Monday Marvels November 18th 2013

[easyazon-image align=”left” asin=”B002CJNCS4″ locale=”us” height=”120″ src=”http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/21ETAslJ03L._SL160_.jpg” width=”160″]Monday Marvels November 18th 2013:

1. Electronic Use Approved for ENTIRE flight

European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is perhaps the first aviation agency to approve electronic devices during all phases of flying, following Delta Airlines’ request to the Agency just one month prior. Yes, that means you can play with your tablet or Kindle during take-off and landing. Following the approval of electronic devices by the Federal Aviation Administration, hopefully more airlines will begin to further accommodate electronic usage throughout flights.

2. Thought You Missed It, Your Brain Didn’t

A new study reveals that in less than a second your brain will begin processing visual information regardless of whether you are conscious of it or not. Take a picture hidden within another picture, for example. Although you may not perceive the hidden picture, your brain has already analyzed and possibly stored the data. Jay Sanguinetti, a Doctoral Candidate in the University of Arizona’s Department of Psychology in the College of Science, has utilized the EEG to monitor brain waves, determining that even though participants may not perceive an object in front of them, the brain still processes all visible images. These findings challenge current thinking about how the brain processes visual stimuli, and could lead to further studies that not only determine where the unperceived information is processed, but also how to access it.

3. Things are Heating Up with Solar Energy

[easyazon-image align=”left” asin=”B000CIADLG” locale=”us” height=”160″ src=”http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/517Zx0IrHIL._SL160_.jpg” width=”160″]With the potential of providing nearly 17,000 U.S. homes with electricity, Google is investing 80 million dollars in solar plants throughout parts of California and Arizona. With 33% of the corporation’s energy already coming from renewable sources, Google has put more than 1 billion dollars towards solar and wind projects. As more renewable energy is created, things will be heating up with more input and far less output.

4. Accelerated Quantum Computers in the Near Future?

A normal quantum state lasts no longer than a few seconds; however, an international team of scientists have recently well surpassed the world record, with a time of 39 seconds at room temperature. There are still more calculations to be figured before large scale quantum computations can be reached, however this is a huge step toward building expeditious quantum computers.

5. Synthetic Biology Could Save the Environment

Through a project called “Sixth Extinction”, headed by Alexandra Daisy Ginsberg, organisms grown from a lab could be used to clean up pollution, save various species near extinction, and essentially preserve nature. From porcupines to slugs, these animals can be released into the wild to begin their designated duties, anything from dispersing seeds or absorbing pollutants. This is a prime example of how technology can co-exist with our environment to create a better Earth.

Feature Image: Roger Wollstadt

November 18, 2013 By Stephany Novak

About the author

Stephany, also know as "The Techno Chic" is a Futurist, Philosopher, Singer, and Journalist. She is currently working on her Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from Arizona State University and enjoys long walks on the beach and holding hands.