The evolving story of human evolution | Melanie Chang | TEDxVictoria

Melanie Chang discusses the history and science of 8 million years of human evolution. Humanity is the last of its species. Humans have only been around 200,000 years. Neanderthals went extinct and homo sapiens were the lone survivors. Paleoanthropology has to be reliant on field work and fossils. It is not possible to revive neanderthals and study them in a natural history context. However, genetics has allowed some breakthroughs. Mitochondrial DNA provides some clues. Scientists in Germany found out that humans contain 1 to 4 % neanderthal DNA. This indicates there was possible cross breeding. Human are still evolving and this has been proven to be fact. evolution will no longer be just a theory, but a fact like the universal law of gravitation. There is resistance to new discoveries with the most religious thinking human evolution is not possible. Doubtless of conviction, facts are true whether you like them or not. The story of human evolution is still being revealed. The puzzle will only be complete when the common genetic ancestor is discovered for all primates.   

The Technological Apex

Technology has radically changed society. Transportation, communication, and economic services have become more efficient at any point in human history. Science continues to make advances in astronomy, physics, biology, medicine, and computer science. At some stage in evolution of technological advancement there will be an apex. This means that civilization will have reached such a mastery of science and technology that it cannot advance any further. Disease will not be an issue to public health, space travel will be a part of daily life, and quantum computers could be in every household. These notions may seem exaggerated, but what was once science fiction has become reality. Airplanes, spacecraft, automobiles, and super computers have become a part of human society. If the world decides to put emphasis on rationality and progress the future could be a better place. There is a possibility that such advancement to civilization could be lost to warfare, civil unrest, or severe climate change. History has demonstrated that not only ideas, but technology has changed society to an enormous degree. The turning points were the rise of philosophy, which evolved into modern science, and from there applied science. The industrial revolution, modern medicine, mathematical theory, physics, biology, and chemistry allowed for the modern marvels of the contemporary era. This vast knowledge  could easily be lost, which has occurred during periods of instability.    If this can be avoided, then civilization will reach a technological apex. The rise of the technological apex will be the most significant development in human history. World civilizations at that stage will be able to control the environment, resources, and even the very nature of life itself.
   Transportation has become more prevalent. Air planes, automobiles, trains, and space craft move humankind everywhere. The last and final step in the revolution of transport will be space travel. So far humankind has been able to the reach the Moon. The year 1969 was the time in which humanity went into space. The next destination, with enough effort will be Mars. There are technical challenges. Traveling beyond our Solar System could be extremely perilous. Radiation levels and lack of  gravitation on a spacecraft could effect the body. Long term health effects are still unknown. This must be understood if humanity is to travel long distances in space. Besides merely traveling, there should be plans for possible terraforming. The Moon and Mars could provide a great testing area for such experiments. Astronomers have discovered that there are Earth like exoplanets beyond our Solar System. If spacecraft becomes more advanced, these areas could be colonized. The long distance traveling space craft would have to be efficient in fuel and durable in structure. Traveling to areas that are thousands of light-years away would take many lifetimes. The possible method for fast travel would be to either manipulate traversable  wormholes or produce a ship with high speeds. Until these astrophysical barriers are  circumvented, astronomers have to depend on satellites and powerful telescopes. While space travel is still in a prototypical phase, the automobile industry will undergo a revolution.

Cars reliant on oil and gasoline will become obsolete. Electric cars and other means of fuel requirements will replace it. The only problem is that the automobile industry does not want to invest in it. Fossil fuels are a finite resource, so it is only logical that change will happen. This leads to other possibilities. Hover cars may be made available. They may not reach high altitudes, but enough to not require wheels. Hover boards could be made, yet there are some technical obstacles. Electric cars will be the cars of the future and be more efficient compared to fossil fuel vehicles. This type of car may be easier to maintain and have more durability. The fear is that consumers would stop buying more cars, if they lasted longer. Such a claim is not true, because a car to some people is a status symbol. Consumerism will never end and the public's appetite for new technology is always growing. Self driving cars are in the early stages of development. It will not be unusual to see drivers having their own cars drive without their hands on the wheel. The computer systems of such cars would have to be ensured that it cannot be hacked. To an extent this does pose a safety and security risk. As long as the drive has the ability to gain steering and brake control when they see fit, it should be fine for consumers. 

There will at some point be more high speed rail for land transport. The locomotive will not become obsolete. Instead more trains will be maglev rather than metal rails. There are only a few maglev trains that are active in some countries of the world. They will eventually become the standard. Japan and South Korea seem to be more open to the technology, while countries like Germany, Canada, and the UK have had them at various periods. The United States if it wants to reach a technological apex must invest in this technology. Trains that are maglev move more smoothly and this could reduce the risk of accidents. Subway systems could be constructed to meet the technological needs of such trains. Ultimately, this will reduce costs in terms of maintenance of transport systems. Maglev trains will be faster and more efficient than the traditional wheel and rail trains of the past. This will also impact commerce making shipping less of a burden. 

Aircraft will also undergo a revolution in design and capability. Fighter jets are becoming more sophisticated in terms of speed and mobility. The development should not focus solely on military purposes, but on commercial transport. The majority of research aviation technology is directed to that purpose, yet there should be more emphasis on safer  and fuel efficient planes. There are many engineers who are designing planes that appear like something out of science fiction. Humanity has conquered the sky and land in a short period of time. The march of technological advancement started with the development of simple machines, the tools of the Paleolithic and Neolithic era, and the creativity of the human mind. Yet, one should not jump to rapid conclusions or predictions about the future. While futurology is an exciting field, it tends to predict events that are either outrageous or exaggerated. The technological apex is not a prediction, rather a teleological narrative about where this technology might lead humanity. Relative to transportation, people will be more mobile than ever before. Migration is nothing new to humanity. Our australopithecine ancestors traveled by foot from Africa later to spread across the world. There has been a desire to move and settle. Humanity has mastered the skies and land, but the sea floor still seems like unexplored territory. There are many species of marine life that could be unknown. Submarines and submersible craft can only go so far due to the intense ocean pressure. Mastering full transport of land, air, sea, and the final frontier of space will take human civilization to another level. 

      Biomedical science has progress to a rapid degree. Organ transplants, safe surgery, and the understanding of health science. These advancement will eventually lead to life extension. This has happened to a degree, with more people living into old age. Stem cell research will lead to an efficient method of producing new organs without a donor. Genetic engineering will become more prevalent. Genetically modified organisms are already present in society. Plants and various sustenance are considered  genetically modified organisms. There remains a fear that with the power of genetic engineering a transhumanist future will take over. This is not about enhancing humanity with unnecessary modifications, but conquering disease. Genetically inherited diseases could be eliminated through genetic engineering. This could also lead to possible cures or better treatments for neurodegenerative diseases. Dementia and Alzheimer's disease can be cured through advances in cytology. If medicine progresses so far humankind may find the key to life. There holds the possibility that death can be transcended. If the physical and mental decline of senescence could be reversed life may not end. The problem is that this could cause social and political issues. Achieving immortality or eternal youth seems more like stories of legend and myth. From a point of biological evolution, physiology, and health science immortality would be impossible for humanity to achieve.Age and death are a part of the biological life cycle. Disease may not be completely subdued, however it can be reduced. Antibiotic resistant bacteria has increased in number causing major health concerns. Mental illness from a neuroanatomical   perspective is still a mystery. Brain scans such as computer axial tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and positron emission tomography have discovered an immense about of information about the human brain. This exploration into the human brain and mind is a significant development. Understanding the most complex organic computer will finally answer the question what it means to be human. This has been a question of philosophy and religion; only recently has this question been answered in a scientific context. 

  

The more that is learned about human evolution, the more humankind understands itself. Advances in genetics can help us understand the past. Medicine will be better with few side effects and tailored better to a person's health condition. If new technologies are used responsibly they can improve the human condition. 

     The subatomic world also is a realm that needs further exploration. It is only a matter of time before the nature of various particles are fully comprehended. As a result the way societies consume energy will change. Solar and wind power are going to be a new part of energy production. However, fusion reactors will replace fission reactors. This means nuclear power could be made safer and meltdowns will no longer be a threat. A combination of  both wind and solar power including fusion reactors with meet the energy needs of a rapidly growing global population. Fossil fuel dependency no longer will hold back nations. Although the fusion rector is in a phase of development Germany and the UK have been doing research into such power generation. Besides mere power generation the discovery of the nature of matter sparks more wonder and curiosity. The higgs boson explains why matter has mass, but that is only a part of a much larger puzzle. Particle accelerators allow physicists to confirm various particles, even without mathematics to indirectly prove their existence. Theoretical physics will no longer just be hypothetical in nature; it will be fully experimental. The standard model could see expansion. There is a diminutive world of quarks, muons, leptons, taus, and neutrinos. Understanding such a small world allows for  the advancement of nanotechnology. 

   Machines that are nanometers in size could have various applications. The possibilities could range from surgery, construction, or manufacturing. This is more efficient than drilling for oil or mining coal. These fuel sources are finite and are near depletion. The political and international consequences of this could be devastating, unless action is taken. Investment in new forms of energy and the development of new technologies is the only rational solution. Harnessing the power of the sun could sustain human populations. The wind and solar cycle can be used to the world's advantage. For now the type 2 G star sustains the Earth. These technologies at some point could become prevalent. There still remains a level skepticism about their effectiveness and the business interests devoted to fossil fuel.

     Computers and information technology has come to dominate daily life. Video games, virtual reality, and the internet have created an entire industry of electronic entertainment. Another element to the rise of cyberspace is how it has changed culture. Communication has become more rapid and the average person has more exposure to knowledge. Mass amounts of information can be transferred to people in seconds. Computers went from being the size of an entire room, to the size of a phone. Computer power has increased rapidly, but the evolution will not stop. The next impressive milestone in computing will be the rise of the quantum computer. Currently the quantum computer is in its development stage. They are not like electronic computers that are reliant on transistors. Companies such as Google are already making such machines. This new type of computing manipulates quantum mechanical phenomena, which will perform operations in regards to data. This functions on measurements of qubits. Commercialization will follow and the public may have even faster and more powerful  computers. Mathematics as will gain from this in terms of theoretical research. Calculations of complex theorems or problems will be simple for a computer of this power. If computers are increasing their power, then artificial intelligence may follow. Robotics are a part of industry, yet they do not have the ability to learn. Learning, memory, and problem solving are attributes of intelligence. 

    

There could be in the future androids that are human like with intelligence . They could even have self awareness and sentience. What may seem like a fantasy, becomes more real as technology advances. The economic and political impacts could have some negative repercussions. The labor of robots could replace the work of man. There could be the possibility of revolt among the conscious robots against their creators. Automation poses problems for the workforce, but not the financial elite. These issues would have to be addressed before such technology is introduced. Regulation and certain laws would have to be enforced to ensure no abused would occur. While technology does improve life to an extent, the prospect of abuse becomes higher. 

      The technological apex is not a prediction of the future. It cannot be said the the future will look Bladerunner  or Startrek . These fictional representations show what the creators think the future might be like. However, invention would not be possible without imagination or creativity. Too often it is forgotten that ideas for technology had to thought of through a long process. Early versions of machines and their prototypes either were failures and required multiple attempts. Sometimes discoveries are pure accidents. The technological apex describes how far human civilization can go in terms of  the manipulation of technology and scientific discovery. Once it is reached, there may be nothing left to create. Human civilization may not even reach this level of development for a number of reasons. While there is advancement in science, the world is backward in many regards. Warfare, racism, and religious fundamentalism are a demonstration of  this backwardness.Before any of this level of technological advancement can be reached ideological and philosophical convictions must be changed. The new wave of anti-science sentiment must also be challenged. Ignoring facts such as climate change, human evolution, or environmental science can no longer be acceptable. The public and the wider society must learn to distinguish fact from fiction and most importantly be critical thinkers. A society that is too dogmatic and closed minded will never reach higher levels. The public has a suspicion about science that stems from either fear or lack of understanding. Technology generates this same emotion. Technology is a tool that can either be used for positive or nefarious purposes. It is a choice that people make and the societies in which they live make. The only way the technological apex can be reached is if humanity uses it to improve the human condition. Technology has become ubiquitous in world civilization and it will continue to spread. If humankind can survive it will reach a point of vast knowledge and power.   

     

2017 Total Solar Eclipse

The 2017 solar eclipse was the first to be seen in America since 1918. What is displayed are photographs of this rare occurrence. The cosmos continues to fascinate humankind and captivate the curious . These photographs show the beauty of  outer space and the stars the populate it. 

Scientific Notation

Scientific notation is a method used to work with large numbers in regards to particular measurements. Smaller numbers can also be expressed in scientific notation. Writing numbers in their full form would be too cumbersome a task when doing calculations with  immense numbers. Numbers that reach sizes of  trillions or more can be manipulated easily by a mathematical method. The expression for scientific notation is recognizable by a base number ( which can be referred to as mantissa) multiplied times ten raised to a certain power. Exponents are critical to producing scientific notation. The exponent determines the amount of decimal places in the number in notation form. When the exponent is negative, different rules have to be applied. 

A negative exponent requires the decimal point to be directed to the left. A positive exponent means that the decimal point shall go to the right. Zeros will be added as needed for the correct expression. Scientific notation follows five rules. A number written without an exponent has the number 1 for the exponent in the notation. The second rule requires that any number ( excluding zero 0 or 0 raised to the zero power) with an exponent of zero is equal to one. It should also be noted that a power demonstrates how many times a number is multiplied by 10. 

The key to writing correct scientific notation is to understand place value. If the decimal point is moved to the left the power of ten will be expressed as positive. When the decimal point is transported to the right the power of ten will be negative. These are the general rules for the proper format for scientific notation. The larger the numbers become it will not be a problem to express them in an efficient manner. Numbers that range past a trillion would be tiresome to write in full form. Quadrillion contains 15 zeros, quintillon has 18 zeros,  and at maximum the number decillion contains 33 zeros. These numbers expressed would look like this : 1,000,000,000,000,000 (quadrillion),1,000,000,000,000,000,000(quintillion),and1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 (decillion) . Doing basic arithmetic or algebra would be frustrating if one had to continually write long numbers like this. Science is not meant to be complicated,but simple and efficient. Scientific notation is another extension of that concept. This mathematical method of expressing values is helpful for astronomy and astrophysics when discussing magnitude and distance . 

Further Reading 

Barnes-Svarney, Patricia L. "Scientific Notation." The New York Public Library Science Desk Reference. New York: Macmillan, 1995. 3-4. 

The Scientific Method

The scientific method is a process in which scientist in various field use to obtain knowledge or explanation of various phenomena. Prior to this method, pure science relied on observation. What one can see can be deceiving. The mysteries of the cosmos and the subatomic world require measurement . Physics gives humanity a mathematical expression of nature. The rise of more advanced mathematics allowed for science to become more precise. As a result it was easier to verify facts. While humanity finds answers, it leads to more questions. Science at its earliest roots was philosophical. The scientist seeks to discover facts and explain what they mean in a larger context. The process of the scientific method functions around several procedures: forming a hypothesis, experimentation, observation, prediction, formulation of laws, and then developing a theory. For a theory to be a fact it must be able to be reproduced. If it cannot be replicated in the same manner, then it is not a fact . This can only happen after a conclusion is made from the data collected. If a theory can pass through this criteria it will be scientific law.  There is another element to this that is rarely discussed. It is the desire for discovery. The curiosity to explore the unknown has driven humanity to many adventures. It should be understood that the goal is to reach as much precision as possible. Theories could later be altered or improved based on new findings. The scientific method is a constant process.
       The first step in this process requires a hypothesis. This stage happens when a question arises. Many of the great scientists began their quest for discovery by asking how the natural world works. It is pivotal to realize that it is better to state one does not know, then produce an incorrect answer. A level of research is required before embarking on an investigation.

The process of forming a hypothesis requires another set of steps. There a certain prerequisites that must be met prior to the hypothesis which include relevance, testable for the sake of experiment , compatibility with verified hypothesis, and  simplicity. Relevance must take into account asking the right question. This means a hypothesis is not just formed without some foundation. If one were to say ghosts exist without foundation, this would not be considered scientific or a cogent hypothesis. The hypothesis must be testable. This does not mean that it has to be directly observable. Theoretical physics uses advanced mathematics to explore the nature of the subatomic universe. Only when particle accelerators become more powerful is when new particles can be observed directly.  There are times in which it is not so much compatibility, but further modification of older theories. The Theory of Relativity did not reject Newtonian mechanics, but further explained them as they would function in a spacetime fabric. Gradually, if enough hypotheses  are accumulated this allows for a more descriptive depiction of nature. A hypothesis is also reliant on explanatory power. This refers to the process of observing and deducing information from the observable facts. This helps reject weak hypotheses that could contradict established facts. Out of this can come predictions about possible outcomes. The most important part of this stage is the establishment of simplicity. The more simple a theory is the better. Science is usually viewed as a complicated subject. Scientist prefer simple explanations to natural phenomenon, because it makes a world of chaos seem more comprehensible. Planetary motion was once described by the system of epicycles. Kepler's laws of planetary motion describe the kinematics better, because it is simple to understand. Planets move in an elliptical path, while line joining the sun ( to a planet )covers sweeps equal areas at equal intervals of time. The other law demonstrates the square of the orbital period of a planet is directly proportional to to the cube of the semi-major axis of a particular orbit. These laws explain planetary motion along with gravitation in a lucid manner. 

      Experimentation is another phase in the scientific method. This is essential and the procedure must be documented for future duplication. Various tools can be employed in this task. It could include microscopes, linear particle accelerators, cyclotrons, telescopes, bunsen burners, or basic meter sticks. Sometimes an experiment can take place in a laboratory or public setting. It can involve subjects, but there are laws that prevent  human experimentation in certain medical areas. Animals are normally substituted in these instances, but this still generates controversy. All experiments will not be done the same way. There are several different types of experiments which included controlled experiments, natural experiments, and field experiments. Controlled experiments feature a managed sample and an independent variable. The independent variable is the effect that will be tested during experimentation. Natural experiments are reliant more so on variable observation. Field experiments attempt to examine phenomena in a particular setting outside the laboratory. 

Percy Julian at work in his laboratory 

There are numerous experiments that fall into these classifications. The Bandura experiment would be considered a controlled experiment. This experiment was designed to see if social behaviors were learned or gained  through imitation and observation , The  independent variable was the bobo doll in which an adult actor would hit the doll and then the child would watch. The child  would then be observed to see what they would do next. Natural experiments could appear in physics, astronomy, zoology, and natural history. It would be a challenge to make an experiment completely natural . That is why sometimes these experiments are semi-observational. Theoretical physics requires higher levels of mathematics seeing as it would be difficult to experiment directly. 

Albert Einstein doing physics  

Field experiments also have their challenges. Ecology during its early beginning was attempting to create a model that explained elements of all ecosystem in a single cycle. This did not produce a single model considering environments are highly active with the water cycle, climate, weather, There are also other factors that are considered in an experiment. The place, time, and possible factors that could effect outcomes.

     Observation  and the gathering of data also contributes to the scientific method. Before the development of the scientific method, pure science was based off of mostly observation. This was limited in many respects. What we see can be different from reality. Atoms cannot be detected by human eyes. Powerful electron microscopes can make visibility possible. While certain objects can be detected there remains the question of what are the  specific attributes.When observing objects on large and small scales there are complications. There can be errors in measurement, which can cause problems with an experiment. These measurements have to be as precise a possible. One mistake could either ruin or effect an outcome of the experiment. Predictions will be put to the test during the process. Observations sometimes lead to more questions. One example is with the concept of particle wave duality. A particle can be a wave, but still maintain its atomic structure. This still is perplexing to many physicists. Neuroscience has observed the nature and structure of the brain. The localization of function has shown it is probably one of the most complex organic structures known. This then leads many to wonder why did the human brain evolve the way it did. Data can be gathered, but it must be interpreted and explained. Simply having the data does not give an entire synopsis of nature. It has to be deciphered to solve the question or mystery.
       After these stages are completed a conclusion can be made and the process can be restarted. The data can help provide an articulation of what occurred. The scientist can now make statements on whether the hypothesis is acceptable or can be discarded. The conclusion provides a summery of findings and methodologies. The conclusion should also reveal what possible limitations the experiment could have. Science combines both argument and discovery. The scientist is arguing that his or her theory is correct, while simultaneously uncovering new knowledge. Prior to the scientific method explanations for natural phenomena were either given by  religious or superstitious convictions. When new ideas in philosophy emerged science was gradually developing. The Age of Reason saw the rise of natural philosophers who wanted to revive the ancient and classical philosophical tradition. Without the Italian Renaissance previous to the Age of Reason, this would not have been possible. Logic and critical thinking are essential tools in any academic discipline, but are even   more pivotal in scientific fields. The Enlightenment saw the birth of the scientific method as a technique for discovering the behavior of the physical world. Science is not a monopoly of the West;It has a historical tradition throughout the globe. The scientific method has a universal appeal, because the process is efficient and is the easiest method for uncovering facts. As time progresses more discoveries will be made in physics, astronomy, biology, and chemistry thanks to the scientific method.              

References 

Copi, Irving. Introduction to Logic . New York: Macmillan Publishing Company,1986. 

Barnes-Svarney, Patricia. Science Reference Desk. New York : Stonesong Press,1995. 

          

 

Carl Sagan 1966 CBS Interview on the Possibilities of Extraterrestrial Life

This is a CBS interview with Carl Sagan produced in 1966. The astronomer became a popular figure with the PBS program Cosmos and his books. Sagan was in many ways ahead of his time, figuring out the nature of Venus' atmosphere and believing extraterrestrial life was a possibility. To date there are several Earth like planets that have been discovered outside the Solar System. Humanity has not been able to reach these planets for direct observation, but it could be teeming with life. There opens  a new opportunity for expansion in biology. Astrobiology will become more important as humanity explores and finds more organisms in space.   

The Rise of Science

Science can be defined as "the intellectual and practical activity encompassing the systematic study of  the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation and experimentation."The world is rapidly changing from this academic discipline. Science and technology have vastly transformed human societies. Physics has explained the nature of matter. Chemistry has explored how matter is composed. Astronomy has examined distant galaxies, planets, and stars. Medicine has improved the lives of various people around the globe. Mathematics has branched off into other fields it is a part of daily life . Biology studies the nature of life and its attributes. Computer science has become a marvel of engineering. It has allowed humankind to master and record immense amounts of information .  Robotics will revolutionize  economic production.Science from its earliest roots was philosophical in nature. Pure science was based on observation and description. As knowledge increased a method for confirming facts was developed. The scientific method was a way to test theories through experimentation, observation, hypothesis, and being able to replicate the results. Technology and science has impacted culture, behavior, and  the general human condition. There have been positive effects and negative effects with the discovery of new knowledge. Science is misunderstood by the general public. Its true intent is to describe the natural world in a simple manner. What appears to be complex and intricate can be explained simply. The Science and Technology Center provides lucid delineation of  the scientific disciplines.