Ten Science Stories That Changed Our Decade - Top science stories - io9

As the year comes to a close, it is time to look back on the biggest science stories of the last decade.  Highlights include a new understanding of genetics, a new way to find planets, the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) and climate change.  Despite the negativity of climate change, this decade has shown hope in many areas.  Let's hope the next ten years bring some major advancements that can help us all.


Ten Science Stories That Changed Our Decade - Top science stories - io9

Photo from Southeast Public Health Training Center

Solar Eruptions Captured By DiY Astronomer - Larry Alvarez - io9

Beautiful photos made by an amateur astronomer with hacked telescopes and cameras.  Click the link and make your home an amateur observatory.

Solar Eruptions Captured By DiY Astronomer - Larry Alvarez - io9

UK's Vista telescope Seeks Dark Matter and Dark Energy

Located in Chili, the UK's highly sensitive infrared camera will survey the geography of the Universe. Astronomers hope the telescope can reveal the nature of dark energy and dark matter while providing a valuable tool that others can build on.


BBC News - UK's Vista telescope takes stunning images of space

Scientists Anticipate Kepler Results Released Next Month in DC

Msnbc reports that scientists are planning to release some of the first official results from the Kepler Spacecraft and the European Space Agency's COROT satellite, the most advanced planet hunting devices in orbit. Prior to these spacecraft was the Hubble Space Telescope (pictured) which has done much to bring understanding to astronomers.

Kepler's principal investigator, William Borucki of NASA's Ames Research Center notes: "We have planets to announce, and we will have planets to announce next year — quite a few more, in fact."

These spacecraft are designed to answer two fundamental questions: Are there earth-like planets out there capable of sustaining life? How many are there?  The first official release will provide some insight as to what is being seen and the preliminary comments of the scientists indicate they are seeing some strange and unexpected things.

"I was not prescient enough to anticipate something that we're seeing," David Latham, a mission co-investigator from the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, told msnbc.com. "There are some good things coming."


Photo from Hubblesite.org

This is how much carbon you use in one month

Between electricity, automobiles, the food you eat and many other factors, the average industrialized nation's citizen uses enough CO2 to fill an 8.2 cubic meter cube.  This artistic representation by art impresarios Millennium Art and architect Christophe Cornubert, the cube is made from 12 interlocking shipping containers floating on a barge on top of St Jørgen's Lake in Copenhagen, Denmark.  

Click here for more: http://www.newscientist.com/gallery/dn15018-pick-of-the-pictures

A New Experiment in the Hunt for Neutrinos

Astronomers Suspect High Energy Neutrinos Could be Detected on Moon

This article goes to show that even the largest particle collider has nothing on the moon.  In fact, scientists suggest that the moon acts as a large particle collider that can be used to detect high energy neutrinos.  Neutrinos have no electrical charge meaning that they don't react to magnetic fields.  They are difficult to detect because they pass through matter and are extremely rare.  Best case scenario for detecting neutrinos on the moon occurs only a handful of times per month.

Read more at Suite101: A New Experiment in the Hunt for Neutrinos: Astronomers Suspect High Energy Neutrinos Could be Detected on Moon | Suite101.com 
http://particle-physics.suite101.com/article.cfm/a_new_experiment_in_the_hunt_for_neutrinos#ixzz0Yz2zaX1j


Photo Credit: Berkley Labs

Scientists Plan Artificial Brain to Model Humans

Scientists Will Use Simulated Neurons to Understand Mental Illness 


Here is an article I wrote about how technology is merging with technology.  Rightfully, the technology is focused on transmitting electrical signals via simulated neurons.  The ramifications are that scientists are working to create neurons in the lab. These neurons could possibly be used for spinal injuries, nervous system disorders and possibly the beginnings of the artificial brain.  


Ultimately it illustrates mankind's move toward self evolution.  As we build the tools to fix ourselves, the distance between man and machine lessens.

Read more at Suite101: Scientists Plan Artificial Brain to Model Humans: Scientists Will Use Simulated Neurons to Understand Mental Illness | Suite101.comhttp://cognitivescience.suite101.com/article.cfm/coming_soon_an_artificial_brain_to_model_humans#ixzz0Yymzo7f2


Image by: Mr. Robotics

Welcome to the Sciguy's Interesting Science News Blog

This blog is designed to provide a forum to discuss the latest scientific concepts.  Whether you are a geek, nerd, amateur scientist or practicing scientist, your comments are welcome here with one exception: please don't put discourage anyone.  This is a place of science and there is room for bending the rules from time to time but please remember that everyone is welcome to participate.

There will be times when I move away from conventional science as new theories and evidence are presented.  Speculation is the first step to exploration and no topic is off limits.  I hope you enjoy my blog, please feel free to support my sponsors and please remember that comments are welcome.