0
POPSPhysicists Calculate Number of Parallel Universes
Think it's crazy? Check this out, then: To work these numbers out, Linde and Vanchurin looked back to the time shortly after the Big Bang, which they view as a quantum process that generated lots of quantum fluctuations. Then during the period of inflation, the universe grew rapidly and these quantum fluctuations were "frozen" into classical perturbations in distinct regions. Today, each of these regions could be a different universe, having its own distinct laws of low energy physics. By analyzing the mechanism (called "slow roll inflation") that initially generated the quantum fluctuations, the scientists could estimate the number of resulting universes at 10^10^10^7 (a number which is dependent on the model they used). However, this number is limited by other factors, specifically by the limits of the human brain. Since the total amount of information that one individual can absorb in a lifetime is about 10^16 bits, which is equivalent to 10^10^16 configurations, this means tha
2
POPSInvisible hand in invisible matter. Dark matter might not exist. Dr Famaey added, "If we account for our observations with a modified law of gravity, it makes perfect sense to replace the effective action of hypothetical dark matter with a force closely related to the distribution of visible matter." The implications of the new research could change some of the most widely held scientific theories about the history and expansion of the universe. Lead researcher Dr. Gianfranco Gentile at the University of Ghent concludes, "Understanding this puzzling conspiracy is probably the key to unlock the formation of galaxies and their structures." What about NASA's direct proof on dark matter's existance? Broken study? This is actually makes sense, but so far is a little hard to accept. Does anyone have any ideas about this?
1
POPSCould we create quantum creatures in the lab? By impinging on the virus, it forces it into a superposition of both its ground state and next vibrational energy state. Now the virus should be doing two different things at once " the equivalent of you simultaneously mowing the lawn and doing the shopping. "They have come up with a really neat experiment " inventive and I think feasible," says Peter Knight of Imperial College London. You can read the full article for more details on the process. It's worth reading if you care enough or are just curious. :)
1
POPSPhysicist unlocking the mysteries of neighboring galaxies "...Our observations also suggest that the Triangulum Galaxy is being ripped apart by Andromeda." Andromeda, and our own galaxy the Milky Way, are the two largest members of a small cluster of galaxies known as the Local Group. Triangulum, the third largest member of the Local Group, is about one-tenth the size of Andromeda. "Within a few billion years Triangulum will be completely destroyed by Andromeda and its stars will be dispersed throughout the Andromeda halo," says Dr. Widrow. "And a few billion years after that, Andromeda and the Milky Way will collide and merge together to form a giant elliptical galaxy."
1
POPSStrategically Placed Obstacle Near an Exit Can Speed Evacuations Andreas Schadschneider, a professor at the University of Cologne's Institute of Theoretical Physics in Germany who has studied pedestrian and traffic flows, says that the obstacle effect has popped up occasionally in the literature for several years. But the new work is, to his knowledge, the first time it has been empirically tested. "So, it no longer remains a vague theoretical prediction, but should be considered a serious effect that might be used for substantial increase in the safety of sports arenas and other large public buildings," Schadschneider says. This is interesting, but the man's got a point when he says: "For one thing, real-world evacuees might be discouraged by the appearance of an obstacle and retreat toward a different exit, which could negate the obstacle's benefits." Indeed, it's a hard thing to simulate. Just hope they're right.
0
POPSDiscovered particles from the most massive explosions in the Milky Way. Rest of the article: This star died and exploded in the Milky Way. When a star of this mass dies, most of its material is ejected and ploughs a pathway through a massive, stellar wind. This wind has been created earlier in the death process, when the star lost part of its original mass. The wind blows away from the star, and the final definitive explosion of the star then drives new material through the previously established wind. A shock-wave in space Electrons and positrons are accelerated during the process and create a shock-wave, similar to that formed when an aeroplane breaks the sound barrier. Julia Becker and her colleagues show that it is just such a shock-wave that has created the observed particle flux that has astounded scientists. Wow...
0
POPSTo the Nth Dimension! A guide through all 10 dimensions known. To inaugurate the new clog, what could be better then a "quick" guide through the 10 dimensions known? (Okay, I can think of one thing one two but whatever) Anyway, too bad I couldn't clip all of them, but you can always check the original source for the full article, which is great! For more nice clips check scify.amplify.com
0
POPSThe memory of metamaterials This is very interesting! Being able to give a "set-and-forget" memory to metamaterials by applying voltage or light on them? I can definitely think of one use or two to it! :) And I still wonder how these guys manage to discover these things...
0
POPSPhysics Dictionary for Dummies. Very nice website with the description for many words used in the physics world. :) See http://www.physicsphenomena.com/Physicsdictionary.htm for more.