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Nobel prize is worth 8 million Swedish kroner — about $1.2 million. Haroche and Wineland will share that amount. NPR's Richard Harris is due to be on Morning Edition and All Things Considered later today to talk about the physics prize. We'll have more on the physics prize shortly. Update at 7:25 a.m. ET. Key To Understanding Subatomic Particles: On Morning Edition, Richard said |
that the two scientists figured out how to "observe and manipulate subatomic particles without destroying them." That's important, he said, because it allows scientists to understand how those particles behave, which in turn could lead to breakthroughs in quantum computing. Update at 6:15 a.m. ET. More About The Honorees And Their Work: Haroche is a professor at Collége de France and Ecole Normale Supérieure |
in Paris. Wineland is a group leader and NIST Fellow at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and University of Colorado, Boulder. According to the Nobel committee, they have "independently invented and developed ground-breaking methods for measuring and manipulating individual particles while preserving their quantum-mechanical nature, in ways that were previously thought unattainable." The committee says that "through their ingenious laboratory methods |
they have managed to measure and control very fragile quantum states, enabling their field of research to take the very first steps towards building a new type of super fast computer, based on quantum physics. These methods have also led to the construction of extremely precise clocks that could become the future basis for a new standard of time, with more than hundred-fold greater |
precision than present-day caesium clocks." The Nobel has posted scientific background on the winners' work here. Here's an excerpt: "This year's Nobel Prize in Physics honors the experimental inventions and discoveries that have allowed the measurement and control of individual quantum systems. They belong to two separate but related technologies: ions in a harmonic trap and photons in a cavity." The other 2012 prizes: |
On Monday, the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to John B. Gurdon of the Gurdon Institute in Cambridge, England, and Shinya Yamanaka at Kyoto University in Japan. They discovered that mature and specialized cells "can be reprogrammed to become immature cells capable of developing into all tissues of the body," according to the Nobel committee. It's hoped that such cells will |
lead to new treatments for many diseases. The remaining Nobel prizes and the days they will be announced: -- Chemistry on Wednesday. -- Literature on Thursday. -- Peace on Friday. -- Economics next Monday. |
Mountain Visitors Cautioned About Falling Tree Hazards Colorado forest officials say visitors headed to the mountains to enjoy autumn’s changing colors need to be aware of dead lodgepole pines that are at risk of toppling. Since the pine beetle epidemic |
began in 1996, more than 4 million acres of forest land in Colorado, Wyoming and South Dakota have been impacted. Officials estimate roughly 80% of beetle-killed trees fall within ten years of dying. Although there are several factors that determine |
when a tree will topple, there’s no way to be certain. “Typically wind is one factor that would play into some trees falling over," says Ryan McNertney, a forester with the Granby District of the Colorado State Forest Service. "But |
staying away from forested areas when winds are strong, and that hunters and campers set up far away from dead trees. Starting Monday, crews in Summit County will begin removing hazardous trees along trails in the White River National Forest. |
De Certeau conceives of sixteenth and seventeenth century mysticism not as an inner retreat (which he considers to be part of the ideological project of modernity) but as a socio-political practice: the lives of such mystics spoke of an "otherness" which removed them from the established narrative Western enlightenment; it also made their practices profoundly unstable by comparison."The gesture of 'going on retreat,' or |
'withdrawing'" he writes, "is the universal indication of the tendency that countered the necessary 'docility or 'compliance' of State-connected religious institutions with the segregation of a place." From the Introduction: Of course, there is an obvious continuity from religion (or mystics) to historiography, since both have taken in hand the relationship that a society maintains with its dead and the repairs that meaningful discourse, |
torn by the violence of conflicts and chance, constantly requires. But the historian "calms" the dead and struggles against violence by producing a reason for things (an "explanation") that overcomes their disorder and assures permanence; the mystic does it by founding existence on his very relationship with what escapes him. The former is interested in difference as an instrument to make distinctions in his |
material; the latter, as a split inaugurating the question of the subject. (11) The Other that organizes the text is not an outside of the text. It is not the (imaginary) object that one might distinguish from the movement by which is sketched. To locate it apart, to isolate it from the text that exhaust themselves trying to express it, would be tantamount to |
exorcising it by providing it with its own place and name, to identifying it with a remnant not assimilated by constituted rationalities, or to transforming the question that appears in the guise of a limit into a particular religious representation (in turn excluded from the scientific fields and fetishized as a substitute for what is lacking). (15) To look at processes in this way, |
to "interpret," in the musical sense of the term, this mystical writing as one would a different speech act, is to consider it a past from which we are cut off and not presume ourselves to be in the same place it was; it is the attempt to execute its movement for ourselves, to retrace the steps of a labor but from afar, without |
taking as an object of knowledge that thing which, in passing, changed the written word into a hieroglyphic. To do this is to remain within a scriptural experience and to retain that sense of modesty that respects differences. These trips taken in the textual suburbs of mystics already point out pathways to get lost (even if only to lose a kind of knowledge). Perhaps |
Some library words Libraries seem to have their own special language. Here are some words you might hear used in the library. Abstract: A summary or brief description of the |
content of another longer work. An abstract is often provided along with the citation to a work. Archives: 1. A space which houses historical or public records. 2. The historical |
or public records themselves, which are generally non-circulating materials such as collections of personal papers, rare books, ephemera, etc. Article: A brief work—generally between 1 and 35 pages in length—on |
a topic. Often published as part of a journal, magazine, or newspaper. Author: The person(s) or organization(s) that wrote or compiled a document. Looking for information under its author's name |
is one option in searching. Bibliography: A list containing citations to the resources used in writing a research paper or other document. See also: Reference. Call number: A group of |
letters and/or numbers that identifies a specific item in a library and provides a way for organizing library holdings. Two major types of call numbers are Dewey Decimal Call Numbers |
and Library of Congress Call Numbers. Check-out: To borrow an item from a library for a fixed period of time in order to read, listen to, or view it. Check-out |
periods vary by library. Items are checked out at the circulation desk. Circulation: The place in the library, often a desk, where you check out, renew, and return library materials. |
You may also place a hold, report an item missing from the shelves, or pay late fees or fines there. Citation: A reference to a book, magazine or journal article, |
or other work containing all the information necessary to identify and locate that work. A citation to a book thus includes its author's name, title, publisher and place of publication, |
and date of publication. Course reserve: A selection of books, articles, videotapes, or other materials that instructors want students to read or view for a particular course. Print reserve materials |
are usually kept in one area of the library and circulate for only a short period of time. See also: Electronic reserve. Database: A collection of information stored in an |
electronic format that can be searched by a computer. E-book (or Electronic book): An electronic version of a book that can be read on a computer. Electronic reserve (or E-reserve): |
An electronic version of a course reserve that is read on a computer display screen. See also: Course reserve. Full-text: A complete electronic copy of a resource, usually an article, |
viewed on a computer display screen. Index: 1. A list of names or topics—usually found at the end of a publication—that directs you to the pages where those names or |
topics are discussed within the publication. 2. A printed or electronic publication that provides references to periodical articles or books by their subject, author, or other search terms. Journal: A |
publication, issued on a regular basis, which contains scholarly research published as articles, papers, research reports, or technical reports. See also: Periodical. Keyword: A significant or memorable word or term |
in the title, abstract, or text of an information resource that indicates its subject and is often used as a search term. Library catalog: A database listing and describing the |
books, journals, government documents, audiovisual and other materials held by a library. Various search terms allow you to look for items in the catalog. Magazine: A publication, issued on a |
regular basis, containing popular articles, written and illustrated in a less technical manner than the articles found in a journal. Microform: A reduced sized photographic reproduction of printed information on |
reel to reel film (microfilm) or film cards (microfiche) or opaque pages that can be read with a microform reader/printer. Peer reviewed journal: Peer review is a process by which |
editors have experts in a field review books or articles submitted for publication by the experts’ peers. Peer review helps to ensure the quality of an information source by publishing |
only works of proven validity, methodology, and quality. Peer-reviewed journals are also called refereed or scholarly journals. Periodical: An information source published in multiple parts at regular intervals (daily, weekly, |
monthly, biannually). Journals, magazines, and newspapers are all periodicals. See also: Serial. Primary source: An original record of events, such as a diary, a newspaper article, a public record, or |
Reference: 1. A service that helps people find needed information. 2. Sometimes "reference" refers to reference collections, such as encyclopedias, indexes, handbooks, directories, etc. 3. A citation to a work |
is also known as a reference. Renewal: A lengthening of the loan period for library materials. Reserve: 1. A service providing special, often short-term, access to course-related materials (book or |
article readings, lecture notes, sample tests) or to other materials (CD-ROMs, audio-visual materials, current newspapers or magazines). Serial: Publications such as journals, magazines and newspapers that are generally published multiple |
times per year, month, or week. Serials usually have number volumes and issues. The words journal, magazine, periodical, and serial may be used interchangeably. Stacks: Shelves in the library where |
materials—typically books—are stored. Subject heading: Descriptions of an information source’s content assigned to make finding information easier. See also: Controlled vocabulary, Descriptors. The following sites explain more words that U.S. |
One of the golden rules of smart money management is to set up a budget and stick to it, right? Well, flying in the face of that common wisdom is this new study that shows sometimes budgeting backfires. In the experiments, conducted by Brigham Young University and Emory University marketing |
professors, consumers spent up to 50 percent more when they went shopping with a price in mind compared to those who didn't have a budget for that item. Setting a target price for an item can actually prompt us to spend more than we intend when we get to the |
store, because once we "screen our choices based on price," the researchers say, "we essentially ignore price after that and focus on quality" when we get to the store. "And better quality products usually cost more." For example, in one of the experiments, the researchers asked a group of consumers |
how much they would be willing to spend on a new TV. Those consumers were then given the option of choosing a TV $18 above their target price and a lower-quality one $18 below. About 55 percent of them chose the higher-priced option that was above their target price range. |
But among a set of consumers who were given the same options WITHOUT being asked how much they would be willing to spend, only 31 percent chose the higher-priced option. Those who set a maximum price first also rated the difference in quality between the choices as much greater than |
those who didn't. Setting budgets for "aggreggate" things—like groceries in general or all of your finances is still wise, but for individual, specific purchases, the research suggests that you start first by thinking about quality and features before thinking about price, to protect yourself from this effect. Also, force yourself |
to reconsider the price, now that you know about this effect. Budgeting Backfires - shoppers unconsciously spend more when trying to limit costs | Brigham Young University via Time Photo by Losevsky Pavel |
A professor of mathematics at the University of Michigan will lead an international project of one million dollars that will examine the connection between bipolar disorder and abnormalities in the |
circadian cycle, i.e., the daily rhythm in the internal clock of mammals. In humans, this timer with the size of a grain of rice contains 20,000 neurons and is located |
just behind the eyes. It is called the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) in the hypothalamus of the brain and is responsible for synchronizing our body with 24-hour day on the planet. |
Scientists believe that this watch is out of sync in patients with bipolar disorder, or manic depressive condition. Some of the genes involved in disease are the same that regulate |
the biological clock. It is known that the usual treatment with lithium compound modifies the period of that clock, and when manic depressive patients are forced to remain in a |
program of 24 hours many experience a relief of the episode, said lead researcher Daniel Forger, associate professor in the Department of Mathematics at the UM. The way the brain |
clock controls the state of mind remains a mystery. This new project aims to change that by using complex mathematical models and experiments with mice. “Continuously observe the state of |
the animal’s internal clock. When we see a variant will use mathematics to understand their role and how to test controls in the mood,” said Forger. The researchers examined the |
brains of mice and normal mice depressed and looking for abnormal electrical activity. Scientists seek to determine which regions of the clock that correspond to different states of mind in |
animals. “We will learn much about the circadian rhythm, which also could play a role in Alzheimer’s disease, cancer and heart attacks than depression itself,” Forger said. There are also |
participating in this project by Toru Takumi, a professor at the Laboratory of Integrative Biosciences, University of Japan at Hiroshima and Hugh Piggins science professor at the University of Manchester |
(England). The project is funded by a grant from Programme International Competitive Frontier for Human Sciences, which supports basic research in life sciences funded by 13 countries and the European |
Reading is part of our everyday lives, though many take it for granted. While driving, you follow street signs. At work, you read training manuals or a computer screen. And |
at home, you sit back for a leisurely reading of your newspaper or a novel. But for many people in Lubbock County, and many more worldwide, this is not a |
normal occurrence, because they cannot read. Today, on International Literacy Day, the Lubbock Area Coalition for Literacy wants the community to be aware that while not everyone is proficient in |
their reading skills, there is something that can be done to combat that problem. "There's still a stigma attached to illiteracy," said Shelly Morris, executive director for the coalition. "The |
biggest step people take is admitting they need help." Though the stigma remains, Morris said many take that plunge to learn to read out of a sense of loss. "It's |
something missing in their lives they can't pick up a newspaper, read to their grandkids or know what that billboard really says," Morris said. "Family literacy has become a big |
focus. When you have families who read together, it strengthens the ability of each person to be literate." In Lubbock County, 54,000 adults read below the eighth-grade level. In Texas, |
3.3 million residents are considered functionally illiterate. And over $17 billion annually is spent in Texas to combat illiteracy. Literacy classes whether geared for the non-reader or simply someone who |
wants to improve their current reading skills use adult-level materials to improve skills using a one-on-one tutoring technique or a classroom setting. "We hope we can, through education efforts, make |
people feel comfortable and know they don't have to be afraid to learn," Morris added. The effort to combat illiteracy involves a slew of classes offered through the coalition. Classes |
are slated to begin soon, but Morris said the coalition offers open enrollment, making classes available at all times. Adult literacy/Pre-GED and English as a Second Language classes are offered |
mornings at South Plains College, 1302 Main St. in Lubbock, beginning Monday. One-on-one tutoring sessions begin Tuesday. Adult basic literacy classes and ESL classes are also offered in the evenings |
at Harwell Learning Center, 4101 Ave. D, beginning Monday and Tuesday. The literacy coalition also offers programs for family literacy and children, held at various locations around the city. Share |
a Book With a Child, is geared toward ages 3 to 5 and parents. Tiny Tots Read a Lot is geared from birth to age 3 and parents. Attendees receive |
a free book. We Can Read targets 5- to 7-year-olds, and Family Reading is for 4-year-olds and families. In celebration of literacy month, the coalition has joined with Sam's Club |
for a special event slated Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Called "Get Caught Reading with Sam's and the Lubbock Area Coalition for Literacy," the event will feature community |
leaders reading to groups of children throughout the day. During the event, community residents are also asked to bring donations of new or used books to Sam's, which will be |
donated to Women's Protective Services and Child Protective Services. A training workshop for literacy tutors will also be held that day from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The city/county libraries |
also distributed 40 bus passes, donated by Citibus, for library patrons who otherwise might not have transportation to return to the facilities. Throughout the month, Morris said the coalition hopes |
to encourage those who may be hesitant to take classes or who may even be hiding their illiteracy from friends and family to realize the impact of their situation. "This |
is not just a reading issue; it links to economics and health as well," Morris said. Using an example from a literacy video, Morris explained that an elderly man watched |
his wife die from an overdose because he could not read her medicine bottles and give her the proper dosage. His embarrassment at being illiterate overshadowed his worry for his |
wife, and tragedy was the result. For information on particular course times or to register for any classes or programs, call the literacy coalition at 747-7323. Teresa Cox Young can |
The Mars Surveyor 1998 Missions were designed, and their payloads selected, to address the science theme "Volatiles and Climate History" on Mars, thereby directly addressing the climate-history and resource themes of the Mars Surveyor Program, while supporting the life-on-Mars theme through characterization of climate change and its evolving impact on |
the distribution of water. Mars Surveyor 98 Science Goals After Earth, Mars is the planet with the most hospitable climate in the solar system. So hospitable that it may once have harbored primitive, bacteria-like life. Outflow channels and other geologic features provide ample evidence that billions of years ago liquid |
water flowed on the surface of Mars. Although liquid water may still exist deep below the surface of Mars, currently the temperature is too low and the atmosphere to thin for liquid water to exist at the surface. Why explore Mars? Additional details are here. Mars Surveyor 1998 Mission Strategy |
To address the "Volatiles and Climate History" theme within the programmatic constraints of cost and affordable launch capabilities, the Mars Climate Orbiter and Mars Polar Lander Missions pursued the following scientific strategy: - Use seasonal and diurnal cycles of Dust, Water and Carbon Dioxide to understand Processes of climate change |
over longer time scales - Characterize global atmospheric structure and circulation to elucidate roles of Atmospheric Transport of Volatiles and Dust - Land on, and explore, a site having Physical Evidence of ancient climates, atmospheric evolution and more recent, possibly periodic climate change - Locate surface Ice Reservoirs and search |
for local Sub-Surface Ice - Acquire data needed to validate and extend Model Simulations of climate processes and climate change - Emphasize Comparative Study of the climates of Earth and Mars and their potential implications for origin and development of life Mars Surveyor 1998 Mission Measurement Objectives Given the scientific |
strategy outlined above, the major scientific measurement objectives for the Mars Surveyor Program 1998 Missions are to: - Systematically observe the thermal structure and dynamics of the global atmosphere and the radiative balance of the polar regions, thereby providing a quantitative climatology of weather regimes and daily to seasonal processes |
- Determine the variations with time and space of the atmospheric abundance of dust and of volatile material (i.e., carbon dioxide and water, both vapor and ice) for one full Martian year - Identify surface reservoirs of volatile material & dust and observe their seasonal variations; characterize surface compositional boundaries |
and their changes with time; search for near-surface ground ice in the polar regions - Explore and quantify the climate processes of dust storm onset and decay, of atmospheric transport of volatiles and dust, and of mass exchange between the atmosphere, surface and subsurface - Search for evidence characterizing ancient |
climates and more recent periodic climate change Want more details? Home Mars Polar Lander Deep Space 2 Microprobes Mars Climate Orbiter Welcome Mailing List Links Credits For questions or comments on this website please refer to our list of contacts. |
promotion, customers choose any 5 of 8 menu items for $5.95. You can get 5 different items, 5 of the same item, or anything in between. How many different dinners are - How Many Distinct Patterns? [01/15/2001] Given a large equilateral triangle divided into four smaller equilateral triangles, if two edges are painted white and the rest are painted black, |
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