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Single spinning nuclei in diamond offers stable quantum computing building block

Surmounting several distinct hurdles to quantum computing, physicists at Harvard University have found that individual carbon-13 atoms in a diamond lattice can be manipulated with extraordinary precision to create stable quantum mechanical memory and a small quantum processor, also known as a quantum register, operating at room temperature. The finding brings the futuristic technology of quantum information systems into the realm of solid-state materials under ordinary conditions.

NASA’s Griffin on Global Warming: Don’t Worry, Be Happy

All right, so my headline is designed to get your attention, but I almost couldn’t believe what I heard on NPR’s Morning Edition today. I just about choked on my toast when I heard what NASA Administrator Michael Griffin said about global warming in an interview to be aired tomorrow.

It’s real, and it’s our fault. But we’re “arrogant” to say that its consequences are undesirable.

When the Pursuit of Science Endangers Species

The use of animals in scientific research has a long and checkered history. Animals have been invaluable in developing lifesaving cures such as penicillin (mice), in finding vaccines against diseases such as polio (monkeys), and in pioneering techniques such as organ donation (pigs). Dogs and frogs have been sent into space, sheep have been cloned and countless fruit flies, rats and mice have given their lives to scientific discovery. We just couldn’t have done it without them.

Is Dr. Newman’s Research of Seeking A Scientific Explanation of “Speaking in Tongues” Controversial?

Hence, Dr. Newberg’s new book “Why We Believe What We Believe” attempts to ascertain the underlying mechanism of the biology of spirtuality and its’ subsequent effects on human behavior. Incidentally, Dr. Newberg appears to be a serious advocate for healing and spirituality, by making correlations to brain capacity, biological propensity, and subsequent behaviors. But in contrast, his groundbreaking study which reports on measuring the cerebral blood flow (6) during episodes of “speaking in tongues” or performing other praise duties, is controversial within itself.

Evolution of animal personalities

Animals differ strikingly in character and temperament. Yet only recently has it become evident that personalities are a widespread phenomenon in the animal kingdom. Animals as diverse as spiders, mice and squids appear to have personalities. Personality differences have been described in more than 60 species, including primates, rodents, birds, fish, insects and mollusks. New work offers an explanation for the evolution of animal personalities.

The general public’s aversion to science

“Resistance to science has important social implications, because a scientifically ignorant public in unprepared to evaluated polices about global warming, genetically modified organisms, stem cell research, and cloning.” Many Americans are resistant to learn about new technologies, evolution and natural selection, or complicated health care issues. Why? Because people have a hard-time accepting information that conflicts with their personal construct and understanding of the world.