The Sagrada Familia shown in a (dazzling) new light
The Sagrada Família in Barcelona is a spectacular building in its own right, but when you throw a healthy dose of the latest lighting and architectural mapping technology in its direction, the facade of famous church becomes truly mesmerizing. That dose comes from Moment Factory, a new media and entertainment studio based in Montreal, Canada, which has produced a 15-minute multimedia tribute inspired by the original color sketches and words of the buildings' equally famous architect Antoni Gaudi.
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World's first spaceport nearly ready in New Mexico
TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES, N.M. – New Mexico Tourism Secretary Monique Jacobson says it will be New Mexico's Sydney Opera House. Virgin Galactic Chairman Richard Branson has hinted it will host the first of his new brand of lifestyle hotels. And the eclectic hot springs town of Truth or Consequences has been anxiously awaiting all the economic development the nearly quarter-of-a-billion-dollar project is supposed to bring to this largely rural part of southern New Mexico.
But as phase one of Spaceport America, the world's first commercial port built specifically for sending tourists and payloads into space, is nearing completion... |  |
A clock that will last forever
Imagine a clock that will keep perfect time forever, even after the heat-death of the universe. This is the "wow" factor behind a device known as a "space-time crystal," a four-dimensional crystal that has periodic structure in time as well as space. However, there are also practical and important scientific reasons for constructing a space-time crystal. With such a 4D crystal, scientists would have a new and more effective means by which to study how complex physical properties and behaviors emerge from the collective interactions of large numbers of individual particles, the so-called many-body problem of physics.
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'Cult Fiction' Traced to Ancient Egypt Priest
A recently deciphered Egyptian papyrus from around 1,900 years ago tells a fictional story that includes drinking, singing, feasting and ritual sex, all in the name of the goddess Mut.
Researchers believe that a priest wrote the blush-worthy tale, as a way to discuss controversial ritual sex acts with other priests. "Our text may represent a new and hitherto unrecognized Egyptian literary genre: 'cult' fiction, the purpose of which was to allow controversial or contentious matters pertaining to the divine cult to be scrutinized in this way,"... |  |
Push to call blasphemy a crime
THE divide in world opinion over what constitutes free speech will be on display again this week at the United Nations, where arguments over a proposed blasphemy law were an annual feature for a decade.
This time it is the global reaction to a YouTube video that disparages Islam's prophet Muhammad that is sure to roil the meeting of the UN General Assembly. Muslim leaders have vowed to discuss the offensive video from their UN platforms, sowing concern among free-speech activists of a fresh push toward an international law that would criminalise blasphemy. Human rights groups and Western democracies resisted such a law for years and thought they had finally quashed the matter after convincing enough nations that repressive regimes used blasphemy laws to imprison or execute dissidents. |  |
Different Takes: Should we abandon idea of hell?
Is it any coincidence that the latest war of religion that started on September 11, 2001, is being fought primarily between the United States and the Islamic world? It just so happens that no subgroups of humanity are more ingrained with the doctrine of hell than conservative Muslims and conservative Christians.
And nowhere on earth have conservative Christians been closer to controlling foreign policy than here in the United States. And nowhere on earth have conservative Muslims been more dominant than in the countries from which the 9/11 extremists originated – Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Afghanistan.
And nowhere on earth have conservative Christians been closer to controlling foreign policy than here in the United States. And nowhere on earth have conservative Muslims been more dominant than in the countries from which the 9/11 extremists originated – Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Afghanistan.
The drugs don't work: a modern medical scandal
The doctors prescribing the drugs don't know they don't do what they're meant to. Nor do their patients. The manufacturers know full well, but they're not telling.
Drugs are tested by the people who manufacture them, in poorly designed trials, on hopelessly small numbers of weird, unrepresentative patients, and analysed using techniques that are flawed by design, in such a way that they exaggerate the benefits of treatments. Unsurprisingly, these trials tend to produce results that favour the manufacturer. When trials throw up results that companies don't like, they are perfectly entitled to hide them from doctors and patients, so we only ever see a distorted picture of any drug's true effects. |  |
Large Bacterial Population Colonized Land 2.75 Billion Years Ago
There is evidence that some microbial life had migrated from Earth's oceans to land by 2.75 billion years ago, though many scientists believe such land-based life was limited because the ozone layer that shields against ultraviolet radiation did not form until hundreds of millions years later.
But new research from the University of Washington suggests that early microbes might have been widespread on land, producing oxygen and weathering pyrite, an iron sulfide mineral, which released sulfur and molybdenum into the oceans.
But new research from the University of Washington suggests that early microbes might have been widespread on land, producing oxygen and weathering pyrite, an iron sulfide mineral, which released sulfur and molybdenum into the oceans.
New data on the biofuel ecobalance: Most biofuels are not "green"
First tops, then flops. That is one way of summing up the history of biofuels so far. A new study led by Empa gives an up-to-date picture of the ecobalance of various biofuels and their production processes. Only a few are overall more environmentally friendly than petrol.
In recent years, the demand for supposedly environmentally friendly biofuels has increased significantly worldwide; on the one hand, this has resulted in the increased cultivation of so-called energy plants and, on the other hand, innovative production methods for the second generation of biofuels have been developed.
In recent years, the demand for supposedly environmentally friendly biofuels has increased significantly worldwide; on the one hand, this has resulted in the increased cultivation of so-called energy plants and, on the other hand, innovative production methods for the second generation of biofuels have been developed.
Mysterious, Ancient Forest May Reappear by 2100
Global climate change means that recently discovered ancient forests in Canada's extreme north could one day return, according to Alexandre Guertin-Pasquier of the Univ. of Montreal's Department of Geography, who is presented his findings at the Canadian Paleontology Conference in Toronto.
“According to the data model, climate conditions on Bylot Island will be able to support the kinds of trees we find in the fossilized forest that currently exist there, such as willow, pine and spruce. I've also found evidence of a possible growth of oak and hickory near the study site during this period,” Guertin-Pasquier says. “Although it would of course take time for a whole forest to regrow, the findings show that our grandchildren should be able to plant a tree and watch it grow.”. |  |
Mercury's Surface Resembles Rare Meteorites
Mercury has a surface unlike any other planet's in the solar system, instead resembling a rare type of meteorite, researchers say.
The finding, based on an analysis of data from NASA's Messenger probe, sheds new light on the formation and history of the mysterious innermost planet, scientists add. Mercury, the smallest planet in the solar system, is also one of the least understood, having received much less attention from scientific missions than Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. NASA set out to change that when it launched the Messenger probe a little more than eight years ago. Messenger became the first spacecraft to orbit Mercury. |  |
Nasa's Mars rover Curiosity makes progress as it targets pyramid-shaped rock
Nasa's Mars rover Curiosity has stopped en-route to its first official destination to examine an unusual pyramid-shaped rock.
The rover is around half way on its journey to an area known as Glenelg, where researchers expect to find a combination of three different types of geological terrain. Mars science Laboratory project scientist John Grotzinger said it has covered a total distance of 950 feet since landing on the red planet six weeks ago, and 100 ft of this distance was covered just last night.
The rover is around half way on its journey to an area known as Glenelg, where researchers expect to find a combination of three different types of geological terrain. Mars science Laboratory project scientist John Grotzinger said it has covered a total distance of 950 feet since landing on the red planet six weeks ago, and 100 ft of this distance was covered just last night.
Syria's archaeological heritage falls prey to war
Syria's extraordinary archaeological heritage has fallen prey to the fighting ravaging the country for more than 18 months, with destruction, theft and systematic looting on the rise.
In a country where corruption and trafficking of archaeological artefacts and treasures was already a chronic problem, widespread clashes and a power vacuum in some areas have led to an explosion of looting and illicit excavations. "It is obvious that in such situations there is always an increase in looting, illegal excavations and smuggling," Veronique Dauge of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre told AFP by telephone. |  |
In Tzipori dig, Israeli archaeologists uncover luxury objects from Stone Age
Archaeologists have found a collection of beads, flint and 7000-year-old ostrich drawings at Tzipori that shed new light on the life of the upper class in the Stone Age.
The collection was revealed by researchers of the Israel Antiques Authority during excavations at the site in the north of the country. During the dig, carried out in cooperation with the Israel National Roads Company, while expanding route 79, a 2000-dunam prehistoric settlement was discovered. Researchers believe it is the largest site identified with "Wadi Raba Culture." |  |
Do Feathers Reveal Neanderthal Brainpower?
Neanderthals have a reputation for being dumb brutes. While modern humans (Homo sapiens) were painting cave murals, sculpting tiny figurines and crafting beaded jewelry some 30,000 to 50,000 years ago, Neanderthals weren’t making any art. At least, that’s the way it appears in the archaeological record. Now, a new study of bird fossils suggests our cousins were indeed capable of expressing themselves symbolically—using feathers as personal adornments.
In the last few years, researchers have reported a few archaeological sites with evidence that Neanderthals removed feathers and claws from birds such as raptors, presumably for ornamental purposes. Clive Finlayson of the Gibraltar Museum and his colleagues wanted to see how widespread this behavior was among Neanderthals. They published their findings last week in PLOS One. |  |
Mystery of Britain’s 'Franken-mummies’
It is one of Britain’s most intriguing archeological mysteries.
When two almost perfectly preserved 3,000-year-old human skeletons were dug up on a remote Scottish island, they were the first evidence that ancient Britons preserved their dead using mummification. The scientists who uncovered the bodies also found clues that one of them – a man buried in a crouching position – was not a single individual, but had in fact been assembled from the body parts of several different people. |  |
Ancient Bible saved from used book sale
A 270-year-old Bible that ended up at a library book sale on Gabriola Island has been rescued and returned to a descendent of its original owner.
Ron Pentecost of Queensland, Australia, appeared in person at the library earlier this week to receive the ancient text, published in 1742, from Friends of Gabriola Library.
The book belonged to his great, great, great, great grand-father, Richard Pentecost, whose name - along with that of his wife, Grace Fawkes - is written on some of the pages.
Ron Pentecost of Queensland, Australia, appeared in person at the library earlier this week to receive the ancient text, published in 1742, from Friends of Gabriola Library.
The book belonged to his great, great, great, great grand-father, Richard Pentecost, whose name - along with that of his wife, Grace Fawkes - is written on some of the pages.
Mayor 'owned artifacts in past life'
NAKHON RATCHASIMA - The mayor of Dan Kla district claims he was gifted with hundreds of artifacts by an unknown man he met on the street, reports said.
Reporters met with the mayor Boonsong Ritdanklang at his home on Monday after receiving reports that he is in possession of more than 100 artifacts such as Buddha images, daggers, swords and sickles made from bronze and brass.
Mr Boonsong told reporters that on Nov 19, 2011, his 44th birthday, he dreamed that he was in a castle full of treasure. Three days later, he said, he felt that he needed to get out of his house.
Reporters met with the mayor Boonsong Ritdanklang at his home on Monday after receiving reports that he is in possession of more than 100 artifacts such as Buddha images, daggers, swords and sickles made from bronze and brass.
Mr Boonsong told reporters that on Nov 19, 2011, his 44th birthday, he dreamed that he was in a castle full of treasure. Three days later, he said, he felt that he needed to get out of his house.
New Zealand Grants a River the Rights of Personhood
From the dawn of history, and in cultures throughout the world, humans have been prone to imbue Earth's life-giving rivers with qualities of life itself -- a fitting tribute, no doubt, to the wellsprings upon which our past (and present) civilizations so heavily rely. But while modern thought has come to regard these essential waterways more clinically over the centuries, that might all be changing once again.
Meet the Whanganui. You might call it a river, but in the eyes of the law, it has the standings of a person. |  |
Cities To Triple By 2030
Cities can reduce the impact that an individual has on the environment by increasing the density and efficiency of human settlement, yet the cities themselves pave over nature. By 2030, hundreds of millions more people will live in cities around the world creating vast mega-metropolises and blotting out ecosystems.
The area covered by cities may sprawl out over an additional 1.2 million square kilometers by 2030, according to a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science. That means the area covered by cities may triple. |  |
Western Lifestyle Disturbing Key Bacterial Balance
Trillions of bacteria living in and on the human body play a vital role in preserving health. But C-section births, antibiotics and excessive hygiene have been disturbing our microbial balance and possibly contributing to intestinal ailments, obesity, allergies and autism.
Deep in the Amazon basin, where traditional hunter-gatherers still live, researchers gave the indigenous population a lesson in biology. They used posters to explain to the inhabitants of the rain forest that a human being is never alone. Invisible, tiny creatures known as bacteria live on and inside our bodies -- and they can be quite useful. |  |
Lab-grown leather destined for a mall near you
Shoes, belts and handbags made with leather grown in the lab, not on a cow, may be available for purchase within five years, according to a biotech company that’s aiming to disrupt the livestock industry.
The company, Modern Meadow, made headlines in August when PayPal cofounder Peter Thiel’s foundation announced a six-figure investment in the company’s 3-D bioprinting technology to produce meat and leather.
Chief executive and cofounder Andras Forgacs recently described Modern Meadow’s goals in an interview with the Txchnologist, an online magazine published in partnership with GE.
The company, Modern Meadow, made headlines in August when PayPal cofounder Peter Thiel’s foundation announced a six-figure investment in the company’s 3-D bioprinting technology to produce meat and leather.
Chief executive and cofounder Andras Forgacs recently described Modern Meadow’s goals in an interview with the Txchnologist, an online magazine published in partnership with GE.
NIH Decision Signals the Beginning of the End for Medical Research on Chimps
With the retirement of 110 government-owned chimpanzees, the end of medical research on man’s closest living relative may be near.
Today, the National Institutes of Health announced that all of its chimps now living at the New Iberia Research Center would be permanently removed from the research population. Long criticized by animal advocates for mistreating animals and illegally breeding chimps, New Iberia operates the largest research chimp colony in the United States and is a bastion of a practice abandoned in every other country. “This is a major message from the NIH: that this era is coming to an end,” said John Pippin of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, an animal advocacy group. “This is huge.” |  |
Apes Enjoy Slapstick Humor
Non-human primates may enjoy watching someone else trip on a banana peel, according to new research on laughter, which found that apes might appreciate slapstick humor.
The research also helps to explain the origins of laughter and the social aspects of the behavior. Robin Dunbar, who co-authored one such study with Guillaume Dezecache, described what non-human primates might be amused by. |  |
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