One step closer to dark matter in universe

ScienceDaily (Oct. 31, 2011) — Scientists all over the world are working feverishly to find the dark matter in the universe. Now researchers at Stockholm University have taken one step closer to solving the enigma with a new method.

The universe is still a mystery. We know what about 5 percent of the universe consists of. The rest is simply unknown. Researchers have gotten as far as knowing that a major portion, about 23 percent of the universe consists of a new kind of matter. No one has seen this matter, and no one knows what it consists of. The remaining roughly 72 percent of the universe is made up of something even more enigmatic, called dark energy. Jan Conrad and Maja Llena Garde are scientists at Fysikum, Stockholm University and the Oskar Klein Center for Cosmoparticle Physics, and they are part of the international research team that has taken a giant step toward finding dark matter with the help of a new method.

"With our new method, for the first time we have been able to exclude models regarded by many as the most natural ones. Previous attempts did not achieve the same sensitivity. What's more, our results are especially reliable," says Jan Conrad.

"We can't see dark matter because it doesn't interact with the matter we know about. Nor does it emit any light. It's virtually invisible. But we can determine that it affects the matter we're familiar with."

"We see how the rotation of galaxies is affect by something that weighs a lot but is invisible. We also see how the gas in galaxy clusters doesn't move as it would if there were only visible matter present. So we know it's there. The question is simply what it is. Many theoretical models have been developed to predict particles that meet the requirements for being identified as dark matter. But experiments are needed if we are to determine whether any of these models are correct," says Jan Conrad.

Since dark matter is invisible, we can only see traces of it, and one way to do this is to look at light with extremely high energy, so-called gamma radiation. With the help of the satellite-borne Fermi Large Area Telescope, scientists can study gamma radiation and look for traces of dark matter.

"We've looked at gamma radiation from dwarf galaxies. These galaxies are small and dim, but extremely massive, so they seem to consist largely of dark matter. Unfortunately we still haven't detected a gamma signal from the dark matter in these objects, but we are definitely getting closer. Our new method involves looking at several dwarf galaxies at the same time and combining the observations in a new way, which yields excellent results. This is an exciting time for dark matter research, because we're getting closer and closer," says Maja Llena Garde.

"This is truly a giant step forward in our pursuit of dark matter," says the director of the Oskar Klein Center, Lars Bergström. "With my colleague Joakim Edsjö, I've studied these processes theoretically for more than ten years, but this is the first time important experimental breakthroughs are being seen. Now we just hope that Jan, Maja, and the Fermi team will continue this exciting quest using their new method."

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The above story is reprinted from materials provided by Expertanswer, via AlphaGalileo.

Note: Materials may be edited for content and length. For further information, please contact the source cited above.

Journal Reference:

The Fermi-LAT Collaboration: M. Ackermann, M. Ajello, A. Albert, W. B. Atwood, L. Baldini, J. Ballet, G. Barbiellini, D. Bastieri, K. Bechtol, R. Bellazzini, B. Berenji, R. D. Blandford, E. D. Bloom, E. Bonamente, A. W. Borgland, J. Bregeon, M. Brigida, P. Bruel, R. Buehler, T. H. Burnett, S. Buson, G. A. Caliandro, R. A. Cameron, B. Canadas, P. A. Caraveo, J. M. Casandjian, C. Cecchi, E. Charles, A. Chekhtman, J. Chiang, S. Ciprini, R. Claus, J. Cohen-Tanugi, J. Conrad, S. Cutini, A. de Angelis, F. de Palma, C. D. Dermer, S. W. Digel, E. do Couto e Silva, P. S. Drell, A. Drlica-Wagner, L. Falletti, C. Favuzzi, S. J. Fegan, E. C. Ferrara, Y. Fukazawa, S. Funk, P. Fusco, F. Gargano, D. Gasparrini, N. Gehrels, S. Germani, N. Giglietto, F. Giordano, M. Giroletti, T. Glanzman, G. Godfrey, I. A. Grenier, et al. Constraining dark matter models from a combined analysis of Milky Way satellites with the Fermi Large Area Telescope. Physical Review Letters, 2011 [link]

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BullDog: A Bigger, Scarier Version of BigDog Gets Closer to the Battlefield

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Scientists a step closer to understanding 'natural antifreeze' molecules

ScienceDaily (June 23, 2011) — Scientists have made an important step forward in their understanding of cryoprotectants -- compounds that act as natural 'antifreeze' to protect drugs, food and tissues stored at sub-zero temperatures.

Researchers from the Universities of Leeds and Illinois, and Columbia University in New York, studied a particular type of cryoprotectants known as osmolytes. They found that small osmolyte molecules are better at protecting proteins than larger ones.

The findings, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, could help scientists develop better storage techniques for a range of materials, including human reproductive tissue used in IVF.

Biological systems can usually only operate within a small range of temperatures. If they get too hot or too cold, the molecules within the system can become damaged (denatured), which affects their structure and stops them from functioning.

But certain species of fish, reptiles and amphibians can survive for months below freezing by entering into a kind of suspended animation. They are able to survive these extreme conditions thanks to osmolytes -- small molecules within their blood that act like antifreeze -preventing damage to their vital organs.

These properties have made osmolytes attractive to scientists. They are used widely in the storage and testing of drugs and other pharmaceuticals; in food production; and to store human tissue like egg and sperm cells at very low temperatures (below -40ºC) for a long period of time.

"If you put something like human tissue straight in the freezer, ice crystals start to grow in the freezing water and solutes -- solid particles dissolved in the water -- get forced out into the remaining liquid.

This can result in unwanted high concentrations of solutes, such as salt, which can be very damaging to the tissue," said Dr Lorna Dougan from the University of Leeds, who led the study. "The addition of cryoprotectants, such as glycerol, lowers the freezing temperature of water and prevents crystallisation by producing a 'syrupy' semi-solid state. The challenge is to know which cryoprotectant molecule to use and how much of it is necessary.

"We want to get this right so that we recover as much of the biological material as possible after re-thawing. This has massive cost implications, particularly for the pharmaceutical industry because at present they lose a large proportion of their viable drug every time they freeze it."

Dr Dougan and her team tested a range of different osmolytes to find out which ones are most effective at protecting the 3D structure of a protein. They used an atomic force microscope to unravel a test protein in a range of different osmolyte environments to find out which ones were most protective. They discovered that smaller molecules, such as glycerol, are more effective than larger ones like sorbitol and sucrose.

Dr Dougan said: "We've been able to show that if you want to really stabilise a protein, it makes sense to use small protecting osmolytes. We hope to use this discovery and future research to develop a simple set of rules that will allow scientists and industry to use the best process parameters for their system and in doing so dramatically increase the amount of material they recover from the freeze-thaw cycle."

The research was funded by the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, the US National Institutes of Health and the China National Basic Research Program.

Story Source:

The above story is reprinted (with editorial adaptations by ScienceDaily staff) from materials provided by University of Leeds.

Journal Reference:

L. Dougan, G. Z. Genchev, H. Lu, J. M. Fernandez. Probing osmolyte participation in the unfolding transition state of a protein. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2011; DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1101934108

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Brain-like computing a step closer to reality

ScienceDaily (June 24, 2011) — The development of 'brain-like' computers has taken a major step forward with the publication of research led by the University of Exeter.

Published in the journal Advanced Materials, the study involved the first ever demonstration of simultaneous information processing and storage using phase-change materials. This new technique could revolutionize computing by making computers faster and more energy-efficient, as well as making them more closely resemble biological systems.

Computers currently deal with processing and memory separately, resulting in a speed and power 'bottleneck' caused by the need to continually move data around. This is totally unlike anything in biology, for example in human brains, where no real distinction is made between memory and computation. To perform these two functions simultaneously the University of Exeter research team used phase-change materials, a kind of semi-conductor that exhibits remarkable properties.

Their study demonstrates conclusively that phase-change materials can store and process information simultaneously. It also shows experimentally for the first time that they can perform general-purpose computing operations, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. More strikingly perhaps it shows that phase-change materials can be used to make artificial neurons and synapses. This means that an artificial system made entirely from phase-change devices could potentially learn and process information in a similar way to our own brains.

Lead author Professor David Wright of the University of Exeter said: "Our findings have major implications for the development of entirely new forms of computing, including 'brain-like' computers. We have uncovered a technique for potentially developing new forms of 'brain-like' computer systems that could learn, adapt and change over time. This is something that researchers have been striving for over many years."

This study focused on the performance of a single phase-change cell. The next stage in Exeter's research will be to build systems of interconnected cells that can learn to perform simple tasks, such as identification of certain objects and patterns.

This research was funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council.

Story Source:

The above story is reprinted (with editorial adaptations by ScienceDaily staff) from materials provided by University of Exeter.

Journal Reference:

C. David Wright, Yanwei Liu, Krisztian I. Kohary, Mustafa M. Aziz, Robert J. Hicken. Arithmetic and Biologically-Inspired Computing Using Phase-Change Materials. Advanced Materials, 2011; DOI: 10.1002/adma.201101060

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Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of ScienceDaily or its staff.

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With New Software, Drones Get Closer to Thinking Like Pilots

With New Software, Drones Get Closer to Thinking Like Pilots | Popular Science@import "/files/css/40ce193b0257e6a4ccf73ff58436350c.css";@import "/files/css/33f6b7ecb4513ed2fe6c670880a27187.css"; home Login/Register Newsletter Subscribe RSS GadgetsComputersCamerasSmartphones3D TVsVideo GamesMore From Our Partner: CEAGCarsConceptsHybridsElectric CarsAuto DIYMore From Our Partner: DriversideScienceFuture of the EnvironmentEnergyHealthTechnologyMilitaryAviationSpaceRobotsDIYProjectsHacksToolsAuto DIYMore From Our Partner: Toolmonger GalleriesVideosColumnsThe GrouseSex FilesGreen Dream How It WorksAuto DIYFeatures Facebook Digg Stumbleupon Reddit Print Email With New Software, Drones Get Closer to Thinking Like Pilots Air Force program aims to help drones anticipate other aircraft's next move By Rebecca Boyle Posted 04.22.2011 at 4:40 pm 15 Comments
Fit to Fight Armed with precision-guided bombs and missiles, the Reaper MQ-9 is the deadliest war drone yet. Here, it sits on the flight line at Creech Air Force Base in Nevada. Lance Cheung/U.S. Air Force Photo

A software company CEO who is trying to train drones to think like pilots promises he is not producing a cadre of mutinous rebel aircraft. He just wants to prevent collisions between drones and human-powered airplanes.

Last summer, we told you about an Air Force program that seeks algorithms that would allow drones to predict other airplanes’ intent. This is ostensibly to avert disaster — if a drone can anticipate a pilot’s next maneuver, it will know to get out of the way.

Related ArticlesPhantom Ray Drone Makes Its First Flight, A Piggyback Ride On A Shuttle-Carrier 747Air Force Wants Drones That Can Sense Other Airplanes' IntentWhen Drones Go Rogue In Friendly Skies, How Do We Bring Them Home?TagsTechnology, Rebecca Boyle, air force, drones, FUTURE OF weapons, military, mq-9 reaper, predator, uav, unmanned aerial vehicles, warfareIt seems logical — think of driving on the highway, and how you can sometimes just feel when the guy in the SUV next to you is about to merge into your lane.

Dick Stottler’s company, Stottler Henke Associates, is working on a software package that can help drones learn how to anticipate other aircraft's actions. The firm recently won a $100,000 Air Force contract to develop its Intelligent Pilot Intent Analysis System, which models pilots’ behavior in real and predicted scenarios, according to Danger Room.

The program models how piloted airplanes take off, maneuver and land, incorporating information from air traffic control and runway-specific data, Danger Room reports. The information will help the drones build human pilot profiles, telling them how to react when two planes get too close. The algorithm can even handle a damaged plane or a troubled aircraft, whose behavior might deviate from normal models.

But Stottler acknowledges the algorithm can’t predict errant pilot behavior. What about errant drone behavior? Is Stottler teaching drones to disobey their human masters?

“No, I am not,” Stottler promises.

It is not clear whether the aircraft will become aware and figure this out for themselves. If so, at least we can rely upon the rogue drone corps.

[Danger Room]

Previous Article: Atomic Gardens, the Biotechnology of the Past, Can Teach Lessons About the Future of FarmingNext Article: SpaceX Will Send Humans To Mars In the Next 10 to 20 Years 15 Comments Link to this comment Navy1270 04/22/11 at 6:10 pm

Ok, but if this thing is going against a fighter or interceptor, this thing is toast, despite the fact that it can think. I'm sure the survivability rate increases, but if it learns to fly like Maverick, the thing won't be coming back from any missions any time soon. But really, the thing is just for avoiding collisions anyway.

Link to this comment drchuck1 04/23/11 at 1:07 pm

this will be incorporated into all drones so they can fly in any airspace, but it will also alow them to fly together, a huge increase in capability, hopefully they will like their creators

Link to this comment JediMindset 04/24/11 at 6:31 pm

cool. i guess this is a good thing. unless they find a way to go against their creators.

Link to this comment gizmowiz 04/24/11 at 8:01 pm

Obviously not well enough to meet Pakistan's requirements to stay from their Al Queda members!

Link to this comment millenniumparty 04/25/11 at 4:03 am

The only way to solve world problems is with math and science

Millenniumparty.org

Link to this comment boka 04/25/11 at 8:26 am

I'm getting sick that American military war machine keeps pumping our stuff that murders civilians. When amerikkka kills everyone who do think they will turn the war machines on next? Amerikkkan civilians.

Link to this comment Delkomatic 04/25/11 at 8:45 am

@boka
Nor sure if the miss spellling of America is supposed to.an insult but i leave you with these fine qoutes " America Fuck Yeah!" And "Freedom cost a buck 'o five". Btw you sir are the worst kind of hate breading douche go troll on a nom science site we dont care foe your rants here.

Link to this comment Delkomatic 04/25/11 at 8:56 am

Sorry bout the typos but i think i got what i was trying to say across on my cell at work.

Link to this comment Aldrons Last Hope 04/25/11 at 1:10 pm

@boka, I agree, these drones will be used against the american civilians sometime in the future.

Link to this comment combatko 04/25/11 at 3:07 pm

So... Every American citizen is a member of the KKK? Maybe I've been hooked by a troll, but that seriously pisses me off.

Up yours, Boka.

Link to this comment combatko 04/25/11 at 3:16 pm

You know, I also resent the implication that if these things were to be released upon unsuspecting civilians in our country, that it would be some kind of poetic justice.

In this world, it takes strength to survive. That doesn't mean that you have to use it, just possess it. But we NEED the capability to defend ourselves, or we will lose our way of life; a way of life that hundreds of thousands of Americans have already died for. I can't believe that some people (I'm looking at you, Boka. You too, Aldron.) would actually want civilians of one country to pay for the mistakes of other governments.

I don't know - or care - where you come from, but here in America we do our best, dammit. We might not be everything that we should be, but America is still the greatest damn country on God's Green Earth.

I guess all I'm really trying to say is what I've already said: "Up yours, Boka," with the addendum of, "You're a real douche."

Link to this comment ThisNameTaken 04/25/11 at 4:15 pm

"There was a time when battles could be won and lost with the mere push of a button, and these mobile dolls (AKA DRONES) are the absolute root of that detestable and hateful spirit."

"When wars are dehumanized, both victory and defeat become miserable, and God no longer lends a helping hand."

"A war with no civility can only give rise to massacres...that's why all the previous battles on the earth have been so tragic."

"Tradition is a history. It's a history of caring built by deep true feelings of people. I do believe that fighting in battles can at times be beautiful. But at the same time, I'd like to express my regret over the lost souls by appealing to you to recognize how priceless man's life is. I believe what mankind needs is not absolute victory but a certain demeanor in fighting, an attitude toward fighting. I fear that the era of the soulless weapons called mobile dolls (AKA DRONES), in other words, the era that the Romefeller Foundation is creating, may become an embarassment to the people of the future."

-Treize Khushrenada, Gundam Wing

Link to this comment Aldrons Last Hope 04/25/11 at 4:59 pm

@combatko I didn't say that it would be poetic justice when these drones are turned on the american public. It is really ironic though cause it's your tax dollars that is paying for this.

I hope I'm wrong cause I have a lot of family and friends in the states...but did you ever read the Patriot Act? You should give it a go...these things will be turned on the public at some point.

I would also like to say the pre-2001...I could look at all of these cool invetions, & know that if any sinister commie were to invade or declare war they would lose. But now the purpose of these machines are not to defend...but to kill, and in most cases kill innocent people, and in many cases peope that are fighting for their freedom, and in many cases 3rd world people that have nothing to do with the U.S...excet they are living on an oil field.

And also by saying the U.S is the best country on earth, you are proving boka right cause that's KKK mentality. There's nothing wrong with loving your country, but when you go as far as to say "we are the best"...you are implying that there is a pecking order. And even your own constitution says 'All men are created equal"...Not all"American men are created equal"

Link to this comment Navy1270 04/25/11 at 5:54 pm

Everyone!, Nothing will be used against anyone that's not military. This is a full fledged military tool used against terrorists not civilians. Whenever a stray missile hits some civilian house, you people take it seriously like it's a big deal. "Oh, America is such a shame, they killed those poor civilians on purpose." I don't want any of that, ok? It's fights like these that really make me angry.

Link to this comment Navy1270 04/25/11 at 5:59 pm

And I admit, killing isn't right, but when something like this happens, you guys always blame it on America. What about UK or France. They are participating in the war too. You people make me sick.

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