The Orchestrated Objective Reduction (Orch OR) theory, developed by Nobel Laureate Roger Penrose and anesthesiologist Stuart Hameroff, is an attempt to explain consciousness through physics and biology. This theory suggests that consciousness arises from quantum computations in microtubules within neurons, influenced by gravity-induced wave function collapse. These collapses are thought to generate proto-conscious events, which […]
Strong Light–Matter Coupling in the Simplest Geometry
Researchers have made a significant advance in the field of nanophotonics and optoelectronics by demonstrating strong light-matter coupling using a simplified structure. This structure consists of a single-layer transition-metal dichalcogenide (TMD), specifically tungsten disulfide, placed on a silver film. This approach bypasses the traditional requirement of enclosing the material in a microcavity, which, while enhancing […]
Characterizing Consciousness Using Mathematical Tools
A recent study has drawn a novel comparison between the nature of consciousness and fermions, fundamental particles such as electrons, protons, and neutrons. This comparison is based on the Yoneda lemma from mathematics, which describes how relationships between categories can be determined by mapping objects from one category to another. This mathematical approach revealed that […]
Euclid telescope: First images revealed from ‘dark Universe’ mission
Europe’s Euclid telescope is embarking on a mission to unravel the enigmas of the universe by investigating dark matter and dark energy, which are believed to constitute 95% of the cosmos yet remain undetectable through conventional means. The telescope’s task is to meticulously observe billions of galaxies, analyzing their shapes, distances, and movements to detect […]
Carbon emissions threaten 1.5C climate threshold sooner than thought – report
Human fossil fuel emissions are advancing towards a critical climate threshold at a rate twice as fast as previously anticipated, according to a new report. The 1.5C limit, a key component of the Paris climate agreement, could be breached as early as 2029, rather than the mid-2030s. Record carbon dioxide emissions over the past three […]
The Ultra-Efficient Farm of the Future Is in the Sky
At Colorado State University, a unique garden is being cultivated under a row of rooftop solar panels. This is an example of rooftop agrivoltaics, a concept that aims to mimic a forest on top of a building. The shade provided by the solar panels is used to grow various crops, while also generating clean energy […]
‘Probably the Most Important Topic of Our Time’: DNA Contaminants in COVID Shots Can Trigger Cancer, Alter Human Genome
An international panel of experts convened by the World Council for Health discussed the potential health risks posed by bacterial DNA plasmids found in mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. These plasmids, used in vaccine production, have been linked to severe adverse events and deaths, yet health regulators have not acknowledged this connection. The concern is that these […]
What role should physicists play in AI safety?
The Bletchley Park Mansion, known for being the site where Alan Turing and his team cracked Nazi codes during World War II, recently hosted the world’s first major AI Safety Summit. The summit aimed to address the urgent need for international agreement on the use and impact of artificial intelligence (AI). This comes amid concerns […]
Learning Governing Equations and Control Parameters from Data
A new machine-learning algorithm has been developed that can determine the governing equations and control parameters of a system from a few measurements. The algorithm, developed by a team at the University of Washington, Seattle, has been improved from its 2016 version to now be able to identify key behavior-controlling parameters of a system, as […]
The Power of Purpose: Find Meaning to Enjoy More Well-Being
Purpose and meaning in life can have a significant impact on our mental and physical health. A strong sense of purpose can lead to healthier lifestyle choices, with research showing that those with a higher purpose are more proactive in taking care of their health, are more likely to use preventive healthcare services, and spend […]
