News
New Way to Determine Arrow of Time
Newswise — One of the annoying side effects of being absorbed in a gripping novel is that the cup of tea on the table becomes cold! Unfortunately, the tea would not heat itself by absorbing the heat around it, just as pieces of a broken egg would not put themselves together or milk mixed in coffee would not separate by itself. Such things are irreversible, and define a fixed direction of time—that from the past towards the future. This apparent progression of time is called the ‘arrow of time’.
In a recent study, Prof Mahendra Verma of the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, suggests a way, different from any previous ones, to determine the direction in which time is progressing. He uses the concept of energy cascade to define the arrow of time.
One would think that the ‘arrow of time’ is well captured in the laws of physics—those related to the fundamental forces of gravity, electromagnetism and the strong nuclear forces. However, the mathematical equations of these laws stay perfectly valid when we substitute t with -t, that is, reverse the time. So, using these laws, we cannot explain the world around us, so full of irreversible things and so clearly asymmetric in time. Then how could we capture this asymmetry of time?
“The arrow of time is an important question from the perspectives of biology, consciousness, and cosmology,” says Prof Verma. The concept is of interest to biologists in their study of evolution and ageing, to cosmologists in understanding how the Universe began and is evolving, to philosophers in answering questions such as ‘is time real?’.
Scientists believe that the second law of thermodynamics defines the arrow of time. They describe an entity called entropy, which is a measure of the amount of disorder in a system and can be expressed mathematically. The second law of thermodynamics states that the entropy of an isolated system can never decrease; it can either stay the same or increase. Thus the direction of increasing entropy is the forward direction of time, and the direction of decreasing entropy is the reverse direction of time.
Prof Verma offers an alternative definition of forward-moving time in this work published in the journal European Physical Journal B. He notes that in dissipative systems, energy always flows from large scale or bigger chunks to small scales or smaller chunks, and this defines the arrow of time.
When we pour milk in a cup of coffee and stir it, we see a large blob of milk swirl and then turn into vortices, smaller and smaller in size. The white blobs gradually turn to brown and finally mix completely with the coffee. The energy that we supply by stirring is transferred to the large blob of milk, which breaks into smaller blobs. The energy then transfers to these smaller blobs, which break into even smaller blobs, and the ‘cascade of energy’ continues until the milk mixes completely with the coffee.
Dissipative systems are those in which energy is lost to heat, via friction in mechanical systems, via resistance in electrical systems, and via viscosity in fluids. Similar to how milk mixes in coffee, in a dissipative system, the energy supplied at large scales gets transferred successively to smaller scales (energy cascade) and is finally dissipated at the smallest scale.
“When we break an egg using a spoon, note that the initial strike causes the egg to break and that the initial energy injection by the spoon cascades down the scale. This energy transfer is asymmetric in time; the energy cannot flow from small pieces of the egg to the spoon that broke it. This asymmetry explains why we cannot put a broken egg together,” argues Prof Verma. The energy cascade thus defines the arrow of time.
In the current study, Prof Verma discusses the specific case of time reversal for turbulent flows. If we write the equations of energy transfers in turbulent fluids for reversed time (substitute t with -t), we get equations that indicate a flow of energy from small scale to large scale. Such energy transfers are never observed in reality (in dissipative systems). Thus, the energy flow from large scales to small scales defines forward-moving time, whereas energy flow from small scale to large scale defines reverse time.
Prof Verma suggests that we can apply this very principle of energy transfers to several other physical systems such as earthquakes, thermal convection and magnetohydrodynamic turbulence. However, researchers will need to work out the details of the energy transfers for these systems. “We hope that this multiscale framework may be useful for resolving some of the longstanding issues on the arrow of time in physical and biological systems, as well as in cosmology,” he concludes.
About IIT Kanpur:
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur was established on 2nd November 1959 by an Act of Parliament. The institute has a sprawling campus spread over 1055 acres with large pool of academic and research resources spanning across 19 departments, 22 centres, and 3 Interdisciplinary programs in engineering, science, design, humanities, and management disciplines with 540 full-time faculty members and approximately 9000 students. In addition to formal undergraduate and postgraduate courses, the institute has been active in research and development in areas of value to both industry and government.
For more information, visit www.iitk.ac.in.
Space and Tech
Discover the Cosmos with Space Voyage Ventures: Space Tourism, Exploration, and Future Endeavors
Embark on a cosmic adventure with Space Voyage Ventures: Your ultimate resource for space tourism, exploration, and future missions.
Space Voyage Ventures is a newly launched website dedicated to space tourism and the advancements in space travel. It offers a comprehensive resource for individuals with an interest in astronautics and cosmic exploration. The website is divided into several sections that cover a range of topics related to space exploration.
The Space Travel Destinations section takes users on a virtual journey through the cosmos. It provides detailed information about various planets, remote areas of space, and ongoing missions. The Mars Projects category focuses on the Red Planet, while the Lunar Missions section explores Earth’s closest celestial neighbor. The Galactic Exploration part of the website looks at distant galaxies and cosmic phenomena, while the Current Achievements and Future Aspirations segment provides a timeline of major milestones and upcoming ventures in space exploration. The section on Space Tourism Visa Requirements breaks down the logistical aspects of space travel, including health and fitness standards and training prerequisites.
The Space Experience Guides section offers valuable insights into the preparation and experience of space travel. It covers topics such as pre-mission preparation, astronaut training, the effects of space on the body, health screenings, and life in zero gravity. The section also speculates on future expectations for space missions.
The Commercial Lunar Tourism section focuses on the groundbreaking projects currently in progress. It provides an overview of major commercial lunar tourism initiatives, including Blue Origin, Virgin Galactic, SpaceX, and the DearMoon Project. Each subsection details the goals, progress, and vision of these projects.
The Upcoming Missions section keeps users informed about forthcoming space endeavors. It features information on NASA’s Artemis Program, the European Space Agency’s Lunar Pathfinder, China’s Chang’e Lunar Exploration Program, SpaceX’s Mars exploration plans, and Blue Origin’s Orbital Reef. The section provides updates on mission objectives, technology, and timelines.
The Explore Spacecrafts section offers an in-depth look at the spacecraft that propel astronauts into space. It showcases the design, engineering, and revolutionary technologies behind these crafts. Users can explore interactive 3D models and take virtual tours of the interiors of various spacecraft.
The Space Gear section unravels the intricacies of the equipment essential for space travel. It focuses on astronaut suits and the high-tech tools used during missions. Users can learn about the design, advanced technology, and safety protocols associated with astronaut suits. The section also explores the range of tools and devices used by astronauts during their missions.
Space Voyage Ventures aims to educate and inspire users, fostering a new generation of space enthusiasts and potential explorers. The website covers a wide range of topics related to space travel, making the vastness of space feel a little closer to home. It offers a front-row seat to the unfolding story of humanity’s journey among the stars.
Source: Ciaran Connolly, Space Voyage Ventures Founder
https://www.einpresswire.com/article/695017139/space-tourism-website-space-voyagers-launches
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Daily News
Discover the Most Influential Figures in Health on TIME’s Inaugural TIME100 Health List
“TIME100 Health: Celebrating the game-changers revolutionizing healthcare and shaping a healthier world for all.”
In a world where health has become an increasingly important issue, TIME magazine has taken a step towards recognizing the individuals who are leading the way in creating positive change. Today, they reveal their inaugural TIME100 Health list, a compilation of the 100 most influential people in the field of health.
To create this list, TIME reporters and editors worked tirelessly, consulting experts and sources from around the world. The result is a community of leaders from various industries, including scientists, doctors, advocates, educators, and policy-makers, who are dedicated to making a tangible difference in the world of health.
TIME Editor-in-Chief Sam Jacobs writes in his letter to readers, “Their work is enough to inspire the belief that the world of health is in the middle of a golden age of accomplishment and transformation.” This list serves as a reminder that amidst all the chaos, there are people out there using their resourcefulness and ingenuity to improve the lives of others.
The 2024 TIME100 Health list features CEOs, founders, and co-founders who are at the forefront of health innovation. Lars Fruergaard Jørgensen of Novo Nordisk, Albert Bourla of Pfizer, and Dave Ricks of Eli Lilly are just a few of the notable names on the list. These individuals have made significant contributions to the field, revolutionizing healthcare and pushing boundaries.
Women also play a prominent role on the list, with names like Sumbul Desai, Vice President of Health at Apple, and Raluca Cohen, Chief Science Officer at Salignostics, being recognized for their exceptional work. The list aims to highlight the achievements of women who have made a lasting impact in the field of health.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the TIME100 Health list is the age range of the individuals recognized. From 28-year-old Dale Whelehan, CEO of Four Day Week Global, to 99-year-old Jimmy Carter, the 39th U.S. President, who has been fighting to eradicate Guinea worm for decades, these individuals prove that age is not a barrier to making a difference.
The list also includes creatives and entertainers, showcasing the diverse range of people who are involved in shaping the future of health. Actors Michael J. Fox, Halle Berry, and Olivia Munn, authors Alua Arthur and Peter Attia, and professor and author Jonathan Haidt are just a few of the notable names on the list.
Scientists, doctors, and researchers who are at the forefront of health innovation are also recognized for their groundbreaking work. Cancer researcher Thomas Powles, research scientist Jenna Forsyth, and neurosurgeon Jocelyne Bloch are just a few of the exceptional individuals who have made significant contributions to their respective fields.
Policy-makers and government officials are also acknowledged for their role in shaping health policies. President of France Emmanuel Macron, CDC Director Mandy Cohen, and U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy are just a few of the influential figures who have made a significant impact in the field of health.
To celebrate the individuals on the TIME100 Health list, TIME will be hosting the TIME100 Impact Dinner: Leaders Shaping the Future of Health on May 13th in New York City. This event will bring together leaders from various sectors to discuss innovation and trends in healthcare. The event will feature notable speakers such as Halle Berry and Marlena Fejzo, who will provide valuable insights into the future of health.
The TIME100 Health list serves as a reminder of the remarkable progress being made in the world of health. It highlights the individuals who are dedicated to making a positive impact and creating a healthier world for all. Whether you are familiar with the names on this list or not, their work is undoubtedly changing lives and shaping the future of health.
About TIME
TIME is a renowned media brand that has been in existence for over a century. It has a vast global audience of more than 120 million across its magazine and digital platforms. TIME has unparalleled access to influential individuals, earning the trust of both consumers and partners worldwide. Its unmatched ability to gather people together is aimed at sharing significant stories about individuals and ideas that shape and enhance the world. In addition to its core offerings, TIME also encompasses TIME Studios, an Emmy Award-winning film and television division, as well as a thriving live events business centered around the highly regarded TIME100 and Person of the Year franchises. TIME for Kids provides reliable news tailored for children, along with valuable resources for educators and families. The branded content studio, Red Border Studios, and the website-building platform, TIME Sites, have received accolades for their quality work. Furthermore, TIME is actively engaged in sustainability and climate action through its division, TIME CO2. With the recent launch of TIME Stamped, an e-commerce and content platform, TIME continues to expand its reach and offerings.
SOURCE TIME
Science
NASA’s Earth Science Mission: Deciphering Climate Change
NASA’s Earth Science Missions: Exploring greenhouse gases and climate change to advance our understanding of our changing planet.
Credits: NASA
NASA has recently chosen four proposals for concept studies of missions to help advance our understanding of key areas in Earth science. These missions will focus on topics such as greenhouse gases, the ozone layer, ocean surface currents, and changes in ice and glaciers around the world.
The selection of these proposals is part of NASA’s Earth System Explorers Program, which conducts space science missions based on recommendations from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. The program aims to enable high-quality Earth system science investigations focused on previously identified targets. In this case, NASA is prioritizing the study of greenhouse gases.
Nicky Fox, associate administrator of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, emphasizes the importance of these proposals in the face of our changing climate. As we continue to confront the challenges posed by climate change, the need for data and scientific research becomes even more crucial. These proposals will help us better prepare for the present and future challenges we face.
The first step in the selection process involves each of the chosen proposals receiving $5 million for a one-year mission concept study. After this study period, NASA will select two proposals to move forward with, expecting to launch these missions in 2030 and 2032. The total cost for each selected investigation is capped at $310 million, not including the rocket and access to space, which will be provided by NASA.
NASA has been at the forefront of Earth observations for over 60 years, and most of our current knowledge about our changing planet comes from these observations. With over two dozen Earth-observing satellites and instruments currently in orbit, the missions ultimately chosen from these proposals will contribute to this vast Earth observatory. Together, these missions provide complementary information on Earth’s oceans, land, ice, and atmosphere.
Let’s take a closer look at the four proposals selected for concept studies:
- The Stratosphere Troposphere Response using Infrared Vertically-Resolved Light Explorer (STRIVE):
Led by Lyatt Jaegle at the University of Washington in Seattle, this mission aims to provide high-resolution measurements of temperature, atmospheric elements, and aerosol properties from the upper troposphere to the mesosphere. It also seeks to measure ozone and trace gases to monitor and understand the recovery of the ozone layer. - The Ocean Dynamics and Surface Exchange with the Atmosphere (ODYSEA):
Led by Sarah Gille at the University of California in San Diego, this satellite mission aims to measure ocean surface currents and winds simultaneously. By improving our understanding of air-sea interactions and surface current processes, ODYSEA will contribute to our knowledge of weather, climate, marine ecosystems, and human well-being. - Earth Dynamics Geodetic Explorer (EDGE):
Led by Helen Amanda Fricker at the University of California in San Diego, this mission focuses on observing the three-dimensional structure of terrestrial ecosystems and the surface topography of changing glaciers, ice sheets, and sea ice in response to climate change and human activity. EDGE aims to continue the measurements currently taken by ICESat-2 and GEDI. - The Carbon Investigation (Carbon-I):
Led by Christian Frankenberg at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, this investigation seeks to measure greenhouse gases and potentially quantify ethane simultaneously. By providing unprecedented spatial resolution and global coverage, Carbon-I will contribute to our understanding of the carbon cycle and the global methane budget.
These selected proposals represent NASA’s commitment to advancing our understanding of Earth’s changing climate. With these missions, NASA continues to play a crucial role in providing the data and scientific research needed to tackle the challenges we face today and in the future.
For more information about the Earth System Explorers Program, visit:
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