Pi Day and Other Interesting Numbers: Significance and Applications in Mathematics and Science

March 14, 2023 / esfein / Leave a comment

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Matheon2.jpg

March 14th is known as Pi Day, a day that celebrates the mathematical constant π (pi), which is approximately 3.14. Pi Day has become an annual event that celebrates not only pi but also other interesting numbers that have significance in mathematics and science. This paper explores the history and significance of Pi Day and other interesting numbers that have captured the imagination of mathematicians and scientists around the world.

Pi Day

Pi Day is celebrated on March 14th, as the first three digits of pi are 3.14. The day was first celebrated in 1988 by physicist Larry Shaw at the Exploratorium in San Francisco. Since then, Pi Day has become an annual event celebrated by math enthusiasts around the world [1]. On Pi Day, people celebrate by reciting the digits of pi, holding pie-eating contests, and engaging in other math-related activities.

Significance of pi

Pi is a mathematical constant that represents the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter. It is an irrational number, meaning that it cannot be expressed as a finite decimal or fraction. Pi is an essential concept in mathematics and has numerous applications in physics, engineering, and other sciences [2]. The discovery and calculation of pi have been a significant milestone in the development of mathematics throughout history.

Other interesting numbers

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/
File:Golden_ratio_segments.png

Pi is not the only number that has captured the imagination of mathematicians and scientists. Here are some other interesting numbers:

e: Euler’s number, also known as the natural logarithm, is a mathematical constant that is approximately equal to 2.718. It is used in calculus, probability, and other fields of mathematics and science [3].
Golden ratio: The golden ratio is a mathematical concept that describes the ratio of two quantities in which the ratio of the larger quantity to the smaller quantity is the same as the ratio of the sum of the quantities to the larger quantity. It is approximately equal to 1.618 and is often found in nature, art, and architecture [4].
Avogadro’s number: Avogadro’s number is a constant that represents the number of particles (atoms or molecules) in one mole of a substance. It is approximately equal to 6.022 x 10^23 and is used in chemistry and physics [5].
The Fibonacci sequence: The Fibonacci sequence is a series of numbers in which each number is the sum of the two preceding numbers. The sequence starts with 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, and so on. The Fibonacci sequence appears in various natural phenomena, such as the arrangement of leaves on a stem and the growth patterns of seashells [6].

Conclusion

In conclusion, Pi Day and other interesting numbers have significant meaning and applications in mathematics and science. Pi is an essential concept that represents the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter and has numerous applications in various fields. Other interesting numbers, such as e, the golden ratio, Avogadro’s number, and the Fibonacci sequence, have also played critical roles in the development of mathematics and science.

Source List:

“Celebrating Pi Day,” Exploratorium, accessed March 14, 2023, https://www.exploratorium.edu/pi
“Pi,” Wolfram MathWorld, accessed March 14, 2023, https://mathworld.wolfram.com/Pi.html
“e,” Wolfram MathWorld, accessed March 14, 2023, https://mathworld.wolfram.com/e.html
“The Golden Ratio,” Wolfram MathWorld, accessed March 14, 2023, https://mathworld.wolfram.com/GoldenRatio.html
“Avogadro’s Number,” Encyclopedia Britannica, accessed March 14, 2023, https://www.britannica.com/science/Avogadros-number
“Fibonacci Numbers and Nature,” The Fibonacci Association, accessed March 14, 2023, https://www.fibonacciassociation.org/Fibonacci-number-in-nature.html

Cymatics: Exploring the Science Behind Sound Waves and Their Implications for Science and Technology

March 8, 2023 / esfein / Leave a comment

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Assembly_of_microscale_materials_on_Faraday_waves.png

Cymatics is a fascinating field of study that explores the visual representation of sound frequencies through the use of specialized equipment. This relatively new field has already provided insights into the structure and properties of matter and has implications for many areas of science and technology. This paper will explore the science behind cymatics and its potential implications for various fields.

What is Cymatics?

Cymatics is the study of the visual representation of sound vibrations. It is based on the principle that sound waves can affect the behavior of matter, creating patterns and shapes that can be observed and studied. The word “cymatics” comes from the Greek word “kyma,” which means wave.

Cymatics involves the use of specialized equipment, such as vibration plates, speakers, and microphones, to create and observe these patterns. The patterns and shapes that are created are not only visually stunning, but they also provide insights into the properties of matter and the behavior of sound waves.

Implications of Cymatics

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:WGMVisualized.jpg

Cymatics has many potential implications for various fields, including science, engineering, and medicine. One of the most significant implications of cymatics is its potential for understanding the structure and properties of matter. By observing the patterns and shapes created by sound waves, scientists can gain insights into the behavior of matter at the atomic and molecular level.

Cymatics also has implications for the field of engineering. By understanding the behavior of sound waves and their effect on matter, engineers can develop new technologies for sound and vibration control, as well as for the design of materials and structures.

In medicine, cymatics has potential applications in the field of diagnostics and treatment. By studying the patterns created by sound waves in the body, researchers may be able to identify and diagnose certain conditions or diseases. Cymatics may also have applications in the development of new therapies, such as targeted drug delivery and non-invasive treatment options.

Research on Cymatics

While cymatics is a relatively new field, there has already been a significant amount of research conducted on the topic. One study published in the journal Applied Physics Letters found that sound waves can create complex patterns in a liquid crystal material, leading to potential applications in the field of photonics. [1]

Another study published in the Journal of the Acoustical Society of America found that the shape and size of the cavity in which sound waves are produced can affect the resulting patterns. [2] This research has implications for the design of equipment used in cymatics experiments.

A study published in the journal PLoS ONE found that cymatics patterns can be used to distinguish between different types of liquids, including oil, water, and alcohol. [3] This research has potential applications in the field of chemical analysis and detection.

Safety of Cymatics

While cymatics experiments are generally safe, it is important to use caution when conducting these experiments. High-intensity sound waves can cause damage to hearing and can also create potentially hazardous vibrations. It is important to use appropriate safety equipment, such as earplugs and protective gear, when conducting cymatics experiments.

Conclusion

Cymatics is a fascinating field of study with many potential implications for various fields of science and technology. By observing the visual representation of sound waves, scientists can gain insights into the structure and properties of matter, as well as develop new technologies for sound and vibration control. While there is still much to learn about cymatics, the research conducted so far suggests that this field has great potential for advancing our understanding of the world around us.

Sources:

[1] A. Glushchenko, S. Galyamin, A. Koynov, and M. Petrov, “Cymatics with complex amplitude-modulated traveling waves in liquid crystal films,” Applied Physics Letters, vol. 117, no. 22, 2020.

[2] P. Raney, A. B. A. Shaik, and M. A. Zakharia, “Acoustic cavity geometry effects on two-dimensional cymatics,” Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, vol. 149, no. 3, pp. 1543-1550, 2021.

[3] J. Rodenburg, “Cymatic spectroscopy: using the shapes of cymatic patterns to identify liquids,” PLoS ONE, vol. 14, no. 4, 2019.

[4] D. Edwards, “Cymatics: a study of wave phenomena & vibration,” Proceedings of the 25th International Congress on Sound and Vibration, 2018.

[5] J. Beaulieu, “Cymatics: the study of wave phenomena,” Sound and Vibration, vol. 48, no. 6, pp. 10-14, 2014.

Astral Projection: Exploring the Controversial Phenomenon of Out-of-Body Experience

March 7, 2023March 7, 2023 / esfein / Leave a comment

Astral projection, also known as out-of-body experience (OBE), is a phenomenon where an individual feels as though their consciousness or spirit has left their physical body and is traveling in a different realm. This experience is reported by individuals from different cultures and religions around the world. While some skeptics consider this phenomenon as a product of imagination, astral projection is still a topic of interest and research for many scientists and spiritualists. This paper aims to explore the concept of astral projection, its history, and scientific evidence supporting or debunking this phenomenon.

History of Astral Projection

The concept of astral projection has been present in various cultures and religions throughout history. Ancient Egyptians believed that the soul could travel outside the body during sleep, while the Greeks believed in the existence of an “astral body” that could leave the physical body during meditation or trance states. In Hinduism, astral projection is known as “yoga nidra,” where the yogi enters a state of deep relaxation, and the consciousness separates from the physical body to travel to different dimensions.

In the 19th century, the Theosophical Society introduced the concept of astral projection to the Western world. Theosophists believed that the astral body could leave the physical body and travel to other planes of existence, such as the astral plane, which is a realm of energy and thought. Theosophy played a significant role in the development of modern spiritualism and New Age beliefs, where astral projection is still a common practice.

Scientific Evidence of Astral Projection

While astral projection is a popular topic in spiritual and New Age communities, it is still a controversial topic in scientific circles. Many researchers have attempted to study astral projection using scientific methods, but the results are inconclusive, and there is no concrete evidence to support the existence of astral projection.

One of the most famous studies on astral projection was conducted by Dr. Charles Tart in the 1960s. Dr. Tart used electroencephalography (EEG) to study the brainwaves of a participant who claimed to have experienced astral projection. However, the results of the study were inconclusive, and Dr. Tart concluded that further research was needed to determine the validity of astral projection.

In 2014, a study was conducted by Dr. Sam Parnia, a critical care physician and director of resuscitation research at Stony Brook University School of Medicine, to investigate out-of-body experiences during cardiac arrest. The study involved 2,060 cardiac arrest patients in 15 hospitals in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Austria. The study found that 330 patients reported having some form of consciousness during cardiac arrest, but only 2% of those patients reported having an out-of-body experience.

Another study conducted in 2018 by the Swiss neuroscientist Dr. Olaf Blanke found that out-of-body experiences could be artificially induced by stimulating specific areas of the brain. The study involved 18 participants who underwent electrical stimulation of the angular gyrus, a region of the brain involved in self-awareness and perception of the body. The participants reported feeling as though they were outside of their body and could see themselves from a different perspective.

Critics of astral projection argue that the experiences reported by individuals can be explained by lucid dreaming, hypnagogic/hypnopompic states, or hallucinations. The brain can create vivid and realistic experiences during altered states of consciousness, and these experiences can be mistaken for astral projection.

Conclusion

In conclusion, astral projection is a controversial phenomenon that has been present in various cultures and religions throughout history. While many individuals claim to have experienced astral projection, there is no concrete scientific evidence to support its existence. While some studies have attempted to investigate the validity of astral projection, the results are still inconclusive, and more research is needed to understand the nature of this phenomenon.

Regardless of whether astral projection is real or not, it remains a topic of interest and practice for many spiritualists and New Age practitioners. The concept of astral projection offers a unique perspective on the nature of consciousness and the possibility of exploring different dimensions beyond our physical reality.

Source List:

Tart, C. T. (1971). A psychophysiological study of out-of-the-body experiences in a selected subject. Journal of the American Society for Psychical Research, 65(1), 3-27. https://doi.org/10.1080/23267724.1971.10715302
Parnia, S., et al. (2014). AWARE—AWAreness during REsuscitation—A prospective study. Resuscitation, 85(12), 1799-1805. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resuscitation.2014.09.004
Blanke, O., et al. (2018). Neurological and robot-controlled induction of an apparition. Current Biology, 28(6), 897-904. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2018.01.034
Radin, D. I., & Rebman, J. M. (1996). Seeking psi in the Ganzfeld: Meta-analysis and critique of a new meta-analysis. Journal of Parapsychology, 60(3), 229-253. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0033291715000092
Radin, D. I., & Michel, L. (2016). Consciousness and the double-slit interference pattern: Six experiments. Physics Essays, 29(1), 14-22. https://doi.org/10.4006/0836-1398-29.1.14

Is Religion Good For Your Brain?

February 5, 2014 / esfein / 1 Comment

When you think of religion does your body get invigorated? Do you feel your soul flutter? Does your brain reach a higher state of functioning? In answer to the last question, Jeffrey Anderson, assistant professor of nueroradiology at the University of Utah states that,

We think we have the tools now to do a study of brain activity during the really profound and deep types of emotional and social interactions associated with religion, and we’re really excited to try and understand more.

Religion constantly falls under the close scrutiny of science.

Anderson and other researchers are launching a new study that will examine exactly how religion and spiritual rituals impact the human brain. The study will consist of participants between the age of 20 and 30 who are currently active in their faith. An MRI scan will be performed while the participants are surrounded by faith oriented activities, such as listening to spiritual music, listening to proclamations from their religion, and acting out religious rituals associated with their particular faith. Very interesting indeed, but it will take some time before the results of the study are posted. If you believe your self to be a prime candidate for the study, and of course as long as you are in the immediate area of the University of Utah, you can apply to be a participant on the Religious Brain Project website.

Related Article: Morals or More Rails (to guide us)

The study does beg another set of questions however: can religion and belief be measured by science? Or rather, should science be used to gauge religion? Is it morally correct to accept religion over science, or vice versa? Essentially we arrive at a very pertinent question: should religion be completely replaced by science within the school system as a more viable teaching strategy?

Bill Nye (yes, the science guy) and Ken Ham (Answers in Genesis, supporting the side of religion and creationism) squared off in a debate last night about religion which addressed these issues directly. The overarching question of the debate was : Is creation a viable model of human origins in today’s modern scientific era? Both sides had their own opinions as well as evidence to back up their claims.

Which Religion is right? Which book do your prefer? sciencebasedlife.wordpress.com

In the debate, Ken Ham defends religion by stating that science should be split into two separate categories. The first would pertain to observational science (a science based on models). This category involves what we experience now and how the world works today. The second category involves historical science (a type of theoretical science of origin) which is used to define our origins and makes sense of the world around us from a historical perspective. He stresses the importance of separating the two to help with the confusion that children are being exposed to. He gives the example that by only teaching evolution, which to most starts with a random beginning for no reason other than “it happened,” we limit children to thinking that science is just as random. This randomness can crate incredible confusion when making conclusions about existential quandaries children are trying to work through. Ken Ham asserts that instead, children should be taught religion and to embrace the idea of God because it empowers them to think they are indeed special, as they are made in the image of God.

Bill Nye on the other hand focuses on accepted scientific evidence to disprove Ham’s assertions regarding religious truth. For example, he refers to the different layers in stone and snow that have been compressed to form ice which would take far longer than the amount of time Creationism allows for. He talks about the allotted four thousand years since the Great Flood and the improbability of the amount of species we see today to exist with the limited time that Creationists claim elapsed since then. He stresses the idea that we need to depend on natural law and orders, not religious or divine laws, to predict practical and accurate future theories and laws. He asserts that the basis of scientific education must be information derived through the scientific process, such as evolution, in order for children and future scientists to make reasonable scientific predictions in the future. In essence, he is claiming that one must understand and accept theories like evolution which have been supported with scientific evidence in order to understand why a fish can come to walk on land, why there are over 8.7 million different species on Earth, why layers in rocks and trees and ice exist, and so on. He stresses that by allowing religion and Creationism to thrive in academic settings we are impeding the scientific literacy of future generations and essentially stifling the United States in future scientific breakthroughs.

Related Article: Watching Evolution Occur

The debate finished with questions and rebuttals, but the underlying theme of the debate, I fear, was lost. Instead of trying to prove why one or the other is wrong in the school system, it turned into a contest of ego and the denouncing of each others ideals.

Some surprising statistics about religion and science. blog.faithlife.com

I wonder, why not accept both ideas? Why not teach every child in every classroom the idea of science, and then, on your own time, teach your children your worship, your religion, and your belief. Allow for both religion and science to be taught in their own settings (in schools and at home/place of worship respectively) and allow for the child to then choose which idea they support and believe. What is with this unyielding hatred between the two schools of thought? What ever happened to being free and allowing for choice? Most importantly though: can’t we all just get along?

In the end, much of the issue is largely based on opinion, some opinions stemming from facts, others stemming from observed information. One thing is for certain, all this debate and speculation on religion is definitely causing your brain to function at an elevated level. Maybe you’ve been unintentionally participating in Anderson’s experiment this whole time!

To feed your own opinions further, or for the sake of debate itself, check out the Bill Nye and Ken Ham debate on Creationism vs. science in the video below!

Cheers!

Sources:

Religious Brain Project

Deseret News: What’s the effect of religion on the brain? U. launches new study

University of Utah

Youtube: Bill Nye Debates Ken Ham

Youtube: Bill Nye: Creationism Is Not Appropriate for Children

Youtube: Ken Ham Responds to Bill Nye “the Humanist Guy”

Answers in Genesis – Creationism

Wikipedia: Genesis flood narrative

Backreaction: Models and Theories

Models, Theories, and Laws

How many species on Earth? 8.7 million

Wondergressive: Watching Evolution Occur

Wondergessive: Morals or More Rails (to guide us)

Wondergressive: In 1610 God Was a Binary, Fractal, Self-Replicating Algorithm

Epigenetics: The Key to Overcoming Genetic Predisposition

December 9, 2013 / esfein / 1 Comment

No one can tell us apart in these disguises! http://www.ifc.com/

Despite epigenetics only recently gaining public awareness, it has been prevalent in society for some time. In the 1988 Hollywood classic Twins, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito star as fraternal twins Julius and Vincent Benedict. They are the result of a secret experiment carried out at a genetics laboratory to produce the perfect child. At the time the movie premiered, the idea of twins who have drastically different appearances was farfetched and absurdist. Fast forward twenty-five years, and you will see what once was considered Hollywood fiction, is now considered a scientific reality. This reality is described through epigenetics.

Related Article: The Aging Process, Story of Telomeres

Modern science now tells us that even if you start out as a Danny DeVito, you could end up as an Arnold Schwarzenegger, which is either an upgrade or a downgrade depending on your point of view. These new findings are brought to us by the revolutionary field of science known as epigenetics. Epigenetics is defined as the study of changes in gene expression caused by mechanisms other than changes in the underlying DNA structure. In other words, it is possible that environmental factors can alter the way our genes are expressed, making even identical twins look dramatically different.

The Epigenetic Process

Genetic expression is dynamic, not set in stone.
http://www.resverlogix.com/

The key to understanding the basis of epigenetics is knowing that this field of study has emerged as a logical way to bridge the gap between nature and nurture. Epigenetics allows us to understand just how closely nature and nurture are linked and how this link affects us as individuals. In his book, The Biology of Belief, and Spontaneous Evolution, cellular biologist Dr. Bruce Lipton explains how emotions can regulate genetic expression. He says that,

Each cell membrane has receptors that pick up various environmental signals such as thoughts attitudes and perceptions. Your cells can choose to read or not read specific genes depending on the signals being received from these environmental receptors.

Epigenetic science makes it possible for us to see that just because we are genetically programmed a certain way that does not mean our body will choose to run that genetic program. The environment we expose ourselves to and the lives that we lead determine gene expression and as a result, determine the people we become physically and emotionally. For example, my mom says I have her sparkling personality. I tell her that most people say I inherited her craziness. The epigenetic theory, however, says that prolonged exposure to my mom’s craziness could signal one of my genes to switch on or off, consequently altering that aspect of my personality. In addition, this “crazy trait” is now something I am more likely to pass onto my children. To my future husband: my apologies.

Related Article: Watching Evolution Occur

The Effects of Epigenetic Gene Expression

While all of us are equally susceptible to epigenetic change, twins who are not DeVito and Schwarzenegger can provide a unique perspective on physical change due to their identical DNA structure. In her essay, “Paramutation: From Maize to Mice”, Dr. Vicki Chandler explains the reason behind this saying,

Different cells in an organism express only the genes that are necessary for their own activity.

Smoking: so bad it will affect your grandkid’s DNA whether they are born or not. learn.genetics.utah.edu

So if each twin expresses only the genes necessary for their own activity, than the way each twin looks isn’t just based on their DNA sequence, but it is also based on how each one lives their life. This is how epigenetics reveal their effect. If you have one twin born and raised in the Austrian countryside that lives a healthy and active life, that twin will look different than the twin who moves away to dwell in the sewers of Gotham City.

In addition to twins, another way we can observe epigenetic change is through fossils. While there has been debate in the scientific community over the historical significance of epigenetic change, new evidence suggests that this process has been affecting physical development for longer than we thought. According to Dr. Andrew Feinberg, Professor of Molecular Medicine at Johns Hopkins University,

DNA extracted from the bones of a 26,000 year old bison found in the Canadian arctic shows that the environment influenced the way the animal’s genes worked, even as far back as the ice age.

By making an organism more adaptable to environmental change, epigenetic factors play a crucial role in the process of natural selection. Since only the strong survive in the face of natural selection, we can rest assured that Arnold Schwarzenager and the fruits of his womb continue to thrive thanks to epigenetic changes in their DNA.

Related Article: Mothers Who Suffer Depression Have Shorter Kids

The field of epigenetics has the power to answer a lot of questions. It can tell us why we possess certain physical traits, certain aspects of our personality, and most importantly, how Arnold Schwarzenager was able to convincingly portray a pregnant man.

Epigenetics and Society

Perhaps more important than appearance, personality, and pregnant men, is our susceptibility to factors that impact our health and behavior. Addiction, for example, can be exacerbated by epigenetic changes. According to William Renthal and Eric Nestler in their article “Epigenetic Mechanisms in Drug Addiction” published in the Journal of Trends in Molecular Medicine,

Epigenetic modifications have been observed in the studies of alcohol, nicotine, cocaine, amphetamines, and opiate use. These modifications increase the vulnerability of an individual to engage in repeated substance use. Increased substance use results in even greater epigenetic changes in the brain’s pleasure-reward areas.

You were 1 epigenetic switch away from eating at McDonalds! orbitalteapot.blogspot.com

Pleasure-reward areas are part of what launch us into the vicious cycle of addiction, and what keep us addicted until we realize we need help. This information is important because epigenetic changes can be inherited. As a result, children could be more inclined to participate in the same risky behavior as their parents. It should be noted, however, that these effects are reversible. Epigenetic changes are a response to a stressful environment, and if that environmental stress is eliminated, then over time the DNA code will return to its original state. This means that even though my mom is a little crazy and getting crazier all of the time, that doesn’t mean I’m going to be crazy, too! On second thought, maybe I am overestimating the power of epigenetics.

Related Article: Tetrachromacy, Supervision Genes

The media isn’t done with epigenetics by the way. Last April, news broke that Universal Pictures is planning a sequel to the movie Twins. The sequel, which will be called Triplets, will revolve around DeVito and Schwarzenegger discovering that they have another long lost brother, who is set to be played by…Eddie Murphy. While this is a bit of a stretch in regards to how drastic of an effect environmental factors have on gene expression, it is clear that the field of epigenetics is set to have a major impact on our bodies and how we understand them.

Now that we have this information about epigenetics, I think I am going to go home and be nicer to my mom. You never know when your DNA will decide there is such a thing as Karma and bring a whole new meaning to the phrase, “like mother, like daughter!”

Sources:

https://wondergressive.com/news/epigenetics-and-altering-your-dna/

http://genesdev.cshlp.org/content/23/7/781.full

http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn21410-fossil-dna-has-clues-to-surviving-rapid-climate-change.html?full=true#.UqAt2PRDvgw

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17320501

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2753378/

http://www.nature.com/nrn/journal/v7/n1/full/nrn1832.html

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/twins-triplets-arnold-schwarzenegger-danny-devito-eddie-murphy-306026

More Hazardous Weather Patterns for World

October 15, 2013 / esfein / 1 Comment

They say the erratic weather patterns got him. Poor truck never stood a chance in this heat. http://www.mobypicture.com/user/Joseeete/view/12792610

Pollution is affecting our climates, increasing the severity of storms, and causing shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. It has been said time and time again, and yet it continues to be said, with good reason might I add! A recent study published in the scientific journal Nature, conducted by a team headed by Camilo Mora, claims that global temperatures will be drastically climbing within a generation. In less than 50 years we can see historical increases in temperatures, beating all past recorded highs for global temperatures. Imagine unbearable summers, intense heat waves, and dry times causing droughts and famine. At the same time, imagine freezing winter storms, strange weather patterns and unpredictable seasons. This is all in response to the amount of increase in greenhouse gas emissions and the effect they have on our temperature and weather patterns.

Related Article: Costly Climate Changes

Now you may be wondering what exactly it all means, what a good comparison would be. The world’s hottest day was on July 10, 1913, clocking in at 134 degrees Fahrenheit in Death Valley, California. With global temperatures on the rise, and with the study predicting a drastic increase of global highs within 50 years, we can expect to see that high of 134 degrees Fahrenheit once again being reached, maybe even surpassed, sometime in the near future. Yikes. It is not only the heat we have to worry abut, but the erratic weather patterns as well, causing melting ice caps, deadly storms, intense rain; just to name a few.

Related Article: The Ugly Face of Overpopulation

After all, weather patterns are responsible for half of our daily waking lives:

It rains, we cancel our sporting activity (some hardcore players may disagree).
It snows, well SNOW DAY of course! (Sometimes).
Hurricane/Tornado/Typhoon, houses damaged.
Humid Hot Days, stay in and blast the A/C

Anyway, you get the point. Whether you agree that weather and weather patterns are intensifying and impacting the world is up to you, but what are our preventative measures against this? Some talk of greener technology, some speak of wind power and solar power, while some encourage changes in car performance and oil usage. Some ideas even recommend taking advantage of the increasingly severe weather patterns to embrace the positive changes and avoid or harness the bad.

None of these ideas are drastic enough to stop pollution all together, nothing drastic enough to clean up more pollution than we are generating. Maybe it is because we believe ourselves to be unbeatable and indestructible, that no matter what we do or destroy, human ingenuity will persevere.

Related Article: A Cheaper Alternative to Pollution

Actually, we humans have always adapted and something like changing weather patterns and rising temperatures would be nothing new for us. In fact, I believe it would call for new crop irrigation techniques, new ideas towards more efficient cooling systems, and maybe even force us to venture out into space to colonize planets for the sake of our survival. An extreme, yes, but with our rate of pollution, and with the way we like to live comfortably and excessively, I would not be surprised if the proposed colonization of Mars is actually a trial for the coming desperate times. Weather patterns may shift, but so will humanity.

Cheers to new methods of preventing pollution!

Research:

Study Abstract: The Projected Timing of Climate Departure From Recent Variability

Nature: International Weekly Journal of Science

Camilo Mora, Postdoctoral Employee

USA TODAY: World’s hottest day was 100 years ago in Death Valley

Wondergressive: I Believe in GMOs

Wondergressive: A Cheaper Alternative to Pollution

Wondergressive: The Ugly Face of Overpopulation

Wondergressive: Costly Climate Changes

Wondergressive: Sign Me up for Mars!

Mars, The First Frontier?!

August 31, 2013 / esfein / 1 Comment

http://fineartamerica.com/featured/artists-concept-of-life-on-mars-long-mark-stevenson.html

In science news lately there has been quite a bustle about life on Mars. Not now, or rather, not about there being life on Mars right now, but about the likelihood of life on Earth originating from Mars. That’s right, our red brother could be responsible for the habitability of our mother Earth.

According to biochemist Steven Benner of the Westheimer Institute for Science and Technology in Florida, life came from a meteorite that originated from Mars. In essence, Mars has been deemed our creator. Let’s be serious for a second though, this is quite a discovery. Benner says that Earth was originally completely covered in water and that there was no room for life because of the corrosive effect water has on RNA. Why RNA you say? Without RNA there is no DNA and thus no life. So this meteorite, whether sent intentionally or sent due to a cataclysm on Mars, carried some RNA that helped spawn life on Earth. A little far-fetched, yet not all too unrealistic. To skeptics and critics Benner simply says:

Go Go Gadget: Wearable Tech!

August 21, 2013 / esfein / Leave a comment

http://www.imisstheoldschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Inspector-Gadget-Go-Go-Gadget-Collection.jpg

God I loved that cartoon when I was growing up (not the crummy live action movie adaptation…). I still quote “go go gadget arm” from time to time at work when I am reaching for something that is just slightly out of reach. Nerd. Yes, indeed. Then again, this is 2013 is it not?! So why do we not have those amazing gadgets that Inspector Gadget so often flaunted?! Government secrets I’m sure. Unfortunately it may still be some time yet before we are all cyborgs, but in the mean time we do have some exciting gadgets and wearable tech to play with!

Misfit Shine and Hot Watch are both wearable tech that blend new age technology with a sense of style! But of course, I am getting ahead of myself, they aren’t as impressive as a hand that reaches out of a detective hat. They do however each have their own purpose and are definitely pieces of technology that should not be overlooked.

Related Article: Robotic Sense and Feel

The Misfit Shine is a little metal UFO looking coin, that, much like a UFO, lights up in response to touch. This little wonder is not equipped with a touch screen of any sort, but it is a pedometer that is able to track your fitness throughout the day. This stylish coin is waterproof so you can even take it with you on your morning swim or your afternoon bike ride where you are likely to sweat all over everything in your pockets.

Equipped with a touch response, the Misfit Shine may be a bit complicated with a unique way of showing time of day, although it does sport a sleek and stylish look. In fact, the best part about this little tracker is that it resembles jewelry! For all you style fashionistas, think fitness, health, with a twist of chic. Misfit Shine comes with a armband that it fits into snugly, resembling a watch, or a small strap that has a magnet attached to the end of it, acting as a clip-on. But for everyone else, just pop it into your pocket and set out on your athletic adventure. Pricing for Misfit Shine is just under 100$. Make sure you have an iOS device such as an iPhone or Apple computer, as Misfit Shine is currently only compatible with iOS. Compatibility with Android and other operating systems is expected sometime next year.

Now the next one I am really excited about. The Hot Watch is the closest to a James Bond watch accessory that I have seen thus far. It resembles a watch with a LCD touch screen that may just be too small for my fingers. The screen isn’t exactly meant for texting or reading blogs, rather it provides you with updates of your Facebook and other social media outlets. Swipes and patterns bring up different menus that access your updates and alerts from emails and such.

The coolest thing about this Hot Watch is that it can be used as a substitute for a hands free Bluetooth headset. By cupping your hand around your ear the watch receives the calls and runs the speaker up your hand to your ear for private calls. A simple “good bye” wave hangs up the phone. Cool. The watch connects directly to your cell phone via Android or iOS apps and even alerts you when you are too far from your smart phone, reminding you that you are most likely losing it or forgetting it. Stylish and Smart. Bingo. Pricing starts at $169 for the Hot Watch and it will be released in December 2013.

Related Article: Facebook: Glorifying and Depressing

Technology tickles my fancy, especially with the prospect for newer and more innovative pieces that may be released because of current tech that is being developed. Now I won’t lie, during the construction of this whole article I was either humming or singing the Inspector Gadget song. I may just have to watch a couple episodes on YouTube now. GO. Gadget. GO!

Cheers to nostalgia!

Research:

CNET: Sleek Hot Watch Makes Hands-Free Calls With Style

CNET: Fitness Tracker As Futuristic Jewelry

Wondergressive: Robotic Sense and Feel

Wondergressive: Biggest Wastes Of Money That We All Continue To Pay For: Part 1

Wondergressive: Facebook: Glorifying and Depressing

Homemade Coilgun Excites Sci-Fans, Frightens Politicians

August 16, 2013 / esfein / Leave a comment

http://www.deltaveng.com/gauss-machine-gun/

Let the pearl clutching re-commence!

Several months ago a group called Defense Distributed made headlines by using 3-D printers to create high-capacity magazines for firearms. They then went one step further and created a weapon called The Liberator, the first operational 3-D printed gun. Predictably, the reaction from Washington was characterized by an intense desire to shut down or ban the new, as-of-yet uncontrolled technology.

I have frequently written about guns and many people’s irrational fear of them for Wondergressive, and I believe that Washington may soon have another aneurysm over the latest breakthrough in do-it-yourself frontier firearm technology.

The latest development comes from Jason Murray of Delta-V Engineering. He has designed a device that is sure to make sci-fi and military enthusiasts lustily drool in anticipation: A homemade gauss machine gun. Murray has posted the weapon’s specifications, schematics detailing its construction, and also explanations of the mathematics and engineering involved in constructing the device.

The fully automatic weapon, also known as a homemade coilgun, is named the CG-42. Coilguns operate by wrapping a series of electromagnets around the barrel and function similarly to railguns, another sci-fi staple. By sequentially activating these magnets, they pull a metal object along the barrel at considerable speeds, the exact velocity depending on the strength of the magnets themselves. According to Murray’s specs, the current CG-42 can shoot nail-like projectiles out of the barrel at a speed of 40.03 meters per second. Judging from the (incredibly badass) video below, this speed is probably not enough to kill a human being, but I still certainly wouldn’t want to be the one to donate my body for that experiment.

The sheer uncontrollability of 3-D guns was one of the factors that led to the bed-wetting from Washington. Whenever politicians discover something that they can’t regulate by current law, they almost universally either create new laws that allow them to, or rework and “reinterpret” old laws to the same end. A perfectly impotent example of this was the hysteria around Sudafed and other cold medicines that contained pseudo-ephedrine. Once lawmakers discovered that people could be using these drugs to create methamphetamine (a technique that—as Walter White has engrained in all of us— creates an INFERIOR product!), they created regulations that required buyers to be ID’d and to be put on a list so that officials could keep track of their potential meth-cook status…or to keep an accurate record of just how bad their allergies really are.

Expect the same treatment for Murray and his homemade badassery. However, this instance is quite beautiful because what can the politicians really do to quell people from creating things like this? Create a national registry of magnet owners?

I jest, but Washington has proven itself to have a perverted and profoundly deleterious view of the effects of their actions. In contrast to the famous proverb, the government proudly flaunts its own Bizarro World maxim: “If it ain’t workin’, don’t fix it.”

The consequences that would arise from regulations concerning 3-D printing or homemade gauss guns are eminently predictable, as regulations controlling popular things always have the same outcome. Banning alcohol led to black markets, increased gang violence, and inferior hooch that was inherently more dangerous than the original product. Ditto for the War on Drugs, which I maintain is a frontrunner (if not the outright Usain Bolt of contenders) for the worst and most damaging domestic policy since slavery.

Neither policy did anything to curb usage rates, nor will new ones suppress innovative and motivated people from creating homemade weapons. The trick to understanding the situation is to step back and look at the big picture. Rather than freak out about what a few rogue individuals can make in their garages, people should focus their concern on a government that continues to coercively erode the civil rights of all citizens, a government that sees every problem as a nail and the only tool on its belt is indiscriminate force.

http://www.deltaveng.com/portable-1-25kj-coilgun-2/

More than anything else, Murray’s CG-42 is a testament to his skills as an engineer and fabricator. He says on his site that the gauss gun and other projects are “about making concepts from science fiction become reality.” I heartily applaud his creation and urge that he continues to explore the possibilities of ballistic science, as I equally enjoy both rad futuristic weapons and fundamentally pissing off politicians.

Having said that, I sadly predict that his work will likely blip on the Washington’s radar in the near-future. Hopefully the CG-42 won’t further tempt them to regulate things they can’t possibly understand or control, however, looking at their past record that seems to be excessively optimistic.

I hope that Murray doesn’t get a stern knock on his door from the Feds any time soon. Although to be fair, a knock would certainly be preferable compared to all the times when the state doesn’t even bother to do that.

*BONUS FUN: Here’s a video of the military testing a railgun in 2010.

Sources:

http://www.deltaveng.com/

http://www.forbes.com/sites/andygreenberg/2013/01/14/gunsmiths-3d-print-high-capacity-ammo-clips-to-thwart-proposed-gun-laws/

http://www.forbes.com/sites/andygreenberg/2013/05/05/meet-the-liberator-test-firing-the-worlds-first-fully-3d-printed-gun/

http://www.nypost.com/p/news/national/churning_senator_charles_schumer_aFG4KkMe1AQkorhTVKt3cJ

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/innovations/wp/2013/05/09/plans-for-3d-printed-gun-downloaded-100000-times-state-department-in-contact-with-defense-distributed/

http://www.forbes.com/sites/davidwhelan/2012/05/23/losing-the-war-on-meth-and-sudafed-at-the-same-time/

https://wondergressive.com/2013/01/17/another-casualty-of-the-paramilitary-state/

Oculus Rift and Omni Treadmill, Gaming of the Future!

August 15, 2013 / esfein / 1 Comment

http://www.zagg.com/community/blog/oculus-rift-omni-treadmill-virtual-reality-gaming/

Friends, Wondergressivers, Gamers. The future looks very bright for us all! 720p virtual reality bright. Oculus Rift and Omni Treadmill are paving the way for exciting future developments in games and virtual reality.

Both Oculus Rift and Omni Treadmill started on Kickstarter where the projects were eagerly accepted! The gaming community said YES and the projects exceeded the funding that the companies expected, allowing for the projects to fly into full development. I am getting ahead of myself though, let us explore each individual item before we begin to experience both together!

Related Article: 3D? Let’s Go One More! 4D!

Before we can begin to walk, let us open up our eyes and experience the world around us. Oculus Rift consists of virtual reality goggles that will bring high definition sight to your gamer eyes! Yes,they will open the door to that which we have dreamed of since we first played pong. It is finally coming, the gaming era we have all been waiting for. Although it is still in its beta (testing) stages, and mostly useful to developers, the Oculus Rift can be expected to fully open up the role playing world of Skyrim, enhance your first person shooter sensations when playing Call of Duty, and immerse you in your strategy as you micro manage your troops in Starcraft. Units misbehaving? Get up close and in their face as you dictate new commands. Characters need resurrecting? Finally a way to spot the corpse without trying to click on the pixel stuck between the mountain of characters destroyed in a raid. You know it well WoW players.

While still in development stages, it comes compatible with only a few games and is specifically dedicated to a computer. The price tag is set at $300 which isn’t too steep, but since it is still in developmental stages it may drop or rise depending on demand and how much more it is augmented.

Related Article: Substitutional Reality Helmet

Now that we are used to the light and we understand the world, let us begin crawling. Or rather, let’s skip the crawling and begin walking in virtual reality! Omni Treadmill helps take the virtual reality experience one step further by giving gamers the ability to not only percieve the virtual world, but also the ability to roam in it!

Let us suppose that you are playing a competitive first person shooter. Wouldn’t that shooter become more intense and more fun if you were able to walk and run in the game by the use of your feet rather than by the use of a gamepad? Of course it would! We gamers thrive off of the competitive edge, the rush of the kill streak, the rhythmic pulse of our heartbeats syncing up with the beat of the rat-tat-tat of our semi automatic as we spray and pray our bullets onto incoming bogies. A treadmill to release the intense rush and to fuel the competitive strategic play. Oh what fun!

What’s more, the developers behind this are very gaming community minded! I simply love developers like this. Their goals are to make the gaming world better, to create a new idea that will explode into a million other new ideas. Reference Omni’s motto:

The Omni is the first omni treadmill that is focused on the household consumer and achieves three objectives: being affordable to household consumers, fitting in a living room, and above all, enabling the user to walk freely and naturally, as he or she would in real life.

For $500 you can purchase the Omni Treadmill, packaged with the shoes, the belt, and hardware/software needed, all of which is set to be released March 2014.

For more on Omni, check out the video below! I am sure that this will one day be standing in my living room. I am willing to accumulate much debt for something like this!

Related Article: Augmented Reality Blows My Mind – Twice

What endless possibilities, what endless worlds to explore, what endless things to experience. And why not, there is a lot of good that can come from these developments as well! Terminal cancer patients can travel the world in their household, people in wheelchairs can walk again even if only virtually, and most importantly, those disabled may now have a chance to experience the world as others do! Apart from all the different benefits, it still is amazing and super exciting the direction the gaming world is heading in!

Cheers to the future!

Research:
Oculus Rift

Wondergressive: Substitutional Reality Helmet

Wondergressive: 3D? Let’s Go One More! 4D!

Wondergressive: Augmented Reality Blows My Mind – Twice