Monday, February 28, 2011
Image of the Day: Strange Red Galaxy with a Monster Black Hole 100 Million X's Sun
Image of the Day: Strange Red Galaxy with a Monster Black Hole 100 Million X's Sun: "A monster black hole 100 million times the mass of the Sun is feeding off gas, dust and a ring of stars at the centre of Galaxy NGC-1097 50 million light-years away. The star-ringed black hole forms the eye of the galaxy which was photographed by the US space agency's Spitzer Space Telescope in California."
ANALYSIS-After the crisis, a worldwide rise in unrest? | News by Country | Reuters
ANALYSIS-After the crisis, a worldwide rise in unrest? | News by Country | Reuters: "* In authoritarian states, protesters want more freedom
* Financial adjustments bring anger in Western economies
* Vicious cycle of inflation and unrest
By Peter Apps, Political Risk Correspondent
LONDON, Feb 28 (Reuters) - With the Middle East in turmoil, other authoritarian states jumpy and post-crisis economic pain prompting protest in western Europe and elsewhere, some suspect a systemic rise in worldwide unrest might just be beginning.
Instability in the already volatile oil-producing Middle East could produce a feedback loop where unrest pushes up energy prices, fuelling inflation and deepening discontent both in the region and around the world.
In most countries, the so-called 'misery index' -- an aggregation of unemployment and inflation long seen as a warning of protest and instability -- is pushing higher."
* Financial adjustments bring anger in Western economies
* Vicious cycle of inflation and unrest
By Peter Apps, Political Risk Correspondent
LONDON, Feb 28 (Reuters) - With the Middle East in turmoil, other authoritarian states jumpy and post-crisis economic pain prompting protest in western Europe and elsewhere, some suspect a systemic rise in worldwide unrest might just be beginning.
Instability in the already volatile oil-producing Middle East could produce a feedback loop where unrest pushes up energy prices, fuelling inflation and deepening discontent both in the region and around the world.
In most countries, the so-called 'misery index' -- an aggregation of unemployment and inflation long seen as a warning of protest and instability -- is pushing higher."
'Wolf child' named world's hairiest girl delighted because it makes her popular at school | Mail Online
'Wolf child' named world's hairiest girl delighted because it makes her popular at school | Mail Online: "Her nicknames may include 'wolf girl' and 'monkey face'.
But 11-year-old Thai girl Supatra Sasuphan today insisted that she was after being officially recognised as the world's hairiest girl.
Although the schoolgirl from Bangkok has faced merciless teasing at school, Supatra says being given a Guinness World Record for her hair has helped her become extremely popular."
But 11-year-old Thai girl Supatra Sasuphan today insisted that she was after being officially recognised as the world's hairiest girl.
Although the schoolgirl from Bangkok has faced merciless teasing at school, Supatra says being given a Guinness World Record for her hair has helped her become extremely popular."
RoboMara 2011: Autonomous bot wins marathon by a nose
RoboMara 2011: Autonomous bot wins marathon by a nose: "The RoboMara or robot marathon has just come to a close in Osaka Japan, with a pair of bipedal bots battling it out in surprisingly close dash to the finish. After 422 laps of a 100-meter track, two robots found themselves only inches apart as coming out of the final turn."
A date with comet Tempel 1
A date with comet Tempel 1: "On Valentine's day, while we were all cooing over your loved ones or lamenting the obvious negligence of the postman, scientists at Denver's NASA station were cooing over something rather larger. On February 14th this year, NASA's Stardust probe made its second visit to the comet Tempel 1 at 8.40pm PST, shaving the comet at a distance of 111 miles (178 km) and traveling at a relative speed of 24,300 mph (10.9 km per second). This is the first time scientists have been able to get a second look at a comet, which allows them to compare data from the first visit in order to learn more about these icy inhabitants of our solar system."
MICROMACHINA on the Behance Network
MICROMACHINA on the Behance Network: "MICROMACHINA examines what makes the insect world tick, and considers our attempts to control nature and the consequences. Humanity’s blatant disregard for nature, where profit comes before life, will ultimately be our undoing. Pesticides, herbicides, genetic modification and massive urban expansion push the fine balance of life toward disaster. There has to be a point, when mother nature will say ‘too far’, and rid the earth of its biggest pest... us."
Technological meltdown – is it inevitable?
Technological meltdown – is it inevitable?: "Throughout history there have been plenty of scare stories about some Armageddon type disaster befalling the earth and affecting us all, however, so far we’ve been all right haven’t we? This latest perceived threat though is somehow more terrifying than all the others. Why? Because it is so very real!
What we’re talking about here is technological meltdown, not from viruses or hackers, not from some software glitch like the infamous Y2K fiasco, but from something over which we have absolutely no control. The sun!
Solar storms are nothing new, they’ve been happening since the day dot, but nowadays we’re much more vulnerable to the effect of solar radiation because of the explosion of new technologies heavily reliant on satellites and communications systems.
Right now the sun is starting to wake up from a bit of a rest and is due to reach its peak around 2013. What we can expect in the lead up to that date are more and more solar storms increasing in intensity with the potential to knock satellites out of action and even out of orbit, to kill communications systems and GPS signals, and basically put out the lights around the world."
What we’re talking about here is technological meltdown, not from viruses or hackers, not from some software glitch like the infamous Y2K fiasco, but from something over which we have absolutely no control. The sun!
Solar storms are nothing new, they’ve been happening since the day dot, but nowadays we’re much more vulnerable to the effect of solar radiation because of the explosion of new technologies heavily reliant on satellites and communications systems.
Right now the sun is starting to wake up from a bit of a rest and is due to reach its peak around 2013. What we can expect in the lead up to that date are more and more solar storms increasing in intensity with the potential to knock satellites out of action and even out of orbit, to kill communications systems and GPS signals, and basically put out the lights around the world."
Monsanto linked to Doomsday Seed Vault in Svalbard, Norway
Doomsday Seed Vault in Svalbard, Norway: "The Svalbard Global Seed Vault, also known as the Doomsday Vault, is located on the Norwegian island of Spitsbergen near in the remote Arctic Svalbard archipelago, about 1,000 miles from the North Pole.
Opened in 2008, the seed vault was built to protect the world’s food supply in the event of a global crisis involving war, natural disasters, lack of funding or, interestingly, poor agricultural management. The vault contains more than 400,000 seed samples."
Opened in 2008, the seed vault was built to protect the world’s food supply in the event of a global crisis involving war, natural disasters, lack of funding or, interestingly, poor agricultural management. The vault contains more than 400,000 seed samples."
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Mass. company making diesel with sun, water, CO2 - Yahoo! News
Mass. company making diesel with sun, water, CO2 - Yahoo! News: "CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – A Massachusetts biotechnology company says it can produce the fuel that runs Jaguars and jet engines using the same ingredients that make grass grow.
Joule Unlimited has invented a genetically-engineered organism that it says simply secretes diesel fuel or ethanol wherever it finds sunlight, water and carbon dioxide.
The Cambridge, Mass.-based company says it can manipulate the organism to produce the renewable fuels on demand at unprecedented rates, and can do it in facilities large and small at costs comparable to the cheapest fossil fuels.
Joule Unlimited has invented a genetically-engineered organism that it says simply secretes diesel fuel or ethanol wherever it finds sunlight, water and carbon dioxide.
The Cambridge, Mass.-based company says it can manipulate the organism to produce the renewable fuels on demand at unprecedented rates, and can do it in facilities large and small at costs comparable to the cheapest fossil fuels.
What can it mean? No less than 'energy independence,' Joule's web site tells the world, even if the world's not quite convinced.
'We make some lofty claims, all of which we believe, all which we've validated, all of which we've shown to investors,' said Joule chief executive Bill Sims.
'If we're half right, this revolutionizes the world's largest industry, which is the oil and gas industry,' he said. 'And if we're right, there's no reason why this technology can't change the world.'"
DNA "Genetic Patdown" Introduced to Airports by DHS
DNA "Genetic Patdown" Introduced to Airports by DHS: "A new level of invasive screening is scheduled for airports this summer: a portable DNA scanner to conduct on-site, real-time genetic testing.
This technology is being implemented under the cover of combating human trafficking, illegal immigration, and finding missing persons, but Richard Seldon of NetBio, creator of the scanners, clearly states that 'DNA information has the potential to become part of the fabric of day-to-day life.' In an interview with Katie Drummond who broke this story for The Daily, Seldon envisions additional applications in emergency rooms, food safety tests, and law enforcement."
This technology is being implemented under the cover of combating human trafficking, illegal immigration, and finding missing persons, but Richard Seldon of NetBio, creator of the scanners, clearly states that 'DNA information has the potential to become part of the fabric of day-to-day life.' In an interview with Katie Drummond who broke this story for The Daily, Seldon envisions additional applications in emergency rooms, food safety tests, and law enforcement."
On the road to the Holy Grail of agriculture
On the road to the Holy Grail of agriculture: "Right now, farmers have to buy new hybrid seeds each year to ensure that each season’s harvest is as vigorous as the last. But a new method of cloning seeds holds the potential to change all that.
The method would allow geneticists to engineer seeds that produce clones of their parent plants, an advance that could lead to self-propagating clones in the future and revolutionize the way the world farms.
“This is a big step,” said Simon Chan, a geneticist in the Department of Plant Biology at the University of California Davis and one of the researchers of the study reported last week in Science magazine. “It’s not the final product, but it’s a major step toward making plants that make exact clones of themselves for seeds,” he said."
The method would allow geneticists to engineer seeds that produce clones of their parent plants, an advance that could lead to self-propagating clones in the future and revolutionize the way the world farms.
“This is a big step,” said Simon Chan, a geneticist in the Department of Plant Biology at the University of California Davis and one of the researchers of the study reported last week in Science magazine. “It’s not the final product, but it’s a major step toward making plants that make exact clones of themselves for seeds,” he said."
Synthetic Biology's Hunt for the Genetic Transistor - IEEE Spectrum
Synthetic Biology's Hunt for the Genetic Transistor - IEEE Spectrum: "In 1977, a small group of researchers in California changed the world when they wrangled a common gut bacterium into producing a human protein. Using every technique in the book—and inventing some of their own—they scavenged, snipped, and glued together genetic components to synthesize a tiny filament of DNA. They then inserted the new segment into some Escherichia coli cells, tricking them into making the human hormone somatostatin.
A year later, these scientists had an E. coli strain that produced insulin, an invaluable drug in the treatment of diabetes. With that, the era of biotechnology was born. A plethora of novel—or at least cheaper—drugs seemed to loom on the horizon.
Thirty-odd years on, molecular biologists have delivered on many parts of that early promise, engineering microbes to produce a wide range of pharmaceuticals, including experimental antimalarial medicines and antibiotics. A quick glance in the pantry or storage closet is likely to reveal other products of genetic engineering, too, including foods, food additives and colorings, and even laundry detergent. The list goes on and on."
Why Are There Domes, Obelisks, And Magic Squares In Washington DC?
Why Are There Domes, Obelisks, And Magic Squares In Washington DC?: "If you have read Apollyon Rising 2012: The Lost Symbol Found and the Final Mystery of the Great Seal Revealed by Dr. Thomas R. Horn, then by now you have learned an important secret concerning the capital city of the United States. According to the world’s foremost authorities—including Robert Hieronimus, United States official records, and even Freemason scholars—Washington DC was designed as a symbol of the Rosicrucian dream shared by its builders: that America would become the New Atlantis and eventually lead the world into a restored Golden Age of Osiris."
Darpa’s Cheetah-Bot Designed to Chase Human Prey | Danger Room | Wired.com
Darpa’s Cheetah-Bot Designed to Chase Human Prey | Danger Room | Wired.com: "Perhaps you thought the four-legged BigDog robot wasn’t eerily lifelike enough. That’ll change soon. BigDog’s makers are working on a new quadruped that moves faster than any human and is agile enough to “chase and evade.”
Boston Dynamics, maker of the Army’s BigDog robotic mule, announced today that Darpa has awarded it a contract to build a much faster and more fearsome animal-like robot, Cheetah.
As the name implies, Cheetah is designed to be a four-legged robot with a flexible spine and articulated head (and potentially a tail) that runs faster than the fastest human. In addition to raw speed, Cheetah’s makers promise that it will have the agility to make tight turns so that it can “zigzag to chase and evade” and be able to stop on a dime."
Boston Dynamics, maker of the Army’s BigDog robotic mule, announced today that Darpa has awarded it a contract to build a much faster and more fearsome animal-like robot, Cheetah.
As the name implies, Cheetah is designed to be a four-legged robot with a flexible spine and articulated head (and potentially a tail) that runs faster than the fastest human. In addition to raw speed, Cheetah’s makers promise that it will have the agility to make tight turns so that it can “zigzag to chase and evade” and be able to stop on a dime."
Can dreams predict future: Book examines psychology of paranormal | Mail Online
Can dreams predict future: Book examines psychology of paranormal | Mail Online: "Aberfan is a small village in South Wales. In the Sixties, many of those living there worked at a nearby colliery that had been built to exploit the large amount of high-quality coal in the area.
Although some of the waste from the mining operation had been stored underground, much of it had been piled on the steep hillsides surrounding the village.
Throughout October 1966, heavy rain lashed down on the area and seeped into the porous sandstone of the hills. Unfortunately, no one realised the water was then flowing into several hidden springs and slowly transforming the pit waste into soft slurry."
Although some of the waste from the mining operation had been stored underground, much of it had been piled on the steep hillsides surrounding the village.
Throughout October 1966, heavy rain lashed down on the area and seeped into the porous sandstone of the hills. Unfortunately, no one realised the water was then flowing into several hidden springs and slowly transforming the pit waste into soft slurry."
‘Battle: Los Angeles’: Did we fire the first shot in an alien invasion? | Hero Complex – Los Angeles Times
‘Battle: Los Angeles’: Did we fire the first shot in an alien invasion? | Hero Complex – Los Angeles Times: "Sony’s upcoming alien invasion flick “Battle: Los Angeles” posits an apocalyptic scenario in which the City of Angels is the last of the world’s major cities left standing after marauding extraterrestrials invade from the heavens. It’s also based on a true story. Sort of.
As the Los Angeles Times reported on Feb. 26, 1942, unidentified aircraft were spotted over Southern California skies — news that couldn’t have come at a worse time. Japanese war planes had attacked Pearl Harbor just two months before, and the West Coast was on edge, fearing the same fate, when the military opened fire on whatever was hovering in the early morning darkness. Panic ensued."
As the Los Angeles Times reported on Feb. 26, 1942, unidentified aircraft were spotted over Southern California skies — news that couldn’t have come at a worse time. Japanese war planes had attacked Pearl Harbor just two months before, and the West Coast was on edge, fearing the same fate, when the military opened fire on whatever was hovering in the early morning darkness. Panic ensued."
Saturday, February 26, 2011
American Stonehenge: Monumental Instructions for the Post-Apocalypse
American Stonehenge: Monumental Instructions for the Post-Apocalypse: "The strangest monument in America looms over a barren knoll in northeastern Georgia. Five massive slabs of polished granite rise out of the earth in a star pattern. The rocks are each 16 feet tall, with four of them weighing more than 20 tons apiece. Together they support a 25,000-pound capstone. Approaching the edifice, it's hard not to think immediately of England's Stonehenge or possibly the ominous monolith from 2001: A Space Odyssey. Built in 1980, these pale gray rocks are quietly awaiting the end of the world as we know it."
Transhumanist Dog Lovers Create a Post Canine Species » Secondhand Smoke | A First Things Blog
Transhumanist Dog Lovers Create a Post Canine Species » Secondhand Smoke | A First Things Blog
Click on link to take you to an interesting video...
'Skywatchers' On the Lookout for UFOs
'Skywatchers' On the Lookout for UFOs: "SCOTTSDALE - A big convention of UFO enthusiasts is in town -- believers that there is intelligent life in outer space and that we've been visited by alien life forms.
The 20th Annual International UFO Congress will play host to more than 700 attendees and is being held in Phoenix for the first time.
Friday night, believers were out in the desert with high-tech equipment, watching for extra-terrestrials.
'These are military night vision goggles, generation three,' says Melinda Leslie, who is eagerly watching the Phoenix sky Friday night. 'They allow you to see starlight in infrared, so you see every star... and movement.'"
The 20th Annual International UFO Congress will play host to more than 700 attendees and is being held in Phoenix for the first time.
Friday night, believers were out in the desert with high-tech equipment, watching for extra-terrestrials.
'These are military night vision goggles, generation three,' says Melinda Leslie, who is eagerly watching the Phoenix sky Friday night. 'They allow you to see starlight in infrared, so you see every star... and movement.'"
Did Earth Once Share Its Orbit with a Mars-Sized Planet? New Kepler Data Suggests "Yes"
Did Earth Once Share Its Orbit with a Mars-Sized Planet? New Kepler Data Suggests "Yes": "Hidden in the mass of data from the Kepler telescope is a planetary system that has two of its apparent planets share the same orbit around their star. If the discovery is confirmed, it would support the theory that Earth once shared its orbit with a Mars-sized body, labeled Theia, that later collided with it, creating the moon.
The two planets are part of a four-planet system dubbed KOI-730 that circle their sun-like parent star every 9.8 days at exactly the same orbital distance, one permanently about 60 degrees ahead of the other. In their night sky, each would appear as a constant, blazing light.
When one body orbits a star or large object, there are two Lagrange points along the planet's orbit where a third body can orbit stably. These lie 60 degrees ahead of and 60 degrees behind the smaller object. A groups of asteroids called Trojans, for example, lie at these gravitaional sweet spots along Jupiter's orbit."
The two planets are part of a four-planet system dubbed KOI-730 that circle their sun-like parent star every 9.8 days at exactly the same orbital distance, one permanently about 60 degrees ahead of the other. In their night sky, each would appear as a constant, blazing light.
When one body orbits a star or large object, there are two Lagrange points along the planet's orbit where a third body can orbit stably. These lie 60 degrees ahead of and 60 degrees behind the smaller object. A groups of asteroids called Trojans, for example, lie at these gravitaional sweet spots along Jupiter's orbit."
New Clues to Lifespans of Supermassive Black Holes Discovered
New Clues to Lifespans of Supermassive Black Holes Discovered: "When two galaxies merge to form a giant, in this case Markarian 231, the central supermassive black hole in the new galaxy develops an insatiable, but ultimately unsustainable appetite for cosmic gas and dust. Markarian 231 is located about 600 million light years away in the direction of the constellation of Ursa Major. Although its mass is uncertain, some estimates indicate that Mrk 231 has a mass in stars about three times that of our Milky Way galaxy and its central black hole is estimated to have a mass of at least ten million solar masses or also about three times that of the supermassive black hole in the Milky Way."
YouTube - UFO in Boston Feb 21st, 2011 Mission Hill
YouTube - UFO in Boston Feb 21st, 2011 Mission Hill: "Around 1:55 A.M. on Mission Hill off of Wait Street, Matt, Tyler, Terrell"
Manchester Airport Hires ‘Holograms’ (video) | Singularity Hub
Manchester Airport Hires ‘Holograms’ (video) | Singularity Hub: "Visitors to Manchester Airport may be a little startled when they meet customer service reps John and Julie – these newest additions to the staff are ‘holograms’. Created by UK based Musion, the EyeSay displays use powerful projectors to create a lifelike image on a transparent surface. By cutting that surface into the shape of people, Musion has created ‘holograms’ that appear to be 3D physical characters. The EyeSay displays play video recordings based on two of Manchester Airport’s actual staff, John Walsh and Julie Capper, and provide automated audio reminders about liquid restrictions and boarding passes. They are currently on display in Manchester Airport’s Terminal 1, and should help give their human counterparts time to handle more important tasks. Watch the EyeSay ‘holograms’ in action in the video below...."
Friday, February 25, 2011
Spate of Derwent fish deaths Tasmania News - The Mercury - The Voice of Tasmania
Spate of Derwent fish deaths Tasmania News - The Mercury - The Voice of Tasmania: "EXPERTS have no answers on what has caused the death of thousands of squid in the River Derwent this week.
Dead and dying arrowhead squid have been washed ashore or spotted floating on the water at Austins Ferry and Berriedale since Tuesday.
Locals say they have never seen so many dead fish.
The Environment Protection Authority yesterday confirmed reports of more dead squid further down the river.
It is the third case of mass fish deaths in the Derwent in the space of two weeks.
Early this week a large mass of dead juvenile barracouta was found in Windermere Bay near Claremont Primary School.
This followed a similar number of juvenile barracouta being found dead just south of the Norske Skog paper mill at Boyer the week before."
Dead and dying arrowhead squid have been washed ashore or spotted floating on the water at Austins Ferry and Berriedale since Tuesday.
Locals say they have never seen so many dead fish.
The Environment Protection Authority yesterday confirmed reports of more dead squid further down the river.
It is the third case of mass fish deaths in the Derwent in the space of two weeks.
Early this week a large mass of dead juvenile barracouta was found in Windermere Bay near Claremont Primary School.
This followed a similar number of juvenile barracouta being found dead just south of the Norske Skog paper mill at Boyer the week before."
Scientists investigate the possibility of wormholes between stars
Scientists investigate the possibility of wormholes between stars: "Wormholes are one of the stranger objects that arise in general relativity. Although no experimental evidence for wormholes exists, scientists predict that they would appear to serve as shortcuts between one point of spacetime and another. Scientists usually imagine wormholes connecting regions of empty space, but now a new study suggests that wormholes might exist between distant stars. Instead of being empty tunnels, these wormholes would contain a perfect fluid that flows back and forth between the two stars, possibly giving them a detectable signature."
Scientist Killed by Plague Reveals Vulnerability to Lab Strains - Bloomberg
Scientist Killed by Plague Reveals Vulnerability to Lab Strains - Bloomberg: "University of Chicago infectious disease specialist Ken Alexander still remembers the shock he felt almost 18 months ago when his pager shook with the message that a colleague had died from the plague.
A half-hour later, Alexander was sitting at a table in the dean’s office with researchers, lawyers, administrators and campus security officers, he recalled in an interview. The stricken colleague, Malcolm Casadaban, a 60-year-old genetics and cell biology professor, had checked into a hospital five days earlier and died within hours. Lab results were positive for the plague, and the university’s “biosafety fire alarm” had been triggered, Alexander said.
“The first question was: Do we think this is real,” Alexander, chief of infectious diseases at the university’s pediatrics department, said yesterday in a telephone interview. “The answer was yes. So the onus was upon us to do two things; to notify the health infrastructure and act as if this were a worst-case scenario.”"
A half-hour later, Alexander was sitting at a table in the dean’s office with researchers, lawyers, administrators and campus security officers, he recalled in an interview. The stricken colleague, Malcolm Casadaban, a 60-year-old genetics and cell biology professor, had checked into a hospital five days earlier and died within hours. Lab results were positive for the plague, and the university’s “biosafety fire alarm” had been triggered, Alexander said.
“The first question was: Do we think this is real,” Alexander, chief of infectious diseases at the university’s pediatrics department, said yesterday in a telephone interview. “The answer was yes. So the onus was upon us to do two things; to notify the health infrastructure and act as if this were a worst-case scenario.”"
Can Al Qaeda Survive the Revolts? - The Daily Beast
Can Al Qaeda Survive the Revolts? - The Daily Beast: "As the Arab world undergoes the most profound changes it has seen in over a half century, and the first-ever democratic revolutions in its history, al Qaeda has been caught off guard like everyone else. Now it is trying to regain its footing by looking for ways to gain advantage. So the stakes in Arabia’s earthquake include not just the outcome in each country, the price of oil, and broader regional security, they also involve a battle for the future of the global jihad."
"CIA spy" Davis was giving nuclear bomb material to Al-Qaeda, says report - Yahoo! News
"CIA spy" Davis was giving nuclear bomb material to Al-Qaeda, says report - Yahoo! News: "London, Feb 20(ANI): Double murder-accused US official Raymond Davis has been found in possession of top-secret CIA documents, which point to him or the feared American Task Force 373 (TF373) operating in the region, providing Al-Qaeda terrorists with 'nuclear fissile material' and 'biological agents,' according to a report. Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) is warning that the situation on the sub-continent has turned 'grave' as it appears that open warfare is about to break out between Pakistan and the United States, The European Union Times reports. The SVR warned in its report that the apprehension of 36-year-old Davis, who shot dead two Pakistani men in Lahore last month, had fuelled this crisis. According to the report, the combat skills exhibited by Davis, along with documentation taken from him after his arrest, prove that he is a member of US' TF373 black operations unit currently operating in the Afghan War Theatre and Pakistan's tribal areas, the paper said."
Does Watson put our future in jeopardy? - baltimoresun.com
Does Watson put our future in jeopardy? - baltimoresun.com:
Watson, an IBM-designed computer, just defeated two of 'Jeopardy's' best players. While this is not the first time a computer beat humans in a game — Deep Blue topped a chess champion several years ago — Watson's victory is striking. Before a national audience, computer intelligence outdid its human creator and adversary in speed and memory. And it did so by displaying new skills in detecting the nuances of language and performing creative 'mental' maneuvers. To only hear the game, Watson seemed humanlike...."
Watson, an IBM-designed computer, just defeated two of 'Jeopardy's' best players. While this is not the first time a computer beat humans in a game — Deep Blue topped a chess champion several years ago — Watson's victory is striking. Before a national audience, computer intelligence outdid its human creator and adversary in speed and memory. And it did so by displaying new skills in detecting the nuances of language and performing creative 'mental' maneuvers. To only hear the game, Watson seemed humanlike...."
Author: ‘electronic telepathy’ is around the corner - SmartPlanet
So the timing couldn’t have been better for the release of Michael Chorost’s new book World Wide Mind: The Coming Integration of Humanity, Machines, and the Internet."
Man & machine - Opinions
Man & machine - Opinions: "Within the next 30 years, immortality could become a reality. This eerie thought is not the beginning to a science fiction novel, or from a hokey 1950s movie's vision of the future. It is the topic of the cover story for this week's TIME Magazine.
'2045: The Year Man Becomes Immortal,' the headline reads, and the story inside is even more disturbing.
Artificial intelligence, also known as the Singularity movement, has quite a following. For some reason or another, people are excited by the thought that a computer moving at incredibly rapid speeds may not only replace us, but become one with us, despite all those movies depicting supposedly friendly robots turning murderous because of system glitches."
'2045: The Year Man Becomes Immortal,' the headline reads, and the story inside is even more disturbing.
Artificial intelligence, also known as the Singularity movement, has quite a following. For some reason or another, people are excited by the thought that a computer moving at incredibly rapid speeds may not only replace us, but become one with us, despite all those movies depicting supposedly friendly robots turning murderous because of system glitches."
Starving eagles ‘falling out of the sky’ - The Globe and Mail
Starving eagles ‘falling out of the sky’ - The Globe and Mail: "When David Hancock saw the bald-eagle count on the Chehalis River drop from more than 7,000 to fewer than 400 over a few days in December, he knew a crisis was coming.
Earlier this week, news reports that starving eagles were “falling out of the sky” in the Comox Valley, on Vancouver Island, confirmed his fears."
Earlier this week, news reports that starving eagles were “falling out of the sky” in the Comox Valley, on Vancouver Island, confirmed his fears."
Thursday, February 24, 2011
New Stealth Bomber Could Control Drones, Fire Lasers, Bust Bunkers | Danger Room | Wired.com
New Stealth Bomber Could Control Drones, Fire Lasers, Bust Bunkers | Danger Room | Wired.com: "The Air Force’s new stealth bomber might do more than just drop bombs, top generals said in recent days. The so-called “Long-Range Strike” plane — likely to be designated B-3 — could also carry bunker-busting, rocket-boosted munitions, high-powered lasers for self-defense and datalinks, and consoles for controlling radar-evading drones.
These add-ons, described by Air Force generals Philip Breedlove, William Fraser and David Scott, are meant to make the new bomber more lethal and harder to shoot down, even in the face of rapidly-modernizing air defenses such as China’s. “The purpose of this aircraft is to survive in an Anti-Access Area Denial environment,”Scott said, using the latest Pentagon term for defended airspace.
To that end, the bomber’s lasers might zap incoming missiles and fighters; the drones could fly ahead to scout and disable air-defense radars; the bunker-busters should ensure the bomber can actually destroy the enemy’s facilities once it breaks through the defenses."
These add-ons, described by Air Force generals Philip Breedlove, William Fraser and David Scott, are meant to make the new bomber more lethal and harder to shoot down, even in the face of rapidly-modernizing air defenses such as China’s. “The purpose of this aircraft is to survive in an Anti-Access Area Denial environment,”Scott said, using the latest Pentagon term for defended airspace.
To that end, the bomber’s lasers might zap incoming missiles and fighters; the drones could fly ahead to scout and disable air-defense radars; the bunker-busters should ensure the bomber can actually destroy the enemy’s facilities once it breaks through the defenses."
Small Nuclear War Could Reverse Global Warming for Years?
Small Nuclear War Could Reverse Global Warming for Years?: "Even a regional nuclear war could spark 'unprecedented' global cooling and reduce rainfall for years, according to U.S. government computer models.
Widespread famine and disease would likely follow, experts speculate.
During the Cold War a nuclear exchange between superpowers—such as the one feared for years between the United States and the former Soviet Union—was predicted to cause a 'nuclear winter.'
In that scenario hundreds of nuclear explosions spark huge fires, whose smoke, dust, and ash blot out the sun for weeks amid a backdrop of dangerous radiation levels. Much of humanity eventually dies of starvation and disease.
Today, with the United States the only standing superpower, nuclear winter is little more than a nightmare. But nuclear war remains a very real threat—for instance, between developing-world nuclear powers, such as India and Pakistan.
To see what climate effects such a regional nuclear conflict might have, scientists from NASA and other institutions modeled a war involving a hundred Hiroshima-level bombs, each packing the equivalent of 15,000 tons of TNT—just 0.03 percent of the world's current nuclear arsenal..."
Widespread famine and disease would likely follow, experts speculate.
During the Cold War a nuclear exchange between superpowers—such as the one feared for years between the United States and the former Soviet Union—was predicted to cause a 'nuclear winter.'
In that scenario hundreds of nuclear explosions spark huge fires, whose smoke, dust, and ash blot out the sun for weeks amid a backdrop of dangerous radiation levels. Much of humanity eventually dies of starvation and disease.
Today, with the United States the only standing superpower, nuclear winter is little more than a nightmare. But nuclear war remains a very real threat—for instance, between developing-world nuclear powers, such as India and Pakistan.
To see what climate effects such a regional nuclear conflict might have, scientists from NASA and other institutions modeled a war involving a hundred Hiroshima-level bombs, each packing the equivalent of 15,000 tons of TNT—just 0.03 percent of the world's current nuclear arsenal..."
From the 'X-Files' Dept: Harry Truman -"UFO's not constructed by any power on Earth."
From the 'X-Files' Dept: Harry Truman -"UFO's not constructed by any power on Earth.": "Retired Army Col. John Alexander, 74-year-old former Green Beret A-Team commander and developer of weapons at Los Alamos, N.M., says UFO disclosure has already occurred, and that the ultimate solution to UFOs is more complex than most people think. Alexander quotes President Harry Truman: 'I can assure you the flying saucers, given that they exist, are not constructed by any power on Earth.'"
YouTube - Another UFO filmed over a Chinese Airport?
YouTube - Another UFO filmed over a Chinese Airport?: "A UFO was filmed by a Korean tourist at a Chinese airport"
NASA's robot may get Japanese space companion - Computerworld
NASA's robot may get Japanese space companion - Computerworld: "Computerworld - The humanoid robot taking off in NASA's space shuttle Discovery tomorrow afternoon could get a companion in a few years when the Japanese Space Agency plans to send its own robot to the International Space Station."
Retired Army Colonel Says UFOs Are Real, But Denies Government Cover-Up
Retired Army Colonel Says UFOs Are Real, But Denies Government Cover-Up: "Whether you believe or disbelieve the notion that UFOs are visitors from another planet, a former highly decorated military officer now comes forward with information that may infuriate those on both sides in the ongoing ET debate.
Retired Col. John Alexander, using his military savvy and high security clearance, spent a quarter of a century going through the top levels of the U.S. government and military searching for the group of people who were allegedly responsible for UFO information and the supposedly decades-old UFO cover-up.
His conclusions: Not only is there no such group and no cover-up, but disclosure about UFOs has already occurred on different official levels."
Retired Col. John Alexander, using his military savvy and high security clearance, spent a quarter of a century going through the top levels of the U.S. government and military searching for the group of people who were allegedly responsible for UFO information and the supposedly decades-old UFO cover-up.
His conclusions: Not only is there no such group and no cover-up, but disclosure about UFOs has already occurred on different official levels."
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
The Battle of Los Angeles: 69 Years Later, Still No Explanation -- CULVER CITY, Calif., Feb. 23, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --
The Battle of Los Angeles: 69 Years Later, Still No Explanation -- CULVER CITY, Calif., Feb. 23, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --: "Beginning shortly after 2 am on February 25, and throughout the night, unidentified objects were reported over Los Angeles and the threat was so unusual that air raid sirens were sounded, and a total blackout was ordered. At 3:16 am, the 37th Coast Artillery Brigade began firing 12.8-pound antiaircraft shells at the objects – more than 1,400 shells were fired over the next 58 minutes as the objects moved south, from Santa Monica to Long Beach.
'The obvious thought was that these were Japanese bombers come to attack the United States,' says UFO expert Bill Birnes, publisher of UFO magazine. 'But it wasn't. They were flying too high. And the astounding thing was, not one artillery shell could hit the craft – out of all the hundreds of shells that were fired. People outside that night swore that it was neither a plane nor a balloon – it was a UFO. It floated, it glided. And to this day, nobody can explain what that craft was, why our anti-aircraft guns couldn't hit it – it's a mystery that's never been resolved.'"
‘Muslim’ attack on teacher
Express.co.uk - Home of the Daily and Sunday Express | UK News :: ‘Muslim’ attack on teacher: "FOUR men slashed a teacher’s face because they did not approve of him teaching religion to Muslim girls.
Gary Smith was attacked with a Stanley knife, an iron rod and a block of cement.
Mr Smith, who is head of religious education at Central Foundation Girls’ School in Bow, east London, also had a fractured skull.
Akmol Hussein, 26, Sheikh Rashid, 27, Azad Hussain, 25, and Simon Alam, 19, are facing jail.
Detectives made secret recordings of the gang’s plot.
They were heard condemning Mr Smith for “teaching other religions to our sisters”, the court heard."
Faleh Hassan Almaleki, Muslim man accused of murdering daughter in 'honor killing,' found guilty
Faleh Hassan Almaleki, Muslim man accused of murdering daughter in 'honor killing,' found guilty: "An Iraqi man in Arizona accused of killing his daughter because she had become too westernized was convicted on Tuesday of second-degree murder.
Faleh Hassan Almaleki was found guilty of running over his daughter, Noor Faleh Almaleki, with his SUV in October 2009.
Prosecutors claimed the 50-year-old Muslim man committed an 'honor killing' because his daughter had dishonored him by living with her boyfriend and his mother."
Faleh Hassan Almaleki was found guilty of running over his daughter, Noor Faleh Almaleki, with his SUV in October 2009.
Prosecutors claimed the 50-year-old Muslim man committed an 'honor killing' because his daughter had dishonored him by living with her boyfriend and his mother."
CIA Reveals Its James Bond-Worthy Spy Gadgets - FoxNews.com
CIA Reveals Its James Bond-Worthy Spy Gadgets - FoxNews.com: "In a world where Russian femme fatales become international brands and that iconic martini-sipping spy has made a resurgent reboot -- thank you, Daniel Craig -- it seems only fitting that the notoriously secretive Central Intelligence Agency is giving the world an insider’s look at some of its wackier exploits.
Last week, the U.S. spy organization launched a complete overhaul to its cia.gov website, including new pages on YouTube and Flickr containing historical Agency videos and picture galleries."
Last week, the U.S. spy organization launched a complete overhaul to its cia.gov website, including new pages on YouTube and Flickr containing historical Agency videos and picture galleries."
The Singularity Movement, Immortality, and Removing the Ghost in the Machine
The Singularity Movement, Immortality, and Removing the Ghost in the Machine: "For those who may regard movies such as The Matrix and Ghost in the Shell as mere science fiction, picking up the latest issue of TIME just might shake up these assumptions a bit. Entitled 2045: The Year Man Becomes Immortal, the cover illustration for the February 21 edition portrays a human with a shaved head plugged into the Internet – literally. On the back of this person’s head is an embedded terminal plug for the purpose of connecting with the Internet; the same as Neo in The Matrix or any one of the “cyberized” characters in Ghost in the Shell.
Enter the “Singularity” movement. As defined by TIME, singularity means, “The moment when technological change becomes so rapid and profound, it represents a rupture in the fabric of human history.” This definition will no doubt be an accurate one if Singularitarians (as they are deemed by TIME) have their way."
Enter the “Singularity” movement. As defined by TIME, singularity means, “The moment when technological change becomes so rapid and profound, it represents a rupture in the fabric of human history.” This definition will no doubt be an accurate one if Singularitarians (as they are deemed by TIME) have their way."
Milk from cloned cows given green light by Defra - Telegraph
However, animal welfare campaigners said they were 'utterly dismayed' by the ministerial statement, saying it opened the door to widespread cloning, with consumers unable to tell whether they were eating meat originating a cloned animal or not.
The statement was made by Jim Paice, the food and farming minister, in response to a written question from Zac Goldsmith, the Conservative MP.
The statement was made by Jim Paice, the food and farming minister, in response to a written question from Zac Goldsmith, the Conservative MP.
Currently the Food Standards Agency believes that any food company attempting to sell food from not just a cloned animal – but crucially, also the offspring of a cloned animal – needs to apply for a so-called 'novel food' licence."
Intuitive AI-Powered Robotic Probes to Explore Milky Way by 2020
Intuitive AI-Powered Robotic Probes to Explore Milky Way by 2020: "Before the year 2020, scientists are expected to launch intelligent space robots that will venture out to explore the universe for us.
'Robotic exploration probably will always be the trail blazer for human exploration of far space,' says Wolfgang Fink, physicist and researcher at Caltech. 'We haven't yet landed a human being on Mars but we have robots there now, and on the ISS too. In that sense, it's much easier to send a robotic explorer. When you can take the human out of the loop, that is becoming very exciting.'"
'Robotic exploration probably will always be the trail blazer for human exploration of far space,' says Wolfgang Fink, physicist and researcher at Caltech. 'We haven't yet landed a human being on Mars but we have robots there now, and on the ISS too. In that sense, it's much easier to send a robotic explorer. When you can take the human out of the loop, that is becoming very exciting.'"
Ben Goertzel Interviews Researcher Alexandra Elbakyan on Brain-Machine Interfaces, Distributed Intelligence, and the Consciousness Singularity
Beyond the Borg: "The goal of Brain Computer Interfacing technology is simple to describe — connecting the biocomputers in our skulls with the silicon chip based computers on our desks and in our pockets. And it’s also simple to imagine the vast array of life-changing possibilities this technology might provide once it matures. This interview highlights one of the most exciting of these potentials – the emergence of distributed mind networks that rely on direct brain-to-brain links."
The Apollo 18 trailer wants to scare your moon rocks off | Blastr
The Apollo 18 trailer wants to scare your moon rocks off | Blastr: "The first footage from this documentary-style thriller about a lunar mission that had been kept classified for decades—and why it was the last trip to the moon humanity would ever take—reveals a small-scale film that might just deliver large-scale scares.
The grainy, primitive-video feel of the trailer, combined with a blissfully false disclaimer—'The following footage has not been altered or enhanced'—go a long way to selling the fauxthenticity of this flick, produced by Wanted's Timur Bekmambetov and directed by Gonzalo Lopez-Gallego."
The grainy, primitive-video feel of the trailer, combined with a blissfully false disclaimer—'The following footage has not been altered or enhanced'—go a long way to selling the fauxthenticity of this flick, produced by Wanted's Timur Bekmambetov and directed by Gonzalo Lopez-Gallego."
The Benefits of Eating Insects - WSJ.com
The Benefits of Eating Insects - WSJ.com: "At the London restaurant Archipelago, diners can order the $11 Baby Bee Brulee: a creamy custard topped with a crunchy little bee. In New York, the Mexican restaurant Toloache offers $11 chapulines tacos: two tacos stuffed with Oaxacan-style dried grasshoppers.
Could beetles, dragonfly larvae and water bug caviar be the meat of the future? As the global population booms and demand strains the world's supply of meat, there's a growing need for alternate animal proteins. Insects are high in protein, B vitamins and minerals like iron and zinc, and they're low in fat. Insects are easier to raise than livestock, and they produce less waste. Insects are abundant. Of all the known animal species, 80% walk on six legs; over 1,000 edible species have been identified. And the taste? It's often described as 'nutty.'"
Could beetles, dragonfly larvae and water bug caviar be the meat of the future? As the global population booms and demand strains the world's supply of meat, there's a growing need for alternate animal proteins. Insects are high in protein, B vitamins and minerals like iron and zinc, and they're low in fat. Insects are easier to raise than livestock, and they produce less waste. Insects are abundant. Of all the known animal species, 80% walk on six legs; over 1,000 edible species have been identified. And the taste? It's often described as 'nutty.'"
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
World's Smallest Computer Created - Yahoo! News
World's Smallest Computer Created - Yahoo! News: "Researchers recently unveiled the first complete millimeter-scale computing system that is about the size of the letter 'N' on the back of a penny (or about the same size as the letter in this sentence).
This tiniest computer to date is a prototype of an implantable eye pressure monitor for glaucoma patients. Key to this unit linking up with other computers to form wireless sensor networks is a compact radio that needs no tuning to find the right frequency.
One day, these Lilliputian computers could track pollution, monitor structural integrity, perform surveillance, or make virtually any object smart and traceable."
A Universe Stranger Than We Can't Imagine : Discovery News
A Universe Stranger Than We Can't Imagine : Discovery News: "Ever looked up at the night sky and wondered: What is up there?
Like your ancestors before you, you would be mistaken if you thought that it's just the Earth down here and the stars up there. Instead, the night sky encompasses everything that is, or ever was, in the Universe. You see, the really wacky thing about looking up at the sky is that you are not just looking into the depths of space, but also into the depths of time."
Like your ancestors before you, you would be mistaken if you thought that it's just the Earth down here and the stars up there. Instead, the night sky encompasses everything that is, or ever was, in the Universe. You see, the really wacky thing about looking up at the sky is that you are not just looking into the depths of space, but also into the depths of time."
One Per Cent: Mind control puts you in charge of driverless cars
One Per Cent: Mind control puts you in charge of driverless cars: "In a step beyond the plans laid by DARPA and Google to create cars that drive themselves, engineers led by Raul Rojas at the Free University of Berlin in Germany have developed a largely autonomous car whose speed and direction can be overridden...by the driver's thoughts.
Why do this, you may well ask? Well, imagine your autonomous taxi of the future (think of the Johnny Cabs in Total Recall) is taking you home the wrong way. You just think 'right here' and the car will turn and plan a fresh route. Or you change your mind about where you're going mid-journey: again, that's no problem with a thought-mediated drive-by-wire override capability.
And people with disabilities that prevent them driving regular cars could experience driving by controlling at least some of the car's functions, too."
Why do this, you may well ask? Well, imagine your autonomous taxi of the future (think of the Johnny Cabs in Total Recall) is taking you home the wrong way. You just think 'right here' and the car will turn and plan a fresh route. Or you change your mind about where you're going mid-journey: again, that's no problem with a thought-mediated drive-by-wire override capability.
And people with disabilities that prevent them driving regular cars could experience driving by controlling at least some of the car's functions, too."
Meat-lovers get food for thought in futuristic US lab
Meat-lovers get food for thought in futuristic US lab: "A 21ST CENTURY American cowboy will resemble a worker in a hi-tech plant creating artificial meat in a petri dish, a far cry from cattle ranches, says biologist Vladimir Mironov.
The growth of 'cultured' or in-vitro meat may be a vital step towards solving the global food crisis and fighting hunger in the future, Mr Mironov believes.
It may also be used on the first trip to Mars where it's impractical to bring a cow on a six-month mission on a space shuttle."
The growth of 'cultured' or in-vitro meat may be a vital step towards solving the global food crisis and fighting hunger in the future, Mr Mironov believes.
It may also be used on the first trip to Mars where it's impractical to bring a cow on a six-month mission on a space shuttle."
Planet could be 'unrecognizable' by 2050, experts say - Yahoo! News
Planet could be 'unrecognizable' by 2050, experts say - Yahoo! News: "WASHINGTON (AFP) – A growing, more affluent population competing for ever scarcer resources could make for an 'unrecognizable' world by 2050, researchers warned at a major US science conference Sunday.
The United Nations has predicted the global population will reach seven billion this year, and climb to nine billion by 2050, 'with almost all of the growth occurring in poor countries, particularly Africa and South Asia,' said John Bongaarts of the non-profit Population Council.
To feed all those mouths, 'we will need to produce as much food in the next 40 years as we have in the last 8,000,' said Jason Clay of the World Wildlife Fund at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).
'By 2050 we will not have a planet left that is recognizable' if current trends continue, Clay said."
Climate change no problem, says futurist Ray Kurzweil | Environment | guardian.co.uk
Climate change no problem, says futurist Ray Kurzweil | Environment | guardian.co.uk: "Author, inventor, and futurist Ray Kurzweil famously and accurately predicted that a computer would beat a man at chess by 1998, that technologies that help spread information would accelerate the collapse of the
Soviet Union, and that a worldwide communications network would emerge in the mid 1990s (i.e. the internet).
Most of Kurzweil's prognostications are derived from his law of accelerating returns -- the idea that information technologies progress exponentially, in part because each iteration is used to help build the next, better, faster, cheaper one. In the case of computers, this is not just a theory but an observable trend -- computer processing power has doubled every two years for nearly half a century."
Soviet Union, and that a worldwide communications network would emerge in the mid 1990s (i.e. the internet).
Most of Kurzweil's prognostications are derived from his law of accelerating returns -- the idea that information technologies progress exponentially, in part because each iteration is used to help build the next, better, faster, cheaper one. In the case of computers, this is not just a theory but an observable trend -- computer processing power has doubled every two years for nearly half a century."
Anjem Choudary to lead White House protest calling for Muslims to 'rise up' | Mail Online
Anjem Choudary to lead White House protest calling for Muslims to 'rise up' | Mail Online: "A hardline Muslim cleric who sparked anger across the U.S. with his anti-American comments in a television interview this month is to hold a protest outside the White House.
British extremist Anjem Choudary - who once said 'the flag of Islam will fly over the White House' - has announced he will lead a demonstration calling on Muslims to establish the Sharia law across America.
The rally, planned for March 3, is to take place just weeks after his on-screen row with Fox News presenter Sean Hannity.
Mr Choudary, 43, called Americans 'the biggest criminals in the world today.'
The former leader of outlawed group Islam4UK told the Daily Star 'we expect thousands to come out and support us.'
Mr Choudary said the March rally was organised by the Islamic Thinkers society, an extremist group based in New York."
British extremist Anjem Choudary - who once said 'the flag of Islam will fly over the White House' - has announced he will lead a demonstration calling on Muslims to establish the Sharia law across America.
The rally, planned for March 3, is to take place just weeks after his on-screen row with Fox News presenter Sean Hannity.
Mr Choudary, 43, called Americans 'the biggest criminals in the world today.'
The former leader of outlawed group Islam4UK told the Daily Star 'we expect thousands to come out and support us.'
Mr Choudary said the March rally was organised by the Islamic Thinkers society, an extremist group based in New York."
Supernova-creating particle accelerators will make the biggest bangs we have ever known - Telegraph
Christchurch earthquake: 150 feared dead on New Zealand's 'darkest day' - Telegraph
Christchurch earthquake: 150 feared dead on New Zealand's 'darkest day' - Telegraph: "More than 150 are feared dead after a major earthquake hit Christchurch, one of New Zealand's biggest cities, in what the prime minister described 'New Zealand's darkest day'."
Helpful Mutations Didn’t Sweep Through Early Humans | Wired Science | Wired.com
Helpful Mutations Didn’t Sweep Through Early Humans | Wired Science | Wired.com: "Humans probably didn’t get swept up in evolution.
Scientists have favored a model of evolution in which beneficial gene mutations quickly and dramatically sweep through a population due to the evolutionary advantages they confer. Such mutations would become nearly universal in a population. But this selective sweep model may not be accurate for humans, a new study indicates. Human evolution likely followed a more subtle and complicated path, say population geneticists Molly Przeworski of the University of Chicago and Guy Sella of Hebrew University of Jerusalem and colleagues.
Computational analysis of 179 genomes belonging to people from Europe, Asia and Africa reveal that selective sweeps have been rare in human evolution, the researchers report in the Feb. 18 Science.
“I’m convinced,” says Andrew Clark, a population geneticist at Cornell University. Clark was among the first to find evidence that selective sweeps can shape evolution. The idea of a favored gene sweeping in to save the evolutionary day is so attractive that other forms of natural selection have been largely ignored, he says. The new study could change that. “I think this will be taken to heart and people will take a step back and start asking what other signatures of selection may be present.”"
Scientists have favored a model of evolution in which beneficial gene mutations quickly and dramatically sweep through a population due to the evolutionary advantages they confer. Such mutations would become nearly universal in a population. But this selective sweep model may not be accurate for humans, a new study indicates. Human evolution likely followed a more subtle and complicated path, say population geneticists Molly Przeworski of the University of Chicago and Guy Sella of Hebrew University of Jerusalem and colleagues.
Computational analysis of 179 genomes belonging to people from Europe, Asia and Africa reveal that selective sweeps have been rare in human evolution, the researchers report in the Feb. 18 Science.
“I’m convinced,” says Andrew Clark, a population geneticist at Cornell University. Clark was among the first to find evidence that selective sweeps can shape evolution. The idea of a favored gene sweeping in to save the evolutionary day is so attractive that other forms of natural selection have been largely ignored, he says. The new study could change that. “I think this will be taken to heart and people will take a step back and start asking what other signatures of selection may be present.”"
'Global Katrina': Biggest solar storm ever could cause power cuts for MONTHS | Mail Online
'Global Katrina': Biggest solar storm ever could cause power cuts for MONTHS | Mail Online: "Earth is overdue a solar storm as the sun enters its most active period
The world is overdue a ferocious 'space storm' that could knock out communications satellites, ground aircraft and trigger blackouts - causing hundreds of billions of pounds of damage, scientists say.
Astronomers today warned that mankind is now more vulnerable to a major solar storm than at any time in history - and that the planet should prepare for a global Katrina-style disaster.
A massive eruption of the sun would save waves of radiation and charged particles to Earth, damaging the satellite systems used for synchronising computers, airline navigation and phone networks."
The world is overdue a ferocious 'space storm' that could knock out communications satellites, ground aircraft and trigger blackouts - causing hundreds of billions of pounds of damage, scientists say.
Astronomers today warned that mankind is now more vulnerable to a major solar storm than at any time in history - and that the planet should prepare for a global Katrina-style disaster.
A massive eruption of the sun would save waves of radiation and charged particles to Earth, damaging the satellite systems used for synchronising computers, airline navigation and phone networks."
Where did all the world's giants go?
Where did all the world's giants go?: "Cyriaque Lamar — Bigfoot, Nessie, Ogopogo, the atmospheric jellyfish — (most of) these cryptids are household names. But did you know that there's a subfield of cryptozoology that deals with massive hominids, sequestered on our planet's hidden places? Let's take a look at some curious cases of Brobdingnagians amongst us."
Mount Bulusan: Volcano obscures the sky as hundreds flee in Philippines | Mail Online
Mount Bulusan: Volcano obscures the sky as hundreds flee in Philippines | Mail Online: "Hundreds of people fled homes and farms in central Philippines on Monday after a volcano spewed a 2km-high column of ash covering several villages, officials said.
Soldiers were patrolling a 4km danger zone around the crater of Mount Bulusan, one of the most active volcanoes in the poor Southeast Asian nation.
Schools were closed and were being used as temporary shelters, Major Harold Cabunoc told reporters. "
Soldiers were patrolling a 4km danger zone around the crater of Mount Bulusan, one of the most active volcanoes in the poor Southeast Asian nation.
Schools were closed and were being used as temporary shelters, Major Harold Cabunoc told reporters. "
Monday, February 21, 2011
Compass shift means changes for pilots, boaters, campers - South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com
Compass shift means changes for pilots, boaters, campers - South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com: "Magnetic north, the point at the top of the Earth that determines compass headings, is shifting its position at a rate of about 40 miles per year. In geologic terms, it's racing from the Arctic Ocean near Canada toward Russia.
As a result, everyone who uses a compass, even as a backup to modern GPS navigation systems, needs to be aware of the shift, make adjustments or obtain updated charts to ensure they get where they intend to go, authorities say. That includes pilots, boaters and even hikers.
'You could end up a few miles off or a couple hundred miles off, depending how far you're going,' said Matthew Brock, a technician with Lauderdale Speedometer and Compass, a Fort Lauderdale company that repairs compasses.
Although the magnetic shift has little impact on the average person and presents no danger to the Earth overall, it is costing the aviation and marine industries millions of dollars to upgrade navigational systems and charts."
As a result, everyone who uses a compass, even as a backup to modern GPS navigation systems, needs to be aware of the shift, make adjustments or obtain updated charts to ensure they get where they intend to go, authorities say. That includes pilots, boaters and even hikers.
'You could end up a few miles off or a couple hundred miles off, depending how far you're going,' said Matthew Brock, a technician with Lauderdale Speedometer and Compass, a Fort Lauderdale company that repairs compasses.
Although the magnetic shift has little impact on the average person and presents no danger to the Earth overall, it is costing the aviation and marine industries millions of dollars to upgrade navigational systems and charts."
Large Hadron Collider to prove 'God Particle theory within two years' - Telegraph
AAAS: Large Hadron Collider to prove 'God Particle theory within two years' - Telegraph: "The existence of the so-called “God Particle” Higgs Boson theory could be proved within two years or it probably does not exist, Large Hadron Collider scientists have said."
Alien life boost after Nasa finds one in two Suns has Earth like planets - Telegraph
Alien life boost after Nasa finds one in two Suns has Earth like planets - Telegraph: "The news came from NASA scientists studying the results from the Kepler telescope which in its first two years in space has found evidence of more than 1,200 planets in orbit around far distant stars.
The early findings suggests that there are triple the number of known planets outside our own solar system - 54 of them are Earth size and in the habitable zones from their suns.
Only two potentially habitable planets have previously been found outside earth's solar system, so Kepler scientists are very excited at finding so many possible candidate planets.
Speaking at the American Association for the Advancement of Science, Kepler chief scientist William Borucki said: 'I am really delighted that we are seeing so many candidate planets and that means there is a rich ocean of planets out there to explore.
'For every two stars we are seeing a candidate planet.'"
Alien Anomaly Activity And UFO Sighting Videotaped During Space Walk |Latest UFO News| UFO 2011 Sightings|Alien Pictures|2011 Solar Flares|Disclosure Project|Web Bot
Alien Anomaly Activity And UFO Sighting Videotaped During Space Walk |Latest UFO News| UFO 2011 Sightings|Alien Pictures|2011 Solar Flares|Disclosure Project|Web Bot: "Alien Anomaly Activity And UFO Sighting Videotaped During Space Walk"
Is reminiscent of the Tether incident, a video of which is also provided as a comparison at the link above....
Facing a vast die-off of food ... and us - MontereyHerald.com :
Facing a vast die-off of food ... and us - MontereyHerald.com :: "I 'm going to do you a big favor. I'm going to tell you the one and only thing to worry about. You're welcome in advance and glad I could narrow things down for you. No sense in worrying about a whole bunch of things when you could focus. The issue was an aggravating factor in the Egyptian uprising, it is linked to several conspiracy theories such as chemtrails (don't tell me you don't know about those smoke signals in the sky), honeybee die-off, the global takeover by Monsanto and climate change.
Still don't have a clue? Well, you use it at least three times a day, everyday. It's food."
Still don't have a clue? Well, you use it at least three times a day, everyday. It's food."
Researchers aim to 'print' human skin - CNN.com
Researchers aim to 'print' human skin - CNN.com: "(CNN) -- Researchers are developing a specialized skin 'printing' system that could be used in the future to treat soldiers wounded on the battlefield.
Scientists at the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine were inspired by standard inkjet printers found in many home offices.
'We started out by taking a typical desktop inkjet cartridge. Instead of ink we use cells, which are placed in the cartridge,' said Dr. Anthony Atala, director of the institute.
The device could be used to rebuild damaged or burned skin."
The device could be used to rebuild damaged or burned skin."
Alien life and UFOs: 10 top 'believers' - Telegraph
Alien life and UFOs: 10 top 'believers' - Telegraph: "Numerous public figures from eminent scientists to politicians have stated their belief in the existence of alien life forms and UFOs.
Here we take a look at some of the most notable claims...:"
Here we take a look at some of the most notable claims...:"
Sunday, February 20, 2011
How Close Are We to a Nano-based Surveillance State?
How Close Are We to a Nano-based Surveillance State? "In the span of just three years, we have seen drone surveillance become openly operational on American soil.
In 2007, Texas reporters first filmed a predator drone test being conducted by the local police department in tandem with Homeland Security. And in 2009, it was revealed that an operation was underway to use predator drones inland over major cities, far from 'border control' functions. This year it has been announced that not only will drone operations fly over the Mexican border, but the United States and Canada are partnering to cover 900 miles of the northern border as well.
Now that the precedent has been set to employ drones over non-combat areas, the military is further revealing the technology of miniaturization that they currently have at their disposal. As drone expert, P.W. Singer said, 'At this point, it doesn't really matter if you are against the technology, because it's coming.' According to Singer, 'The miniaturization of drones is where it really gets interesting. You can use these things anywhere, put them anyplace, and the target will never even know they're being watched.'"
In 2007, Texas reporters first filmed a predator drone test being conducted by the local police department in tandem with Homeland Security. And in 2009, it was revealed that an operation was underway to use predator drones inland over major cities, far from 'border control' functions. This year it has been announced that not only will drone operations fly over the Mexican border, but the United States and Canada are partnering to cover 900 miles of the northern border as well.
Now that the precedent has been set to employ drones over non-combat areas, the military is further revealing the technology of miniaturization that they currently have at their disposal. As drone expert, P.W. Singer said, 'At this point, it doesn't really matter if you are against the technology, because it's coming.' According to Singer, 'The miniaturization of drones is where it really gets interesting. You can use these things anywhere, put them anyplace, and the target will never even know they're being watched.'"
Scientists project humans into avatars
They even made men feel like women and women like men. Scientists at the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) reported their work to the American Association for the Advancement of Science annual meeting in Washington."
FT.com / Global Economy - Scientists warn of $2,000bn solar ‘Katrina’
FT.com / Global Economy - Scientists warn of $2,000bn solar ‘Katrina’: "The sun is waking up from a long quiet spell. Last week it sent out the strongest flare for four years – and scientists are warning that earth should prepare for an intense electromagnetic storm that, in the worst case, could be a “global Katrina” costing the world economy $2,000bn.
Senior officials responsible for policy on solar storms – also known as space weather – in the US, UK and Sweden urged more preparedness at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in Washington.
“We have to take the issue of space weather seriously,” said Sir John Beddington, UK chief scientist. “The sun is coming out of a quiet period, and our vulnerability has increased since the last solar maximum [around 2000].”
Senior officials responsible for policy on solar storms – also known as space weather – in the US, UK and Sweden urged more preparedness at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in Washington.
“We have to take the issue of space weather seriously,” said Sir John Beddington, UK chief scientist. “The sun is coming out of a quiet period, and our vulnerability has increased since the last solar maximum [around 2000].”
Numerous UFOs Videotaped Near O'hare Airport Chicago, US
Numerous UFOs Videotaped Near O'hare Airport Chicago: "According to eyewitness video taper testimonial 'Down below video does not do what my father and I saw with our eyes (and binoculars) justice!'
Down below video was recorded in Bloomingdale, Illinois at approximately 8:00 PM on February 13, 2011. The time on the camera is an hour behind.
The lights were originating from the direction of O'hare airport. A couple airplanes were seen in between the lights at points throughout the filming. I discovered the lights initially at 7:50 PM, in a spot where lights did not belong in the view of the sky near my home. I then ran back home to grab my dad, some binoculars, and a camera. We found a good vantage point and filmed them for about 20 minutes. This footage is cut down quite a bit. I went back to the filming spot at 10:30 PM and the lights were gone."
Down below video was recorded in Bloomingdale, Illinois at approximately 8:00 PM on February 13, 2011. The time on the camera is an hour behind.
The lights were originating from the direction of O'hare airport. A couple airplanes were seen in between the lights at points throughout the filming. I discovered the lights initially at 7:50 PM, in a spot where lights did not belong in the view of the sky near my home. I then ran back home to grab my dad, some binoculars, and a camera. We found a good vantage point and filmed them for about 20 minutes. This footage is cut down quite a bit. I went back to the filming spot at 10:30 PM and the lights were gone."
REWIND -- Did Ancient Biotechnology Create "Nephilim?"
In the study of the Old Testament Book of Genesis, beings of great stature called 'giants' appear, which some scholars believe came into existence after powerful angels known as 'Watchers' descended to earth and used women (or their biological matter) to construct bodies of flesh, which they used to 'extend' themselves into the material world."
Ohio Legislature Hears Evidence Of Human-Animal Chimera Experimentation
Ohio Legislature Hears Evidence Of Human-Animal Chimera Experimentation: "'For the past eight years, OCA has been working with members of the Ohio Legislature to ban embryonic stem cell research, human cloning, and in recent years, animal-human hybrid. Science has advanced to the point where DNA from animals and humans can be intermixed in scientific laboratory experimentation. These experimental practices simply are outrageous! Animal-human hybrid research is currently being conducted in England, which many in the international medical community now consider to be a rogue medical state. It is now known that some experimentation has taken place in some U.S. laboratories. Ohio Christian Alliance commends State Senator Kris Jordan from Ohio's 19th District for taking the leadership role in sponsoring this key legislation.' "
Revealed: Air Force ordered software to manage army of fake virtual people
Revealed: Air Force ordered software to manage army of fake virtual people: "These days, with Facebook and Twitter and social media galore, it can be increasingly hard to tell who your 'friends' are.
But after this, Internet users would be well advised to ask another question entirely: Are my 'friends' even real people?
In the continuing saga of data security firm HBGary, a new caveat has come to light: not only did they plot to help destroy secrets outlet WikiLeaks and discredit progressive bloggers, they also crafted detailed proposals for software that manages online 'personas,' allowing a single human to assume the identities of as many fake people as they'd like."
But after this, Internet users would be well advised to ask another question entirely: Are my 'friends' even real people?
In the continuing saga of data security firm HBGary, a new caveat has come to light: not only did they plot to help destroy secrets outlet WikiLeaks and discredit progressive bloggers, they also crafted detailed proposals for software that manages online 'personas,' allowing a single human to assume the identities of as many fake people as they'd like."
Rising food prices nearing danger point: World Bank | The Raw Story
Rising food prices nearing danger point: World Bank | The Raw Story: "PARIS (AFP) – World Bank president Robert Zoellick warned leaders of the top global economies Saturday that the world is reaching a danger point where soaring food prices threaten further political instability.
'I mentioned that we are reaching a danger point,' Zoellick said, adding that he had urged G20 finance ministers and central bank chiefs meeting here to 'put food first in 2011.'
Zoellick said rising prices would eventually result in increased food supplies but in the intervening couple of years, 'there could be an awful lot of turmoil and governments could fall and societies could go into turmoil.'
Soaring food, fuel and other basic costs have been one of the key factors driving political unrest across the Middle East and North Africa which has forced the ouster of long-standing autocratic rulers in Egypt and Tunisia."
'I mentioned that we are reaching a danger point,' Zoellick said, adding that he had urged G20 finance ministers and central bank chiefs meeting here to 'put food first in 2011.'
Zoellick said rising prices would eventually result in increased food supplies but in the intervening couple of years, 'there could be an awful lot of turmoil and governments could fall and societies could go into turmoil.'
Soaring food, fuel and other basic costs have been one of the key factors driving political unrest across the Middle East and North Africa which has forced the ouster of long-standing autocratic rulers in Egypt and Tunisia."
Internet 'kill switch' bill gets a makeover | Privacy Inc. - CNET News
Internet 'kill switch' bill gets a makeover | Privacy Inc. - CNET News: "A Senate proposal that has become known as the Internet 'kill switch' bill was reintroduced this week, with a tweak its backers say eliminates the possibility of an Egypt-style disconnection happening in the United States.
As CNET reported last month, the 221-page bill hands Homeland Security the power to issue decrees to certain privately owned computer systems after the president declares a 'national cyberemergency.' A section in the new bill notes that does not include 'the authority to shut down the Internet,' and the name of the bill has been changed to include the phrase 'Internet freedom.'
'The emergency measures in our bill apply in a precise and targeted way only to our most critical infrastructure,' Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) said yesterday about the legislation she is sponsoring with Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-Conn). 'We cannot afford to wait for a cyber 9/11 before our government finally realizes the importance of protecting our digital resources.'"
New photo of 'English Nessie' hailed as best yet - Telegraph
It was taken on a camera phone by Tom Pickles, 24, while kayaking on the lake as part of a team building exercise with his IT company, CapGemini, last Friday.
Mr Pickles said he saw an animal the size of three cars speed past him on the lake and watched it for about 20 seconds.
He said: “It was petrifying and we paddled back to the shore straight away. At first I thought it was a dog and then saw it was much bigger and moving really quickly at about 10mph.
He said: “It was petrifying and we paddled back to the shore straight away. At first I thought it was a dog and then saw it was much bigger and moving really quickly at about 10mph.
“Each hump was moving in a rippling motion and it was swimming fast.
“Its skin was like a seal’s but it’s shape was completely abnormal – it’s not like any animal I’ve ever seen before.'
This is believed to be the eighth sighting of a long humpbacked creature – known by local residents as 'Bownessie' – in the past last five years."
This is believed to be the eighth sighting of a long humpbacked creature – known by local residents as 'Bownessie' – in the past last five years."
Saturday, February 19, 2011
The world's biggest family: Ziona Chan has 39 wives, 94 children and 33 grandchildren | Mail Online
The world's biggest family: Ziona Chan has 39 wives, 94 children and 33 grandchildren | Mail Online: "He is head of the world's biggest family - and says he is 'blessed' to have his 39 wives.
Ziona Chana also has 94 children, 14-daughters-in-law and 33 grandchildren.
They live in a 100-room, four storey house set amidst the hills of Baktwang village in the Indian state of Mizoram, where the wives sleep in giant communal dormitories."
Ziona Chana also has 94 children, 14-daughters-in-law and 33 grandchildren.
They live in a 100-room, four storey house set amidst the hills of Baktwang village in the Indian state of Mizoram, where the wives sleep in giant communal dormitories."
Are We Really Alone? Kentucky Called "Hotbed" For UFO Sightings | LEX18.com | Lexington, Kentucky
Are We Really Alone? Kentucky Called "Hotbed" For UFO Sightings | LEX18.com | Lexington, Kentucky: "Did you know Kentucky is considered a 'hotbed' for UFO sightings? According to the state director of MUFON, an organization that investigates the sightings, our state just may be a very popular destination for advanced alien life.
Just when you think you've heard and see it all, there's another reason to put Kentucky on the the map. 'We cover hundreds of cases in Kentucky every year,' said David MacDonald, a commercial pilot and the state director of the Mutual UFO network, a group of about 1,000 trained investigators who look into reported UFO sightings. 'Ninety percent of the the sightings are easily explained. An aircraft, a satellite, a little alcohol, but 10 percent of those will knock your socks off.'"
Just when you think you've heard and see it all, there's another reason to put Kentucky on the the map. 'We cover hundreds of cases in Kentucky every year,' said David MacDonald, a commercial pilot and the state director of the Mutual UFO network, a group of about 1,000 trained investigators who look into reported UFO sightings. 'Ninety percent of the the sightings are easily explained. An aircraft, a satellite, a little alcohol, but 10 percent of those will knock your socks off.'"
Scientists, telescope hunt massive hidden object in space – This Just In - CNN.com Blogs
Scientists, telescope hunt massive hidden object in space – This Just In - CNN.com Blogs: "You know how you sometimes can sense that something is present even though you can't see it? Well, astronomers are getting that feeling about a giant, hidden object in space.
And when we say giant, we mean GIANT.
Evidence is mounting that either a brown dwarf star or a gas giant planet is lurking at the outermost reaches of our solar system, far beyond Pluto. The theoretical object, dubbed Tyche, is estimated to be four times the size of Jupiter and 15,000 times farther from the sun than Earth, according to a story in the British paper The Independent.
Astrophysicists John Matese and Daniel Whitmire from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette think data from NASA's infrared space telescope WISE will confirm Tyche's existence and location within two years.
The presence of such a massive object in the solar system's far-flung Oort Cloud could explain a barrage of comets from an unexpected direction, according to a December article at Space.com.
Its 27 million-year orbit could also explain a pattern of mass extinctions on Earth, scientists say."
And when we say giant, we mean GIANT.
Evidence is mounting that either a brown dwarf star or a gas giant planet is lurking at the outermost reaches of our solar system, far beyond Pluto. The theoretical object, dubbed Tyche, is estimated to be four times the size of Jupiter and 15,000 times farther from the sun than Earth, according to a story in the British paper The Independent.
Astrophysicists John Matese and Daniel Whitmire from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette think data from NASA's infrared space telescope WISE will confirm Tyche's existence and location within two years.
The presence of such a massive object in the solar system's far-flung Oort Cloud could explain a barrage of comets from an unexpected direction, according to a December article at Space.com.
Its 27 million-year orbit could also explain a pattern of mass extinctions on Earth, scientists say."
New invention can turn your plastic bags into fuel at home
New invention can turn your plastic bags into fuel at home: "(PhysOrg.com) -- Plastic bags help you carry your groceries home, they make excellent liners for smaller-sized trash cans, and now they can help you to heat your home. A Japanese inventor has found a way to convert plastic grocery bags, bottles and caps into usable petroleum."
Mutant Fish Safely Store Toxins in Fat | Wired Science | Wired.com
Mutant Fish Safely Store Toxins in Fat | Wired Science | Wired.com: "Some fish in New York’s Hudson River have become resistant to several of the waterway’s more toxic pollutants. Instead of getting sick from dioxins and related compounds including some polychlorinated biphenyls, Atlantic tomcod harmlessly store these poisons in fat, a new study finds.
But what’s good for this bottom-dwelling species could be bad for those feeding on it, says Isaac Wirgin of the New York University School of Medicine’s Institute of Environmental Medicine in Tuxedo. Each bite of tomcod that a predator takes, he explains, will move a potent dose of toxic chemicals up the food chain — eventually into species that could end up on home dinner tables."
But what’s good for this bottom-dwelling species could be bad for those feeding on it, says Isaac Wirgin of the New York University School of Medicine’s Institute of Environmental Medicine in Tuxedo. Each bite of tomcod that a predator takes, he explains, will move a potent dose of toxic chemicals up the food chain — eventually into species that could end up on home dinner tables."
Friday, February 18, 2011
Peculiar geese deaths baffle wildlife officials - Toledo Blade
Peculiar geese deaths baffle wildlife officials - Toledo Blade: "Several dozen Canada geese along western Lake Erie's shoreline have recently died or are presumed dead while others have become so sick they cannot hold up their heads, fly, or maintain control of their motor functions.
State wildlife investigators are stumped, awaiting word on tests that a national wildlife laboratory in Wisconsin has been doing on some of the dead birds.
'They will fall out of the sky and have trouble staying upright,' said Dave Sherman, a biologist at the Crane Creek Wildlife Research Station the Ohio Department of Natural Resources operates in Ottawa County.
Symptoms began manifesting themselves first with mallards about two or three weeks ago.
'Now, it's mostly geese we're seeing,' he said."
State wildlife investigators are stumped, awaiting word on tests that a national wildlife laboratory in Wisconsin has been doing on some of the dead birds.
'They will fall out of the sky and have trouble staying upright,' said Dave Sherman, a biologist at the Crane Creek Wildlife Research Station the Ohio Department of Natural Resources operates in Ottawa County.
Symptoms began manifesting themselves first with mallards about two or three weeks ago.
'Now, it's mostly geese we're seeing,' he said."
Hundreds of dead birds discovered in Lake Charles
Hundreds of dead birds discovered in Lake Charles: "LAKE CHARLES, LA (KPLC-TV) – The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is trying to figure out what caused the death of hundreds of birds in south Lake Charles.
The birds were discovered on Thursday morning.
More than 100 birds were scattered across Lake Street between Gauthier and Tank Farm Road; another hundred were found on Lincoln Road, about a mile away.
Kori Legleu, a biologist with Wildlife and Fisheries, identified the birds as Tree Swallows, a kind of bird that travels in tight flocks.
Legleu said the birds, which are common in Southwest Louisiana, were likely flying erratically when some of them were struck by passing vehicles.
'It could be a lot of things,' said Legleu. 'There are a multitude of reasons why we have bird die-offs and it happens almost every year. Most of the time, people don't hear about it. It's not anything I think the public should be concerned over.'
Officials are awaiting the results of a necropsy, a bird autopsy, to know for sure.
The preliminary results should be in, in about a week.
The final results are expected in a few weeks."
The birds were discovered on Thursday morning.
More than 100 birds were scattered across Lake Street between Gauthier and Tank Farm Road; another hundred were found on Lincoln Road, about a mile away.
Kori Legleu, a biologist with Wildlife and Fisheries, identified the birds as Tree Swallows, a kind of bird that travels in tight flocks.
Legleu said the birds, which are common in Southwest Louisiana, were likely flying erratically when some of them were struck by passing vehicles.
'It could be a lot of things,' said Legleu. 'There are a multitude of reasons why we have bird die-offs and it happens almost every year. Most of the time, people don't hear about it. It's not anything I think the public should be concerned over.'
Officials are awaiting the results of a necropsy, a bird autopsy, to know for sure.
The preliminary results should be in, in about a week.
The final results are expected in a few weeks."
Mysterious fish deaths fan villagers' fears in northern Turkey - Hurriyet Daily News and Economic Review
Mysterious fish deaths fan villagers' fears in northern Turkey - Hurriyet Daily News and Economic Review: "Sudden and unexplained mass fish deaths in the Black Sea region of Turkey have local residents worried about the safety of their water supply and calling on officials to solve the mystery.
When residents in Mescitli village in Gümüşhane province first observed dead fish in Harşit stream 15 days ago, they thought the fish had died of natural causes, said village head Cenk İnce."
When residents in Mescitli village in Gümüşhane province first observed dead fish in Harşit stream 15 days ago, they thought the fish had died of natural causes, said village head Cenk İnce."
Archives of the Weird Kind | Mysterious Universe
Archives of the Weird Kind | Mysterious Universe: "That government agencies around the world - including the United States’ Air Force and National Security Agency, Britain’s Ministry of Defense, and the former Soviet Union’s KGB – have clandestinely investigated UFO sightings is a matter of record. And, it’s much the same with the mysteries of the human mind: throughout the 1970s, the Defense Intelligence Agency, CIA, and U.S. Army secretly studied the strange realms of ESP and psychic phenomena. Less well known, however, is the large body of files that official organizations have collated on a wide range of additional paranormal topics.
Who would have guessed that Britain’s Admiralty had a “Sea-serpent File”?
Who would have guessed that Britain’s Admiralty had a “Sea-serpent File”?
One fascinating report of a sighting of such a beast is held at the National Archives, Kew, England. The documentation describes the astounding encounter with a monster of the sea on May 9, 1830, by the crew of the Rob Roy, a British Royal Navy ship that was homeward-bound after a journey across the Atlantic. As the ship passed the island of St. Helena, something bizarre occurred, as the captain, James Stockdale, recorded in his log....:"
Mega Solar Flare Fuels Earthly Disruption and Light Shows | Solar Flare, Sun Storm, Space Weather | Sun Photos, Northern Lights & Aurora | Space.com
The class X solar flare – the most powerful kind of solar flare – spewed from the sun Monday (Feb. 14), unleashing a massive wave of charged particles speeding toward Earth. Now the flare has triggered a geomagnetic storm in our planet's magnetic field that interrupted radio communications in China and could disrupt satellites and power grids as well, AFP reported."
BBC News - Scientists build the world's first anti-laser
BBC News - Scientists build the world's first anti-laser: "Physicists have built the world's first device that can cancel out a laser beam - a so-called anti-laser.
The device, created by a team from Yale University, is capable of absorbing an incoming laser beam entirely.
But this is not intended as a defence against high-power laser weapons, the researchers said.
Instead they think it could be used in next-generation supercomputers which will be built with components that use light rather than electrons."
The device, created by a team from Yale University, is capable of absorbing an incoming laser beam entirely.
But this is not intended as a defence against high-power laser weapons, the researchers said.
Instead they think it could be used in next-generation supercomputers which will be built with components that use light rather than electrons."
Thursday, February 17, 2011
5 Sci-Fi Apocalypses The Government Is Actually Planning For
5 Sci-Fi Apocalypses The Government Is Actually Planning For: "The government has to plan for every contingency: disease, famine, political instability, drought, weather, aliens, the plot of Armageddon coming true and protecting super-evolved man from his primitive cousins. There are actual plans for every one of those scenarios. There are entire real government programs devoted solely to thinking up ways to counter weather-themed supervillains and other outlandish threats normally relegated to the realm of science fiction. Like these:"
GPS in cameras and phones creates privacy issue | Video | 7online.com
GPS in cameras and phones creates privacy issue | Video | 7online.com
Freaky -- click on link for more info....
Hacked, Attacked, And Burned To The Ground! Are 'Forces' Trying To Silence Researcher?
Hacked, Attacked, And Burned To The Ground! Are 'Forces' Trying To Silence Researcher?: "Before he could get out the door, Tom heard a series of 'pops', which at first sounded like small firecrackers going off in unison. Listening closer, Tom then heard something similar to arc-welding, a hot electrical burning somewhere in the walls. He rushed to shut off the breakers to the house while his wife dialed 9-11. The first fire-truck arrived within 15 minutes, but that crew said they could not get the pump to turn on. By the time a second crew of firefighters, trucks, and equipment arrived 10 minutes later, the house was fully involved. Over 45,000 gallons of water could not stop the inferno, and the Horn's lost everything inside the house including thousands of pages of documents and research materials into the subject of transhumanism and GRINS technology (genetics, robotics, artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, and synthetic biology), emerging fields of science that Tom believes could, in the hands of transhumanist aspirations, result in the annihilation of mankind."
Why You Will Always Exist: Time Is 'On Demand'
Why You Will Always Exist: Time Is 'On Demand': "You've laughed and cried. And you may even fall in love and grow old with someone, only to be ripped apart in the end by death and disease. The universe leaves you dead or grieving with a hole in you as big as infinity.
Are we part of a depraved cosmic joke, the product of a vast and ruthless universe?
Through the eyes of science, you're a speck of junk spinning around the core of the Milky Way galaxy, which itself is whirling through the unfathomable blackness of space. It's all in the equations, you know. Nothing to get philosophical about. Nobel physicist Steven Weinberg summed it up best:
The effort to understand the universe is one of the very few things that lifts human life a little bit above the level of a farce and gives it some of the grace of a tragedy.
Can life really be reduced to the laws of physics? Or are we -- as all the great spiritual leaders of the world have intuited -- part of something higher, which is more noble and triumphant?"
Are we part of a depraved cosmic joke, the product of a vast and ruthless universe?
Through the eyes of science, you're a speck of junk spinning around the core of the Milky Way galaxy, which itself is whirling through the unfathomable blackness of space. It's all in the equations, you know. Nothing to get philosophical about. Nobel physicist Steven Weinberg summed it up best:
The effort to understand the universe is one of the very few things that lifts human life a little bit above the level of a farce and gives it some of the grace of a tragedy.
Can life really be reduced to the laws of physics? Or are we -- as all the great spiritual leaders of the world have intuited -- part of something higher, which is more noble and triumphant?"
DoD Talks Up Plans to Deploy Cybercommandos
DoD Talks Up Plans to Deploy Cybercommandos: "'Cyber 3.0' is the name of the new strategy described by U.S. Deputy Defense Secretary William Lynn at the RSA security conference Tuesday. It's a five-part plan that will involve equipping military networks with active defenses, ensuring civilian networks are adequately protected, and marshaling the nation's technological and human resources to maintain its status in cyberspace.
The United States will leverage IT know-how among members of the National Guard and the nation's military reserves by increasing the number of units that have dedicated cybermissions, U.S. Deputy Defense Secretary William Lynn announced Tuesday.
Government efforts alone can't fend off cyberattackers, and stronger cooperation with the private sector is crucial, said Lynn, who was speaking at the RSA 2011 security conference in San Francisco.
To that end, the Department of Defense is strengthening ties with the private sector. This includes extending cybersecurity to selected networks, closer cooperation with telecommunications carriers and expansion of a program in which cybersecurity personnel are swapped between the government and the cybersecurity industry."
The United States will leverage IT know-how among members of the National Guard and the nation's military reserves by increasing the number of units that have dedicated cybermissions, U.S. Deputy Defense Secretary William Lynn announced Tuesday.
Government efforts alone can't fend off cyberattackers, and stronger cooperation with the private sector is crucial, said Lynn, who was speaking at the RSA 2011 security conference in San Francisco.
To that end, the Department of Defense is strengthening ties with the private sector. This includes extending cybersecurity to selected networks, closer cooperation with telecommunications carriers and expansion of a program in which cybersecurity personnel are swapped between the government and the cybersecurity industry."
To Talk With Aliens, Learn to Speak With Dolphins | Wired Science | Wired.com
To Talk With Aliens, Learn to Speak With Dolphins | Wired Science | Wired.com: "The Kepler Space Telescope announced a new bonanza of distant planets this month, reconfirming that solar systems, some possibly hosting life, are common in the universe.
So if humanity someday arrives at an extraterrestrial cocktail party, will we be ready to mingle? At the Wild Dolphin Project in Jupiter, Florida, researchers train for contact by trying to talk with dolphins.
Behavioral biologist Denise Herzing started studying free-ranging spotted dolphins in the Bahamas more than two decades ago. Over the years, she noticed some dolphins seeking human company, seemingly out of curiosity.
“We thought, ‘This is fascinating, let’s see if we can take it further,’” Herzing said. “Many studies communicate with dolphins, especially in captivity, using fish as a reward. But it’s rare to ask dolphins to communicate with us.”"
So if humanity someday arrives at an extraterrestrial cocktail party, will we be ready to mingle? At the Wild Dolphin Project in Jupiter, Florida, researchers train for contact by trying to talk with dolphins.
Behavioral biologist Denise Herzing started studying free-ranging spotted dolphins in the Bahamas more than two decades ago. Over the years, she noticed some dolphins seeking human company, seemingly out of curiosity.
“We thought, ‘This is fascinating, let’s see if we can take it further,’” Herzing said. “Many studies communicate with dolphins, especially in captivity, using fish as a reward. But it’s rare to ask dolphins to communicate with us.”"
Australians hit by Cyclone Yasi warned to stay away from deadly giant birds - Telegraph
Australians hit by Cyclone Yasi warned to stay away from deadly giant birds - Telegraph: "Australians trying to rebuild in the wake of Cyclone Yasi have been warned to stay away from cassowaries – huge flightless birds with claws that can disembowel a human – on the hunt for food after their habitat was destroyed by the storm."
Man had knife buried in face for four years: I've got these stabbing pains | Mail Online
Man had knife buried in face for four years: I've got these stabbing pains | Mail Online: "A man who went to the doctor complaining of a headache was shocked to discover he'd had a 4in knife blade stuck in his brain for more than four years.
Li Fu from Yunnan Province, China, was stabbed during a robbery in 2006, and the blade of the knife had lodged in his cranium.
But despite receiving treatment for his injuries, doctors failed to notice the knife buried deep in the 37-year-old's skull."
Li Fu from Yunnan Province, China, was stabbed during a robbery in 2006, and the blade of the knife had lodged in his cranium.
But despite receiving treatment for his injuries, doctors failed to notice the knife buried deep in the 37-year-old's skull."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
