Topics: Lasers, Modern Physics, Quantum Computer, Quantum Mechanics Physicists have devised a mind-bending error-correction technique that could dramatically boost the performance of quantum computers. When the ancient Incas wanted to archive tax and census records, they used a device made up of a number of strings called a quipu, which encoded the data in knots. Fast-forwardContinue reading “Quipu…”
Author Archives: reginaldgoodwin
DUNE Detector…
Topics: Applied Physics, Modern Physics, Particle Physics, Theoretical Physics The Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) will be the world’s largest cryogenic particle detector. Its aim is to study the most elusive of particles: neutrinos. Teams from around the world are developing and constructing detector components that they will ship to the Sanford Underground Research Facility,Continue reading “DUNE Detector…”
4D Beetles…
Topics: 3D Printing, Additive Manufacturing, Biomimetics Researchers in the Netherlands have produced models of a beetle that changes color and a scallop shell that opens and closes in response to changing humidity in the surrounding air. Inspired by iridescent structures in nature, Jeroen Sol and colleagues at the Eindhoven University of Technology showed that they could integrateContinue reading “4D Beetles…”
Counting in Counties…
Topics: Civics, Civil Rights, Civilization, Climate Change, Existentialism, Politics Reality literally bites. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the link between politics and health became glaringly obvious. Democrat-leaning “blue” states were more likely to enact mask requirements and vaccine and social distancing mandates. Republican-leaning “red” states were much more resistant to health measures. The consequences of thoseContinue reading “Counting in Counties…”
Perils of Privilege…
Topics: Civics, Civil Rights, COVID-19, Dark Humor, Existentialism, Fascism, Human Rights Steven Bannon’s “medieval,” take-no-prisoners defense rested yesterday. The three-shirt Troglodyte didn’t take the stand in his defense on advice from counsel. He said more outside the courtroom than he did inside. Today is closing arguments. The January 6th Committee ended “season 1” yesterday asContinue reading “Perils of Privilege…”
Dilemma…
Topics: Civilization, Climate Change, Environment, Global Warming Humans can survive up to 108.14 F, or 42.3 C before our brains and constitutions (bodies) start turning to mush. As a species, we’re going to have to decide if enriching a handful of global oligarchs is more important than survival. Wealth cannot be measured on a dysfunctionalContinue reading “Dilemma…”
Soap-Like Properties…
Topics: Biology, Biotechnology, DNA, Molecules DNA molecules are not fixed objects – they are constantly getting broken up and glued back together to adopt new shapes. Davide Michieletto explains how this process can be harnessed to create a new generation of “topologically active” materials. Call me naive, but until a few years ago I had never realizedContinue reading “Soap-Like Properties…”
Zombie Apocalypse…
Topics: Biology, COVID-19, DNA, Economics, Environment, Evolution, Existentialism Ed Rybicki, a virologist at the University of Cape Town in South Africa, concentrated his article in Scientific American on the viruses dominating the news cycle in the early 2000s: Ebola, Marburg, and HIV. Not comforting, but he said, “HIV, which is thought to have first emergedContinue reading “Zombie Apocalypse…”
Thanks to Joe Manchin…
Topics: Civilization, Environment, Existentialism, Global Warming Four more people died that night. In the morning the sun again rose like the blazing furnace of heat it was, blasting the rooftop and its sad cargo of wrapped bodies. Every rooftop and, looking down at the town, every sidewalk was now a morgue. The town was aContinue reading “Thanks to Joe Manchin…”
Factions, Fascism, Dystopia…
Topics: Civics, Civil Rights, COVID-19, Existentialism, Fascism, Human Rights The alternate domination of one faction over another, sharpened by the spirit of revenge, natural to party dissension, which in different ages and countries has perpetrated the most horrid enormities, is itself a frightful despotism. But this leads at length to a more formal and permanentContinue reading “Factions, Fascism, Dystopia…”
Physics and Nano 