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Feb 4, 2019
Quantum Physics May Be Even Spookier Than You Think
Posted by Paul Battista in categories: particle physics, quantum physics
What actually occurs in a superposition—the strange condition in which entities seem to be in two or more places or states at the same? This is the root question in quantum mechanics, and the answer was unknown until now. In a new research paper, a joint team of researchers from Israel and Japan, has described a novel experiment that could finally shed light on the true nature of this puzzling phenomenon.
The researchers estimate that their experiment, that can be carried out within a few months, could possibly allow scientists a sneak peek at where an object like a particle of light i.e. a photon will actually be when it is positioned in a superposition. And as per their predictions, the answer can be even stranger and more baffling than “two places at once.”
The characteristic occurrence of a superposition involves firing photons at two parallel slits into a barrier. One fundamental aspect of quantum mechanics is that the tiny particles can behave like waves, so that those passing through one slit “interfere” with those passing through the other. These wavy ripples either boost or cancel one another to create a new characteristic pattern on a detector screen. The oddest fact is that this interference occurs even if only a single particle is fired at a time. The particle seems to somehow pass through both slits simultaneously and displays interference with itself. This is a true superposition.
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Feb 4, 2019
Scientists Prepare for Mission to Jupiter’s Icy Moon Europa
Posted by Alberto Lao in category: space travel
NASA’s Europa Clipper mission is on track to launch as soon as 2023, but the team has a lot to do before then.
Feb 4, 2019
Mexican company converts avocado pits into completely biodegradable plastic
Posted by Victoria Generao in category: materials
When you think of Mexico, you think of tequila and guacamole, says Scott Munguia. If he has his way, you might also be thinking of something else made from the avocado: plastic made from the seed.
Feb 4, 2019
Scientists may have found a way to cure type 1 diabetes with stem cells
Posted by Genevieve Klien in category: biotech/medical
Stem cell research may be controversial but it’s showing incredible promise in treating a number of long-incurable diseases. The latest target for scientists working with stem cells is type 1 diabetes, and a new study reveals that it’s possible to convert stem cells into cells capable of producing insulin, potentially opening the door to a cure.
The goal which the scientists are rapidly working towards is to be able to replace insulin-producing cells in individuals who have type 1 diabetes. In diabetes patients those cells are often destroyed when the person is young, requiring that they monitor their blood sugar levels and take insulin to manage the disease.
Feb 4, 2019
An Eradicated Disease Popped Up at the Detroit Auto Show
Posted by Genevieve Klien in category: biotech/medical
Feb 4, 2019
Preschool Teacher with Brain Tumor Who Was Given a Week to Live Is Now Thriving
Posted by Genevieve Klien in categories: biotech/medical, neuroscience
Feb 4, 2019
These Four Universities Are Trying to Figure Out Space Law
Posted by Genevieve Klien in categories: geopolitics, law, military, space, treaties
Jack Beard, a professor in the University of Nebraska College of Law’s Space, Cyber and Telecommunications Law Program, told Politico that the Woomera Manual on the International Law of Military Space Operations “will become the definitive document on military and security law as it applies to space.”
The Woomera Manual won’t actually lay out any new guidelines. Instead it will organize and present the laws that are already on the books so that politicians, industry leaders, and others can make better informed decisions regarding activity in space.
Given the fact that the Outer Space Treaty, which banned military actions in outer space, has all but been tossed aside, it’s unclear how much they’ll actually listen.
Feb 4, 2019
“Invisible” reusable labels are written and read using light
Posted by Genevieve Klien in category: futurism
Currently, package labels contain certain information – such as barcodes, serial numbers or buyers’ addresses – that would be best left unseen by wrongdoers. Newly-developed rewritable labels could address that issue, as they’re blank and transparent unless exposed to a certain type of light.
Feb 4, 2019
This Wild Moon Base Idea Came from Architecture Students (Video)
Posted by Caycee Dee Neely in categories: engineering, habitats, space, sustainability
Interesting concept.
Architectural students working with the European Space Agency (ESA) have created a new concept for a sustainable lunar habitat.
The ESA’s astronaut center in Cologne, Germany, partners with universities and research institutions to study moon-related concepts in preparation for future missions. Angelus Chrysovalantis Alfatzis is one of the researchers who has contributed to the development of a promising concept for a moon base, according to a statement from ESA.
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