science
Topics and developments in science and medicine, presented by Futurism.
ASTEROID COLLISION
What would actually happen if an asteroid were on a collision course with our planet? We know that hundreds of pieces of space rock fall through our atmosphere every single year, but luckily, they burn up on entry. They are simply not large enough to have any noticeable impact. However, there's evidence to suggest that Earth has experienced several large strikes throughout its history, so there is every possibility that it could happen again.
By Richchik Bardhanabout a year ago in Futurism
BLACK HOLES
Of all the powerful and destructive forces in the universe, black holes remain some of the most mysterious. In recent years, astronomers have studied far more of them and discovered that not only do they come in all shapes and sizes, but rather than being stationary in space, some are actually moving, and some even travel at incredible speeds. But what are the consequences of this, and how does it affect the surrounding regions? We’re only just starting to find out.
By Richchik Bardhanabout a year ago in Futurism
THE BIG CRUNCH THEORY
We've all heard about the Big Bang, and I am really sad that the series has ended. Well, here, of course, I'm talking about the Big Bang that actually started everything. Again, most people have heard of that, but what do you know about the Big Crunch? And no, I'm not talking about some random candy bar. While most scientists believe that our universe began with a massive burst of energy, opinions remain divided about how everything will one day come to an end. There's a range of theories, such as the Big Freeze and the Big Rip, but the one considered to be the most likely scenario is the Big Crunch.
By Richchik Bardhanabout a year ago in Futurism
Evolution Has No Ethics
Author's preface: Special thanks to reader Andrea Corwin for sparking my thinking on this particular angle of evolution. I find it fascinating to ponder the fact that evolution has no ethics. I am speaking metaphorically here of course but evolution does not care anything at all about morality or right or wrong or pain or pleasure. It does not care if the changes it selects for result in unimaginable suffering or the deaths of millions or even billions of other life forms. To the extent it could be said to 'care' about anything, the only thing it does care about is ensuring that life goes on. That something, anything survives another day, another year, another milennia. It does not care if the thing that survives is good or the ultimate evil. It does not care what that thing looks like, or how it survives, or who it hurts or doesn't hurt in order to survive. It does not care what that thing does to the world it happens to inhabit, and it certainly does not care what those things that survive think about evolution, or even that they are capable of thinking. A non thinking life form is exactly as valuable to evolution as the most intelligent of species. As long as it is well adapted to its environment and can survive to pass on its characteristics to another generation of life, it has done its job. Religious people often object to evolution because of how it has been used to explain the evolution of the human species. It contradicts with their stories of divine creation and makes human beings no different in principle than any other intelligent animal on the planet or in the universe. It takes away our specialness, which they fear. From my description above one could see how they could also view it as an evil force, since it has no ethics, it has no morality or code of conduct. It has no constraints at all beyond those which are required to ensure its continued functioning. However, I would urge the religiously inclined to reconsider that line of thinking. If you believe life is valuable, and as a religious person you must. Then evolution is the greatest force for good in the universe that has ever existed and will ever exist. Because, without it, life could not go on. It would surely end. All life would end. Without the invisble hand of evolution driving all living things to get stronger, to get better, to become more fit, they would surely all eventually die out. The light of life would go out in the universe like a bright candle extinguished at the end of a night's burning. Instead of a force for evil, in this view, evolution becomes an instrument of God's will. One could even go so far as to argue evolution is God, or perhaps the holy spirit. Working continually to ensure the survival of things, the continuation of life, the birth of creatures like man with consciousness, intelligence, and the ability to think about ourselves and for ourselves. It is in a sense omnipotent since no known force can stop it exactly like God is supposed to be. One would be hard pressed to say it is omniscient since knowledge is not a think which evolution requires in order to operate as it does. On the other hand one could argue it does know everything, how else would it know which living creatures are the more fit among all the possibilities or which particular changes will result in living things the best adapted for survival. One could easily argue that in order to cause such changes, to select for them, it must 'know' all those things and to know all those things would require one to know everything and thus to be omniscient. So there you have it, evolution as an omnipotent and omniscient God. The major downside for the religiously inclined is that this God has no ethic, or only one, life must go on.
By Everyday Junglistabout a year ago in Futurism
What If Everything Evolved?
I have written about the topic of evolution by natural selection many times in the past. Most recently I suggested a possible solution to the problem of the viability of viruses by using a series of three questions which ultimately lead to the conclusion that viruses must be alive because they have undoubtebly been subjct to evolution by natural selection. This is a thing which can only be said of living things, and cannot be said of things which are not alive. In fact, all living things are subject to evolution by natural selection (as far as we know), and no non-living things are. That fact that non-living things are not subject to evolution by natural selection is a brute fact of the universe, and thus does not need the qualifier (as far as we know). One can argue if it is our words and language that create our universe or simply describe it, but in either case the proposition 'non living things are not subject to evolution by natural selection' obtains.
By Everyday Junglistabout a year ago in Futurism
Lunar Biodiversity Vault
Introduction The concept of establishing a lunar "Noah's Ark" to preserve Earth's imperiled flora and fauna is gaining traction among scientists concerned about the escalating rate of extinctions. This audacious plan envisions constructing a biorepository on the Moon's surface to store cryogenically frozen samples of seeds, spores, sperm, eggs, and other genetic material from millions of species facing existential threats.
By Kevin MacELweeabout a year ago in Futurism
Energy Efficient Grants: Unlocking Opportunities for a Sustainable Future
In today’s world, energy efficiency is no longer just a buzzword; it’s a necessity. With climate change and rising energy costs becoming more pressing issues, many individuals and businesses are seeking ways to reduce their energy consumption and carbon footprint. Enter energy efficient grants, a powerful tool designed to help offset the costs of implementing energy-saving measures. These grants not only provide financial assistance but also pave the way for a more sustainable future. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the world of energy efficient grants, exploring how they work, who can benefit, and how to apply.
By Energy Saving Grantabout a year ago in Futurism
Understanding Meraki SD-WAN: Revolutionizing Network Connectivity
The digital age demands seamless connectivity and efficient network management. As businesses expand and embrace cloud-based applications, the need for a robust, flexible, and cost-effective networking solution becomes paramount. Enter Meraki SD-WAN, a game-changer in the world of networking that combines cutting-edge technology with simplicity and control. In this article, we'll delve into the world of Meraki SD-WAN, exploring its benefits, features, and impact on modern business networks.
By Re-Solution Data Limitedabout a year ago in Futurism
Why Haven't We Gone Back to the Moon Yet After 1969?
When Neil Armstrong and Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin first landed on the Moon in 1969, it was a colossal achievement that electrified the human mind. Yet no matter the strides in technology we have taken on Earth since then, no human has returned to the lunar surface. Why not? That is a question requiring some old context, hard technology, and shifting priorities.
By Ann lisentra 2 years ago in Futurism
The Future of Name Screening in the Philippines: UCheck’s Innovative Solutions to Money Fraud
The battle against financial crime in the Philippines has taken a significant leap forward with the introduction of advanced tools for name screening Philippines. As the country intensifies its efforts to curb money laundering and other financial crimes, UCheck emerges as a crucial player in this domain, offering robust solutions to ensure compliance and enhance security.
By AJ Gutierrez2 years ago in Futurism
