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The Dorset Acidic Streams Might Highlight the Existence of Life on Mars (Study)

May 17, 2018 By Jeff Martin Baker Leave a Comment

Aerial view of the hills in St. Oswald's Bay

The rocks in Dorset are really similar to those on Mars

Scientists suspect life must have existed on Mars, so they are constantly looking for ways to detect it. For their latest experiment, they used the streams in Dorset as a model, given their similarities to the Martian landscape. The St. Oswald Bay’s streams contained fatty acid traces, which is generally regarded as a sign of life. This means the same traces might be present on Mars as well, showing that the planet might have hosted life.

The Dorset streams were a great model for the Martian study

St. Oswald’s Bay contains most of the acidic streams in Dorset. This environment contains an interesting combination of rocks that served as a great model for the scientists. Among these rocks, there is a particular mineral called goethite, that easily turns into hematite. As you might already know, hematite is the rock that makes the Martian surface red.

Therefore, looking at the properties of these Dorset streams should highlight some valuable information on Mars. Life might be quite difficult to exist in the minerals even if they are present on Earth. Therefore, finding such traces here on our planet could mean life was also possible on Mars.

Researchers might really make some valuable discoveries on Mars

Fortunately, the hematite in Dorset contained traces of fatty acids, and this is an indicative of life. Then, through a study, researchers applied all these findings on their knowledge on planet Mars. At first, they calculated the concentration of acidic rocks on Mars and, then, assumed they contain as many fatty acids as those on Earth.

Judging from these measurements, researchers concluded that Mars rocks could have contained several thousands of metric tons of such acids. In other words, this is the equivalent of 12,000 pools of Olympic size. Also, researchers have even better news than that.

Whenever they looked for organic matter on Mars, they used equipment based on heat. The bad thing was that heat could destroy any kind of traces left by once-existing life. However, these minerals can resist heat, so the Dorset findings might really bring some valuable evidence about life on Mars.

The study was published in the journal Nature Scientific Reports.

Image source: Flickr

Filed Under: Science

Xiaomi Won’t Bring Its Smartphones to US but Has Smart Devices and Accessories

May 11, 2018 By Jeff Martin Baker Leave a Comment

Xiaomi logo on an orange background

For the US market, Xiaomi has prepared some smart devices with Google Assistant support

If you’re waiting for a cheap smartphone from Xiaomi, you will probably have to wait even more. There are no signs the company is planning to bring them to the US, but they have something else instead. It will bring a series of accessories on the American market, together with an exclusive smart home device with support for the Google Assistant app.

Xiaomi will integrate Google support in its smart assistants

Xiaomi seems to be improving its relationship with Google, as it announced a pairing between its smart devices and the Google smart apps. All the Xiaomi smart assistants will soon feature support for the Google Assistant service. This means that you can either control it via a smartphone app or pair it with a Google Home device.

Therefore, if you want a cheaper product that can assist you perfectly, you can get ready for its arrival. However, this isn’t the only surprise Xiaomi has prepared for the American audience. It will come with a few other items as well.

The company has some other special items for the US market

These exclusive products include three other accessories that will make your life easier. One of them is the Mi Bedside Lamp that offers you about 16 million choices of color. Given all the options, you can personalize it however you want. The second item is a Mi LED Smart Bulb that comes with the same color pattern as the lamp.

In the end, the third item is the Mi Smart Plug. If you want to connect any other devices to a network, this is the device for you. Of course, all these three objects have Google Assistant support, so you can control them by voice just like any other smart assistant.

However, you’ll have to wait for a bit before getting these devices. Xiaomi didn’t reveal any official release date for any of them. The bedside lamp should be the first to get here, but we only know this should happen this month. For all the other, the company is to make further announcements.

Image source: Wikimedia Commons

Filed Under: Technology & Research

Urban Areas Are Causing Animals to Evolve Faster, Increasing Biodiversity

May 7, 2018 By Jeff Martin Baker Leave a Comment

Squirrel eating seeds in a park

Cities are actually beneficial for biodiversity

People usually blame cities for the impact they have on wildlife. However, an evolutionary biologist from Leiden University thinks urban areas can also have a positive influence on biodiversity. Instead of preventing evolution, cities might actually help animals and birds adapt to new environments and develop better surviving mechanisms. In fact, they can also ease the development of new species.

Cities produce a spike in biodiversity

Urban areas are often regarded as wildlife wastelands where humans destroy animals’ natural habitats. However, professor Menno Schilthuizen promotes cities as a good influence for biodiversity. Since creatures have to adapt to the new habitat, the process speeds up their evolution. This can lead to the emergence of whole new species of animals.

To explain the process better, Schilthuizen gave the example of a new species of mosquito. This creature is called the London Underground Mosquito, and has evolved in all types of underground areas, including subways, cellars, or basements. These mosquitoes no longer mix with the specimens above ground, so researchers are now calling it a whole new species.

Urban areas actually speed up evolution

Another good example is the one of the Hollywood bobcats. These creatures have adapted some different features that those in the north of the 101 freeway. This is an example of fragmentation which often occurs in cities. Artificial barriers lead to changes in animal populations, thus spiking biodiversity. Whenever one group of animals gets separated from a different one, evolution speeds up.

Schilthuizen says evolution is actually taking place a lot more quickly that Charles Darwin assumed. Scientists used to measure evolution in terms of generations. However, if more generations are born during a year, we can say the pace of evolution has got quicker.

Far from disrupting the environment, artificial changes might be great for biodiversity. They force animals to evolve new traits to survive. In a fragile ecological context, these changes are welcome, as they strengthen animal populations and increase their numbers.

Image source: Pixabay

Filed Under: Nature

Florida Girl Nearly Dies After Experiencing Dry Drowning

April 24, 2018 By Jeff Martin Baker Leave a Comment

Kids playing in a pool

Dry drowning occurs whenever water inhaled through the nose or the mouth gets stuck in the lungs

A young girl from Sarasota, Florida almost lost her life after playing in her grandparents’ pool. The girl almost fell victim to dry drowning, an odd phenomenon that can happen hours after going swimming. Lacey Grace, the girl’s mother, wanted to make the story public in hope people will find out this can happen and can stay safe.

The girl almost fell victim to dry drowning

On April 14th, the little girl called Elianna was at her grandparents’ house. She and other kids were having fun in the pool. They were playing with some noodles, and the little girl put the object in her mouth right when someone else blew it from the opposite end. This got some water into the little girl’s nose and mouth.

Immediately after the incident, she vomited but was fine soon afterwards. Her mother thought everything was alright, so no one was alarmed anymore. After a few days, the girl caught a fever that lasted for two days, so her family went to see a doctor. During the examination, Elianna’s heart rate suddenly dropped, and her skin started changing color.

Elianna’s mother wants everyone to know what dry drowning is

Fortunately, doctors could intervene immediately and saved Elianna’s life. They were still puzzled as to what caused this sudden phenomenon, but they suspected it was dry drowning. This happens whenever water gets into a person’s lungs through the mouth or nose and it gets stuck there.

Dry drowning should be treated immediately, as it can lead to serious complications. The victims can suffer brain damage if they stop breathing, or they might even die. This is why Grace wanted everybody to know what dry drowning is, and how it can be treated.

If you go swimming and happen to inhale some water, go see a doctor immediately. You never know if some of it gets stuck into your lungs. By intervening just in time, you avoid suffering any symptoms and increase your chances of survival.

Image source: Pexels

Filed Under: Lifestyle & Health

New Technology Picks Up the Sound of Distant Colliding Black Holes (Study)

April 13, 2018 By Jeff Martin Baker Leave a Comment

Two galaxies colliding, with black holes at their center

Black holes produce gravitational waves whenever they collide

Black holes must be interfering quite a lot with each other by colliding at huge speeds. However, our equipment is not able to detect whatever sound that follows the impact. Fortunately, researchers found a new technique that detects the signals released by colliding black holes. This technique picks them up from the static noise that LIGO-Virgo is constantly recording.

Colliding black holes produce gravitational ripples

Of course, there is no actual sound coming from space that human ears can capture. However, scientists discovered how to convert the signal of two colliding black holes into sound. The discovery took place in 2015 and, since then, they managed to convert six gravitational wave signals that resulted from impacts.

However, such collisions actually occur more often, and picking up every signal is quite difficult. Two colliding black holes release such gravitational wave signals that disturb the space-time fabric. Through this disturbance, they produce ripples that we’ve been able to detect only 100 years after Einstein developed his theory of relativity.

Researchers found out how to spot distant colliding black holes

Therefore, the system of detection isn’t so refined to detect all colliding black holes and their ripples. LIGO-Virgo is the collaboration that picks up these ‘sounds’. However, those faraway collisions cannot produce sounds. On the scale of the detectors, they appear as hums that was hard to detect.

After countless efforts, they finally found a way to tell these hums apart from all the other background static noise the detectors pick up. The method consists of an algorithm that measures all the background data and finds unusual signals they later turn to noises.

Researchers also made sure this system is flawless. They simulated two colliding black holes, and also added some extra background noises and glitches. The detector successfully told apart the sound of the impact from the other disturbances. They also developed a study on the matter that is soon to be published, but can be found online.

Image source: Wikimedia Commons

Filed Under: Science

First Look At The Queen Biopic Shows Rami Malek As Freddie Mercury

September 9, 2017 By Jeff Martin Baker Leave a Comment

Queen album cover

Queen fans rejoice as a first look of Rami Malek as Freddie Mercury in the Queen biopic has been released.

There is hardly anyone who has such a recognizable, iconic style as Freddie Mercury did. In the newly-revealed image, Malek sports Mercury’s signature thick moustache and touts the same confident, flamboyant personality that fans know and love the Queen sensation for.

The Queen biopic is set to release on Dec. 25, 2018 and will be titled Bohemian Rhapsody and will consist of primarily Freddie’s original vocals paired with Malek’s vocals. Attempting to accurately match the ferocity of Freddie’s vocals is no easy feat, and Malek vows that he is working tirelessly on upping his vocal game.

“We’re going to use Freddie as much as possible and use myself as much as possible,” Malek says.“I’m in Abbey Road [Studios] right now if that should say anything to you. I’m not working on my acting.”

Malek also stated that seeing himself after hair and makeup and realizing how much he does, in fact, resemble the Queen frontrunner, helped to boost his confidence in regards to the daunting task of portraying the incredible Freddie Mercury.

Bohemiam Rapsody Will Focus on Mercury’s Glory Years

Bohemian Rhapsody, which is being directed by Bryan Singer, details Mercury’s life from the beginning of Queen in 1970 until their performance at Live Aid in 1985, which occurred six years before Mercury’s tragic death from AIDS complications.

Singer told Entertainment Weekly that he is aiming for Bohemian Rhapsody not to be a “traditional biopic,” but rather a film meant to honor Queen’s music, which is why he chose to chronicle the 1970-1985 timeframe.

“It won’t just be the dark Freddie story, but that being said, that also will be honored,” Singer says. “It’s about collaboration. It’s a celebration.”

The first look of Rami Malek as Freddie, imaged above, was released on Tuesday, which would have been the late singer’s 71st birthday.

Filed Under: National News

Lucasfilm to Launch AR Star Wars Treasure Hunt

August 25, 2017 By Jeff Martin Baker Leave a Comment

storm troopers in augmented reality

Star Wars is a undying franchise, an inexhaustible source of merchandise and profit.

Lucasfilm is planning to release an augmented reality (AG) game called “Find the Force,” based on The Last Jedi, the upcoming installment in the Star Wars saga.

Augmented reality games allow players to download an app on their smartphones and then walk around in the real world, detecting a virtual reality built on top of our everyday experience.

The first big success with this concept was Pokemon Go, released in 2016. The game, which allows characters to see and catch Pokemon running around anywhere, earned creator Nintendo a 7.5-billion-dollar market-value surge.

This new Star Wars game is set for release on September 1, dubbed “Force Friday II.” Other merchandise for the movies is also set to come out on that weekend.

A promotional video on the game’s website shows fans how to play: go to one of 20,000 participating stores located in 30 countries and look for specially placed placards. Point your phone and click, and your phone may show a Star Wars character standing in the store, saying a message. The video also depicts Admiral Ackbar, saying his famous line:

 “It’s a trap!”

There are fifteen characters to find, two of whom are new. Each discovery also gives the player a “data chip” to unlock digital rewards.

The app also allows players to snap pictures with the characters and share their experiences on social media. If they do, they will be entered for a chance to win a special sweepstakes lasting through the weekend and ending on September 3.

The game will be available on the Star Wars app starting next month, but fans will have to wait for the actual Star Wars: The Force Awakens movie, which hits theaters on December 15, 2017.

Image Source: Pixabay

Filed Under: Technology & Research

Thief Got Away with Gold Replica of Moon Lander from Neil Armstrong Museum

August 2, 2017 By Jeff Martin Baker Leave a Comment

moon lander

NASA continues to be the author of some pretty impressive stuff. However, the most notorious deed of the space agency was placing a man on the moon. The history will not forget the day all households gathered around TVs to watch the first small step for a man yet a giant achievement for humankind. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that all assets connected to that event became charged with priceless importance. Therefore, the Neil Armstrong Museum has just lost an invaluable piece in the original gold replica of Apollo 11.

The Gold Replica of the Lunar Excursion Module Channels a Story of Community Spirit of the Past

On Friday, authorities responded to an alarm coming from Armstrong Air & Space Museum in Wapakoneta, Ohio. When they discovered the issue, they found that the case that kept the solid gold replica of Apollo 11 was empty. The 5-inch-tall moon lander was among the few valuables in the whole museum that were missing.

The lost piece of treasure has an uplifting story behind it which makes it more than an item of decoration. Back in 1969, the French newspaper Le Figaro created a campaign by appealing to its readers. The proposal suggested them to make a contribution for a unique tribute to NASA astronauts. The result of this fundraising was three reproductions of the Lunar Excursion Module.

It was French jeweler Cartier that manufactured the unique pieces. Therefore, each member of the lunar mission, Michael Collins, Buzz Aldrin, and Neil Armstrong, received their own 5-inch-tall solid gold replica upon their arrival on Earth.

Another secret of the statuettes constitutes of a microfilm attached to its base. On these films, there are featured all the names of donors who contributed to this project. Even those who spared even 10 francs for astronauts’ tribute appeared on the material.

The FBI and Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation are currently collaborating for this ongoing investigation. There were no details revealed regarding the suspect or possible footages with the thief in action.

Image source: 1

Filed Under: Science

Factory Growth in China Slacks yet the Construction Boom Leverages Economy

July 31, 2017 By Jeff Martin Baker Leave a Comment

chinese bank

Foreign demand slowed down for the manufacturing sector in China. As a consequence, the month of July saw a sluggish factory growth. On the other hand, the government initiated infrastructure that generated a successful construction boom. In the end, the second-largest economy in the world is still able to maintain growth.

The Government Is Willing to Stagnate Growth in Order to Dissuade Present Large Financial Risks

The Purchasing Managers’ Index or PMI managed to stay above the 50-point threshold that indicates growth in China. This achievement was reiterated for the 12th month in a row as the government invested large funds into construction medium. This way, the demand didn’t fail to make its presence felt for its craving of everything from steel to cement.

However, China decided to play the global expansion card under safe circumstances. Chinese watchers are expecting a flat economic growth in the upcoming months. In the meantime, the government continues its mission to put an end on as many financial risks as possible. The main side effects in achieving these imperatives are increased borrowing costs and lower profits than ever before.

The Month of July Recorded a Weaker Export Orders Which Translated into a Slacking Factory Growth

On Monday, the National Bureau of Statistics revealed a PMI for July of 51.4 points. By comparison, the index for the previous month showed 51.7 points. That’s because export orders plummeted in July. This situation induced a slacking factory growth for the country.

Earlier this month, the United States and China failed in their negotiations for a weaker U.S. trade deficit in China. These unaccomplished talks dented President Donald Trump’s relations with Beijing from a security and economic perspective.

On the other hand, the government managed to restore the order through massive internal efforts. Officials increased investments in domestic infrastructure projects which encouraged the construction sector to keep robust growth. As a consequence, the PMI in this area showed a clear expansion to 62.5 in July. By comparison, the same index was at 61.4 in the previous month.

Image source: 1

Filed Under: Business

BMW Appointed Oxford Factory as the Production House for Electric Mini

July 26, 2017 By Jeff Martin Baker Leave a Comment

mini cooper

BMW announced that the company would have in the future an entire fleet of electric versions of the Mini. The carmaker admitted that the model would only feature three doors and the production is going to start in the year of 2019. They already selected the facility in charge with this mission as well. This is about an Oxford factory yet it would tackle only the assembly part.

The Oxford Factory Will Also Receive Manufactured Parts from Germany

On Tuesday, BMW appointed its Oxford plant as the location to work on the production of an electric Mini in 2019. The target is to create a compact vehicle for urban areas that generates zero-emissions. The company had several choices for the primary production site including a German and a Born, Netherlands facility before deciding for Britain.

While the Oxford factory is the main location for Mini 3 door model, not all its parts will be created here. BMW Group’s e-mobility center at Landshut and Dingolfing plants are going to create the electric drivetrain. Afterward, the component will travel all the way to Britain to be incorporated into the actual car. This gear consists of gearbox, motor, and battery pack.

Through this move, BMW keeps the new model at the same factory in charge with the majority of present Mini productions. Therefore, the automaker is in for large financial savings. The project would only take tens of millions of dollars which is a low investment in this particularly competitive market.

BMW Risks to Receive a Big Hit from Brexit Event Through This Decision

However, the Brexit phenomenon might heavily impact the company. With its international operations, BMW is dependent on both U.K. and E.U. The two parties haven’t agreed yet on an official deal. These uncertain conditions leave the company with a lot of risk taking decisions. The imports of drivetrains and car exports might generate deep holes in the company’s budget.

On the other hand, the company stated that it is going to base its decisions only on current political realities. On top of that, the British government has not asked yet for any special deal. This indicates that Brexit might not be such a swift change after all.

Image source: 1

Filed Under: Business

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