Astronomy – Ch. 6: Telescopes (12 of 25) Atmospheric Limitations for Telescopes – Video

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Astronomy - Ch. 6: Telescopes (12 of 25) Atmospheric Limitations for Telescopes
Visit http://ilectureonline.com for more math and science lectures! In this video I will discuss the atmosphere conditions that affect the astronomers abilit...

By: Michel van Biezen

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Astronomy - Ch. 6: Telescopes (12 of 25) Atmospheric Limitations for Telescopes - Video

Astronomy – Ch. 6: Telescopes (18 of 21) Radio Telescopes VLA (Very Large Array) – Video

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Astronomy - Ch. 6: Telescopes (18 of 21) Radio Telescopes VLA (Very Large Array)
Visit http://ilectureonline.com for more math and science lectures! In this video I will explain today #39;s radio telescopes, VLA (Very Large Array).

By: Michel van Biezen

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Astronomy - Ch. 6: Telescopes (18 of 21) Radio Telescopes VLA (Very Large Array) - Video

American Association of Variable Star Observers Names New Director

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Citizen science. Crowdsourcing. Data mining. The talk of Wall Street, Silicon Valley, and universities worldwide, these activities were pioneered by a 103-year-old network of astronomy enthusiasts. That organization, the American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO), is providing key pieces to the biggest puzzles in astronomy, says educator and researcher Styliani (Stella) Kafka, who will become the organizations sixth director next February. According to Dr. Kafka, variable stars are front and center when it comes to finding new solar systems or to measuring the dark energy that powers the universes expansion.Headquartered in Cambridge, MA, the AAVSO coordinates the activities of nearly 1,000 active astronomers, gathering over a million observations yearly from these citizen-scientists -- many of whom are self-taught amateurs with backyard telescopes. The resulting database of over 26 million observations is used by hundreds of educators and research scientists annually. In turn, these investigators are shedding new light on some of the biggest questions in science -- questions that range from the universes long-term fate (will it expand ever-faster until every galaxy recedes from view?) to the likelihood of life on planets orbiting other stars.A graduate of the University of Athens and Indiana University, Dr. Kafka will lead the AAVSO even farther into a brave new world -- a world where digital technology has enabled backyard astronomers to point the way for billion-dollar space missions. Shes the ideal person for taking the organization to the next level, says Arne Henden, the AAVSOs outgoing director, of his successor: She has the ability to work with the professional and amateur communities both.First as a student and then as a postdoctoral researcher, Dr. Kafka has investigated some of the universes most dynamic phenomena. Case in point: the ominously named cataclysmic variables. In these cosmic duets, one stars gravity captures part of another stars atmosphere, leading to sporadic but explosive outbursts of matter and radiation. These outbreaks of stellar cannibalism can erupt overnight, and the AAVSOs global network of active observers has enabled professional astronomers -- even those using the Hubble Space Telescope -- to catch the culprits in the act. Coordinating such networks and curating their data is so vital that NASA and the U.S. National Science Foundation regularly support the AAVSO with research grants.We are doing a lot more today than we did ten or twenty years ago, says Dr. Henden, thanks to the AAVSOs talented staff, generous benefactors, and tireless observers. That said, the outgoing and incoming directors both hope that the organization can make even greater strides, both in the use of technology and in supporting K-12 education. Astronomy is ideal for bringing science to younger folks, says Henden. Dr. Kafka concurs: We would like to have a bigger presence in the classroom. Smartphone apps could enable students and teachers to learn astronomy while keeping abreast of stellar explosions that can be seen with binoculars or even the unaided eye. Meanwhile, online communications can enlarge the AAVSOs already robust tradition of mentorship -- of experienced observers training new citizen-scientists to acquire or analyze astronomical data.The AAVSO is more than an astronomy club, says Kafka, It is a community of astro-enthusiasts who are curious about the mechanics of the night sky, and it is an essential support network for scientists trying to solve fundamental questions in astrophysics.Contacts:Rebecca Turner+1 617-354-0484rebecca@aavso.orgElizabeth O. Waagen+1 617-354-0484eowaagen@aavso.org

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American Association of Variable Star Observers Names New Director

UT Vols quarterback 'Astro' Dobbs dealing with sudden stardom

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Tennessee quarterback Joshua Dobbs (11) takes off on a fourth-down play, with seconds left on the clock, to score a 36-yard touchdown at South Carolina last Saturday.

KNOXVILLE -- Josh Dobbs walked into one of his classes at the University of Tennessee on Monday and was greeted by cheers and an ovation from a handful of his fellow students.

On the sophomore quarterback's social media accounts, he's been given myriad nicknames and had his face photoshopped to an astronaut suit and received countless words of encouragement.

Someone from ESPN was on the other end of the phone call he took after his post-practice interview session Tuesday, a day after he became the first Volunteer to be named the SEC offensive player of the week since Tyler Bray in November 2012. He also was the Tennessee Sports Writers Association's offensive player of the week.

Such is life when you pile up 467 yards of total offense, score five touchdowns and orchestrate an improbable comeback like Dobbs did against South Carolina in Columbia on Saturday night.

"Him playing like that," freshman tailback Jalen Hurd said, "he deserves every bit of it."

The hype surrounding Tennessee's quarterback has hit a fever pitch and taken on a life of its own, but Dobbs will need to manage the newfound notoriety and the shiny spotlight as the Vols continue to chase the program's first bowl game since 2010 with a three-game stretch of Kentucky, Missouri and Vanderbilt following this week's open date.

"If there's one individual who can handle it, it's Josh Dobbs," Tennessee coach Butch Jones said. "He's very humble. He's very unassuming. He takes everything in stride, and we always tell everyone, 'Praise and blame, it's all the same.'

"You have to take it in stride and enjoy it. But again, what you did last week has no bearing of what you're going to do the following week. You have to earn it every week through your preparation."

Between his life as a football player and 16-hour class load this semester as an aerospace engineering major -- thermodynamics, physics, matrices, circuits, computers and even business management are among the subjects -- Dobbs is plenty busy, but his usual routine is going to be interrupted after how he's played the past two weeks.

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UT Vols quarterback 'Astro' Dobbs dealing with sudden stardom

MTV Review | Christopher Nolan's 'Interstellar' Is Out Of This World

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MTV News

16:43, Tuesday, 04 November 2014

UK Release Date: 7th Nov Certificate: 12A Running Time: 169 mins Cast: Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain, Casey Affleck. Michael Caine, Matt Damon Director: Christopher Nolan Plot: Earth is dying. Well, its not really dying, but its decided its had enough of the human race. Devastating droughts and famines have pushed human existence to the very edge of extinction. But salvation may lie through a wormhole that has suspiciously just appeared near Saturn and a top secret NASA mission sends farmer Cooper (McConaughey), scientist Brand (Hathaway) and a merry band of brave explorers into an unknown galaxy far away to find a hospitable planet that the human race can call home. Needless to say, things dont go to plan and space, the final frontier, is not a friendly place.

Best Scene: So many contenders. The WTF ending, chasing a drone through a corn field in a truck, and landing on an ocean world with waves even bigger than Matthew McConaughys career revival among them. But the most dramatic, edge-of-an-uncomfortable-cinema-seat scene is a deep space chase back to the Endurance between Dr. Mann (Damon), Coop and Brand. Best One Liner: Thats relativity, folks! quips David Gyasi's Romilly after he explains that through the wormhole, one hour for the Endurance crew equates to seven years back on Earth. Which is an all round bummer because mankind doesnt really have much time to spare. Date Movie or Mate Movie: Love transcending space, time and the 5th and 6th dimensions is a theme in this film, so definitely a date movie. Also, with mankinds fate resting upon the shoulders of Coop and his crew, friendships on his spaceship quickly turn very tetchy.

Scene Stealer: Gargantua. No, not a WWF wrestler or a pet name for a tarantula, but a great big massive black hole which is at the centre of Instellars narrative. It just sits there eating light and time like a trucker with a service station full English breakfast. After crunching lots and lots of astro-physics formulas and rendering out the CG Gargantua, this black hole is the most realistic example of a black hole ever seen. And, curiously, it isnt actually black. Its bright and absolutely beautiful.

WTF Moment: The ending. I will say no more.

The ending, however will divide opinion more than the timeless debate: should cinemas be allowed to sell stinking cheesy nachos. Youll either see it as a satisfying resolution to the emotional arc of McConaughys character or a bat s**t cop out on an intergalactic scale. Either way, I watched this intelligent sci-fi movie with awe and the questions it left propelled me to enter the BFIs very own black hole of a website and buy IMAX tickets for a repeat viewing of this certain classic.

By Michael Currell@MTVUK

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MTV Review | Christopher Nolan's 'Interstellar' Is Out Of This World

Artificial Intelligence, Wearable Technology, Interactive Hat at The University of Lincoln, UK – Video

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Artificial Intelligence, Wearable Technology, Interactive Hat at The University of Lincoln, UK
The interactive hat reacts to the presence of the people. The hat integrates technology based on artificial intelligence with a fashionable design. The hat i...

By: Marina Walger

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Artificial Intelligence, Wearable Technology, Interactive Hat at The University of Lincoln, UK - Video

Robot Learns From He-Man in First Trailer of Neill Blomkamp's 'Chappie'

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November 05, 2014 02:58:06 GMT The science fiction film reveals the birth of an Artificial Intelligence who can do anything with his life including having original ideas.

Neill Blomkamp's "" follows an experimental humanoid who's abducted by criminals en route to an Artificial Intelligence day of reckoning. The sci-fi movie's first trailer focuses on how the robot is created, what he can do with his intelligence and the threats that he faces.

"A machine that can think, and feel," who portrays a scientist describes his creation. "Anything you want to do with your life, you can do. Write poetry, have original ideas." Chappie learns to discover things including how to draw a sword like He-Man and walk like a gangster.

With the new technology comes the opposition. portrays a man named Vincent who sees that AI is too dangerous. "The problem with artificial intelligence is that it's too unpredictable," he says. Chappie endures not only bullying but also attempts to destroy him by fire and bullets.

portrays Chappie using a motion-capture performance. The pic will be released in U.S. theaters March 6, 2015.

AceShowbiz.com

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Robot Learns From He-Man in First Trailer of Neill Blomkamp's 'Chappie'

Aerospace Gurus Show Off a Fancy Space Suit Made for Mars

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The space suits astronauts wear today are marvels of engineering, but theyre far from perfect. For one thing, theyre unwieldy. At a weight of nearly 300 pounds, astronauts have to expend a huge amount of energy just to move them around. It was great for 45 years ago, but we can do better, says Dava Newman.

Newman, an MIT aerospace engineer who was recently nominated for the role of NASA deputy administrator, is working on next-generation suits that would give astronauts far greater mobilitythe type of equipment that would be instrumental to a manned mission to Mars. At WIRED by Design, Newman and her partner Gui Trotti showed off one such concept. Dubbed the BioSuit, it would replace todays bulky gas-pressurized get-ups with a form-fitting soft exoskeleton.

By tapping advanced materials and relying on a mathematically-informed fit, the BioSuit could someday allow astronauts to explore the solar system with unprecedented freedom. As Newman puts it: It is literally a second-skin suit.

For more on WIRED by Design, visit live.wired.com.

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Aerospace Gurus Show Off a Fancy Space Suit Made for Mars

Pedro Noguera awarded prize for outstanding achievement in behavioral and social sciences

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PUBLIC RELEASE DATE:

4-Nov-2014

Contact: Camille Gamboa camille.gamboa@sagepub.com 805-410-7441 SAGE Publications

Los Angeles, CA (November 4, 2014) SAGE and the Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University (CASBS) are delighted to announce that Dr. Pedro Noguera is the 2014 recipient of the SAGE-CASBS award. Established in 2013, the award recognizes outstanding achievement in advancing the understanding of the behavioral and social sciences as they are applied to pressing social issues.

Dr. Noguera is a sociologist and education rights activist whose transformational work helps to illuminate how schools are influenced by social and economic conditions as well as by demographic trends in local, regional and global contexts. He is the Peter L. Agnew Professor of Education at New York University and holds faculty appointments in the departments of Teaching and Learning and Humanities and Social Sciences at the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education and Development. Having served as a classroom teacher in public schools across the nation, Dr. Noguera continues to work as a researcher and advisor to schools nationally and internationally.

"Receiving the SAGE-CASBS Award is both humbling and deeply satisfying for me," commented Dr. Noguera. "I have devoted my scholarly career to the study of pressing social problems: youth violence, school failure, urban poverty, racial disparities and many others. Drawing on theory and method from the behavioral sciences has been extremely important for my work because it has made it possible to challenge poorly conceived public policies and to counter conventional thinking that is rooted in stereotypes and biases. By utilizing empirical research to explore the complexities that underlie many pressing social issues, we can open up new possibilities for policy, practice and social action. The SAGE-CASBS award is an affirmation that this type of inquiry and scholarly endeavor is not only legitimate but extremely important. "

Currently, Dr. Noguera serves as Executive Director of the Metropolitan Center for Research on Equity and the Transformation of Schools. Previously, he was appointed by the governor of New York to the State University of New York (SUNY) Board of Trustees and in 2014 he was elected to the National Academy of Education.

"Dr. Noguera's remarkable work as an academic is rivaled only by his passionate efforts to transform his research into better educational environments and opportunities for underserved students. Communicating with policymakers, with other educational decision makers, and to the broader public, he has made important progress in a larger effort to close the education gap and achieve educational justice," commented SAGE Founder and Executive Chairman Sara Miller McCune. "Dr. Noguera embodies the mission of the SAGE-CASBS award, and we are delighted to announce him as the 2014 winner."

"Pedro Noguera represents the very best of contemporary social science," said CASBS Director Margaret Levi. "A distinguished Professor of Education and Sociology, he has built an outstanding research career grounded in his formative, practical experience as a classroom teacher and school board member. He is fundamentally concerned with how to make teachers and indeed the whole of society accountable for providing equal educational opportunities and for closing the achievement gap. He focuses on education as an important developmental tool for individuals and their communities."

A regular commentator on CNN, MSNBC, and NPR, among others, as well as a writer for The Nation, Dr. Noguera will give a keynote speech at CASBS' Behavioral & Social Science Summit on November 8, 2014 at Stanford University. Themed, "The City," this year's conference will bring together some of the world's top social and behavioral scientists with leaders in industry, media, and the community to discuss the best means and policies for improving the urban experience.

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Pedro Noguera awarded prize for outstanding achievement in behavioral and social sciences

Anti-aging doc charged $250,000 after nearly killing man with breast cancer drug

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RINGGOLD, Ga. -- A North Georgia doctor must pay a patient a quarter of a million dollars after almost killing him with medicine.

In September 2011, according to court documents, Steve Gables visited Dr. Robert Burkich's Preventive Medicine Anti-Aging & Chelation practice in Ringgold. Burkich told him he had low testosterone and prescribed him Tamoxifen.

Problem is, Tamoxifen is for breast cancer, not low testosterone. And it can cause blood clots. One day, about four months after Burkich told him to take the medicine, Gables was sitting in his living room when he felt his leg cramp.

"It was just hard," he said. "Hard as granite."

He had blood clots in his legs. One of those clots, according to court documents, broke off, traveled through his bloodstream to his throat and blocked an artery. He almost died.

Gables went to Memorial Hospital's emergency room, and a doctor asked to see all of his medication. When the doctor looked at the Tamoxifen, Gables said, he almost yelled.

"Who put you on this?" the doctor demanded.

Gables, of Ooltewah, said that was the first time he learned his medication was for breast cancer. He filed a lawsuit against Burkich. Three years later, on Oct. 24, a jury ruled in Gables' favor. Burkich now must pay him $250,000.

The doctor did not return a call seeking comment Monday. But according to his website, Burkich has been treating patients since 1989.

Gables said Burkich's prescription ruined his life. Because of the clots, he now has to take blood thinners. And because he is taking blood thinners, he said, he is vulnerable to dangerous injuries.

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Anti-aging doc charged $250,000 after nearly killing man with breast cancer drug

Dermatologists boost Skin Safety Campaign, warn about beauty experts

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PDS introduces the first Guide on Dermocosmetics in the Philippines as part of its Skin Safety Campaign. Len Cristobal

The growing number of skin complications caused by procedures performed by unqualified individuals fueled the Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS) to start a Skin Safety Campaign in 2008. Today, positioning itself as the DermAuthority, the organization has expanded its platforms and now uses social media to educate Filipinos about proper skin care and safe and effective treatments for skin, hair, and nail conditions in order to prevent damaging consequences of misinformation.

Uncertified 'experts'

One of the issues raised at a media briefing with PDS in Mandaluyong on Monday was the serious problem of uncertified clinics performing cosmetic and skin treatment procedures.

Furthermore, the organization also warned the public to be mindful about heavily promoted products on TV that promise to address skin issues in a short span of time.

PDS president Dr. Rosalina Nadela reminded the public to consult only eligible dermatologists for skin care and skin diseases.

Licensed dermatologists have undergone three years of training at a hospital or institution approved by the PDS, which prides itself as the only specialty society in dermatology recognized by the Philippine Medical Association. It currently has 11 accredited dermatology training institutions:

1. Philippine General Hospital UP Manila 2. Skin & Cancer Foundation, Inc. 3. Research Institute for Tropical Medicine 4. East Avenue Medical Center 5. Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center 6. Makati Medical Center 7. Ospital ng Maynila Medical Center 8. Southern Philippines Medical Center 9. St. Lukes Medical Center 10. Sto. Tomas University Hospital 11. University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center

PDS awards the Skin Safety Campaign door decal and the Seal of Excellence to certified dermatologists whose names can be found on their official website.

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Dermatologists boost Skin Safety Campaign, warn about beauty experts