A network of artificial nerves is growing in a Swiss supercomputer — meant to simulate a natural brain, cell-for-cell. The researchers at work on ‘Blue Brain’ promise new insights into the sources of human consciousness. The machine is beautiful as it wakes up — nerve cells flicker on the screen in soft pastel tones, electrical charges flash through a maze of synapses. The brain, just after being switched on, seems a little sleepy, but gentle bursts of current bring it fully to life. This unprecedented piece of hardware consists of about 10,000 computer chips that act like real nerve cells. To simulate a natural brain, part of the cerebral cortex of young rats was painstakingly replicated in the computer, cell by cell, together with the branched tree-like structure of the synapses. The simulation was created at the Technical University in Lausanne, Switzerland, where 35 researchers participate in maintaining this artificial brain. It runs on one of the world’s most powerful supercomputers, but soon even that computer will be too small. The goal is to build a much bigger electronic thinking machine — one that would ultimately replicate the human brain. A project this ambitious would have […]
WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court rebuked the Bush administration Monday for its inaction on global warming in a decision that could lead to more fuel- efficient cars as early as next year. The court, in a 5-4 ruling in its first case on climate change, declared that carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases are air pollutants under the Clean Air Act. The Environmental Protection Agency has the authority to regulate those emissions from new cars and trucks under the landmark environment law, and the ‘laundry list’ of reasons it has given for declining to do so are insufficient, the court said. ‘A reduction in domestic emissions would slow the pace of global emissions increases, no matter what happens elsewhere,’ Justice John Paul Stevens said in the majority opinion. ‘EPA has offered no reasoned explanation for its refusal to decide whether greenhouse gases cause or contribute to climate change.’ The politics of global warming have changed dramatically since the court agreed last year to hear its first case on the subject, with many Republicans as well as Democrats now pressing for action. However, the administration has argued for a voluntary approach rather than new regulation. The […]
Exposure to dirt may be a way to lift mood as well as boost the immune system, UK scientists say. Lung cancer patients treated with ‘friendly’ bacteria normally found in the soil have anecdotally reported improvements in their quality of life. Mice exposed to the same bacteria made more of the brain’s ‘happy’ chemical serotonin, the Bristol University authors told the journal Neuroscience. Common antidepressants work by boosting this brain chemical. Dirty play A lack of serotonin is linked with depression in people. The scientists say more work is now needed to determine if the bacterium Mycobacterium vaccae has antidepressant properties through activation of serotonin neurons. Lead researcher Dr Chris Lowry said: ‘These studies help us understand how the body communicates with the brain and why a healthy immune system is important for maintaining mental health. ‘They also leave us wondering if we shouldn’t all spend more time playing in the dirt.’ The work could also help experts’ understanding of why an imbalance in the immune system leaves some individuals vulnerable to mood disorders like depression, he added. Mood and immunity Canadian researchers have also been exploring the links […]
Of the 300 million people in the U.S., roughly 15% don’t have health insurance. One big reason: Small businesses, which employ over half of America’s private sector workers, can’t afford it. That means they also can’t attract the talent they need to grow. For years the unholy grail, from a political standpoint, has been ‘universal health care.’ While giving everyone access to regular medical care is a nice thought, figuring out how to pay for all that care–without jacking taxes through the roof–is a policy nightmare. Now, it seems, we may be moving closer–if only by inches. In Pictures: What Presidential Candidates Say About Universal Health Care Starting this July, all Massachusetts state residents must purchase health insurance or face a tax penalty. And in more than a dozen states around the U.S., local legislators now are actively wrestling with universal health care schemes. In Massachusetts, small companies will have the option to buy health insurance through a state-regulated agency that aims to soften premiums by spreading risks and administrative costs. Employers that don’t offer health coverage will pay a penalty per employee. Meanwhile, individuals will have better access to affordable health care, easing the burden […]
Around 700 million people in 43 countries suffer from water scarcity, and by 2025 this figure could increase to more than 3 billion, said Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in a message on 22 March 2007, World Water Day. ‘The state of the world’s waters remains fragile and the need for an integrated and sustainable approach to water resource management is as pressing as ever’, said Mr. Ban, adding that available supplies are under great duress as a result of high population growth, unsustainable consumption patterns, poor management practices, pollution, inadequate investment in infrastructure and low efficiency in water-use. He also called on the UN system and all stakeholders to forge stronger partnerships and take more concerted action throughout the International Decade for Action ‘Water for Life'(2005-2015), endorsed by the General Assembly in 2005. With this year’s theme entitled ‘Coping with Water Scarcity’, as part of the observance of World Water Day, a panel discussion on transboundary water was held at UN Headquarters in New York on 22 March. One panelist, Mr. Aaron Salzberg, senior advisor on water in the Department of State, said, ‘the United States has disbursed more than $1.7 billion to support 100 activities throughout the world’ […]
Remote Viewing the Year 2060
