Lifeboat Foundation

Reflections on a philosopher who believed we can solve the problem of consciousness.

Earth, Mars and Venus all looked pretty similar when they first formed. Today, Mars is dry, cold, and dusty; Venus has a hot, crushing atmosphere. Why did these sibling planets turn out so different?

If humans build settlements on Mars, how will they feed ourselves? Waiting on deliveries from Earth would take too long and costs would be exorbitant, since getting to the Red Planet is currently a nine-month one-way journey. On top of that, dehydrating foodstuff—the best preservation method for perishables sent to space—removes vital nutrients.

More than likely, Martian settlers will need to grow their own food.

Researchers are now exploring how best to optimize crop yield on Mars using intercropping, a technique perfected by Maya farmers centuries ago that involves growing multiple plants in close proximity to one another. Their findings—published this month in the journal Plos One—could not only benefit the pioneers who end up colonizing the Red Planet, but also farmers here on Earth amid a rapidly changing climate.

Take a look at stunning images of Mars shared by NASA.

A team of scientists, astrophysicists and physicists, in an experiment called BICEP2 (Background Imaging of Cosmic Extragalactic Polarisation 2), carried out over nine years at an astronomical observatory at the South Pole, reported that they had discovered undeniable traces of a much sought-after phenomenon in astrophysics: gravitational waves. It was also announced that the method used to make the discovery had provided an important confirmation of the theoretical model of Big Bang cosmology, and would allow the first moments after this primordial explosion—the moment of creation for modern astrophysics—to be studied experimentally.

When you don’t find gravitational waves…

If we imagine space and time as the surface of an ocean, gravitational waves can be thought of as ripples in that ocean. More precisely, gravitational waves are theoretical ripples in space-time, first predicted by Albert Einstein in 1916 on the basis of his general theory of relativity. Like electromagnetic waves, which are produced by the oscillation of an electric charge, it is thought that a sufficiently strong oscillation of a very massive object should produce gravitational waves, which carry energy in the form of gravitational energy.

Advances in DNA technology enable personalized approaches to healthcare, tailoring treatments and therapies based on an individual’s genetic makeup to improve efficacy and minimize side effects.

This article breaks down the complex roles these technologies play in shaping our digital future, perfect for those curious about the next wave of AI innovation.

New simulations support the existence of Planet Nine. We won’t have to wait long before they can be tested with the Vera Rubin Observatory.

Often perceived as abstract and challenging, physics covers fundamental aspects of the universe, from the tiny world of quantum mechanics to the vast cosmos of general relativity. However, it often comes with intricate mathematical formulations that intimidate many learners. Visual Intuitive Physics is an emerging field that seeks to transform this complexity into accessible visual experiences, making physics more tangible and relatable. By employing visual aids and intuitive methodologies, this approach enhances the understanding of physical principles for students, researchers, and enthusiasts.

Understanding complex physics concepts often requires intuitive visualization that transcends verbal and mathematical explanations. Visualization in physics involves using graphs, diagrams, simulations, and other visual tools to provide a tangible understanding of abstract concepts. For instance, Marr and Bruce emphasized that visual tools significantly enhance conceptual understanding in students by providing concrete ways to comprehend physical laws.

Visualization helps bridge the gap between theoretical concepts and practical understanding. Per Kozma and Russell, visualization is pivotal in building cognitive structures that make understanding and remembering scientific principles easier. This is particularly significant for concepts that lack direct physical analogs, such as quantum mechanics and relativity.