… because the Universe is such a complex system, many scientists believe that Einstein’s theory [general theory of relativity] might not be able to explain things fully and comprehensively in all situations.
… some theories have predicted that stellar pairs with different degrees of compactness would behave in a different way. The Swinburne team decided to conduct their intensive study using this type of stellar system …
“Einstein’s theory predicts that the pair’s orbit should shrink at a rate of approximately two millimetres per day. Using extremely precise measurements we were able to track this rate of shrinkage. We found it to be exactly the same rate that was predicted by the theory,” said Verbiest. “This confirms that Einstein’s theory on its own is very comprehensive.”
The Brain Loop is a brain-to-computer interface device developed by the Graz Institute of Technology in Austria. Check out the demonstration video below, complete with wonderfully eerie computer generated narration. (Via InsideRIA)
You may have noticed my posts have been a little sporadic the last few days. I am writing from the Grand Hyatt in Kauai, which is amazing. So amazing that I have been spending more time at the pool and less time writing posts. I have, however, been spending some of my vacation time getting familiar with Apple’siPhone SDK.
Apple’s fifth version of its iPhone SDK includes an interface builder, which for a beginner like me makes all the difference. I was able to fairly quickly create a Hello World application, without any prior experience in xcode. I have found it difficult to move on to writing code that connects to the UI elements, but my vacation is just starting, so I am working to change that. (more…)
Last week I picked up a 3Dconnexion SpaceNavigator for a steal on Buy.com. I have been tempted a few times to buy one just to try it out, but didn’t have any real need for the hardware. On sale for around $37 with shipping, it seemed like it was time to give it a try. (more…)
Who would have thought that manipulating amyloid-beta precursor proteins could be fun? Foldit, a game developed by University of Washington students along side professional game developers, is designed to harness the collective brain power of gamers for the purpose of making advances in protein science:
Can humans really help computers fold proteins?
We’re collecting data to find out if humans’ pattern-recognition and puzzle-solving abilities make them more efficient than existing computer programs at pattern-folding tasks. If this turns out to be true, we can then teach human strategies to computers and fold proteins faster than ever!
I have been using Xobni in beta for the last few months and it is an impressive tool. If you have a chronically full inbox, Xobni is a good way to find what you are looking for.
Windows only: Previously mentioned Microsoft Outlook plug-in Xobni (pronounced ‘zob-nee’) is now available to the public for immediate download. Previously in invite-only beta, Xobni adds email analytics, better contact cards, fast search, threaded conversations, and more to your Outlook inbox. The NY Times explains one way Xobni makes your inbox more of a social network of connected contacts:
Xobni recognizes that if an executive sends a copy to someone else on each message he or she sends, it might be to an assistant or another colleague. When someone using Xobni searches for that executive in Outlook, the second person is listed as well.
Huh-wha, you ask? Here, have a video demonstration of Xobni in action.
The Xobni beta download is free, and works with Microsoft Outlook in Windows.
Last week Wired magazine published an in-depth article profiling the creator of a learning software application called SuperMemo. The concept for this software is that memorization and learning is achieved through repetition, but that the ideal time to refresh your memory about something is as close as possible to when you about to forget it. Apparently, research has shown that reviewing material at the right time significantly increases retention. This is referred to as the Spacing Effect.
Google rolled out an updated version of Google Earth today. Nice to see they are still moving the ball forward on what is already an incredible app. Download here.
New Features:
12 New Languages
Enhanced Navigation Tools
Dynamic Lighting (including real-time placement of the sun)
Excellent lecture by Clay Shirky, author of Here Comes Everybody. Watch the video at the Harvard Berkman Center for Internet & Society.
He gives some great examples of how the Internet is revolutionizing society. In short, the Internet allows the formation and coordination of large groups in a way that was previously not possible. Before the Internet, groups would break down once they get to a certain size because communication between group members becomes too burdensome.
Shirky does an excellent job of dissecting what is so revolutionary about Internet technology, and how it has and will change society in an order of magnitude greater than the printing press, movable type, the telegraph, telephone, recorded media, and broadcast technology.
Windows only: 
Friday, June 13, 2008
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