NEWS 2 USE: BOUND TO IRRITATE SOMEONE EDITION
Osmosis Psychic = Your Next Heroine?
A grown-up indigo child and psychic now offers a psychic activation service, using a process she terms "osmosis" to enhance everyone's natural psychic abilities.
Okay, in our reality that sounds a little odd, but in your paranormal near future…who's to say? She's got an endorsement letter from an Iraq-deployed soldier in her press release. The possibilities are wide and varied.
Ultimate Two Birder
Researchers hope to use the example of plant photosynthesis to break the carbon-oxygen bonds of CO2 and use excess carbon dioxide as a fuel source.
Now that would be a spiffy future!
Asexual Species Diversify, Too!
Scientists have discovered that tiny aquatic creatures who reproduce asexually have diversified in response to environmental pressures -- something they thought only the sexual reproducers could do. Says one admiring scientists of the celibate microscopic beasties: "These really are amazing creatures, whose very existence calls into question scientific understanding, because it is generally thought that asexual creatures die out quickly, but these have been around for millions of years."
Silly scientists, of course asexual creatures don't die out. They join the Republican Party. (HA! Go ahead, flame me. I couldn't resist. Get a sense of humor, or get your own blog and make fun of Democrats.) Seriously, though, how would love relationships develop and how would emotions be expressed by aliens who reproduce asexually? Don't tell me they wouldn't form bonds of some kind, and don't tell me they would not actively seek pleasure, either. Be creative!
Showing posts with label News 2 Use. Show all posts
Showing posts with label News 2 Use. Show all posts
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Friday, February 23, 2007
NEWS 2 USE: The No Clever Subtitle Available Edition
Dirty, Dirty Bacteria!
Laboratory experiments point to bacteria as a defense against earthquake damage. Loose soil under buildings can be injected with Bascillus pastuerii. The bacteria cause the formation of calcite deposits that cement loose sand grains and keep buildings from shifting and collapsing during an earthquake. "Starting from a sand pile, you turn it back into sandstone," according to project researchers.
Of course, couldn't you also conceivably use this technique to make natural foundations for housing? Squirt the bug and poof, you've got your building slab! Or, if you were terraforming a planet and needed solid ground, squirt the bug, poof.
Of course, couldn't you also squirt the bug into arable farm land? Poof indeed.
Should We Be Teaching Robots Fear?
Robotics experts now consider that emotional, not cognitive, pathways may be effective in creating a robot that learns. The theory is that if a robot experiences happiness in completing a task -- whether it's cleaning a floor or nursing an elderly patient -- the robot will seek out more dirt or more ways to help in order to increase its happiness. Conversely, researchers are teaching robots to avoid certain tasks by instilling a fear response.
Does this creep anyone else out? Are we competent enough to create an artificial system that experiences emotion in a human way? I mean, last I checked, if you scare some living creatures, they don't run away. They become aggressive. So do we really want to be teaching robots fear?
Mark Your Calendars, and send Bruce Willis a Thank You Gift
Scientists are already planning for the 45,000 to one chance that asteroid Apophis, named after the Egyptian god of destruction, may slam into Earth (with 80,000 times more force than the Hiroshima bomb) on April 13, 2036. Gravity tractor spaceships are the current best idea.
Nobody at NASA wants to hear any of the dialog from Armageddon for real. See, I KNEW that Bruce Willis was INSTRUMENTAL, I say, INSTRUMENTAL, in the survival of humanity. Yeah, Bruce!
(I don't know what happened to the link for that one. You'll just have to google, lazybones!)
Dirty, Dirty Bacteria!
Laboratory experiments point to bacteria as a defense against earthquake damage. Loose soil under buildings can be injected with Bascillus pastuerii. The bacteria cause the formation of calcite deposits that cement loose sand grains and keep buildings from shifting and collapsing during an earthquake. "Starting from a sand pile, you turn it back into sandstone," according to project researchers.
Of course, couldn't you also conceivably use this technique to make natural foundations for housing? Squirt the bug and poof, you've got your building slab! Or, if you were terraforming a planet and needed solid ground, squirt the bug, poof.
Of course, couldn't you also squirt the bug into arable farm land? Poof indeed.
Should We Be Teaching Robots Fear?
Robotics experts now consider that emotional, not cognitive, pathways may be effective in creating a robot that learns. The theory is that if a robot experiences happiness in completing a task -- whether it's cleaning a floor or nursing an elderly patient -- the robot will seek out more dirt or more ways to help in order to increase its happiness. Conversely, researchers are teaching robots to avoid certain tasks by instilling a fear response.
Does this creep anyone else out? Are we competent enough to create an artificial system that experiences emotion in a human way? I mean, last I checked, if you scare some living creatures, they don't run away. They become aggressive. So do we really want to be teaching robots fear?
Mark Your Calendars, and send Bruce Willis a Thank You Gift
Scientists are already planning for the 45,000 to one chance that asteroid Apophis, named after the Egyptian god of destruction, may slam into Earth (with 80,000 times more force than the Hiroshima bomb) on April 13, 2036. Gravity tractor spaceships are the current best idea.
Nobody at NASA wants to hear any of the dialog from Armageddon for real. See, I KNEW that Bruce Willis was INSTRUMENTAL, I say, INSTRUMENTAL, in the survival of humanity. Yeah, Bruce!
(I don't know what happened to the link for that one. You'll just have to google, lazybones!)
Thursday, February 08, 2007
News 2 Use: The I Thought I Posted This On Tuesday Edition!
Or, in which towards the end I wax cynical about our species' chance of survival...
What does a six dimensional universe look like, anyway?
Scientists aren't sure. They aren't sure other dimensions even exist. But they think they might be able to figure it all out by charting their influence on cosmic energy present at The Big Bang.
If we have 64 positions in our three-dimensional world's Kama Sutra, how many do they have in the six dimensional world?
Okay, that was cheap and tawdry. I just don't get string theory.
Algae to the rescue!
The hottest potential source of renewable biological energy right now is algae. From raw algae comes something called "biocrude," which can be processed just like crude oil at existing refineries.
Before you get all excited…
I wonder if living with six dimensions makes you smarter?
The demand for an eco-friendly sustainable fuel created a boom market for palm oil. To take economic advantage of that boom, corporations in Indonesia have destroyed large chunks of Southeast Asian rainforests, overused toxic fertilizers and burned and drained peatland for palm plantations -- making Indonesia the third-worst global offender in the release of climate-damaging carbon emissions.
Go team.
Or, in which towards the end I wax cynical about our species' chance of survival...
What does a six dimensional universe look like, anyway?
Scientists aren't sure. They aren't sure other dimensions even exist. But they think they might be able to figure it all out by charting their influence on cosmic energy present at The Big Bang.
If we have 64 positions in our three-dimensional world's Kama Sutra, how many do they have in the six dimensional world?
Okay, that was cheap and tawdry. I just don't get string theory.
Algae to the rescue!
The hottest potential source of renewable biological energy right now is algae. From raw algae comes something called "biocrude," which can be processed just like crude oil at existing refineries.
Before you get all excited…
I wonder if living with six dimensions makes you smarter?
The demand for an eco-friendly sustainable fuel created a boom market for palm oil. To take economic advantage of that boom, corporations in Indonesia have destroyed large chunks of Southeast Asian rainforests, overused toxic fertilizers and burned and drained peatland for palm plantations -- making Indonesia the third-worst global offender in the release of climate-damaging carbon emissions.
Go team.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
New 2 Use: Strange, Strange, Strange
Attractive Man…By Consensus?
Research by the University of Aberdeen suggests that a man becomes subjectively more attractive to women if other women pay him positive attention. The logic is this: if other women find reasons to smile at, flirt with or otherwise try to capture a man as a mate, he must be worth the time and effort, and is therefore more attractive than he would be if other women were ignoring him.
Maybe there should be an anti-evolutionary backlash. Considering womankind's propensity to latch onto the least positive man within a 50 miles radius, should we start AVOIDING the popular ones and go panning for the socially hidden gold? Sounds like a good motivation for your next heroine.
Moca Vampire…Before Chupacabras!
Early in 1975, livestock in the small town of Moca, Puerto Rico, were killed at an alarming rate, found slashed and mysteriously drained of blood…way before anybody ever heard of chupacabras. The animals' deaths coincided with reports of a huge birdlike creature in the area, as well as the killing of two unnaturally large snakes thought to be responsible. But even after the snakes were dispatched, the livestock exsanguinations continued.
I am so fascinated by historical incidents of related paranormal phenomena. Something exsanguinates livestock, and has been doing so for decades. What the heck is it????
Southeast Asian Paranormal Crime
A native of Malaysia recounts first and second hand experiences with magic-using thieves. Methods employed by the home invaders include spells that put the household into a deep sleep, and brief shape-shifting to tiger form in order to scare watchdogs into submission.
If you create a paranormal or fantasy culture where magic exists, remember it won't always be used for noble goals.
What if…
…UFOs are not visiting aliens, but precognitive visions of future human transports?
My favorite explanation for lake monsters is a vision or incursion from the past onto our current perceptions. Why not UFOs from the future? Or…
Weird Shit in Iran
UFOs, both hovering and crashing, have been observed over the past week in Iran.
Read about it:
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3354296,00.html
http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.php?nn=8510260591
http://www.upi.com/NewsTrack/view.php?StoryID=20070119-075023-4159r
And, most ominously…
http://www.unknowncountry.com/journal/?id=267
Draw your own conclusions.
Attractive Man…By Consensus?
Research by the University of Aberdeen suggests that a man becomes subjectively more attractive to women if other women pay him positive attention. The logic is this: if other women find reasons to smile at, flirt with or otherwise try to capture a man as a mate, he must be worth the time and effort, and is therefore more attractive than he would be if other women were ignoring him.
Maybe there should be an anti-evolutionary backlash. Considering womankind's propensity to latch onto the least positive man within a 50 miles radius, should we start AVOIDING the popular ones and go panning for the socially hidden gold? Sounds like a good motivation for your next heroine.
Moca Vampire…Before Chupacabras!
Early in 1975, livestock in the small town of Moca, Puerto Rico, were killed at an alarming rate, found slashed and mysteriously drained of blood…way before anybody ever heard of chupacabras. The animals' deaths coincided with reports of a huge birdlike creature in the area, as well as the killing of two unnaturally large snakes thought to be responsible. But even after the snakes were dispatched, the livestock exsanguinations continued.
I am so fascinated by historical incidents of related paranormal phenomena. Something exsanguinates livestock, and has been doing so for decades. What the heck is it????
Southeast Asian Paranormal Crime
A native of Malaysia recounts first and second hand experiences with magic-using thieves. Methods employed by the home invaders include spells that put the household into a deep sleep, and brief shape-shifting to tiger form in order to scare watchdogs into submission.
If you create a paranormal or fantasy culture where magic exists, remember it won't always be used for noble goals.
What if…
…UFOs are not visiting aliens, but precognitive visions of future human transports?
My favorite explanation for lake monsters is a vision or incursion from the past onto our current perceptions. Why not UFOs from the future? Or…
Weird Shit in Iran
UFOs, both hovering and crashing, have been observed over the past week in Iran.
Read about it:
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3354296,00.html
http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.php?nn=8510260591
http://www.upi.com/NewsTrack/view.php?StoryID=20070119-075023-4159r
And, most ominously…
http://www.unknowncountry.com/journal/?id=267
Draw your own conclusions.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
NEWS 2 USE: Story Ideas Galore Edition
Future Buzz
In a blog post titled "Must-know terms for the 21st Century intellectual," transhumanist George P. Dvorsky lists phrases and concepts that he expects will be on the cutting edge of our future.
Neat, neat stuff. Neurodiversity, the noosphere, information theoretic death -- it's a whole list of story concepts!
Another Good Reason Not to Trust the Government
The Washington Post visits with people who believe they are Targeted Individuals -- in mind control experiments run by the government and military.
This fascinating story of the marginalized has the same enticement as do alien abductees. Are they involved in a world weirder than then one you and I inhabit day to day? I suspect there's a coherent phenomenon going on in cases like this. Whether it's aliens, the government or something else entirely -- I just don't buy they are mentally ill. But then again, I like to think the world is weirder than it seems to be.
Perfect Story Prop, Thanks to Science
Researchers now believe that black diamonds -- a very rare and porous form of the gemstone -- originated in outer space. They say: "The new IR measurements are consistent with the formation of carbonado [black] diamonds in an interstellar environment."
Science is so obliging, coming up with these lovely details for our speculative romances. Thank a scientist today.
Future Buzz
In a blog post titled "Must-know terms for the 21st Century intellectual," transhumanist George P. Dvorsky lists phrases and concepts that he expects will be on the cutting edge of our future.
Neat, neat stuff. Neurodiversity, the noosphere, information theoretic death -- it's a whole list of story concepts!
Another Good Reason Not to Trust the Government
The Washington Post visits with people who believe they are Targeted Individuals -- in mind control experiments run by the government and military.
This fascinating story of the marginalized has the same enticement as do alien abductees. Are they involved in a world weirder than then one you and I inhabit day to day? I suspect there's a coherent phenomenon going on in cases like this. Whether it's aliens, the government or something else entirely -- I just don't buy they are mentally ill. But then again, I like to think the world is weirder than it seems to be.
Perfect Story Prop, Thanks to Science
Researchers now believe that black diamonds -- a very rare and porous form of the gemstone -- originated in outer space. They say: "The new IR measurements are consistent with the formation of carbonado [black] diamonds in an interstellar environment."
Science is so obliging, coming up with these lovely details for our speculative romances. Thank a scientist today.
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
News 2 Use: Mind Control Where You Least Expect It Edition
Another If A Tree Falls In The Forest Riddle
By sending electric currents into subjects' brains, researchers have created a haunting effect. Subjects report perceiving shadowy presences that correspond to classic ghost experiences. But does that mean ghosts are merely a supernatural explanation for neurological phenomena? Or does it mean that spiritual entities use electrical energy to create our classic ghost experiences? And will we ever know?
Imagine if something or somebody -- a ghost or an alien species -- manipulates our brains to create a hallucination of contact. Neat stuff. On a less serious note, anybody remember this. "This is God, Kent." HA!
You Know Who's Behind This, Right?
Feasibility studies from New Mexico State University's Arrowhead Business Center conclude that the idea of an alien theme park in Roswell is viable.
The aliens! If you were an alien, and you wanted to build a base of operations in America where you have access to friendly humans, wouldn't you build an Alien Theme Park in Roswell?
Never Underestimate The Power of Cultural Prejudice to Ruin Good Science
Years after Timothy Leary told us to turn on, tune in and drop out, scientists are bucking laws and convention, running trials to determine the positive and negative health effects of psychedelic medicines. Current research involving MDMA (known as extacy), ketamine and even LSD reveal potential treatments in addiction recovery, reducing the impact of PTSD, and even relieving the pain of cluster migraines.
Our culture is so very sensitive about faith and religion that when Leary held up LSD as a spiritual shortcut, any positive benefits of psychedelics were buried under an avalanche of hysteria. What other taboos may have grown up around the same sort of cultural prejudice, robbing us of something positive? And in your futuristic, fantasy or paranormal culture, what do they get freaky about, to their scientific loss?
Another If A Tree Falls In The Forest Riddle
By sending electric currents into subjects' brains, researchers have created a haunting effect. Subjects report perceiving shadowy presences that correspond to classic ghost experiences. But does that mean ghosts are merely a supernatural explanation for neurological phenomena? Or does it mean that spiritual entities use electrical energy to create our classic ghost experiences? And will we ever know?
Imagine if something or somebody -- a ghost or an alien species -- manipulates our brains to create a hallucination of contact. Neat stuff. On a less serious note, anybody remember this. "This is God, Kent." HA!
You Know Who's Behind This, Right?
Feasibility studies from New Mexico State University's Arrowhead Business Center conclude that the idea of an alien theme park in Roswell is viable.
The aliens! If you were an alien, and you wanted to build a base of operations in America where you have access to friendly humans, wouldn't you build an Alien Theme Park in Roswell?
Never Underestimate The Power of Cultural Prejudice to Ruin Good Science
Years after Timothy Leary told us to turn on, tune in and drop out, scientists are bucking laws and convention, running trials to determine the positive and negative health effects of psychedelic medicines. Current research involving MDMA (known as extacy), ketamine and even LSD reveal potential treatments in addiction recovery, reducing the impact of PTSD, and even relieving the pain of cluster migraines.
Our culture is so very sensitive about faith and religion that when Leary held up LSD as a spiritual shortcut, any positive benefits of psychedelics were buried under an avalanche of hysteria. What other taboos may have grown up around the same sort of cultural prejudice, robbing us of something positive? And in your futuristic, fantasy or paranormal culture, what do they get freaky about, to their scientific loss?
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
News 2 Use: Shit That Freaks Me Out Edition
Clouds and Plankton?
Atmospheric scientists may have discovered a link between blooms of phytoplankton in the ocean and the creation of clouds that reflect the sun's energy away from the planet. Some researchers see this phenomenon as a planetary mechanism to counteract global warming.
I see this as a spooky reminder that we know next to nothing about the complex and chaotic systems that make the planet work. If plankton farts can control the temperature, what startling systems will exist on your science fiction planet? Think worms, spice, samlon and Grendels. And extra points to anyone who can identify the two books from which I stole my examples!
Choose One: Kid's Brain Function or Your Portfolio Health?
Joint research performed by the US and Demark suggests that exposure to toxic chemicals has created a "silent pandemic" of neurological disorders in children. The research links autism, attention deficit disorder, developmental disorders and cerebral palsy with a minimum of 200 chemicals used in industry, and that number could climb to over 1,000 as testing continues.
As you design a future world, never underestimate the damage caused by the amoral pursuit of wealth.
I Am Never Seeing A Physician Again. Ever.
New studies show that doctors are using Google to make difficult medical diagnoses, with a 60% success rate.
Three words that should strike fear into your heart now: pharmaceutical industry Google-bomb.
Clouds and Plankton?
Atmospheric scientists may have discovered a link between blooms of phytoplankton in the ocean and the creation of clouds that reflect the sun's energy away from the planet. Some researchers see this phenomenon as a planetary mechanism to counteract global warming.
I see this as a spooky reminder that we know next to nothing about the complex and chaotic systems that make the planet work. If plankton farts can control the temperature, what startling systems will exist on your science fiction planet? Think worms, spice, samlon and Grendels. And extra points to anyone who can identify the two books from which I stole my examples!
Choose One: Kid's Brain Function or Your Portfolio Health?
Joint research performed by the US and Demark suggests that exposure to toxic chemicals has created a "silent pandemic" of neurological disorders in children. The research links autism, attention deficit disorder, developmental disorders and cerebral palsy with a minimum of 200 chemicals used in industry, and that number could climb to over 1,000 as testing continues.
As you design a future world, never underestimate the damage caused by the amoral pursuit of wealth.
I Am Never Seeing A Physician Again. Ever.
New studies show that doctors are using Google to make difficult medical diagnoses, with a 60% success rate.
Three words that should strike fear into your heart now: pharmaceutical industry Google-bomb.
Thursday, November 02, 2006
News 2 Use!!!!!!!!!!!
Are You An Agent of Evolution?
We tend to think of evolution as a purely biological process, but is human self-awareness, intelligence and tool-making capacity just a series of biological advancements enabling the next evolutionary step -- co-creation? Whether we meld human and machine, or use technology to alter our DNA, or both, is the next step supposed to be humanity taking conscious control of what we become?
Ray Kurzweil should get the Moster Hug of Appreciation from speculative authors everywhere for his futuristic gleanings.
Aliens: Are they ET or Predator, and Should We Be Shouting At Them Until We Know?
As various groups, including SETI, Yahoo and Cosmic Connexion, start to beam active messages to potential alien environments in space, others wonder if it's such a good idea. After all, if there is alien life, there's no guarantee how they might feel about us.
It would be ironic if instead of blowing ourselves up, our sincere desire to connect with aliens is what causes the end of humanity.
Are You An Agent of Evolution?
We tend to think of evolution as a purely biological process, but is human self-awareness, intelligence and tool-making capacity just a series of biological advancements enabling the next evolutionary step -- co-creation? Whether we meld human and machine, or use technology to alter our DNA, or both, is the next step supposed to be humanity taking conscious control of what we become?
Ray Kurzweil should get the Moster Hug of Appreciation from speculative authors everywhere for his futuristic gleanings.
Aliens: Are they ET or Predator, and Should We Be Shouting At Them Until We Know?
As various groups, including SETI, Yahoo and Cosmic Connexion, start to beam active messages to potential alien environments in space, others wonder if it's such a good idea. After all, if there is alien life, there's no guarantee how they might feel about us.
It would be ironic if instead of blowing ourselves up, our sincere desire to connect with aliens is what causes the end of humanity.
Thursday, October 05, 2006
News 2 Use!!!!
This is Your Brain…Being Responsible?
As neuroscience continues to link behavior – both bad and good – to biological complexities beyond our control, how do we define criminal and moral liability?
The article draws parallels between free will and determinism. Once we thought our behavior was determined by supernatural forces. In the future, will we conclude that much of our behavior is determined by biology? And if we can excise violence from the brain with a few simple surgeries, how will the issue of free will and consent factor in then? Story fodder galore.
A Real Live Speculative Romantic Hero In Wales
A man with no identification, apparently no past and, even more weirdly, apparently using a language translators cannot identify, has been caught breaking into the same house in Wales three times. He refuses to identify his country of origin, or give authorities any personal information.
Run with it folks, it's a life-to-page situation.
TV To the Stars
Coming this fall from France, CosmicConnexion will broadcast the first television program aimed, literally, at a universal audience. Content will we beamed into outer space using the National Centre for Space Studies antennae.
So of all the shows on this fall, which one would YOU beam out into space for the enjoyment of aliens? I vote Showtime's WEEDS.
This is Your Brain…Being Responsible?
As neuroscience continues to link behavior – both bad and good – to biological complexities beyond our control, how do we define criminal and moral liability?
The article draws parallels between free will and determinism. Once we thought our behavior was determined by supernatural forces. In the future, will we conclude that much of our behavior is determined by biology? And if we can excise violence from the brain with a few simple surgeries, how will the issue of free will and consent factor in then? Story fodder galore.
A Real Live Speculative Romantic Hero In Wales
A man with no identification, apparently no past and, even more weirdly, apparently using a language translators cannot identify, has been caught breaking into the same house in Wales three times. He refuses to identify his country of origin, or give authorities any personal information.
Run with it folks, it's a life-to-page situation.
TV To the Stars
Coming this fall from France, CosmicConnexion will broadcast the first television program aimed, literally, at a universal audience. Content will we beamed into outer space using the National Centre for Space Studies antennae.
So of all the shows on this fall, which one would YOU beam out into space for the enjoyment of aliens? I vote Showtime's WEEDS.
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
News 2 Use, Get Yer News 2 Use Here
Replace Football with Jazz Choir, Damn it!
A Canadian research study has linked early music training in children with increased memory capacity key to improved literacy skills, math aptitudes and general IQ. After tracking two groups of students aged four through six – one musically trained and the other not – improvements in the musically trained were noted in just four months.
Reading stuff like this makes me wonder why school districts always have enough funds for sports teams, but are always cutting those expendable music programs. Maybe in a future, or more sensible alternate, human society, we'll have battle of the bands instead of clash of the pigskin titans.
Have I ever mentioned that I think the only legitimate sports should be competition ballroom dancing, Latin and Standard?
Those Mirror Neurons are Busy Guys!
(Last week's News 2 Use showed a link between empathy and mirror neurons. Now...)
German research suggests that when a human watches sexually arousing images, the brain reacts as if the watcher is actively involved. In other words, seeing and doing elicit the same neurological response.
This particular study is on visual images. I wonder how the brain reacts when it reads a description of sexual activity. My guess is that the female brain responds to literary stimulation with much the same enthusiasm as the male brain does to visual, and between this post and the last we have enumerated the neuroscience behind romance novels.
Are We Neurological Hostages?
Neurosurgery patients have discovered, by accident, that stimulation of certain areas of the brain induces an experience known by schizophrenics as "the shadow self." Those in psychotic states and these stimulated surgery patients experienced the hallucination of shadowy presence linked to their own. However, some people experienced the shadowy presence as positive or neutral, while others felt that the presence was malign and manipulative.
The more I read about neuroscience, the more I marvel at how we are at the mercy of our brain function. And how we may someday be at the mercy of people who can control our brain function. Psychosis as WMD, anyone?
Replace Football with Jazz Choir, Damn it!
A Canadian research study has linked early music training in children with increased memory capacity key to improved literacy skills, math aptitudes and general IQ. After tracking two groups of students aged four through six – one musically trained and the other not – improvements in the musically trained were noted in just four months.
Reading stuff like this makes me wonder why school districts always have enough funds for sports teams, but are always cutting those expendable music programs. Maybe in a future, or more sensible alternate, human society, we'll have battle of the bands instead of clash of the pigskin titans.
Have I ever mentioned that I think the only legitimate sports should be competition ballroom dancing, Latin and Standard?
Those Mirror Neurons are Busy Guys!
(Last week's News 2 Use showed a link between empathy and mirror neurons. Now...)
German research suggests that when a human watches sexually arousing images, the brain reacts as if the watcher is actively involved. In other words, seeing and doing elicit the same neurological response.
This particular study is on visual images. I wonder how the brain reacts when it reads a description of sexual activity. My guess is that the female brain responds to literary stimulation with much the same enthusiasm as the male brain does to visual, and between this post and the last we have enumerated the neuroscience behind romance novels.
Are We Neurological Hostages?
Neurosurgery patients have discovered, by accident, that stimulation of certain areas of the brain induces an experience known by schizophrenics as "the shadow self." Those in psychotic states and these stimulated surgery patients experienced the hallucination of shadowy presence linked to their own. However, some people experienced the shadowy presence as positive or neutral, while others felt that the presence was malign and manipulative.
The more I read about neuroscience, the more I marvel at how we are at the mercy of our brain function. And how we may someday be at the mercy of people who can control our brain function. Psychosis as WMD, anyone?
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
NEWS 2 USE!!!!!
Lovers of Speculative Historic Romance Take Note
A history of the Scottish people written in the 1440s contends that an exiled Egyptian Queen, Scota, was the mother of the modern people of Scotland. In his new book, Scota, Egyptian Queen of the Scotts, author Ralph Ellis pulls together various historical documents to back up the claim that ancient Egypt is ultimately responsible for kilts, bagpipes and haggis.
Considering the paranormal and supernatural elements of ancient Egypt, and that some researchers think that ancient Egypt may also be the source of original vampire lore…
Just make sure you mention SpecRom in your author notes!
Pumping Up the Supercomputer
Intel researchers may have found a way to process information even faster inside computers, using laser lights instead of wires as connections. While technological advances have found fast and relatively cheap ways to communicate data between computers, advancement has stalled around finding a way to increase speed of communication between individual chips in a computer. If the laser light technology develops as hoped, incredible new supercomputers may be the result.
Supercomputing is the only way we know of to understand complex natural systems like weather and genetic patterns really work. A world where humans better understand neural activity, how tornadoes really work, where hurricanes might go, could be the setting for your speculative romance.
Empathy Is Neurological Not Emotional
Our ability to feel empathy or share an experience vicariously depends on "mirror neurons" activating in response to stimuli.
According to researcher Christian Keysers, “It’s exciting because we can start to look at the diversity of experiences of other people. Some people see others through themselves, and some are more objective about it.”
With the new supercomputers, will scientists be able to locate and activate those mirror neurons and inducing an empathetic response? How about a voluntary sharing of someone else's sexual experience? How about a nonconensual sharing of someone else's pain?
Rio Hawks Down
A pair of hawks nesting in an upscale area of Rio de Janiero have attacked residents, scratching arms and faces, one day reaching a rate of five attacks in a twenty minute span.
Nature at work, DARPA or Hitchcock: you decide.
What I Want For Christmas
From Publisher's Lunch:
Hannibal for the Holidays
Bantam announced publication of Thomas Harris's HANNIBAL RISING for December 5, the fourth book featuring Hannibel Lecter. This one focuses on Lecter between ages 6 and 20. A film version of the book, based on a screenplay by Harris, will follow closely with a February release in the US. (When signed in 2004 as part of a two-book deal, the book was originally due for fall 2005. The NYT says Harris completed the manuscript within the last month.) Publisher Irwyn Applebaum says they plan a minimum first printing of 1.5 million copies.
Lovers of Speculative Historic Romance Take Note
A history of the Scottish people written in the 1440s contends that an exiled Egyptian Queen, Scota, was the mother of the modern people of Scotland. In his new book, Scota, Egyptian Queen of the Scotts, author Ralph Ellis pulls together various historical documents to back up the claim that ancient Egypt is ultimately responsible for kilts, bagpipes and haggis.
Considering the paranormal and supernatural elements of ancient Egypt, and that some researchers think that ancient Egypt may also be the source of original vampire lore…
Just make sure you mention SpecRom in your author notes!
Pumping Up the Supercomputer
Intel researchers may have found a way to process information even faster inside computers, using laser lights instead of wires as connections. While technological advances have found fast and relatively cheap ways to communicate data between computers, advancement has stalled around finding a way to increase speed of communication between individual chips in a computer. If the laser light technology develops as hoped, incredible new supercomputers may be the result.
Supercomputing is the only way we know of to understand complex natural systems like weather and genetic patterns really work. A world where humans better understand neural activity, how tornadoes really work, where hurricanes might go, could be the setting for your speculative romance.
Empathy Is Neurological Not Emotional
Our ability to feel empathy or share an experience vicariously depends on "mirror neurons" activating in response to stimuli.
According to researcher Christian Keysers, “It’s exciting because we can start to look at the diversity of experiences of other people. Some people see others through themselves, and some are more objective about it.”
With the new supercomputers, will scientists be able to locate and activate those mirror neurons and inducing an empathetic response? How about a voluntary sharing of someone else's sexual experience? How about a nonconensual sharing of someone else's pain?
Rio Hawks Down
A pair of hawks nesting in an upscale area of Rio de Janiero have attacked residents, scratching arms and faces, one day reaching a rate of five attacks in a twenty minute span.
Nature at work, DARPA or Hitchcock: you decide.
What I Want For Christmas
From Publisher's Lunch:
Hannibal for the Holidays
Bantam announced publication of Thomas Harris's HANNIBAL RISING for December 5, the fourth book featuring Hannibel Lecter. This one focuses on Lecter between ages 6 and 20. A film version of the book, based on a screenplay by Harris, will follow closely with a February release in the US. (When signed in 2004 as part of a two-book deal, the book was originally due for fall 2005. The NYT says Harris completed the manuscript within the last month.) Publisher Irwyn Applebaum says they plan a minimum first printing of 1.5 million copies.
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