Friday, 14 February 2014

On Titan the atmosphere is so thick and the gravity so low that humans could fly through it by flapping “wings” attached to their arms

Titan is one of the moons on Planet Saturn. It is said that here, the atmosphere is so thick and the gravity so low that you could fly through it like a bird does on Earth by flapping wings attached to your arms. This statement can be found in the book Entering Space: Creating a Spacefaring Civilization by Robert Zubrin.

Of course, the atmosphere on Titan would not be conducive for your health, so a spacesuit could come in handy. The Voyager has been able to make some observations that prove the atmosphere on Titan is denser than Earth’s, and this has been put at about 1.19 times as immense as Earth’s overall.

The lower gravity on Titan implies that the atmosphere extends way much more than Earth’s. This was even proven by the Cassini spacecraft that flying at a distance of 975 km, had to make adjustments to maintain a steady orbit against atmospheric drag.

Friday, 7 February 2014

The stem cells will be tested in space

Researchers at Mayo Clinic are preparing to test the theory that stem cells rapidly proliferate in the absence of gravity. Dr. Aba Zubair sent a group of stem cells on the International Space Station, because he believes that there lies the future of human tissue.

Medical researcher Aba Zubair, was once a dream of becoming an astronaut, but has achieved a satisfactory compromise, because his scientific experiment to be conducted in space.

As a stem cell researcher at the Mayo Clinic, Zubair got three hundred thousand dollars to investigate the behavior of stem cells in space.


Dr. Zubair said that the simulation showed that the stem cells are able to grow faster in zero gravity . He hopes the experiment on the International Space Station and to prove it, and also to find out whether there is some abnormality in the development of :
" When it stimulates the growth of cells, there is a danger of an abnormality , which means that such a cell converted in carcinogen . Another factor that we want to examine is the transformation into malignant cells . "
While one group of cells propagated in space , the other will develop on Earth . In addition to gravity , all the conditions will be the same .
Zubair continues to colleagues examined the effects of gravity on stem cells . If the initial experiments are successful, and weightlessness show appropriate for the growth of stem cells Zubair added , the next challenge will be to transform cells in tissues and organs in the end .
Zubair has already predicted that human bodies could easily grow in space and later , if necessary transplant :
" Imagine , you can have a spare heart , kidney or liver , somewhere in the universe . Only someone on the phone when you need it . So from your stem cells obtain tissue or organ and use it when you need it . "
While this can happen only a few decades , Zubair said that this research could affect the near future . If the cells are rapidly developing in the universe , adds Zubair , doctors would be better able to treat patients on Earth .

Tuesday, 4 February 2014

What is expected of the "reinforced" Hadron Collider?

The Large Hadron Collider is currently undergoing changes that should double its power and allow researchers to uncover the secrets of the functioning of the universe.

It will open up the possibility of solving the mysteries of dark matter and should find evidence of cosmic concept known as " supersymmetry " . It should find signs of hidden dimensions that can explain the existence of gravity.
By the end of the year , a gigantic machine for colliding atoms should have to increase energy particles from eight billion electro-volt to 14 tera elektronvolt, which will allow the most powerful particle collisions so far .
A new series of experiments should lead scientists outside the field of physics known as the " standard model" .
Scientists may yet discover the Higgs boson - different versions of the so-called " God particle " that is predicted Nobel Prize winner Professor Peter Higgs and other particle gives mass .
The Higgs boson was the last " missing fraction " of the "standard model " .
Now scientists want to go a step further and explain the mysteries of the cosmos functioning .
Professor Tony Doyle of the University of Glasgow , a leading member of the team that manages the giant Atlas detector says that the current priority is to explain supersymmetry .
Super-symmetry to a hypothesis that the basis of each particle of matter exist , and the particles bearing the appropriate force .
This requires the existence of several Higgs bosons .
" The universe is driven by supersymmetry key ideas . Currently separate the particles of matter and particles that carry force . Evidence of supersymmetry would change the way we look at space , "says Doyle.
Survey Supersymmetry could explain the mystery of dark matter - the invisible bond that holds galaxies together , and whose nature is still unknown .
More powerful large proportion Hadron Collider could offer scientists an insight into the hidden dimensions and thus reveal the mystery of gravity.
Do 2020th the system will be changed so that the collider energy levels remain the same, but the detectors become 10 times more sensitive .
It is expected that the machine will be operative to 2030th.

Friday, 31 January 2014

Is this physicist solve the mystery of the origins of life?

A popular hypothesis about the origin of life is linked to the prehistoric "soup", lightning and an incredible amount of luck. However, if the new, the provocative theory is correct, luck had very little interest in the creation of life.

Physicist behind this idea is considered to be the origin and evolution of life follow the fundamental laws of physics and that " surprising as the rock that rolls downhill ."
From the standpoint of physics , there is one crucial difference between living things and inanimate pile of atoms first are much better at capturing energy from the environment and spending that energy as heat.
Jeremy England , year-old assistant professor at the University MIT , has developed a mathematical formula they believe that explains this capacity .
According to the formula, based on the known physics , which holds that when a group of atoms driven by an external power source ( like the sun or chemical fuels) and is surrounded by hot springs , such as the ocean or the atmosphere , it will often gradually restructure itself to better energy consumers . This means that under certain conditions, substances inevitably takes the physical attributes associated with life .
" It all starts with any group of atoms . And if enough of them illuminates , you should not be surprised if you get a plant , "said England .
England 's theory is not intended to replace , but rather to further strengthen Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection .
" I'm not saying that his idea is wrong. On the contrary . I suggest that , from the standpoint of physics , Darwin's theory of evolution can be considered a special case of a much more prevalent phenomenon , "said England .
This idea has caused many reactions of experts and colleagues , who believe that it is a biased or an idea or a potentially incredible discovery , or both.
England theoretical results are generally accepted as valid . In his interpretation - this formula is the driving force behind the class of phenomena in nature that involve life - although this is not proven . However , already have an idea of who could claim this to test in the laboratory .
At the heart of his ideas is the second law of thermodynamics , also known as the " arrow of time " . Hot things to cool down , gas moves through the air , and can whisk the eggs , but never spontaneously restored to its original condition . Energy tends to spread or decompose over time .
An example of this can be coffee, which when placed in the room becomes the same temperature as the room itself . As long as nothing affects the room and coffee , the coffee will not keep you warm , this process can not be reversed , because the chances are that all the energy in the room to concentrate on atoms coffee - very small .
Life does not violate the second law of thermodynamics , but until recently , physicists have not been able to use thermodynamics to explain how did it come to creating life , because we were not able to predict an external power source .
Chemistry prehistoric " soup " random mutation , geography , catastrophic events , and many other factors have contributed to the earth's flora and fauna. However , judging by Inglandovoj theory , the basic principle koij manages the entire process is driven adaptation of matter .
"It is very tempting to think about the natural phenomenon may be responsible for this. Many examples can be found under our noses , but because they did not ask , we could not even notice them , " he said .

Sunday, 26 January 2014

This is how long you'd survive in outer space with no gear on

Don't go rushing to book your tickets on a space flight just yet, it's not a super long time.

While you won't explode, swell up, freeze or go through any sort of living hell, it wouldn't be the best thing you could do for your health either.

You could suffer from really bad sunburn if you're on the wrong side of the planet. Within 10 seconds you'd start experiencing swelling skin and the bends, gases bubbling up inside you due to decompression.

After about 30-40 seconds, you'll probably fall unconscious from lack of oxygen. Injuries start to build up and, after 1-2 minutes, you'd probably be dead.

One test subject at a NASA research center was accidentally left in a near-vacuum for 15 seconds in 1965. He was in a simulate environment when his suit failed.

He reported feeling and hearing the air leaking out of the spacesuit he was in and his last conscious memory, 14 seconds into the ordeal, was the water in his mouth boiling. He regained consciousness when the test chamber had a pressure equivalent to a 15,000 feet altitude.

Don't go rushing to book your tickets on a space flight just yet, it's not a super long time.
While you won't explode, swell up, freeze or go through any sort of living hell, it wouldn't be the best thing you could do for your health either.
You could suffer from really bad sunburn if you're on the wrong side of the planet. Within 10 seconds you'd start experiencing swelling skin and the bends, gases bubbling up inside you due to decompression.
After about 30-40 seconds, you'll probably fall unconscious from lack of oxygen. Injuries start to build up and, after 1-2 minutes, you'd probably be dead.
One test subject at a NASA research center was accidentally left in a near-vacuum for 15 seconds in 1965. He was in a simulate environment when his suit failed.
He reported feeling and hearing the air leaking out of the spacesuit he was in and his last conscious memory, 14 seconds into the ordeal, was the water in his mouth boiling. He regained consciousness when the test chamber had a pressure equivalent to a 15,000 feet altitude.

Read more at http://www.omg-facts.com/Science/This-Is-How-Long-Youd-Survive-In-Outer-S/51371#p6CFdQ2Ry4ljRPlE.99
Don't go rushing to book your tickets on a space flight just yet, it's not a super long time.
While you won't explode, swell up, freeze or go through any sort of living hell, it wouldn't be the best thing you could do for your health either.
You could suffer from really bad sunburn if you're on the wrong side of the planet. Within 10 seconds you'd start experiencing swelling skin and the bends, gases bubbling up inside you due to decompression.
After about 30-40 seconds, you'll probably fall unconscious from lack of oxygen. Injuries start to build up and, after 1-2 minutes, you'd probably be dead.
One test subject at a NASA research center was accidentally left in a near-vacuum for 15 seconds in 1965. He was in a simulate environment when his suit failed.
He reported feeling and hearing the air leaking out of the spacesuit he was in and his last conscious memory, 14 seconds into the ordeal, was the water in his mouth boiling. He regained consciousness when the test chamber had a pressure equivalent to a 15,000 feet altitude.

Read more at http://www.omg-facts.com/Science/This-Is-How-Long-Youd-Survive-In-Outer-S/51371#p6CFdQ2Ry4ljRPlE.99

Monday, 20 January 2014

Does the Sun loses its power?

A research project called Varsity ( Variability of the Sun and Its Terrestrial Impact) ) will specifically seek to cover four important topics: the solar magnetism and extreme events , solar transients , changes in the magnetosphere and the consequences of and processes in the Earth's atmosphere .
"Although the sun has shown a couple of strong flashes in the past two years , overall, the current solar 24 cycle is much weaker than the previous , "said the Tportal Jasa Čalogović , an expert in the sun in Hvar Observatory , which is participating in the project.
The last solar minimum had the most days without sunspots in the last 100 years, followed by a weaker peak. From this it can be concluded that long-term solar activity has changed significantly compared to its previous cycle .
However, for now no one knows precisely explain the thing , whether the weakening of solar activity to continue and what are the possible consequences of such a weak sun - whether to slow down global warming , it may even cause colder weather or not to have a stronger effect on climate.
It is expected that the real answer is no , because this is the first such a drastic change in the history of modern space exploration .

Friday, 17 January 2014

Japanese supercomputer simulates the human brain

Japanese supercomputer has managed to make a simulation of the human brain.

The researchers used a "K" computer in Japan, currently the fourth most powerful computer in the world, in order to simulate the activity of the human brain.

The computer has 705,024 processing cores and 1.4 million GB of RAM, but he still needed 40 minutes to calculate the data needed for one second of brain activity. 

The project, a joint venture of Japanese research group "RIKEN", Institute of Science and Technology, Okinawa and Research Center in Germany, the largest simulation of networks of neurons. Researchers have used some technology to replicate the network consisting of the 1.73 billion nerve cells, associated with 10.4 trillion synapses.

Although the simulation is extremely important, it represents only one percent of the network of neurons in the human brain.

Researchers hope that with the help of this simulation collect valuable knowledge that should help in the design of new software for the simulation.

In addition, this achievement gives scientists a glimpse of what could be achieved using the next generation of computers that can handle a significantly larger number of calculations per second, and it should be a big step forward, since it is considered that they have the same opportunities as human brain, and provide a real-time simulation.