006. It has spent the last 9 1/2 years traversing 2.97 billion miles in order to complete its historic mission. During the hours that the spacecraft was out of contact, it was busy preforming tasks and taking pictures, which it has begun to transmit back to Earth. The down link speed of transmission is about two kilobits per second and it take data 4 hours to reach the Earth from Pluto. At that rate, mission controllers expect that it will take 16 months to retrieve all of the data.
The first photos sent back by the New Horizons Spacecraft have yielded some surprises. The surface of Pluto has mountain ranges composed of water ice that are 11,000 ft high. Even more surprising is that, so far, there is no evidence of any impact craters. Pluto has five moons, the largest of which, Charon is almost the same size as Pluto. The photos have revealed that it has some puzzling features of its own. Charon has cliffs that run for hundreds of miles across and canyons that are four to six miles deep.
The New Horizons Spacecraft is reportedly already a million miles beyond Pluto on its way to its real mission objective which is to explore the Kuiper Belt.
The New Horizons Spacecraft was launched in January of 2006. It has spent the last 9 1/2 years traversing 2.97 billion miles in order to complete its historic mission. During the hours that the spacecraft was out of contact, it was busy preforming tasks and taking pictures, which it has begun to transmit back to Earth. The down link speed of transmission is about two kilobits per second and it take data 4 hours to reach the Earth from Pluto. At that rate, mission controllers expect that it will take 16 months to retrieve all of the data.
The first photos sent back by the New Horizons Spacecraft have yielded some surprises. The surface of Pluto has mountain ranges composed of water ice that are 11,000 ft high. Even more surprising is that, so far, there is no evidence of any impact craters. Pluto has five moons, the largest of which, Charon is almost the same size as Pluto. The photos have revealed that it has some puzzling features of its own. Charon has cliffs that run for hundreds of miles across and canyons that are four to six miles deep.
The New Horizons Spacecraft is reportedly already a million miles beyond Pluto on its way to its real mission objective which is to explore the Kuiper Belt.
Wednesday, July 8, 2015
A New Species Of Early Humans Is Found
On May 28th 2015, anthropologists on a dig in Ethiopia announced that they had discovered the fossilized remains of a previously unknown species of early humans. The remains have been dated to 3.3 million years old, which is older than Lucy, the Australopithecus Afarensis skeleton that was discovered in the same Afar region in 1974. Lucy is believed to have lived 3.2 million years ago.
The new species of hominid is being called Australopithecus Deyiremeda and is now being considered to be the earliest of modern human ancestors. The species' name is derived from the Afar language and translates as "close," and "relative." The find suggests that several different hominid species roamed Eastern Africa more than 3 million years ago, including Kenyanthropus Platyops which lived in what is now Kenya.
The current fossil evidence consists of an upper and lower jawbone. The remains were actually found in March of 2011. The bones were found so close to Hadar in the Afar region were Lucy was found, that the researchers guessed that the bones must have belonged to her species. But, upon closer inspection, they discovered that the lower jaw was beefier and the teeth were smaller than those of the Australopithecus Afarensis and Kenyanthropus Platyops species.
Yohannes Haile Selassie, of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, and whose team made the discovery, said, "The question that is going to come up is which taxa gave rise to our genus." To make a stronger case for Australopithecus Deyiremeda, Selassie's team hope to link the jawbones to foot fossils of as as yet unidentified species that was also found during their Afar dig. Selassie said, "Then we will be in a better position to say that this is a new species."
The new species of hominid is being called Australopithecus Deyiremeda and is now being considered to be the earliest of modern human ancestors. The species' name is derived from the Afar language and translates as "close," and "relative." The find suggests that several different hominid species roamed Eastern Africa more than 3 million years ago, including Kenyanthropus Platyops which lived in what is now Kenya.
The current fossil evidence consists of an upper and lower jawbone. The remains were actually found in March of 2011. The bones were found so close to Hadar in the Afar region were Lucy was found, that the researchers guessed that the bones must have belonged to her species. But, upon closer inspection, they discovered that the lower jaw was beefier and the teeth were smaller than those of the Australopithecus Afarensis and Kenyanthropus Platyops species.
Yohannes Haile Selassie, of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, and whose team made the discovery, said, "The question that is going to come up is which taxa gave rise to our genus." To make a stronger case for Australopithecus Deyiremeda, Selassie's team hope to link the jawbones to foot fossils of as as yet unidentified species that was also found during their Afar dig. Selassie said, "Then we will be in a better position to say that this is a new species."
Wednesday, July 1, 2015
Apple Music Has Arrived
On June 30th 2015, Apple released its long awaited music streaming service, Apple Music. The new service arrived as part of iOS 8.4 and will be free for the first 3 months. After that, those who like what they see and hear will have to pay a monthly fee of $9.99. Apple has taken the backbone of Beats Music, coupled it with their own version of features made popular by other streaming services, and created something that is uniquely Apple.
There are four basic parts to the new Apple Music streaming service. The heart of the service is Beats 1, which features live radio stations, as well as genre specific and user created stations. A new feature, is the curated playlists that feature new artists and new albums. There's a "For You," feature that recommends playlists that are based on a users artist or genre preferences or iTunes library. Last but not least, there's Connect, which is a social media site where artists and their fans can interact.
The Apple Music service seamlessly integrates with the music in a users iTunes library, allowing for the creation of mixed playlists that consist of songs that a users has bought, with those that they stream. Many of the curated playlists are done so by up to 300 human editors that include employees from Apple, Rolling Stone, Downbeat, and Pitchfork. There's also a family plan that offers somewhat of a price cut. For $15 a month, six people can be subscribers, with each of them having their own experience.
For those wishing to try Apple Music on their PCs, you will need to download the new version of iTunes, 12.2.
There are four basic parts to the new Apple Music streaming service. The heart of the service is Beats 1, which features live radio stations, as well as genre specific and user created stations. A new feature, is the curated playlists that feature new artists and new albums. There's a "For You," feature that recommends playlists that are based on a users artist or genre preferences or iTunes library. Last but not least, there's Connect, which is a social media site where artists and their fans can interact.
The Apple Music service seamlessly integrates with the music in a users iTunes library, allowing for the creation of mixed playlists that consist of songs that a users has bought, with those that they stream. Many of the curated playlists are done so by up to 300 human editors that include employees from Apple, Rolling Stone, Downbeat, and Pitchfork. There's also a family plan that offers somewhat of a price cut. For $15 a month, six people can be subscribers, with each of them having their own experience.
For those wishing to try Apple Music on their PCs, you will need to download the new version of iTunes, 12.2.
Wednesday, June 24, 2015
Google Annouces Ad Based Music Streaming
On June 23rd 2015, Google announced that its Google Play Music will be adding a free, ad based tier to its music streaming service. The launch of the new service creates a companion to its $9.99 a month subscription option. Analysts see this as a move to get ahead of the release of Apple Music, which is due later in the month. Google has said that it is offering the free service as a way to entice listeners to buy a subscription to the ad free version.
Some features are missing from Google's free service. Free users will be limited to six song skips per hour. Users can pause songs but there is no ability to rewind or scrub through tracks. While the paid version allows users to save playlists and listen to songs offline, the free version dose not offer that feature. Google Play's free tier is more like radio, but has at least on nice perk. All of the music that's stream is at a rate of 320kbps.
The new ad supported version of Google Play Music is similar to Songza, a company which Google purchased for what was rumored to be, the sum of $39 million, in July of 2014. The playlists are curated by music experts that also include Songza music staffers. Users can browse music by genres, mood, decade, activity, artist, song or album. Listeners will also be able to choose from themed stations such as "Driving," or "Working Out."
The new ad supported version of Google Play Music will launch first in the US. It will be available on the web on Tuesday June 30th 2015, and it should be available for iOS several days before that.
Some features are missing from Google's free service. Free users will be limited to six song skips per hour. Users can pause songs but there is no ability to rewind or scrub through tracks. While the paid version allows users to save playlists and listen to songs offline, the free version dose not offer that feature. Google Play's free tier is more like radio, but has at least on nice perk. All of the music that's stream is at a rate of 320kbps.
The new ad supported version of Google Play Music is similar to Songza, a company which Google purchased for what was rumored to be, the sum of $39 million, in July of 2014. The playlists are curated by music experts that also include Songza music staffers. Users can browse music by genres, mood, decade, activity, artist, song or album. Listeners will also be able to choose from themed stations such as "Driving," or "Working Out."
The new ad supported version of Google Play Music will launch first in the US. It will be available on the web on Tuesday June 30th 2015, and it should be available for iOS several days before that.
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
Rosetta Mision Update: Philae Lander Awakens
On June 14th 2015, the European Space Agency announced that comet lander, Philae, which landed on comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko in November of 2014, had finally awaken from its hibernation. Philae went into hibernation after landing in the shadow of a cliff, which prevented it from receiving enough sunlight to recharge its solar batteries. Philae sent back data for 57 hours before it ran out of power.
Stephen Ulamec, Philae's project manager, stated that, "the lander is doing well, operating at a temperature of -35 degrees Celsius and a power of 24 watts." The lander has already analyzed 300 of its more than 8,000 data packets. In the coming days, scientist hope to access those data packets in an effort to determine where Philae actually landed.
Scientists are set to change the orbit of the Rosetta spacecraft, which has been orbiting comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko. Their goal is to bring the orbiter within 180 kilometers of the comet's surface, in order to give the Rosetta spacecraft stronger and longer communication links with the Philae lander. The Rosetta spacecraft can only receive a signal from Philae while the lander is in direct sunlight, and in a direct line of sight.
Philae's mission is to study whether comets may have contributed to life on Earth. It is equipped with a small drill and two mass spectrometers that are designed to analyze the chemical composition of the comet's soil. Scientist are hoping that the comet's proximity to the sun will provide Philae with enough energy to carry out its objective.
Stephen Ulamec, Philae's project manager, stated that, "the lander is doing well, operating at a temperature of -35 degrees Celsius and a power of 24 watts." The lander has already analyzed 300 of its more than 8,000 data packets. In the coming days, scientist hope to access those data packets in an effort to determine where Philae actually landed.
Scientists are set to change the orbit of the Rosetta spacecraft, which has been orbiting comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko. Their goal is to bring the orbiter within 180 kilometers of the comet's surface, in order to give the Rosetta spacecraft stronger and longer communication links with the Philae lander. The Rosetta spacecraft can only receive a signal from Philae while the lander is in direct sunlight, and in a direct line of sight.
Philae's mission is to study whether comets may have contributed to life on Earth. It is equipped with a small drill and two mass spectrometers that are designed to analyze the chemical composition of the comet's soil. Scientist are hoping that the comet's proximity to the sun will provide Philae with enough energy to carry out its objective.
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
A Rat's Limb Is Grown In The Lab
On June 3rd 2015, researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital announced that they had successfully grown a rat's limb in the laboratory. The limb is a functioning artificial leg that not only responds to stimuli, but also circulates blood. Dr. Harald Ott, one of the researchers, believes that this is the first step in the creation of made to order body parts for humans.
To create the new rat limb, Dr Ott and his team used a process called decellularization. In this process, the limb of a dead rat is stripped of any living cells to expose the "scaffolds," or non living parts. The limb is then recellularized by planting the cells that make up the muscles and blood vessels onto the "scaffolds". The materials were then placed in a bioreactor and allowed to grow for two weeks.
After two weeks the researchers grafted some skin on to the leg, which had no bone or cartilage. Next, the rat limb was attached to a living rat. It was found that the living rat was able to circulate its blood through the biolimb. A test of an unattached biolimb revealed that the muscles moved normally. With electrical stimulation, the rat limb's paw clenched and unclenched with 80% of the strength of a newborn animal.
Dr Ott and his team believe that this process can also be used to grow biolimbs for humans. The technique of using a recipient's own genetic material has already been used to build synthetic human bladders, windpipes, and other organs. These organs, however, are simple in comparison to limbs, which contain nerves, muscles, and blood vessels, and are required to perform in a complex manner.
If biolimbs for humans comes to fruition, they will look, and respond like the real thing. And, because they will be made from the recipients own cells, the chances of rejection are unlikely.
To create the new rat limb, Dr Ott and his team used a process called decellularization. In this process, the limb of a dead rat is stripped of any living cells to expose the "scaffolds," or non living parts. The limb is then recellularized by planting the cells that make up the muscles and blood vessels onto the "scaffolds". The materials were then placed in a bioreactor and allowed to grow for two weeks.
After two weeks the researchers grafted some skin on to the leg, which had no bone or cartilage. Next, the rat limb was attached to a living rat. It was found that the living rat was able to circulate its blood through the biolimb. A test of an unattached biolimb revealed that the muscles moved normally. With electrical stimulation, the rat limb's paw clenched and unclenched with 80% of the strength of a newborn animal.
Dr Ott and his team believe that this process can also be used to grow biolimbs for humans. The technique of using a recipient's own genetic material has already been used to build synthetic human bladders, windpipes, and other organs. These organs, however, are simple in comparison to limbs, which contain nerves, muscles, and blood vessels, and are required to perform in a complex manner.
If biolimbs for humans comes to fruition, they will look, and respond like the real thing. And, because they will be made from the recipients own cells, the chances of rejection are unlikely.
Wednesday, June 3, 2015
Microsoft Annouces Windows 10 Release Date
On June 1st 2015, Microsoft announced that it would release Windows 10 as a free upgrade on July 29th 2015. The upgrade will be made available via download, to current Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 users. The upgrade will remain free until July 29th 2016, at which time it will cost $119 for the Home version and $199 for the Pro version.
Microsoft says that Windows 10 will come with a host of new features that include: The Start Menu, which makes its return, Cortana, Microsoft's voice enabled digital assistant, the new Edge browser, Windows Hello, which is a biometric login service, Windows Store, and more. Windows 10 users will be able to download the touch versions of Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. It is also expected that Outlook and OneNote will ship with Windows 10 at no additional cost.
There are a few things that will not remain after an upgrade to Windows 10. One change will be the absence of Windows Media Center. Separate playback software will be needed in order to play DVDs. However, Microsoft plans to release a DVD option later in 2015. Gone too are Windows 7 desktop gadgets, as well as Windows 7 versions of Solitaire, Mindsweeper, and Hearts. The upgrade will also uninstall and reinstall your antivirus software, provided that it is up to date.
Those who wish to get a free upgrade to Windows 10 must be running either Windows 7 service pack one or Windows 8.1. A new Windows icon will appear in the lower right corner of your system tray. When you click this icon a window will open that will explain how to reserve your free upgrade. When your upgrade is ready, it will automatically download onto your computer. There is an option for choosing when you wish to install your upgrade.
If you should change your mind you can cancel your reservation by clicking the icon and then clicking the three horizontal lines in the upper left corner of the window. A menu will open. Go down and click on view confirmation. In the lower left corner of your confirmation is a cancel link.
Microsoft says that Windows 10 will come with a host of new features that include: The Start Menu, which makes its return, Cortana, Microsoft's voice enabled digital assistant, the new Edge browser, Windows Hello, which is a biometric login service, Windows Store, and more. Windows 10 users will be able to download the touch versions of Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. It is also expected that Outlook and OneNote will ship with Windows 10 at no additional cost.
There are a few things that will not remain after an upgrade to Windows 10. One change will be the absence of Windows Media Center. Separate playback software will be needed in order to play DVDs. However, Microsoft plans to release a DVD option later in 2015. Gone too are Windows 7 desktop gadgets, as well as Windows 7 versions of Solitaire, Mindsweeper, and Hearts. The upgrade will also uninstall and reinstall your antivirus software, provided that it is up to date.
Those who wish to get a free upgrade to Windows 10 must be running either Windows 7 service pack one or Windows 8.1. A new Windows icon will appear in the lower right corner of your system tray. When you click this icon a window will open that will explain how to reserve your free upgrade. When your upgrade is ready, it will automatically download onto your computer. There is an option for choosing when you wish to install your upgrade.
If you should change your mind you can cancel your reservation by clicking the icon and then clicking the three horizontal lines in the upper left corner of the window. A menu will open. Go down and click on view confirmation. In the lower left corner of your confirmation is a cancel link.
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
An Antarctic Ice Shelf Is Melting
On May 15th 2015, NASA released a new study that revealed that one of Antarctica's ice shelves, Larsen B, is melting and facing collapse by 2020. A team of scientists led by Ala Khazendar has found that the Larsen B ice shelf is flowing faster, becoming increasingly more fragmented, and there are large cracks developing. The Larsen B ice shelf suffered a partial collapse in 2002. At that time the shelf lost a region larger than Rhode Island, while leaving 618 square miles of it left.
Ice shelves are important because they are the gatekeepers that keep glaciers from flowing into the ocean from Antarctica. Khazendar said that these changes are a warning and that, "Although it is fascinating scientifically to have a front row seat to watch the ice shelf becoming unstable and breaking up, it's bad news for our planet." Increasing glacial ice can and will contribute to the rise in sea levels around the world.
Khazendar's team ran a multiyear airborne survey campaign that provided them with unprecedented documentation of Antarctica's glaciers, ice shelves, and ice sheets. Data was gathered on surface ice elevations and bedrock depths by using instrumented aircraft that participated in NASA's Operation Icebridge. Khazendar said that, " Change has been relentless."
The west coast of the Antarctica Peninsula is one of the fastest warming places on Earth, with an average annual temperature increase of 2.5 degree Celsius in the last five years. A NASA release on the study stated, "After the 2002 Larsen B collapse, the glacier behind the collapsed part of the shelf accelerated as much as eightfold - comparable to a car accelerating from 55 to 440 miles per hour.
Ice shelves are important because they are the gatekeepers that keep glaciers from flowing into the ocean from Antarctica. Khazendar said that these changes are a warning and that, "Although it is fascinating scientifically to have a front row seat to watch the ice shelf becoming unstable and breaking up, it's bad news for our planet." Increasing glacial ice can and will contribute to the rise in sea levels around the world.
Khazendar's team ran a multiyear airborne survey campaign that provided them with unprecedented documentation of Antarctica's glaciers, ice shelves, and ice sheets. Data was gathered on surface ice elevations and bedrock depths by using instrumented aircraft that participated in NASA's Operation Icebridge. Khazendar said that, " Change has been relentless."
The west coast of the Antarctica Peninsula is one of the fastest warming places on Earth, with an average annual temperature increase of 2.5 degree Celsius in the last five years. A NASA release on the study stated, "After the 2002 Larsen B collapse, the glacier behind the collapsed part of the shelf accelerated as much as eightfold - comparable to a car accelerating from 55 to 440 miles per hour.
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