Topics: Modern Physics, Quantum Mechanics, Theoretical Physics Quantum mechanics, the theory that describes the physics of the universe at very small scales, is notorious for defying common sense. Consider, for instance, the way that standard interpretations of the theory suggest change occurs in the quantum turf: shifts from one state to another supposedly happen unpredictablyContinue reading “Quantum Jumps…”
Author Archives: reginaldgoodwin
2020 Nano Highlights….
Topics: Biology, Materials Science, Nanotechnology, Research Snake vision inspires pyroelectric material design Bioinspiration and biomimicry involve studying how living organisms do something and using that insight to develop new technologies. Pit vipers have two special organs on their heads called loreal pits that allow them to “see” the infrared radiation given off by their warm-bloodedContinue reading “2020 Nano Highlights….”
The Path Forward…
Topics: Climate Change, COVID-19, Existentialism, Science Science, as Carl Sagan wrote, has to be our “candle in the dark.” The Scientific Method we developed as a hunter-gatherer species. The tools of hunter-gatherers were utilitarian, and pragmatic. Our ancestors observed things, and noticed patterns. They made mental notes of these patterns, and codified them through rituals,Continue reading “The Path Forward…”
Dark Winter, Brighter Spring…
Topics: Biology, Civics, Civil Rights, COVID-19, Existentialism, Human Rights I have taken the following vaccines this year: Pneumonia, Seasonal Influenza (Flu), Shingles in two booster shots. Therefore, I am very likely to take the Coronavirus vaccine either offered by Pfizer or Moderna. Pfizer is pushing back on the Trump administration’s suggestion that the company isContinue reading “Dark Winter, Brighter Spring…”
No Strings Attached…
Topics: Einstein, General Relativity, Quantum Mechanics, String Theory For decades, most physicists have agreed that string theory is the missing link between Einstein’s theory of general relativity, describing the laws of nature at the largest scale, and quantum mechanics, describing them at the smallest scale. However, an international collaboration headed by Radboud physicists has nowContinue reading “No Strings Attached…”
TNOs…
Topics: Astronomy, Astrophysics, Comets, Space Exploration Invisible structures generated by gravitational interactions in the Solar System have created a “space superhighway” network, astronomers have discovered. These channels enable the fast travel of objects through space and could be harnessed for our own space exploration purposes, as well as the study of comets and asteroids. ByContinue reading “TNOs…”
Measure of Our Impact…
Topics: Civics, Climate Change, Environment, Existentialism It’s not just your storage unit that’s packed to the gills. According to a new study, the mass of all our stuff—buildings, roads, cars, and everything else we manufacture—now exceeds the weight of all living things on the planet. And the amount of new material added every week equalsContinue reading “Measure of Our Impact…”
Reality-Truth…
Topics: Civics, Civil Rights, Human Rights, Politics, Star Trek I’ve been finishing up the semester. I passed my preliminary exam. Now I’m working on refining my research question for my dissertation proposal, due late spring. I usually take a break from blogging around the holidays, and as my Dean put it, dissertations proposals are “aContinue reading “Reality-Truth…”
Footsies With Armageddon…
Topics: Civics, Civil Rights, Existentialism, Human Rights, Star Trek Iran’s most senior nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh has been assassinated near the capital Tehran, the country’s defense ministry has confirmed. Fakhrizadeh died in hospital after an attack in Absard, in Damavand county. Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has condemned the killing “as an act ofContinue reading “Footsies With Armageddon…”
Deep Thought, to DeepMind…
Topics: Artificial Intelligence, Biology, Research, Science Fiction “Deep Thought” was the name of the computer in “Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy,” where it took millions of years to find the answer to “life, the universe, and everything” is 42. An artificial intelligence (AI) network developed by Google AI offshoot DeepMind has made a gargantuan leapContinue reading “Deep Thought, to DeepMind…”
Physics and Nano 