Science News

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Our amazing world: Incredible beauty and the darkness that threatens it

By Daniel Taylor

“…and God saw that it was good.”

In the book of Genesis we are given a description of the creation of our world. Found throughout is the phrase “…and God saw that it was good,” referencing his creation. As creatures of God’s creation, this one phrase provides a profoundly deep view into our own minds and spirits.

There exists a number sequence known under such names as Phi, the Golden Ratio, the Divine Proportion, etc., and is found throughout nature and the universe. Leonardo of Pisa (known as Fibonacci) discovered it in 1202 when studying the breeding pattern of rabbits. The number of pairs of rabbits increased from 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, and so on. Each new number in the series is the sum of the two before it. The ratio of each pair equals Phi (1.618…)


Romanesco brocolli is a vivid example of phi in nature

Here is where we make the connection: Our perception of beauty is directly related to the golden ratio. It is something that is in all of us – integrated with our physiology – just as natural law exists in the heart of humanity. Artists have used the “Divine Proportion” for centuries to portray beauty and works that are pleasing to behold. The human body itself is proportioned according to the golden ratio. The heavens above also display this sequence.

Marketers know that the golden ratio provides a very useful tool in presenting visually pleasing products to potential buyers. A study from one business journal reported that “…research showed that there is the golden ratio effect existing on stimulus preference which is in favor of the golden ratio…” Web designers also utilize this principle.


The Fibonacci spiral

Recent discoveries have revealed that the divine proportion is present at the smallest levels of our existence. In 2010, the golden ratio was found even in the quantum world. The study found,

“…interaction between spins causing them [atoms] to magnetically resonate. For these interactions we found a series (scale) of resonant notes: The first two notes show a perfect relationship with each other. Their frequencies (pitch) are in the ratio of 1.618…, which is the golden ratio famous from art and architecture…”


Particle tracks (moving from bottom to top) showing multiple electron-positron pairs created from the energy of a high-energy gamma ray photon produced by a neutrino collision. (University of Birmingham)

In the above photo, you can see an electron-positron particle shower. In the process of pair creation the particle tracks clearly follow a pattern strikingly similar to the Fibonacci spiral.


The golden ratio as seen in the famous Mona Lisa

In this photo the Fibonacci spiral is shown over the famous Mona Lisa portrait painted by Leonardo da Vinci. This painting displays the golden ratio extensively.

When we see beauty, we know that it is good. As we will see, there are those that find spiritual ecstasy in the complete opposite.

“Dark ecstasy is the spirituality of the Illuminati“

“Dark ecstasy is the spirituality of the Illuminati, and a force that has, to a lesser degree, been implanted into humans, whereby humans have a capacity to develop spiritual euphoria surrounding artistic experiences of genuine sadomasochism, death and murder, war, pain, and so forth. Dark ecstasy’s spiritual euphoria becomes addictive, and it is triggered by art-forms in the world. It is the opposite experience as one has when ocean surf transports one to spiritual joy and levity.”

This is Jeffery Grupp’s explanation of the phenomenon he calls “Dark ecstasy”. It is a manifestation of evil that is universal throughout the history of humanity. Archetypal imagery of evil is the polar opposite of Phi. It is obsessed with death, twisted, a-symmetrical, and disturbing to view for a normal person. This work of “art” displaying a decapitated, rotting cow head covered in flies is described by its creator Damien Hirst as “…possibly the most exciting thing he has ever made…”

The elite of the world are obsessed with this type of artwork. It is a visual representation of their inner world.

“…For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great [is] that darkness!” – Matthew 6:21-23

An article written by David Hamilton discusses the perversion of modern art and the elite that are driving the trend. Hamilton writes, “Historically, there were qualities that denoted an idea of civilisation that gave meaning to culture: confidence and a sense of belief in one’s own people that generated a sense of permanence. This was reflected by the arts elite of the day.” Hamilton continues, “There was a self-belief in our society’s values and a desire to receive them from our ancestors and transmit them to our descendants.”

He concludes, “…now it seems this process is being jettisoned for a vague future that is being artificially constructed by cultural elites.”

It is appropriate that such works of art display death and distortion so prominently, as the elite are engaged in a revolution against the natural order. The perversion of the masses is essential for their survival. This abhorrent element of humanity seeks to spread their disease to the wider spectrum of society, because “normal man” represents a grave danger to their pathological system.

Andrew M. Lobaczewski’s 1998 book entitled Political Ponerology sheds light on the pathocrats dark philosphy, stating, “…the biological, psychological, moral, and economic destruction of this majority of normal people is a “biological” necessity to the pathocrats…”

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Interesting

http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/...AT_SP_20121009

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The 2012 Nobel Prize in Physics
The 2012 Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded jointly to Serge Haroche and David J. Wineland for experimental methods that enable measuring and manipulation of individual quantum systems.
http://www.scientificamerican.com/po...SA_DD_20121009


The 2012 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine
The 2012 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded jointly to John B. Gurdon and Shinya Yamanaka for the discovery that mature cells can be reprogrammed to become pluripotent.
http://www.scientificamerican.com/po...SA_DD_20121009

Brain Connectivity Predicts Reading Skills
Children could benefit from personalized lessons based on brain scans.
http://www.scientificamerican.com/ar...AT_MB_20121010

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NASA's Ironman-Like Exoskeleton Could Give Astronauts, Paraplegics Improved Mobility and Strength

ScienceDaily (Oct. 12, 2012) — Marvel Comic's fictional superhero, Ironman, uses a powered armor suit that allows him superhuman strength. While NASA's X1 robotic exoskeleton can't do what you see in the movies, the latest robotic, space technology, spinoff derived from NASA's Robonaut 2 project may someday help astronauts stay healthier in space with the added benefit of assisting paraplegics in walking here on Earth.

NASA and The Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition (IHMC) of Pensacola, Fla., with the help of engineers from Oceaneering Space Systems of Houston, have jointly developed a robotic exoskeleton called X1. The 57-pound device is a robot that a human could wear over his or her body either to assist or inhibit movement in leg joints.

In the inhibit mode, the robotic device would be used as an in-space exercise machine to supply resistance against leg movement. The same technology could be used in reverse on the ground, potentially helping some individuals walk for the first time.

"Robotics is playing a key role aboard the International Space Station and will continue to be critical as we move toward human exploration of deep space," said Michael Gazarik, director of NASA's Space Technology Program. "What's extraordinary about space technology and our work with projects like Robonaut are the unexpected possibilities space tech spinoffs may have right here on Earth. It's exciting to see a NASA-developed technology that might one day help people with serious ambulatory needs begin to walk again, or even walk for the first time. That's the sort of return on investment NASA is proud to give back to America and the world."

Worn over the legs with a harness that reaches up the back and around the shoulders, X1 has 10 degrees of freedom, or joints -- four motorized joints at the hips and the knees, and six passive joints that allow for sidestepping, turning and pointing, and flexing a foot. There also are multiple adjustment points, allowing the X1 to be used in many different ways.

X1 currently is in a research and development phase, where the primary focus is design, evaluation and improvement of the technology. NASA is examining the potential for the X1 as an exercise device to improve crew health both aboard the space station and during future long-duration missions to an asteroid or Mars. Without taking up valuable space or weight during missions, X1 could replicate common crew exercises, which are vital to keeping astronauts healthy in microgravity. In addition, the device has the ability to measure, record and stream back, in real-time, data to flight controllers on Earth, giving doctors better feedback on the impact of the crew's exercise regimen.

As the technology matures, X1 also could provide a robotic power boost to astronauts as they work on the surface of distant planetary bodies. Coupled with a spacesuit, X1 could provide additional force when needed during surface exploration, improving the ability to walk in a reduced gravity environment, providing even more bang for its small bulk.

Here on Earth, IHMC is interested in developing and using X1 as an assistive walking device. By combining NASA technology and walking algorithms developed at IHMC, X1 has the potential to produce high torques to allow for assisted walking over varied terrain, as well as stair climbing. Preliminary studies using X1 for this purpose have already started at IHMC.

"We greatly value our collaboration with NASA," said Ken Ford, IHMC's director and CEO. "The X1's high-performance capabilities will enable IHMC to continue performing cutting-edge research in mobility assistance while expanding into the field of rehabilitation."

The potential of X1 extends to other applications, including rehabilitation, gait modification and offloading large amounts of weight from the wearer. Preliminary studies by IHMC have shown X1 to be more comfortable, easier to adjust, and easier to put on than previous exoskeleton devices. Researchers plan on improving on the X1 design, adding more active joints to areas such as the ankle and hip, which will, in turn, increase the potential uses for the device.

Designed in only a few years, X1 came from technology developed for Robonaut 2 and IHMC's Mina exoskeleton.

NASA's Game Changing Development Program, part of NASA's Space Technology Program, funds the X1 work. NASA's Space Technology Program focuses on maturing advanced space technologies that may lead to entirely new approaches for space missions and solutions to significant national needs.

For additional information about IHMC, visit: http://www.ihmc.us

For information about the X1 and Robonaut, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/robonaut


Project Engineer Shelley Rea demonstrates the X1 Robotic Exoskeleton. (Credit: Image courtesy of Robert Markowitz)

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Felix Baumgartner : Live Jump from the Edge of the Space ( 4:17 Minutes freefall )

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A Simple Way to Reduce the Excess of Antibiotics Prescribed to Kids

By Katherine Harmon | October 18, 2012 |

http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/..._HLTH_20121023

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Sandy is already the largest hurricane to ever hit the U.S. mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions. How does it compare with Katrina , which struck the Gulf Coast on Aug. 29, 2005, and is considered the most destructive hurricane in U.S. history? And what about Irene , which came ashore on North Carolina on Aug. 27, 2011, and caused record flooding across eastern New York and Vermont after several subsequent landfalls as a tropical storm? Here are some telling numbers. And see the links below for some of the best sites for tracking Sandy yourself.
[More]

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Out to Crunch: U.S. Energy Department Unleashes Its Titan Supercomputer

TITANIC: When fully brought up to speed Titan will be capable of more than 20 quadrillion calculations per second, or 20 petaflops. One of Titan's roles will be to help Oak Ridge researchers visualize reactor core simulations. Image: Courtesy of Oak Ridge National Laboratory

http://www.scientificamerican.com/ar..._TECH_20121030

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Freshwater Fish Are Dying at Alarming Rates

North American freshwater fishes are going extinct at rates that concern scientists

By Carrie Madren

http://www.scientificamerican.com/ar...T_EVO_20121112

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Hurricane Sandy: An Unprecedented Disaster

Meteorologists and scientists have long warned that an extreme storm could leave the Northeast reeling. Sandy's October 29 impact unfortunately proved them right

November 7, 2012

http://www.scientificamerican.com/re...AT_SP_20121112