Lifeboat Foundation: Safeguarding Humanity
Toggle light / dark theme

Blog

Category: alien life – Page 17

Check out my quantum physics course on Brilliant! First 30 days are free and 20% off the annual premium subscription when you use our link ➜ https://brilliant.org/sabine.

The Fermi Paradox is an estimate that says: Given all we currently know about the universe, we should have found extraterrestrial life already. So why haven’t we? In a paper that just appeared two weeks ago, a physicist has now put forward the idea that aliens use quantum communication. How does that solve the Fermi Paradox? I’ve had a look.

Paper here: https://arxiv.org/abs/2408.

🤓 Check out my new quiz app ➜ http://quizwithit.com/
💌 Support me on Donorbox ➜ https://donorbox.org/swtg.
📝 Transcripts and written news on Substack ➜ https://sciencewtg.substack.com/
👉 Transcript with links to references on Patreon ➜ / sabine.
📩 Free weekly science newsletter ➜ https://sabinehossenfelder.com/newsle…
👂 Audio only podcast ➜ https://open.spotify.com/show/0MkNfXl…
🔗 Join this channel to get access to perks ➜
/ @sabinehossenfelder.
🖼️ On instagram ➜ / sciencewtg.

#science #sciencenews #physics #aliens

Read more | >

Interest in Earth-like planets orbiting within the habitable zone of their host stars has surged, driven by the quest to discover life beyond our solar system. But the habitability of such planets, known as exoplanets, is influenced by more than just their distance from the star.

A new study by Rice University’s David Alexander and Anthony Atkinson extends the definition of a habitable zone for planets to include their star’s magnetic field. This factor, well studied in our solar system, can have significant implications for life on other planets, according to the research published in The Astrophysical Journal on July 9.

The presence and strength of a planet’s magnetic field and its interaction with the host star’s magnetic field are pivotal factors in a planet’s ability to support life. An exoplanet needs a strong magnetic field to protect it from stellar activity, and it must orbit far enough from its star to avoid a direct and potentially catastrophic magnetic connection.

Read more | >

Abstract: In ecological systems, be it a garden or a galaxy, populations evolve from some initial value (say zero) up to a steady state equilibrium, when the mean number of births and deaths per unit time are equal. This equilibrium point is a function of the birth and death rates, as well as the carrying capacity of the ecological system itself. The growth curve is S-shaped, saturating at the carrying capacity for large birth-to-death rate ratios and tending to zero at the other end. We argue that our astronomical observations appear inconsistent with a cosmos saturated with ETIs, and thus SETI optimists are left presuming that the true population is somewhere along the transitional part of this S-curve. Since the birth and death rates are a-priori unbounded, we argue that this presents a fine-tuning problem. Further, we show that if the birth-to-death rate ratio is assumed to have a log-uniform prior distribution, then the probability distribution of the ecological filling fraction is bi-modal — peaking at zero and unity. Indeed, the resulting distribution is formally the classic Haldane prior, conceived to describe the prior expectation of a Bernoulli experiment, such as a technological intelligence developing (or not) on a given world. Our results formally connect the Drake Equation to the birth-death formalism, the treatment of ecological carrying capacity and their connection to the Haldane perspective.

From: David Kipping [view email].

Read more | >

Columbia researchers discovered that bacteria can create free-floating, temporary genes outside their chromosomes, challenging the long-held belief that all genetic instructions are contained within the genome. This finding opens the possibility that similar genes could exist in humans, potentially revolutionizing our understanding of genetics and gene editing.

Since the genetic code was first deciphered in the 1960s, our genes have appeared like an open book. By interpreting our chromosomes as linear sequences of letters, akin to sentences in a novel, we can identify the genes within our genome and understand how changes in a gene’s code influence health.

This linear rule of life was thought to govern all forms of life—from humans down to bacteria.

Read more | >

Go to https://brilliant.org/IsaacArthur/ to get a 30-day free trial and 20% off their annual subscription.
We often wonder where all the vast and ancient alien civilizations are, but could it be that they’ve migrated far away in space or time, or even journeyed beyond our cosmos?

Join this channel to get access to perks:
/ @isaacarthursfia.
Visit our Website: http://www.isaacarthur.net.
Join Nebula: https://go.nebula.tv/isaacarthur.
Support us on Patreon: / isaacarthur.
Support us on Subscribestar: https://www.subscribestar.com/isaac-a…
Facebook Group: / 1583992725237264
Reddit: / isaacarthur.
Twitter: / isaac_a_arthur on Twitter and RT our future content.
SFIA Discord Server: / discord.

Credits:
The Fermi Paradox: Migration.
Episode 459; August 8, 2024
Produced, Written \& Narrated by: Isaac Arthur.
Graphics:
Jeremy Jozwik.
Ken York.
LegionTech Studios.
Sergio Botero.
Select imagery/video supplied by Getty Images.
Music Courtesy of Epidemic Sound http://epidemicsound.com/creator.
Lombus, \

Read more | >

Welcome to the visual audiobook of “Mr. Spaceship” by Philip K. Dick. This classic science fiction tale, first published in 1953, explores themes of human consciousness, artificial intelligence, and the potential of human-machine integration. Follow the story of a daring experiment where a human brain is used to pilot a spaceship, leading to unexpected and profound consequences. *Story Synopsis:* In “Mr. Spaceship,” humanity is locked in a devastating war with an alien race known as the Yucconae. Traditional automated spacecraft controlled by mechanical systems have proven ineffective against the aliens’ superior living defenses. Faced with a seemingly insurmountable challenge, scientists come up with a radical solution: replace the mechanical control systems of a spaceship with a human brain. Professor Thomas, an elderly academic on the brink of death, volunteers to have his consciousness integrated into the spaceship. As the ship, now controlled by Thomas’s mind, ventures into space, the crew soon discovers that the Professor has his own plans, leading to unexpected and profound consequences. *About Philip K. Dick:* Philip K. Dick (1928−1982) was a prolific American writer known for his groundbreaking works in the science fiction genre. His stories often delve into themes of altered states of reality, the nature of consciousness, and dystopian futures. Many of his works have been adapted into major films, including “Blade Runner,” “Total Recall,” and “Minority Report.” Dick’s profound and imaginative storytelling has left an enduring legacy, making him one of the most influential science fiction writers of the 20th century. *About the Creation Process:* The narration was produced using ElevenLabs for dialogue, ensuring a clear and engaging listening experience. The story’s visuals were crafted using OpenAi generated illustrations, inspired by vintage science fiction aesthetics. Each image was designed to capture the essence of Philip K. Dick’s imaginative worlds. The final compilation and editing were done using Logic, bringing together the audio and visual elements into a cohesive and immersive experience. *Credits:* — Story by Philip K. Dick — Visuals and production by Michael A. Terrill using ChatGPT — Narration generated using ElevenLabs — Music and sound design by Michael A. Terrill using Logic *Follow and Subscribe:* If you enjoyed this visual audiobook, please like, comment, and subscribe for more classic science fiction stories brought to life through innovative technology and creative storytelling. #MrSpaceship #PhilipKDick #ScienceFiction #Audiobook #VisualAudiobook #ClassicSciFi #ArtificialIntelligence #AI #SpaceAdventure #SciFiStory #VintageSciFi #PKD #AudiobookExperience #SciFiAudiobook #FuturisticStory #ElevenLabs #FiresOfDenmark

Read more | >

Are we on the brink of the BIGGEST discovery in the history of our species? Join us… and find out!\r.
\r.
Subscribe: https://wmojo.com/unveiled-subscribe\r.
\r.
In this video, Unveiled takes a closer look at how future humans may be able to manipulate PARALLEL WORLDS to create a better life and a higher dimensional existence!\r.
\r.
This is Unveiled, giving you incredible answers to extraordinary questions!\r.
\r.
Find more amazing videos for your curiosity here:\r.
100 Things to Survive the End of Civilization — • 100 Things You Need For The End Of Ci… \r.
Do We Enter a Parallel Universe When We Die? — • Do We Enter A Parallel Universe When… \r.
\r.
#ParallelUniverse #ParallelWorld #Multiverse #Future #Space #Science #Unveiled

Read more | >

“While these conditions are necessary for a planet to host life, they do not guarantee it,” said Anthony Atkinson. “Our work highlights the importance of considering a wide range of factors when searching for habitable planets.”

Does a planet just have to be in a star’s habitable zone to be habitable, or are other forces at play? This is what a recent study published in The Astrophysical Journal hopes to address as a team of researchers from Rice University and NASA investigated whether the interaction between a star’s and a planet’s respective magnetic fields could play a role in determining the habitability potential for an exoplanet. This study holds the potential to help scientists better understand the formation and evolution of exoplanets and the necessary conditions for life to emerge on those worlds.

“The fascination with exoplanets stems from our desire to understand our own planet better,” said Dr. David Alexander, who is a professor of physics and astronomy at Rice University, director of the Rice Space Institute and member of the Texas Aerospace Research and Space Economy Consortium, and a co-author on the study. “Questions about the Earth’s formation and habitability are the key drivers behind our study of these distant worlds.”

For the study, the researchers incorporated a star’s stellar activity and magnetic field into longstanding computer models designed to simulate planetary conditions, specifically for habitability. The team then analyzed 1,546 exoplanets to determine the most suitable exoplanets for habitability. In the end, they found that only two exoplanets were potentially habitable: K2-3D and Kepler-186 f. This was based on their size, location within the habitable zone, reside outside the distance where the solar wind separates from the star, and whose magnetic field strengths can shield them from harmful radiation.

Read more | >