Here First - Science and Technology Blog

The idea that we live in a Matrix-like world is not new. In fact, many scientists say that it is possible to test whether our world is real or a computer simulation.  In 2003, Nick Bostrom , a professor of philosophy at the University of Oxford, published a paper called The Simulation Argument , arguing that it is most likely we live in a computer simulation world. Now, several researchers at Cornell University are trying to find a viable method of testing to see if we, as humans, are a string of numbers into a computer. Scientists at the University of Washington say that this theory can be tested. A similar idea came from German researchers, in November.  How to test if our world is real or imaginary? Researchers say that they can use a technique named latticequantum chromodynamics. In simple words, they will use computer simulation and they will try to build their own models.  The idea that we live in a computer simulation is not new. In 1977, the ...

With this new technology developed by Microsoft, you will be able to speak fluent Chinese or Japanese, without knowing any Chinese word. This translation technology was developed by Microsoft and probably will be the next big thing in the following years.During a demonstration in Tianjin, head of research at Microsoft, Rick Rashid , showed how the new technology works. He proved that the system recognizes spoken phrases in English, and displays them on the screen. Moreover, it instantly translates them into Mandarin, and it also speaks them with the original voice of the speaker. This technology has been shown before in Sci-Fi movies, but it seems that this time is very close to a real-world implementation. Early research began 60 years ago, and so far, the best systems systems had an error rate of 20-25%. It seems that system created by Microsoft is much better. To develop this technology, Microsoft has collaborated with the University of Toronto, Canada. All research...

The world of technology is changing at amazing speed. The following video will show you the progression of information technology, researched by Karl Fisch, Scott McLeod, and Jeff Bronman, remixed

Mycologist Paul Stamets studies the mycelium -- and lists 6 ways that this astonishing fungus can help save the world. We all know the Earth is in trouble, so his plan to save the world can be taken serious at this time. I think we have so very to learn from the natural world and I love the way that Paul is getting his work out to the world.

Solidly built and fantastically robust, the Olympus Mju 1030 sw is a triumph of engineering. This 10-megapixel digital camera is waterproof to a depth of 10m, will survive a fall of 2m, and is crushproof up to a weight of 100kg. But this is not a case of brawn over brains - the Mju offers all the bells and whistles we've come to expect from digital cameras, including image-stabilisation, face-detection and red-eye reduction. Freezeproof, scratchproof and capable of producing great shots. Technical Details 10-megapixel image sensor captures enough detail for photo-quality 18 x 24-inch prints 3.6x optical wide-angle zoom; Face Detection 2.7-inch HyperCrystal II LCD Waterproof to 33 feet; shockproof to 6.6 feet Stores images on xD Picture Cards (not included) This is number 9 in our top 10 gadgets for christmas 2008 list You can also check Top Kids Gifts for Christmas 2010 and 5 Xmas Gifts for Christmas 2010

Planes are perhaps the hardest things to get rid off. That is why, with a little creativity and a small budget, one can cleverly reuse them. Some already ahead and created some of the coolest, oddest or funniest hangout. This is a house built by Bruce Campbell out of the Boeing 727 - he got a trendy, one-of-a-kind villa in the woods. “Cosmic Muffin” is the most unusual boat, made out of a rare and historic aircraft - the Boeing 307 Stratoliner “( dating back from 1937). The Boeing 307 Stratoliner was fitted with a luxury interior, including a bedroom, and named The Flying Penthouse after being used in World War II. It was originally owned by Howard Hughes which he bought in 1939. This Boeing 307, the Clipper Flying Cloud belongs to the Pan American Airways and has been restored for the National Air and Space Museum (the Smithsonian). The fully functional plane is the world’s only remaining Stratoliner. This villa in South Africa really is not quite the real plane, though it gets credit...

This one is very funny

How do you feel about looking like a sweat band-wearer straight out of the 80s? You’re okay with that? How about if we add in an awkward wire extending out of the forehead area? Don’t worry about looking cool. You’ll be asleep for most of the time. These are the Sleep Headphones, straight from the pages of Etsy. The Sleep Headphones are made to fit comfortably around your head and ears while you sleep. Wearing a big set of muff headphones just doesn’t do the trick when your trying to pass out. But then again, listening to your significant other’s persistent snoring isn’t doing much for your sleeping habits either. The Sleep Headphones look like they could be worn all night without a hitch. Totally custom honed for your sleeping pleasure, the Sleeping Headphones come shipped with a soothing audio CD and a pleasantly girly lavender-colored sachet. Used in correlation with some aroma therapy and maybe a nice glass of wine, nothing will be able to wake you up from your deep slumber. It’s...

The first Air Bus A380 aircraft was delivered to Singapore Airlines months ago and their maiden flight was from Singapore to Sydney, Australia and the ticket was $10,000. All 455 tickets were sold in no time and all proceeds from it went to charity.