Monthly Archives: February 2012
The largest data set on variable brightness objects in the universe
In the night sky there are many objects whose brightness can vary significantly. Novae, supernovae and variable stars are obvious examples of this. The study of such stars and their luminosity variations may help astronomers better understand the evolution of stars, massive black holes in the center of galaxies and the structure of the Milky Way. Objects of this type could also be instrumental in discovering the nature of dark energy, the mysterious force that dominates the universe’s expansion.
Under the CRTS program, a project directed inspection of the sky from the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), a team of astronomers from this institution, the University of Arizona and other centers, systematically tracked the sky for these objects dynamic shine, and the fruit of their efforts is an unprecedented data set for its great abundance, which will allow scientists worldwide to address many new investigations.
A new stereo camera system detects pedestrians from the car
German researchers, in collaboration with a professor at the University of Alcala have developed a system that locates artificial vision for pedestrians in front of the vehicle. The device, which will soon incorporate the high-end Mercedes, includes two cameras and a processing unit in real time the information they provide all points of the images.
“Our new system can detect pedestrians from cars to cameras visible spectrum and in daylight,” said David Fernandez Llorca, a professor at the University of Alcala (UAH). The researcher has participated, along with other scientists at the University of Heidelberg and the Max Planck Institute for Informatics in a new development for the prototypes of the Daimler Company in its research center in Ulm (Germany). The study is published in the journal IEEE Transactions on Intelligent Transportation Systems.
Analysis of body movements without need to place devices to the person
Detailed analysis of the movements of a person is useful to improve the tactics of the players in various sports, and sports medicine to detect things that can lead to injury and that are not obvious.
The traditional technology of motion capture is based on placing devices, markers commonly, skin or clothing of a subject, and tracks these devices when the person moves. The markers can emit an electronic signal or reflect light, and the system is guided by these patterns.
Detect anomalies in the measurements of superluminal neutrinos
OPERA International collaboration, consisting of more than 150 researchers, has informed its funding agencies and laboratories which receive their testing has identified two possible effects that might have influenced the measures provided last year on the time taken by the neutrinos traveling at a speed slightly above that of light, between CERN and Gran Sasso National Laboratory(Italy).
The two detected anomalies confirmed with further testing required by short pulsed beams, according to CERN in a press release. If confirmed, an effect would increase the effect size measured, and the other will decrease.
Strengthen the cognitive ability of the elderly brings personality changes
A treatment designed to enhance the cognitive ability of the elderly has also increased its ability to be flexible, creative and open to new ideas and experiences. This demonstrates for the first time a non-pharmacological treatment in the elderly can change a personality trait thought to be not fixed for life.
Psychologists describe the capabilities mentioned above as one of the five major personality traits. Several studies suggest that the other four main parameters, which are the degree of sympathy, of conscientiousness (dutiful responsible thing and that is a person), neuroticism and extraversion, operate independently of the cognitive abilities of a person. But the ability mentioned above does seem to be correlated with cognitive abilities.
More uncertainty in quantum physics
The Heisenberg uncertainty principle is perhaps one of the most famous pillars of quantum physics. Establishes that not all properties of a quantum particle can be measured is the unlimited precision.
So far, this was often justified with the idea that each measurement inevitably disturbs the quantum particle, which distorts the results of any subsequent measurement.
Find out in detail how DNA is displayed for transcription
The human genome contains about 3,000 million base pairs that are densely packed into the nucleus of each cell. If a strand of DNA outside the width of a human hair, our entire genome, with its strands untangled and aligned together one after the other, would measure several hundred kilometers in length.
New research reveals how cells undergo transcription, a process in which DNA is unraveled compacted, and a complex enzyme called RNA polymerase II reads the DNA base pairs of the desired gene and transcribed into RNA. The RNA then tells the cell what proteins to make specific, on the model of a gene.
Collision between galaxy clusters
If collisions between galaxies and are spectacular, more so than collisions between galaxy clusters. Recent research provides important information about a collision between galaxy clusters observed at about 5,000 million light years.
The two clusters are already enough “embedded” into each other as to have been given a name set both: DLSCL J0916.2 +2951, known as the Perry’s Cluster, by the name of Perry Gee, researcher at the University of California and discoverer of the double cluster.
Relationship between depression and low levels of vitamin D
At present, are associated with low vitamin D numerous adverse health effects, from cardiovascular disease to neurological disorders.
In a further study, we have now found a relationship between low levels of the vitamin and depression. The finding helps clarify the debate sparked after previous smaller studies produce results relating to the relationship between vitamin D and depression.
Possible existence of exotic phases of water that exist on Earth
Water is chemically simple, but its physics is complex. The most striking feature of the water in the states that we know on Earth is that, solidify and take the form of ice, its volume increases.
A research team, using high-powered computer to perform calculations and simulations, has concluded that there are phases of water as yet unknown. These phases occur only at very high ice under pressure, a situation that can not be found on Earth but is probably common in other planets of the solar system.