Astronaut twins in space? NASA did it before Winklevoss brothers

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The Winklevoss twins will ride Virgin Galactic into space. But NASA astronauts Mark and Scott Kelly are the first set of identical twins to fly in space.

The Winklevoss twins launched into the headlines Wednesday (March 5) by announcing their plan to ride a Virgin Galactic space plane (and paying with Bitcoins, no less), but they aren't the first set of identical twins to fly in space. NASA, it turns out, got there first.

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Years before the Winklevoss twins planned their Virgin Galactic space trip, the identical twins Mark and Scott Kelly both 50 of West Orange, N.J., were busy flying space shuttles for NASA. Not only are the Kelly brothers the first identical twin astronauts in history, but they were also simultaneous captains in the U.S. Navy until Mark Kelly retired from both NASA and the Navy in 2011.

The Kelly brothers (Mark is six minutes older) joined NASA's astronaut corps in 1996, with Mark flying four space shuttle missions and Scott flying three spaceflights, including a 159-day stay on the International Space Station. Both astronauts served as space shuttle commanders, with Scott commanding the space station during most recent spaceflight, which ran from October 2010 and ended in March 2011. [Twins in Space: NASA Astronauts Mark and Scott Kelly]

Now when it comes to the Winklevoss brothers the founders of Winklevoss Capital investing group this part is key. The Winklevoss twins could be the first identical siblings to fly at the same time.

The Winklevoss brothers are paying the Bitcoin equivalent of $250,000 for the suborbital spaceflight. Virgin Galactic is offering trips into suborbital space (they don't reach Earth orbit like NASA shuttles) by launching the SpaceShipTwo vehicle from a high-altitude mothership called WhiteKnightTwo. The SpaceShipTwo can carry two pilots and six passengers per flight.

The Kelly brothers never had the chance to fly in space together, though at one point it was planned.

In 2011, NASA hoped to launch its second-to-last space shuttle mission the STS-134 flight on Endeavour early in the year, during the time that Scott Kelly was in command of the International Space Station. Mark Kelly, meanwhile, would command Endeavour. It would be a historic identical twin space commander flight.

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Astronaut twins in space? NASA did it before Winklevoss brothers

Branson got space idea from kids' TV show

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Businessman Sir Richard Branson has admitted he got the idea for his commercial space flight venture during a phone-in on a children's TV show.

The Virgin boss says he first thought about it in 1988 on the BBC Saturday morning show Going Live when someone suggested it during a viewer phone-in.

Appearing on Jonathan Ross's ITV chat show, Branson said: "You never know what sparks things off in your mind but as as result of that show we registered the name Virgin Galactic Airways.

"Over the next decade I started travelling around the world meeting technicians and engineers to see if we could find a genius who could build a spaceship that could take you and me into space."

Sir Richard said the idea was the "beginning of a whole new era of space travel" and was "the most ridiculously exciting thing that I've done in my lifetime".

He added: "If we can get enough people wanting to fly it then we can start building Virgin hotels in space, we can start doing trips to Mars."

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Branson got space idea from kids' TV show

Clifton Red wins on debut, heads to Sydney

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Realism will probably win out over optimism as trainer David Hayes finalises autumn carnival plans for Clifton Red after the filly scored a debut victory in the Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes at Flemington.

As impressed as he was with Clifton Red's Group Three success, Hayes said the Golden Slipper might be aiming too high, suggesting the Sires' Produce Stakes and Champagne Stakes would be more suitable.

"She'll definitely go to Sydney, probably to run in either the Reisling or another race (the Magic Night Stakes) the week before the Slipper," Hayes said.

"But realistically, I think the Sires' or the Champagne Stakes would be better races for her.

"She would have to run really well next start to invite herself into the Golden Slipper."

Clifton Red ($26) needed every bit of the 1200m to win by a long neck from the favourite Ygritte ($2.45) with Thalia ($5) a further 2-1/4 lengths away in third place.

Despite Clifton Red being the outsider of the field, Hayes admitted to having backed the filly.

"She'd trialled well down the straight so I had something each-way on her," he said.

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Clifton Red wins on debut, heads to Sydney

Red Sox-Orioles Live: Will Middlebrooks Home Run Puts Red Sox On Board

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End 5th, Orioles 3-1: The new rule to avoid home plate collisions came into effect during this half-inning.

J.J. Hardy draws a leadoff walk from Tommy Layne, but Chris Davis lifts a pop-up to Will Middlebrooks in foul ground for the first out. Middlebrooks has been busy at third base so far today. Hardy then takes second base on an Adam Jones grounder that Layne handles from the mound.

Former Red Sox Quentin Berry is put in to pinch run for Hardy at second base. Layne then walks Neslon Cruz, who is also pinch run for.

Delmon Young rips a short liner into left field, which Henry Ramos handles well. Ramos throw to the plate is in time to catch Berry for the final out after Ryan Lavarnway applies the tag.

Mid 5th, Orioles 3-1: The Red Sox are battling at the plate, but cant seem to find success against any of the Orioles pitchers so far.

Darren ODay takes the mound for the Orioles after an inning of work from Tommy Hunter and gets Ryan Lavarnway to ground out. Bryce Bentz battles with ODay but strikes out swinging. Thats the sixth strikeout for Orioles pitching today.

Brock Holt steps in next and hits a grounder down the first base line. Chris Davis easily handles it and touches the first base bag to retire Holt for the final out in the top of the fifth.

End 4th, Orioles 3-1: The Orioles are unable to produce a base hit and go down in order in the fourth.

Alex Gonzalez starts the inning with a bloop to shallow right that Bryce Brentz is able to get under for a quick first out.

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Red Sox-Orioles Live: Will Middlebrooks Home Run Puts Red Sox On Board

Premier League – Walters scores and sees red as Stoke hold Norwich

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Jonathan Walters scored a penalty but was then shown a straight red card as Stoke held Norwich to a 1-1 draw.

Stoke started the brighter and Peter Crouch should have given them an early lead when he was sent clean through, but could only scuff his shot straight at John Ruddy.

Norwich finally struck through Bradley Johnson, whose header from Robert Snodgrasss corner beat Asmir Begovic.

Norwich couldnt hold on to their lead as Sebastian Bassong conceded a penalty for a foul on substitute John Guidetti, with Walters finding the roof of the net with the penalty.

But the Irishmans afternoon took a turn for a worse when he was dismissed for a high challenge on Alexander Tettey, who was forced off injured as a result.

KEY MOMENTS

8 STOKE CHANCE Big chance as Crouch goes clean through but scuffs his shot straight at Ruddy. A golden chance spurned by the former England striker.

49 PENALTY CLAIM Odemwingie goes down under pressure from Bassong but the referee isnt interested.

56 GOAL! Norwich 1-0 Stoke! The Canaries have the lead as Bradley Johnson heads in Snodgrasss corner.

61 NORWICH CHANCE Brilliant strike by Redmond, who cuts in from the left and sends a swerving shot at goal that Begovic unconvincingly bats away.

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Premier League - Walters scores and sees red as Stoke hold Norwich

The Science Jerks – Episode 15: Thermology, Astrogeology and Planetology with Curtis Rainsberry – Video

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The Science Jerks - Episode 15: Thermology, Astrogeology and Planetology with Curtis Rainsberry
Comedy writer and performer Curtis Rainsberry, @crainsberry, chats with us about what lies beyond absolute zero, giving the moon a new moon and why Luke Skyw...

By: The Science Jerks

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The Science Jerks - Episode 15: Thermology, Astrogeology and Planetology with Curtis Rainsberry - Video

NASA at SXSW: A Space Fan's Guide

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Hey Space Fans, if you're in Austin, Texas, attending the annual SXSW festival, NASA has some events planned that might peak your cosmic interest.

"At SXSW Interactive in Austin, Texas, attendees will find out how NASA is answering the tough questions such as: Is there life on other planets? Are we smarter than the dinosaurs? What are astronauts studying on the International Space Station?"Editor's Note:If you see NASA at SXSW, let us know! We'd love to see your photos or videos of space themes at SXSW. You can send images and comments into managing editor Tariq Malik atspacephotos@space.comfor potential stories or galleries.

NASA officials said in an statement. You can see the full schedule of NASA's events at SXSW below taken straight from NASA's own announcement:

Live from Space! Talk with Astronauts in Orbit Sat, Mar 8; 11:00am, Omni Downtown, Capital Ballroom http://schedule.sxsw.com/2014/events/event_IAP25456

John Yembrick, NASA's social media manager, will lead a discussion about how technology has evolved the way the agency connects with the public. Just a few short years ago, only a select few were able to talk to astronauts in space. Today, all you need is to be on the Internet. At SXSW, audience members can ask questions directly to astronauts Mike Hopkinsand Rick Mastracchio from 250 miles away in space.

"You don't have to go to the movies to feel connected to human spaceflight, Yembrick said. "Every day on social media astronauts on the International Space Station are sharing their experience with us down here on Earth. The station is not only an outstanding test bed for future space exploration, but also at providing us the human perspective of looking back at our home planet from orbit. Like never before, we can live vicariously through the eyes of the astronauts."

That's Hot: Visualizing NASA Climate Science Data Sat, Mar. 8; 12:30pm, Omni Downtown, Lone Star Room http://schedule.sxsw.com/2014/events/event_IAP24689

NASA has a fleet of spacecraft studying every aspect of our home planet with five new missions launching in 2014. This panel will demonstrate how NASA is using mobile applications, interactive websites, near real-time visualizations and social media to deliver meaningful and understandable Earth science data - in some cases just hours after it's collected. Representatives from JPL on this panel include Michael Green, manager for public engagement formulation, Doug Ellison, visualization producer, and Veronica McGregor, media relations manager.

NASA and Kerbal Space Program: The Asteroid Mission In Real and Virtual Worlds Sat, Mar. 8; 12:30pm, Palmer Events Center, Exhibit Hall 1 http://schedule.sxsw.com/2014/events/event_OE03288

Kerbal Space Programand NASA will share the stage at SXSW Gaming during SXSW. Their panel will offer the first look at the in-game mission as well as discuss the process of taking a real mission that is still highly conceptual and assembling it in Kerbal Space Program. NASA will be represented at the panel by Jason Townsend, Deputy Social Media Manager, and Jason Kessler, Grand Challenges Program executive, who leads NASA's efforts to "find all asteroid threats to human populations and know what to do about them."

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NASA at SXSW: A Space Fan's Guide

NASA Experts, Exhibits At SXSW Interactive

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NASA seeks to answer the unknown.

At SXSW Interactive in Austin, Texas, attendees will find out how NASA is answering the tough questions such as: Is there life on other planets? Are we smarter than the dinosaurs? What are astronauts studying on the International Space Station?

Panels

NASA will lead five presentations and panel sessions during the SXSW Interactive festival, which are open to SXSW Interactive badged participants.

Live from Space! Talk with Astronauts in Orbit Sat, Mar 8; 11:00am, Omni Downtown, Capital Ballroom http://schedule.sxsw.com/2014/events/event_IAP25456

John Yembrick, NASA's social media manager, will lead a discussion about how technology has evolved the way the agency connects with the public. Just a few short years ago, only a select few were able to talk to astronauts in space. Today, all you need is to be on the Internet. At SXSW, audience members can ask questions directly to astronauts Mike Hopkins and Rick Mastracchio from 250 miles away in space.

"You dont have to go to the movies to feel connected to human spaceflight, Yembrick said. Every day on social media astronauts on the International Space Station are sharing their experience with us down here on Earth. The station is not only an outstanding test bed for future space exploration, but also at providing us the human perspective of looking back at our home planet from orbit. Like never before, we can live vicariously through the eyes of the astronauts.

That's Hot: Visualizing NASA Climate Science Data Sat, Mar. 8; 12:30pm, Omni Downtown, Lone Star Room http://schedule.sxsw.com/2014/events/event_IAP24689

NASA has a fleet of spacecraft studying every aspect of our home planet with five new missions launching in 2014. This panel will demonstrate how NASA is using mobile applications, interactive websites, near real-time visualizations and social media to deliver meaningful and understandable Earth science data - in some cases just hours after it's collected. Representatives from JPL on this panel include Michael Green, manager for public engagement formulation, Doug Ellison, visualization producer, and Veronica McGregor, media relations manager.

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NASA Experts, Exhibits At SXSW Interactive

Regulations for Nanosafety: Maximizing Benefits of Nanotechnology, While Minimizing Risk – Video

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Regulations for Nanosafety: Maximizing Benefits of Nanotechnology, While Minimizing Risk
Presented on February 20, 2014 by Ilise Feitshans (L #39;85), Visiting Scientist at Institute for Work and Health University of Lausanne Switzerland.

By: Georgetown University Alumni Career Services

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Regulations for Nanosafety: Maximizing Benefits of Nanotechnology, While Minimizing Risk - Video

Sen. DeFrancisco: Cuomo keeps lawmakers in dark about new nanotechnology hub, other projects

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SYRACUSE, N.Y. - State Sen. John DeFrancisco is upset that Gov. Andrew Cuomo is excluding state lawmakers from multi-million dollar economic development decisions, like the new nanotechnology hub in DeWitt.

DeFrancisco learned Tuesday afternoon that Cuomo was headed to Syracuse to announce the new nanotechnology facility in the senator's district.

Before that phone call from the governor's office, DeFrancisco had no clue the state had picked a developer, a site and a tenant for the Central New York Hub for Emerging Nano Industries.

DeFrancisco said he's not upset about the new hub and the jobs it could bring. "It may be a phenomenal thing," he said.

The Legislature approved overall economic development funding in a past budget, but doesn't get to vote on this specific project.

DeFrancisco said he's not going to drop his criticism of the state's film tax credits, a program that awards $420 million annually to one industry and stands to benefit the hub's first tenant, The Film House, a movie production studio.

Instead, DeFrancisco is pushing for language in this year's budget that would require the governor have to disclose more information about specific economic development projects throughout the state.

"I just think the pendulum's gone too far with gubernatorial control," DeFrancisco said. "Maybe it was too far the other way with the Legislature having too much say. I don't know. But it just seems right now one person should not be able to make same-day announcements of projects that affect the constituents of the legislators in that area."

The governor's office did not respond to questions Friday afternoon about DeFrancisco's comments.

State lawmakers at one time did have more control over economic development funds. They handed out millions of dollars in "member items" to local organizations, legislative pork that drew criticism for lack of transparency and fairness. Then-Gov. David Paterson vetoed hundreds of member items in 2010, essentially stopping the funding streams.

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Sen. DeFrancisco: Cuomo keeps lawmakers in dark about new nanotechnology hub, other projects

UT Dallas Professor Receives Funding to Design Materials Inspired by Bone

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Newswise Dr. Majid Minary, an assistant professor of mechanical engineering at UT Dallas, has received funding to design high-performance materials inspired by bone.

The Young Investigator Research Program (YIP) grant from theAir Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR) could eventually lead to the creation of a material that can reinforce itself at points of high stress for use in airplanes and other defense applications. The YIP program provides $360,000 over three years.

The YIP is open to scientists and engineers at research institutions across the United States who received their PhD in the last five years and who show exceptional ability and promise for conducting basic research.

Materials and structures that self-reinforce, repair and heal are of importance for developing vehicles and machines for use in defense and security, said Dr. Mario Rotea, head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering in the Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science and holder of the Erik Jonsson Chair. Nature uses evolution to develop these capabilities. Dr. Minary is one of a handful of young engineers and scientists who seek to uncover fundamental mechanisms of nature and combine them with engineering principles to develop these capabilities in man-made systems. This YIP award certifies Dr. Minarys vision and skill set, and acknowledges the quality and applicability of his work to problems of relevance to the [Air Force].

The AFOSR awarded 42 grants from more than 230 applicants who submitted proposals for YIP in this round of competition. Minary is one of two current Jonsson School faculty members to receive the award this year. Cybersecurity expert Dr. Zhiqiang Lin, assistant professor of computer science, also received a grant.

Human bone has been one of the major sources for bio-inspired design for man-made materials. Its been known for decades that human bone has the ability to remodel itself. For example, bone in the dominant arm of a tennis player often weighs more than bone in the other arm, and medical clinicians often prescribe weight-bearing exercises to heal fractured bones.

Whats less clear are the fundamental mechanisms behind the remodeling. Based on his prior research, Minary will investigate the piezoelectricity (how pressure forms electric charges) of the fibers of collagen inside bones. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body it contributes to smooth skin and is a building block for muscles, tendons and bones.

My prior work showed that it is actually the collagen fibers in bone that have the piezoelectric property that allows bone to rebuild itself, said Minary, also a member of the Alan G. MacDiarmid NanoTech Institute at UT Dallas. Now we want to see if we can learn from this property and make synthetic materials that act in similar ways as the collagen fibers.

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UT Dallas Professor Receives Funding to Design Materials Inspired by Bone