Researcher finds a way to mimic curves in space-time

Here on Earth, it’s rather difficult to replicate curved space-time — to get that kind of effect in nature, you’d have to get uncomfortably close to black holes and other distant space objects. However, researcher Nikodem Szpak may have found a way to simulate that bend without facing oblivion. His proposed technique puts supercooled atoms in an optical lattice created by a laser field; so long as the laws of quantum mechanics and thermodynamics hold true, the atoms should behave like they’re experiencing curved space-time. You can even change the lattice’s pattern to mimic different circumstances, whether it’s a moment right after the Big Bang or the surface of a star.

Scientists will want to confirm that the technique works in practice, which could take a long time. You’d be freezing atoms to near absolute zero, for one thing. If the technique pans out, though, it could be very helpful for understanding the universe. You could verify complex space-time theories in the lab instead of simply trusting that your math is on the ball, or test advanced spaceflight concepts without having to build a ship. This is just a stepping stone toward bigger ideas and technologies, but it’s potentially a huge one.

[Image credit: Getty Images/Science Photo Library RF]

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Via: ExtremeTech

Source: Cornell University Library

NASA records Falcon 9 rocket’s descent as research for Mars landings

NASA wants to refine the ability of future spacecraft to land on Mars, since they’ll have to ferry humans and other large payloads to the red planet. To that end, the agency has teamed up with SpaceX to record thermal camera footage of the Falcon 9 rocket as its first stage detaches and burns through the atmosphere. The first stage of a rocket is typically its largest part and what’s ignited at launch — once it runs out of propellant, it separates from the upper stages, usually as the rocket nears the boundary between our planet and outer space. Its descent back to Earth presents Mars-like conditions, which means data collected from the footage could, in NASA’s words “provide critical engineering information for future missions to the surface of Mars.”

To make it happen, the agency outfitted two planes with long-range infrared cameras and had them film the controlled flight in September from 50 miles away. What these cameras managed to capture, and what you’ll see in the video below, is the thermal energy given off by the rocket as it descends at supersonic speeds. NASA says it has saved millions of dollars by doing this, as it would have developed test rockets and performed practice flights if the option wasn’t available.

Infrared video of Falcon rocket reentry captured by @NASA tracking cameras http://t.co/GQLCFLlrUC

– Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 18, 2014

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Source: NASA

Dyson tackles the humidifier, kills water-based bacteria with UV light

In a launch presentation in Tokyo, Japan (apparently the company’s favorite place for new product launches), Dyson tackled the surprisingly sketchy hygiene issues that come with more typical humidifiers. To prove how gosh-darn better Dyson’s Hygienic Mist humidifier is, the company’s microbiology team (which of course it has) incubated water with bacteria to see how a typical humidifier transmits that to a room. A selection of agar jelly plates grossly demonstrated how that bacteria spreads around a room. However, in an early comparison, with the same concentration of bacteria in the water, Dyson’s test humidifier, with UV light cleansing the water, knocked out 99.9 percent of the bacteria — the current model manages this in three minutes. The device launches in Japan in early November, priced at 60,000 yen (roughly a hefty $560) and we’ve got the rest of the engineering details after the break.

Dyson’s folded in its air multiplier technology too (making the design pretty similar to its fan), expanding the range compared to rival humidifiers. The air is measured by an intelligent thermostat, keeping the air “comfortable”, according to Dyson’s Tom Bennett, and consistently adjusting humidity. There’s a three-liter tank, which can apparently ensure 18 hours of air-based moisture. It’s also qualified for a “quiet mark”, benefited from Dyson’s acoustic know-how — meaning there’s barely a hiss.

Developing…

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Fitbit’s new wearable looks like a watch, crams in GPS and a heart rate monitor

It’s been a while since we’ve seen a new Fitbit product, but according to a leak obtained at The Verge, that’s because the company’s been working on something a little special. The Fitbit Surge is a “fitness superwatch” that houses two must-haves for serious running types: GPS tracking and a heart-rate monitor. Crucially this would mean the wearable can monitor your activity without having to haul around your smartphone. (The likes of the Galaxy Note 4 or iPhone 6 Plus aren’t all that well-suited to a jog in the park). The leaked marketing materials also suggest it will priced at $249 and will still be able to monitor all the less intense calorie burning done on stairs and your commute to work. Borrowing from the smartwatch category, the Surge is also promising smart notifications for calls and texts, as well as music controls. According to The Verge, the watch is rumored to launch in three colors (black, slate and tangerine) in the next few weeks, likely alongside the pair of more lightweight Charge fitness trackers – also leaked in marketing materials. C’mon guys, tighten up that security. We’ve reached out to Fitbit for more.

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Source: The Verge