Daily Archives: April 21, 2017

Driving Too Fast?

Teslas vehicles have had their fair share of accidents and crashes. While most of those involved in these reported accidents have survived, perhaps no one has ever been more thankful than the driver and passenger of a Model S that went over the edge of a cliff in California last week.

According to a report by Electrek, the Tesla driver was speeding along Grizzly Peak Boulevard, driving home towards Oakland Hills, when his Model S tumbled 150 meters (500 feet) down the side of a cliff. The driver and his passenger managed to crawl out of the upside down Model S totally ok.

The Tesla driver, who wished to remain anonymous, posted this on an online forum for Tesla owners and enthusiasts last Sunday: Driving perhaps a tad too spirited, a deer appeared at a curve at the worst possible moment. I instinctively (mistakenly) swerved to avoid it and my car ended up over the edge. We tumbled perhaps 150-200 feet down a steep slope, ended up upside down. It was only when his car was towed back up that they discovered theyd fallen 150 meters (500 feet) down, and not just 60 meters (200 feet).

Amazingly, while the Model S was wrecked, the interior of the cabin was totally intact. We climbed out with only bruises and muscle soreness, the drivers post related.I dont know how to compare this with other cars but it felt rock solid to me and I feel lucky to be alive because of my [Tesla].

The report by Electrek noted that the large crumple zones in Teslas cars, which are due to not having an engine under its hood, was the lifesaving factor in this accident. While this is yet another testament to just how committed to safety Tesla is, CEOElon Musk has promisedto strengthenthe companys standards even more.

Aside from the physical build of Tesla vehicles, a bigger contributor to safety is the Autopilot system. According to a report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released earlier this year, improvements and updates to its autonomous driving software have cut down Teslas crash records by 40 percent. In one occasion, Autopilots life-saving abilities was even caught on camera. With the 8.1 update finally out, Autopilot is expected to have improved considerably.

As for the driver from last weeks crash, hes already looking forward to hopping back inside another Tesla. Once I get insurance worked out Im sure Ill be in another one, he said in his post. Hes certainly learned his lesson, though. Maybe Ill be driving those mountain roads at night a bit more cautiously, he added.

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Tesla Driver and Passenger Survive a 500-Foot Tumble, Thanks to Safety Features in the Model S - Futurism

In BriefResearchers discovered that plasma from cord blood containsproteins that improve learning and memory skills by enhancing theactivity of the hippocampus. The protein could also mitigate theeffects of Alzheimer's. Plasma of Youth

Researchers from Stanford University in California may have stumbled upon a potential elixir of youth. The team, led by Joseph Castellano, found that blood from babies blood contains anti-aging and memory-enhancing potential.While it might sound like the premise of a horror movie, theres no need to worry: no infantswere harmed in the research, as the blood was collected from their umbilical cords.

The rejuvenating effects of infantsblood is the subject of a study the researcherspublished in the journal Nature. Similar to a previous study linkingmemory and cognitive enhancing effects to teenagers blood, Castellano and his team believe that umbilical blood may have the ability to rejuvenate memory.Click to View Full Infographic

Here we show that human cord plasma treatment revitalizes the hippocampus and improves cognitive function in aged mice, the researchers wrote. They gave three groups of mice, each about 50 years old in human years, human blood injections. The mice were split into three groups, each receiving plasma from different sources. One group received the umbilical cord plasma, the second got plasma from young people roughly aged 22, while the third gotplasma from people about 66 years old.

The mice infused with plasma from cord bloodshowed the greatest improvements, demonstrating faster learning sense and better maze navigation. This indicated enhanced activity in the mices hippocampi, the memory and learning center of the brain.

Castellano and his colleagues believe that the effectscome from aprotein found in plasma. Umbilical cord blood is rich in a protein called TIMP2, which consequently declinesas people age. This explains why the plasma from young people also demonstrated some rejuvenating ability, butplasma from older adults did not.

TIMP2 has also been known to limit the growth of enzymes called matrix metalloproteinases, believed to be involved in the development of Alzheimers. How TIMP2 works is still not clear; that being said, researchers are very interested in studyingits potential for treating age-related cognitive disorders, particularly Alzheimers. Itll take time before any such treatment could be developed from this, however.

If and when TIMP2 looks promising as a possible therapy, Id imagine there would be a great deal of interest, Castellano said. As the aging population grows each year, I think well increasingly need to look for ways to limit the harmful effects of aging.

Indeed, thereis now a trend among scientists to consider aging a disease that needs to be and can be treated. Researchers are looking for potential ways to keep aging at bay, or at the very least, to keep its degenerative effects in check. These efforts are varied, from using stem cells to gene and cellular manipulation, and even using bacteria. All of whichare avenues made possible by improved technologies that allow for better medical research and treatment.

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New Research Shows That Babies' Blood Can Improve Memory - Futurism

In Brief Scientists have located an exoplanet that's the best candidate for life as we know it. They believe it may prove to be an even more important target for the future characterization of planets in the habitable zone than Proxima b or TRAPPIST-1. Super-Earth LHS 1140b

Only a few decades ago, the thought of any alien planets existing in the reaches of space were just hypothetical ideas. Now, we know of thousands of such planets and today, scientists may have discovered the best candidate yet for alien life.

That candidate is an exoplanet orbiting a red dwarf star 40 light-years from Earthwhat the international team of astronomers who discovered it have deemed a super-Earth. Using ESOs HARPS instrument and a range of telescopes around the world, the astronomers located the exoplanet orbiting the dim star LHS 1140 within its habitable zone. This world passes in front of its parent stars as it orbits, has likely retained most of its atmosphere, and is a little larger and much more massive than the Earth. In short, super-Earth LHS 1140b is among the most exciting known subjects for atmospheric studies.

Although the faint red dwarf star LHS 1140b is ten times closer to its star than the Earth is to the Sun, because red dwarfs are much smaller and cooler than the Sun is, the super-Earth lies in the middle of the habitable zone and receives around half as much sunlight from its star as the Earth does.

This is the most exciting exoplanet Ive seen in the past decade, lead author Jason Dittmann of the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics said in an ESO science release. We could hardly hope for a better target to perform one of the biggest quests in science searching for evidence of life beyond Earth.

To support life as we know it, a planet must retain an atmosphere and have liquid surface water. When red dwarf stars are young, they emit radiation that can damage the atmospheres of planets around them. This planets large size indicates that a magma ocean may have existed on its surface for eons, feeding steam into the atmosphere and replenishing the planet with water until well within the time the star had cooled to its current, steady glow. The astronomers estimate the planet is at least five billion years old, and deduce that it has a diameter of almost 18,000 kilometers (11,185 mi) 1.4 times larger than that of the Earth. Its greater mass and density implies that it is probably made of rock with a dense iron core.

Two of the European members of the team, Xavier Delfosse and Xavier Bonfils, stated in the release: The LHS 1140 system might prove to be an even more important target for the future characterization of planets in the habitable zone than Proxima b or TRAPPIST-1. This has been a remarkable year for exoplanet discoveries!

Scientists expect observations with the Hubble Space Telescope will soon allow them to assess how much high-energy radiation the exoplanet receives, and further into the future with the help of new telescopes like ESOs Extremely Large Telescope and the James Webb Telescope detailed observations of the atmospheres of exoplanets will be possible.

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Scientists Just Discovered an Alien Planet That's The Best Candidate for Life As We Know It - Futurism

In Brief Regina Dugan, a former DARPA executive and current head of Facebook's mysterious Building 8, has released information about the work that the social media giant has been doing on brain-computer-interfaces meant to let you "communicate using only your mind."

Facebooks annual developers conference is in full swing this week. Ultimately, the event serves as an opportunity for the company to unveil their most innovative products and reveal key details about upcoming projects. And nothing is more promising or intriguing than whats coming out of Facebooks mysterious Building 8(B8).

Currently, we know very little about B8, as none of their projects have been officiallydetailed, but rumors are swirling, and its not like we dont know anything. We have some big, overarching information about the general work being done.It seems that B8 is working on four primary projects. These are said to include augmented reality, drones, cameras, and direct brain-computer interfaces (BCIs).

Yes, Facebook is working on computers that are meant to interface with our brains.

During the opening event yesterday, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced that, today, speakers at the conferencewoulddiscuss where they are in relation to their work on the BCI technology.

At the event, he stated that we would hear from Regina Dugan about some of the work that [they are] doing to build even further out beyond augmented reality, and that includes work around direct brain interfaces that are going to, eventually, one day, let you communicate using only your mind.

Dugan is aformer DARPA executive. She also worked for Googles advanced projects division. Now, Dugan has finally released information about the work B8 has been doing. The highlights and video of the event are below (this story is developing):

This article has been updated to clarify the nature of the brain interface and what information Facebook is hoping to capture and transmit to the outside world.

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Facebook Finally Released Details on Their Top Secret Brain-Computer Interface - Futurism

In Brief AeroMobil, a flying car company, has unveiled the first edition of its new vehicle and is taking pre-orders for shipments in 2020. The vehicle will sell at around $1.3 to $1.7 million, depending on specifications. The Flying Car

With our childhood perceptions of the future formed by viewings of Back to the Future and the Jetsons, we have always held a special place in our hearts for the idea of a flying car. And while tech industry giants like Elon Musk say that there is no real future for flying cars, AeroMobil, a flying car company, seems to disagree.

Credit: Aeromobil

The company has released its new model and is currently taking pre-orders for the limited first edition of the flying car. All preorders on the AeroMobil will ship 2020, and the added time will give the company a chance to increase production to meet the demands of building500 vehicles.

The two-seated vehicle powered by hybrid propulsion can transform from car to plane in under 3 minutes. It also boasts a driving range of 700 km (434 miles) and a flight range thats a bit longer at 750 km (466 miles) at 75 percent of its top speed. On the ground, the hybrid vehicle boasts a top speed around 160 kph (100 mph), while in the air its 360 kph (224 mph).

Now, should the Flying Car run out of fuel midflight or bust an engine, there are safety features that help it glide down to Earth with the help of a parachute. Passengers would be provided with airbags for in-air and on-road accidents.

If you want to get your hands on one of these, youll need to fork over $1.3 to $1.7 million. While flying cars may seem like a fad for the rich, it might become something more than that, with ride-share companies like uber taking an interest in the technology. Aeromobil also isnt alone in their quest to conquerthe skies. In a few years, we may be able to have our pick of flying cars although none are likely to be DeLoreans.

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The World's First Flying Car Is Taking Pre-Orders for 2020 Delivery - Futurism

In Brief A prominent analyst has demonstrated his belief that Tesla's electric semi truck will disrupt the auto industry by downgrading stocks of competitors. This comes on the heels of the highest share price forecast Tesla has ever received. Disruption Ahead

Last week, Elon Musk announced that the seriously next-level Tesla semi truck would be coming this September. In response, Piper Jaffray analyst Alex Potter published a note on April 18 indicating that he is downgrading truck makers Paccar and Cummins, partly because their valuations already reflect cyclical optimism, but also because we think TSLAs impending arrival could pressure valuations.

Potters vote of confidence in Teslas potential impact on transportation was met with incredulity from some in the auto making industry, as neither the Tesla Model 3 or its semi have launched yet.According to CNBC, Potter further clarified his position in a separate note strictly on Cummins:

Cummins makes diesel engines, but companies like Tesla (among others) are aiming to supplant CMIs products. These Silicon Valley disrupters are not confining their ambitions to sedans; instead, they have announced plans for electric semis, electric pickups, electric buses, and various other products that defy the preeminence of diesel engines. CMI enthusiasts will note that EVs wont replace diesel trucks in the coming 2 years (not in a material way, at least) and we agree. But when/if electric drivetrains are proven viable in the first commercial vehicle segments, we think incumbents valuations could fall rapidly thereafter.

And in a separate note dealing solely with Paccar, Potter reportedly wrote,

Teslas presence looms large; laugh all you want, but this trend cannot be ignored. In the automotive segment, Tesla and others have wrought substantial disruption, forcing incumbents to change their hiring practices, increase R&D spending, and ultimately, suffer lower multiples. PCAR may be less at risk than others and its probably too early to start ringing alarm bells but with the stock trading near the high-end of its historical valuation range, we wouldnt be adding to positions.

Although Potter acknowledged both that Tesla is not the first to produce an electric truck and that details about the truck remain unknown, he made it clear that he believes investors should consider Teslas disruptive potential in the market now. Potter forecast Tesla shares at $368 on Monday, April 10 the highest price forecast it had ever received from an analyst at a major firm.

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Expert Asserts That Tesla's Electric Semi Will Totally Disrupt the Auto Industry - Futurism

In Brief

Neurological disorders can be difficult to treat, and among these epilepsy is one of the most common worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) notes that about 50 million people suffer from this chronic disorder around the world. Epileptic patients suffer from recurring seizures and brief moments of involuntary movement.

One type of epilepsy known as the Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) is particularly difficult to manage. LGS is characterized by multiple types of seizures, including stiffening and drop seizures. The latter is an involuntary loss of muscle tone which causes patients to suddenly go limp and fall down. While thats already tough, LGS is also known to affect children. Plus, intellectual and behavioral problems make management of this syndrome even more challenging.

While there isnt any cure yet to LGS or epilepsy in general, there are available treatments. One particular form of treatment uses cannabidiol, which is a molecule from marijuanadevoid of properties that induce a high. On Tuesday, researchers from the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) released the results of a clinical study showing how cannabidol may be effective in reducing seizures in children and adult patients suffering from LGS.

The clinical study involved 225 people whose average age was 16 years, with a monthly average of 85 drop seizures. They were observed for 14 weeks after being split into three groups: one received a higher daily dose of cannabidiol (20 mg/kg), another a daily lower dose (10 mg/kg), while a third received a placebo added to their current medication.

The first group showed a 42 percent reduction in drop seizures, while the second showed a 37 percent decrease. Those who took a placebo showed only a 17 percent reduction. However, mild to moderate side effects including decreased appetite and sleepiness were observed in all three groups.

Our results suggest that cannabidiol may be effective for those with [LGS] in treating drop seizures, said study author Anup Patel in an interview for an American Academy of Neurologypress release. This is important because this kind of epilepsy is incredibly difficult to treat. While there were more side effects for those taking cannabidiol, they were mostly well-tolerated. I believe that it may become an important new treatment option for these patients.

The details of the study, which adds to the potential treatment benefits of cannabis-based medication, will be presented at the AANs 69th Annual Meeting in Boston on April 22 to 28, 2017. The AAN researchers also have plans to submit a New Drug Application to the FDA later this year.

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A Cannabis-Based Treatment for Epileptic Children Was Shown to Decrease Seizures - Futurism

In Brief Scientists at the Large Hadron Collider at CERN recently revealed data about a particle that decays in a way that deviates from the Standard Model of particle physics. This could point to a new kind of physics or could simply be a fluke, but more testing should clear up the uncertainty. An Intriguing Behavior

The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) is currently the worlds most sophisticated and advanced particle accelerator. And you guessed it its also the largest. The LHC can be found at the European Organization for Nuclear Researchs (CERN) accelerator complex, and its job, in simple terms, is to propel particles into super-fast motion, rotating them along a 27-kilometer (16.7-mile) ring of superconducting magnets, and smash them together. And no, Flash fans it doesnt turn us into metahumans.

In the years since it was first activated in 2008, the LHC has made a number of discoveries that contribute toour understanding of the physics of particles in our world the so-called Standard Model. Most notable of these isthe discovery of the Higgs Boson in 2012. Now, LHC scientists may be on the verge of a new breakthrough as theyre unearthed data from the particle accelerators recent run that deviates from the Standard Model and hints at new physics.

The scientists found that subatomic particles called B0mesons dont decay or fall apart in a manner thats predicted by our current understanding of physics, a property referred to aslepton universality. Deviations such as what we see now are very exciting in the sense that if there are new particles, it means we can eventually use those new building blocks, said CERN physicist Freya Blekmanin an interview with Wired. Either lepton universality is not true, or there is something extra happening, for example, a new extra intermediate particle.

Dont start rewriting the Standard Model just yet, though. More data and observations are needed to definitively conclude anything. While potentially exciting, the discrepancy with the Standard Model occurs at the level of 2.2 to 2.5 sigma, which is not yet sufficient to draw a firm conclusion, according to a report by CERN. This means that theres still a 1 in 100 probability that the findings dont really point to a new physics and are simply the result of chance.

The necessity of continuous observation and more data is expected, of course thats how science works. Likewise, challenging accepted knowledge like what the LHCs data on B0 mesons is doing to the Standard Model is also part and parcel of science. It really isnt surprising, especially since the Standard Model of particle physics includesmissing pieces that need to be filled.

Certain objects, particularly subatomic ones, behave in ways not explained by the Standard Model. This illustratesthe need for other models, like quantum physics. Such will be the way things are until, perhaps, we finally stumble upon a theory that explains everything about how the world works. For now, technologies like the LHC are our best way to fill these gaps in the Standard Model.

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A New Discovery by the LHC Hints at Physics Beyond the Standard Model - Futurism