Was there time before the big bang?

Physicists now claim that analysis of the universe’s cosmic microwave background suggests that our universe was spun off from another one.  One of the main conclusions hypothesised is that the second law of thermodynamics – that the universe evolves from order to disorder – does not necessarily hold true.  Consequently, time may not just flow …
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Can we help stop amphibians croaking …?

Scientists have discovered that a bacteria, which naturally exists on the skin of frogs and other amphibians, serves to protect them from the diseases which have been decimating their populations. That is good news. However, it begs the question of how to apply or encourage this bacteria, without letting it get out of hand. That …
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Another giant is waking up to the urgency of biosphere preservation – IEA

The International Energy Agency is finally beginning to realise that consumption patterns and technology must change if we are to avoid a natural catastrophe.  The IEA announced that $ 45,000,000,000,000 (trillion) must be spent to change the pattern of consumption of fossil fuels.  It is a long overdue public recognition only catalysed by the current …
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Alcohol is good for you …?

Well the Swedes (lovers of aquavit) have done the research and concluded that alcohol in moderation “cuts the risk of arthritis“. The qualification that it should be in moderation is important, particularly because alcohol, a toxin or poison, is the cause of many social problems and disease. Though once a teetotaller, today I prefer a …
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OECD also waking up to the reality of a slowdown

Growth is weakening and inflation is likely to remain high across most OECD countries, according to the OECD Economic Outlook. US activity is now projected to be flat through 2008 (and that is still deceptive) and the Euro area economy growth will also be restrained by tighter credit and lower export market growth. The culprits, …
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Australia ends Iraq combat

Australia, one of the first countries to commit troops to the war in Iraq five years ago, has ended its combat operations there.  About 300 Australians will remain inside Iraq on logistical and air surveillance duties. This withdrawal is in line with a promise by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd who won the election in November.  …
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The 6 million dollar man becoming reality

The video and report linked here shows a monkey controlling a robotic arm via probes inserted into its brain. This certainly demonstrates the viability of robotic prosthetics (and probably some terrifying military applications). But I wouldn’t want unnecessary probes in my head and our cousin primates don’t either. It would be better if human volunteers …
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