It's been a while since I've posted here, but this is something that I definitely want to talk about. It's really unsettling, and if it's eventually proven to be true, then life as we know it everywhere will change forever. It basically talks about a theory that all that is, was, and ever will be in our universe, is nothing more than a 2D hologram, or a computer simulation. This is just one of many theories about existence floating around, but apparently scientists are going to try an experiment that could yield evidence that what we perceive as a three dimensional universe is nothing more than a 2D hologram. If this is true, it could be argued that something far more intelligent set up the simulation that we live in. Think of developers creating a game like the Sims, but instead of playable characters, everyone in the game is someone on earth. Then amplify the scale to the size of the universe and BOOM, life and space and other fun things. Super computers we've developed can already simulate a universe on a small scale, so the theory that we're a simulation on some cosmic supercomputer, or that we were developed by some sentient beings that exist in a real universe, isn't out of the question. Creepy stuff, but also kind of cool and interesting at the same time. We're constantly looking for our origin, not just ours, but the universe's too. Pretty far out, man.
An exquisitely preserved wooly mammoth is currently undergoing an autopsy in Siberia. Some experts believe they'll be able to extract high quality DNA and cells from the remains which could conceivably be used to clone the extinct mammal. The question now is, should we?
This is arguably the coolest thing I've read this week. Well, that and the new dinosaur discovered, you know, the one with the femur that dwarfed the guy who found it. In any event, this again opens the doors of the controversial cloning debate. I for one support this, but under specific conditions. For one, cloning as a science has the potential for a world of positive things. However, it also allows those to clone people who have since passed on. This means that should this technology fall into the wrong hands (insert evil scientist name), people like Hitler could be brought back. I don't support the idea of cloning humans, mainly because of the reason I just mentioned. However, this science could help save possibly endangered animal species, or bring some back for our entertainment. For example, I read somewhere that a scientist had dissolved a bone from a T-Rex in some acid, and found soft tissue inside. Should this cloning technology reach it's full potential, we could possibly see a real world Jurassic Park in our future. In any event, this is pretty friggin' cool! Science Rules!
[UPDATE]: I may actually support the cloning of humans, on ONE condition. That condition is should these horrible humans ever be cloned, we employ them in a gladiator style combat tournament. HOW COOL WOULD IT BE TO SEE GENGHIS KHAN BATTLE IT OUT WITH VLAD THE IMPALER IN A COLOSSEUM OR SOMETHING?!
*All jokes aside, I do not condone the cloning of the people from our past, especially those who would make our present and future a living nightmare. Eff that...*
Analysis of the 90-million-year-old fossil suggests the dinosaur weighed about 80 tons - the equivalent of 14 grown elephants
Alright, this is friggin' cool. Paleontologists discovered the remains of a 90 million year old dinosaur. What you see in the picture is the bastard's femur, with a puny man for scale. This could very well be the largest dinosaur (from now on I'm going to stick with the crowd and call it a titanosaur) in the history of the Earth. I can't imagine something that large existing, especially due to the fact that it would have to have some serious muscle tissue and such for it to be able to stand at all, on top of a heart that would be able to pump that much blood throughout this giant. A truly fascinating discovery! Science Rules!
I remember being a kid in grade school, and learning about the planets in our solar system. I called Jupiter ‘The Pizza Planet’, because I thought the gas giant looked like a cheese pizza, with one big pepperoni slice on it. Yes, I know that the pizza franchise in the Disney/Pixar universe is also called 'The Pizza Planet', but I was a four year old child, cut me some slack! But now that piece of pepperoni is shrinking, to the point where it may be nothing more than a memory to people like me. The universe is a fascinating place, full of untold wonders and exciting opportunities for discovery. The implications behind this may be insignificant, and may not impact our system at all. Regardless, a younger Matt remembers The Pizza Planet and it’s big pepperoni slice as one of the reasons why I have this passion for learning about this wonderful place we call our universe. Science Rules!
This is the first step toward high resolution shots of alien worlds. Obviously that's a long way off, but the fact that we can capture images of something about 65 lightyears from us is beyond awesome. Science Rules!
Radio astronomers have discovered a strange new object in a nearby galaxy. The object, which appeared very suddenly in radio wavelengths and shows no signs of going away, does not appear to be like anything that has been seen in the Milky Way.
This article is pretty old, so the information may have changed in the past 4 years. Still, it's pretty cool.
Based on a new infrared image, the iconic space formation was likely destroyed 6,000 years ago—but we won't see it happen for another thousand years.
I know, I'm posting a lot today. I can't help it though! I'm coming across far too many cool articles to talk about. This explains that the Pillars of Creation, a nebula 7.000 lightyears from us (earning it's name due to the formation of new stars within it), was destroyed by a supernova, otherwise known as epic star death. The coolest part comes from the fact that although we know about the annihilation of said nebula now, we won't see any hints of it for what astronomers are estimating to be roughly 1,000 years. This is a perfect lesson on how light travels, being that one lightyear represents the time it takes light to reach earth (1 lightyear = 1 year). It shows just how massive our universe really is, and how insignificant we really are in the grand scheme of things. Science Rules!
In a once-in-a-lifetime chance sighting, an international team of astronomers has discovered the most distant gravitational lens ever recorded.
What interests me most about this discovery, is that it's deflecting and intensifying light of a MUCH FURTHER OBJECT. It's the furthest known gravitational lens, and there's something even further producing the light that deflects and intensifies through the galaxy. It's mind blasting, just how huge the universe really is. Science Rules!
Progressive Conservative Leader Tim Hudak says he would reduce the number of public sector workers in Ontario by 100,000 if he wins the June 12 election.
*NOTE: I am not in any way well educated in the world of politics, I'm just approaching this from what my logic says makes sense. If you disagree, don't read this and write your own blog, simple as that.*
Emotions aside (c'mon, you can feel for the 100,000 if he wins), I just don't understand the logic behind this guy's claims. Sure, they would definitely save money if they don't have to pay 100,000 workers, but in what way does terminating that many public sector workers from their respective positions open the doors for more jobs? The last time I checked, usually when someone is removed from their job, they are then unemployed, as in, they are no longer in possession of a job. I'm pretty sure that's the opposite of creating opportunities. The Liberal leader opposing him put it perfectly, saying that the province's most vulnerable are at risk, especially since this cut would negatively affect areas like education and health care. In my opinion (REMEMBER. I SAID "MY" OPINION, MEANING IT MAY NOT BE YOURS), the most important things a government should focus on are health care, education (not just for children), PROPER law enforcement (none of those police brutality videos or stories you see on the news), and proper childcare and welfare for those less fortunate than myself (and the government, duh). His plan, while it may bring financial equilibrium to the province in 2 years time. fails to address the fact that within those two years, possibly more than 100,000 people will be negatively affected by his cuts from the public sector. I don't know who I support as far as my vote goes, but one thing is sure: This man's logic is inherently flawed, and while it reduces the time for the province to climb out of it's deficit by one year (ONE YEAR, which is not a long time at all) compared to the Liberals (they don't mention the other party's projections), it creates more issues than it solves. It is effectively cutting the tree from the roots, namely the hard working men and women who help create the foundation for our province through the public sector. And while the private sector has it's benefits, it isn't something that is readily available for everyone in the province, as things like private schools and health care can be quite costly. I am very lucky that my family is priviledged enough to afford these things, however I can sympathize with those who don't have those luxuries. He is basically removing these people from the public sector to broaden the private sector to those who can afford it. I don't know too terribly much more outside the scope of this article, but from what I read, it seems like he's waving his middle finger at those directly influenced by the public sector, whether it be an employed worker, a child of a worker, or even a student or patient of someone who will inevitably be let go to introduce this policy. In exchange for this middle finger, he's lining the pockets of those who fund the private sector. I obviously can't predict the future, so I can't say for certain the outcome of his plan should it come into action, but that's what my reasoning points to as far as what I've read would dictate. One thing is certain, however: when I do decide to get off my lazy ass and register to vote, this man, as well as the Tories, will not be receiving my support or vote. THE END.
Alright rant over.
[UPDATE]: I've lived in Ontario all my life, and last summer (2013) was the first time since I was 14 that I couldn't find work. It is true when they say unemployment is rising and becoming more difficult to manage. Namely, companies are shrewd in hiring seasoned vets for entry level positions, as they have the unrealistic experience these "entry level" positions require. The public sector directly redistributes it's wealth to the middle and lower class, offering the chance for benefits and good pay to those who need it. Hudak says by removing 100,000 public sector workers, he'll be creating 1,000,000 more. That math in itself is wrong. With this plan in effect, not only do we go backwards in terms of creating opportunities (let's face it, adding to the total number of unemployed creates more competition for the unemployed), but it allows private sector companies, and any other companies offering some of the supposed "1 million jobs", to hire workers for reduced pay and fewer benefits (if any remain). If the government is legitimately worried about unemployment, the solution can start with creating policies that require companies to change their requirements for hiring prospective employees (Seriously, I applied to write tech review articles for an online news site, where the pay would have been less than minimum wage (as it is not hourly based, and is rather a contract), and they stated that I needed at least 3 years experience with other news outlets... ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!). This alone will help fill many of the vacant positions that these employers manage when recruiting. It's only a start, and I know little to nothing about all of this, but at least the logic makes a little sense there. From there, I don't know, but it definitely seems better than making the unemployment line longer. Especially since the wealth is then redistributed into the province. Most people would likely be okay with increasing taxes moderately over time, on the premise that they can comfortably afford it. I may be making zero sense to some (arrest me for not being a poli sci major), but at least an idea similar to mine eliminates the need to lay off more people and adding to the unemployment issue. Instead of appeasing the 1%, and helping them hire workers for reduced pay (which they likely will), a strategy like this can work with a slight tax increase, which, again, if the masses can afford, would lead to less unrest and argument.
Okay now the rant is REALLY over.
*This random episode of "Not science related content" is brought to you by the letter 7*
Three years ago, a survey team identified a staggering 569,148 time-based media objects on the Bloomington campus of Indiana University—that’s over half a million sound recordings, video recordings...
Alright, so this is straight out of science fiction. Apparently there's software out there somewhere that can extract audio from a visual source. This basically means we have the potential to listen to songs and musical pieces that were once thought extinct, and only exist in pictures and writing. Science Rules!
It's no science fiction anymore: clumping photons into molecules, scientists have discovered a completely new form of matter that works just like the lightsabers in Star Wars. "The physics of what's happening is similar to what we see in the movies," said one of the researchers.
This is so cool, and it's only a matter of time before we get the real thing!
I saw this on /r/todayilearned .. It actually makes sense that we should be referring to it as year 12014. The theory that civilization arose in that time has more logic behind it than basing our calendar on the prospective birth of Jesus, and could be more universally accepted. The only problem is that we've been referring to the years in accordance to the Common Era (CE), or Anno Domini (AD) for so long, that a change would be a big adjustment.
This may actually be one of the coolest things I've ever read. Studying this galaxy has the potential to open so many doors regarding the origin of everything! Science Rules!
We are so happy we have words like epic and legendary , because they remain the only apt description for James Nielsen, a man who now owns the record for fastest beer mile. Join us in raising our popped beer cans in his honor...
So this is pretty cool. Apparently there's a thing called "The Beer Mile". As far as I know, the rules are simple:
1. You must drink four beers, one before each lap, while making sure to drink the respective before you start the next lap.
2. They have to be 355mL cans, with an alcohol content of 5% or more. That means no bottles, tallboys or widemouths. You can't shotgun or use straws or any of that suff either.
3. You puke, you run a 5th lap. So there's that too.
This guy not only chugged the four beers before their respective laps, he finished the mile with a record time of 4 minutes, 57 seconds. That's pretty badass, especially considering Olympic athlete Nick Symmonds tried and failed the challenge back in 2012. So this guy gets some pretty cool bragging rights.
"It’s been the subject of many previous studies and the stuff of sci-fi for decades, but space-based solar power could at last become a reality—and within 25 years, according to a proposal from researchers at the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). The agency, which leads the world in research on space-based solar power systems, now has a technology road map that suggests a series of ground and orbital demonstrations leading to the development in the 2030s of a 1-gigawatt commercial system—about the same output as a typical nuclear power plant."
Throwing (star)shade: a super cool way to find new planets
Last week, NASA made a huge discovery: Kepler-186f — a planet the same size as Earth in the habitable zone of its star, meaning it might be able to harbor life.
Astronomer Jeremy Kasdin thinks we could find a lot more like it. See, astronomers like him believe that every star in the galaxy has at least one planet, and that up to ⅕ of those may be an Earth-like planet capable of housing life. The trouble is finding them. The thing is, it’s pretty tricky to photograph a far-away planet with a telescope, partly because — sorta like when you’re smiling for a family photo at the beach — a lot of light gets in the way, thanks to really bright stars like our sun.
Enter the starshade. Starshades are man-made screens that block a star’s light — think eclipse — allowing a telescope to see that star’s planets clearly. For Kasdin and his colleagues, this means developing a giant flower-shaped screen half the size of a football field that separates from a space telescope, flips and flies 50,000 km away to block the light of a star.
If this starshade really works — and so far a sample has worked in 16 trials — we could get direct images of planets beyond the solar system. And maybe, just maybe, we’ll finally find aliens.
This Is Big: Scientists Just Found Earth’s First Cousin
Right now, 500 light years away from Earth, there’s a planet that looks a lot like our own. It is bathed in dim orangeish light, which at high noon is only as bright as the golden hour before sunset back home.
NASA scientists are calling the planet Kepler-186f, and it’s unlike anything they’ve found. The big news: Kepler-186f is the closest relative to the Earth that researchers have discovered.
It’s the first Earth-sized planet in the habitable zone of another star—the sweet spot between too-hot Mercury-like planets and too-cold Neptunes— and it is likely to give scientists their first real opportunity to seek life elsewhere in the universe. “It’s no longer in the realm of science fiction,” said Elisa Quintana, a researcher at the SETI Institute.
