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 […]
science
Species Universe offers posts dealing with the fundimentals of science that inspired the idea that the Universe is a Species.
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
Massive Star Formation Displays Self-Control
New observations of a stellar nursery have highlighted a self-regulation mechanism that resolves discrepancies between simulated and observed efficiencies of star formation. The process of star formation in interstellar clouds of gas and dust is influenced by young, massive stars that inject energy into their surroundings. This energy can disrupt star formation by tearing […]
The Crisis in String Theory is Worse Than You Think: A Deep Dive into the Struggle to Unify the Universe
Exploring the Scientific and Philosophical Implications of String Theory’s Setbacks on Our Quest for Understanding Introduction String theory once captivated the minds of physicists and enthusiasts alike, holding the promise of a unified framework for all known forces of nature. Described as a “theory of everything,” string theory has shaped much of modern theoretical […]
The Mystery of Cosmic Radio Bursts Gets Bright New Clues
A recent study uncovered the most distant and luminous fast radio burst (FRB) to date, emanating from 10 billion light-years away, showcasing that these bursts are not limited to the nearby universe. This burst, labeled FRB 20220610A, released an immense amount of energy in a fraction of a millisecond, comparable to the sun’s output […]
