2.2 Billion Dollar Miniture Sun Project to Make Fusion Reaction Energy Needs a Reality

""Engineers and scientists are constructing a huge mini-star, which will produce the same reactions that happen in the sun to provide energy for the future.

The project, known as Iter, is based in Cadarache, near Aix-en-Provence in southern France. It will weigh three times as much as the Eiffel Tower and be as big as 60 football pitches.

Inside the new building will be a nuclear reactor that scientists hope can provide power through nuclear fusion. In doing so it could generate clean, safe energy and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

Earlier this year, the team behind the project appointed a new leader, Bernard Bigot.

"We are now entering into manufacturing and preparations for assembly," he said as he joined in March. Bigot said that he had joined as part of a new management team that was set up to deliver “both a research and an industrial facility”.

Inside that facility there will be a smaller and controlled version of the same reactions that happen in our sun, nuclear fusion. That happens when two atomic nuclei collide with each other, releasing energy in the form of photons. The scientists hope to harness that energy and re-use it, to replace the dirty and limited forms of energy that we use today.

The project was launched in an early stage in 1987. It is now being pushed forward by a group of seven entities — including the EU, as well as the US, Russia and China.""

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/news/fusion-power-scientists-building-ministar-to-provide-electricity-of-the-future-10250948.html

Martian Astronaut Corps Underway for Trip to Mars: A Total Recall of 90's Movies Classics

""With recent news headlines proclaiming that dozens of people have been selected as finalists for a Martian astronaut corps, it might seem like a trip to this alien world might finally be close at hand.

But let's have a little reality check. What are the chances that we really will see people on the Red Planet in the next couple of decades?

Most people just don't get how hard this would be, says Mary Lynne Dittmar, an aerospace consultant in Washington, D.C. "The distances that are involved and the complexities that are involved in going and staying there are really enormous," she says.

Dittmar ticks off a list of challenges: The trip will take more than half a year, one way, and you'll need to bring a bunch of food, plus oxygen. Then there's the question of whether you can even land on a planet with such a thin atmosphere. And if people do manage to make it to the surface, the first Martians will have to cope with everything from cancer-causing radiation to dust.

"Mars has a big dust problem," Dittmar notes.

Still, a Dutch venture called Mars One has captured the public's imagination with its plan to colonize Mars by 2025. Bas Lansdorp, the group's CEO, says they've been featured in major media outlets like CNN and the New York Times. "We've been on NPR — I think twice already," Lansdorp says.

Lansdorp is a mechanical engineer by training who has worked on wind energy technology. His Mars dream started almost 20 years ago, when he was watching Dutch TV and was stunned by vivid images of the red Martian surface sent back by a NASA rover.

"For some reason that I really cannot explain, I wanted to go to Mars and build a new human settlement there," he says.

Lansdorp believes the voyage will likely pay for itself because it will be a media spectacle. Everyone in the world will want to watch the whole adventure, he says. Mars One is planning a reality TV show with sponsorships and advertising.

"We expect it's worth up to 10 Olympic Games' [worth] of media revenue, which is $45 billion," says Lansdorp.

Of course, sponsors of the Olympics can be pretty confident that their games will happen. When asked how he responds to skeptics who say that Mars One is basically just a website and a marketing plan, Lansdorp says, "I think that the people who say that really haven't paid attention to what we've achieved already."

Lots of people applied to be part of the Mars One astronaut corps — paying a fee to do so. And the group has commissioned a couple of studies from established aerospace companies.

The Mars One plan calls for first sending out a small robotic lander in 2018. Lansdorp says he can do this more cheaply than NASA. But missions like that typically cost hundreds of millions of dollars. When told that it didn't sound like he'd raised anything like that amount of money, Lansdorp replied that "we don't need that kind of money yet because we're not yet building the actual lander. But these are the kinds of investments that we're currently in negotiation for."

How much has he raised? He won't say.

Some longtime space watchers say they seriously doubt whether Mars One has the right stuff. "I just don't find it a credible proposition," says John Logsdon, a space policy specialist and professor emeritus at George Washington University.

But that doesn't mean he thinks the idea of going to Mars in the next couple of decades is a total fantasy.

"I would like to see, once again, people leave this planet and go someplace else," says Logsdon. "Whether I'll be around in the 2030s to see the first missions to Mars ... I hope so."

Getting humans to Mars in the 2030s is NASA's stated goal. The trouble, Logsdon says, is that NASA can't expect any big infusion of cash to get the job done.

In his book After Apollo? Logsdon describes a serious proposal by NASA to push for Mars after the first moon landing. Under that plan, the first missions were scheduled for the 1980s. But President Richard Nixon didn't go for an expensive, Apollo-like program aimed at Mars, and no other administration has either.

That means that NASA will have to cobble together the pieces of a Mars program on its current budget.""

http://www.npr.org/2015/03/17/390995619/are-humans-really-headed-to-mars-anytime-soon

Dangerous Ideas In Science Cosmology: This year (2015), debates in physics circles starting to bewilder

Cosmology is the study of the universe as a whole: its structure, its origins and its fate. Fundamental physics is the study of reality's bedrock entities and their interactions. With these job descriptions it's no surprise that cosmology and fundamental physics share a lot of territory. You can't understand how the universe evolves after the Big Bang (a cosmology question) without understanding how matter, energy, space and time interact (a fundamental physics question). Recently, however, something remarkable has been happening in both these fields that's raising hackles with some scientists. As physicists George Ellis and Joseph Silk recently put it in Nature:

"This year, debates in physics circles took a worrying turn. Faced with difficulties in applying fundamental theories to the observed Universe, some researchers called for a change in how theoretical physics is done. They began to argue — explicitly — that if a theory is sufficiently elegant and explanatory, it need not be tested experimentally, breaking with centuries of philosophical tradition of defining scientific knowledge as empirical."

The root of the problem rests with two ideas/theories now central for some workers in cosmology (even if they remain problematic for physicists as a whole). The first is string theory, which posits that the world is made up not of point particles but of tiny vibrating strings. String theory only works if the universe has many "extra" dimensions of space other than the three we experience. The second idea is the so-called multiverse which, in its most popular form, claims more than one distinct universe emerged from the Big Bang. Instead, adherents claim, there may be an almost infinite (if not truly infinite) number of parallel "pocket universes," each with their own version of physics.


Both string theory and the multiverse are big, bold reformulations of what we mean when we say the words "physical reality." That is reason enough for them to be contentious topics in scientific circles. But in the pursuit of these ideas, something else — something new — has emerged. Rather than focusing just on questions about the nature of the cosmos, the new developments raise critical questions about the basic rules of science when applied to something like the universe as a whole.

Here is the problem: Both string theory and the multiverse posit entities that may, in principle or in practice, be unobservable. Evidence for the extra dimensions needed to make string theory work is likely to require a particle accelerator of astronomical proportions. And the other pocket universes making up the multiverse may lie permanently over our "horizon," such that we will never get direct observations of their existence. It's this specific aspect of the theories that has scientists like Ellis and Silk so concerned. As they put it:

"These unprovable hypotheses are quite different from those that relate directly to the real world and that are testable through observations — such as the standard model of particle physics and the existence of dark matter and dark energy. As we see it, theoretical physics risks becoming a no-man's-land between mathematics, physics and philosophy that does not truly meet the requirements of any."

Finish Reading Article:

http://www.npr.org/blogs/13.7/2015/01/27/381809832/the-most-dangerous-ideas-in-science?

How to Achieve Permanent Healing Through Reiki?: Modern Day Reiki Appeals to Larger Western Populous Demographic this Century

How to achieve permanent healing through Reiki?

By AnninditaRoy  |  Posted December 20, 2014  |  Atlanta, Georgia

I have been a Reiki Master in several different Reiki styles which includes the traditional Usui Reiki and some non-traditional styles such as Celtic Reiki, Celtic wisdom Reiki, Self Love Reiki, Abundance Reiki, Bear Reiki, Excalibur Reiki and a few more. I have worked on many people during this time including my mother who was suffering from chronic arthritis pain, my sister suffering from piles, another sister severe neck and shoulder pain, my aunt suffering from spondylitis and myself suffering from asthma and allergies. I have been successful to a great extent in providing permanent relief in most of these cases. However, it would be incorrect to say that all of the healings that I have performed have been permanent. Many times I have had people ask me what I think is the secret to achieving permanent cure through Reiki or any other alternate healing modality for that matter. The answer to this may not be a straight forward one as there are several factors responsible for causing disease as well as for achieving permanent healing. 

The human body comprises not just of the physical body but it also includes the mind and spirit. A lot of new age writers talk about this. They call it the mind-body-spirit connection or even refer to it as the holy trinity i.e Father-Son-Holy Spirit. What we need to understand is this that health is our natural state of being and it is not normal to be unhealthy no matter how old we are, or what diseases run in our family. Disease occurs when the mind, body and spirit stop working together in a unified way. In our modern societies, it is a common norm to feel a certain way and say something else, while intending something else and doing a totally different thing altogether. In fact, from a very early age, our parents or caregivers start teaching us how we should and shouldn't be feeling and how to suppress any emotions that may be considered inappropriate or negative and instead say something else that would be pleasing or acceptable to the listener. As a result, as adults, such children have a difficult time expressing their true selves. This kind of suppression of the natural human emotions and labeling them to be good or bad can sometimes cause major damages to a person's psyche, leading to mental, emotional and psychological issues. 

While this is just one of the ways in which our society teaches us to ignore our true emotions and to deal with them in a healthy way, there are many other ways in which mental, emotional and spiritual growth is suppressed amongst individuals. This causes the mind, body and spirit connection to weaken or even become non-existent. When this happens and continues for a prolonged period of time, the body goes out of whack and problems now start manifesting in the physical realm. All diseases start in the non-physical realm i.e they may start at the emotional, mental or spiritual level. And then they begin to show up in the physical body in various ways, shapes and forms. 

Reiki utilizes non-physical energy for bringing about health and healing. It is this non-physical energy which our universe is made up of. As energy is non physical in nature, there is no physical intervention required with Reiki. It is a non-invasive, non-touch alternative healing modality wherein the Reiki practitioner channels vital life force energy into the recipients body. Reiki energy starts working on all levels, especially, on the energetic levels i.e mental, physical and emotional levels. Now, this energy is very powerful and can definitely bring about complete healing. However, the extent to which the healee/receiver will be healed would depend a lot on the extent to which the person is ready to be healed. Also, we must keep in mind that sometimes healing is not just about keeping the person alive but also providing the space for the person to transition in peace. If the receiver feels that he/she deserves to be sick or unhealthy or feels that nothing can help his/her condition or that it is hereditary and therefore they are destined to have the ailment anyways, then the healing sessions may not provide a permanent cure but just temporary relief. Because while on one hand the Reiki energy is working on all levels trying to bring the mind, body and spirit back into a state of balance and harmony, the receiver is actively, through his/her belief system short circuiting this connection. 

Hence, no one can predict or guarantee in advance the extent to which a Reiki session would help you in eliminating/treating your ailment successfully. However, it must be added that the sole responsibility of your healing doesn't lie in the hands of your Reiki practitioner. In fact it is a 3 way process wherein you-the receiver, the universe and the practitioner are involved. The practitioner is just the medium/channel through which the healing Reiki energies are brought forward and transferred to the recipient. The Universe is the source from which this energy is coming forward. The rest is in the receivers hands. It is the receivers responsibility to ensure that they are doing their best to transmute any negative thoughts or feelings associated with their ailment and be as positive as possible and come to the session with an open mind. It could also be beneficial to learn about the Reiki principles and to attend a Reiki session with an attitude of gratitude.

Source Page:

http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1199219?ref=feeds%2Flatest

Psychic's Betsy Balega, Tara Greene and Shawn Robbins Tell Health Predictions in the Field of Homeopathy 2015

According to psychics Betsy Balega, Tara Greene and Shawn Robbins, plenty of news will come from the health field in 2015 – some bad but mostly good.

Balega predicts that a link will be found “between negative emotions and poor health.” This is something that many scientists and even common folk thought might be true but in 2015, it will be confirmed, she says. It seems the power of positive thinking will be more vital than ever to maintaining good health.

Balega also predicts, “Ebola will not yet be conquered.” As well she notes, “There will be a vaccine shortage” even in North America. These governments might “mean well but expect a lack of medicines when they are needed.” She adds that there will also be “more outbreaks of viruses moving from animals to people.”

Greene foresees Ebola becoming a “pandemic." Many more new viruses will appear and will threaten travel.” She also predicts that “Mad Cow” disease will surface in England again, which will cause “food scares” related to pork, chicken and other meats. As a result, she says, “more people become vegans.”

Greene also predicts, “Travel may be restricted because of fears of Ebola.”

Robbins predicts that scientist will be “astounded when a compound is found in jellyfish that halts the spread of Cancer cells.” This would signal a major breakthrough in treating this horrid disease.

She also predicted that Turmeric, which is a “common spice used in Indian cooking, will be hailed as the next wonder drug to treat the symptoms of Glaucoma, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Crohn’s disease.”

Balega predicts that "energy medicine" will become “a favored way to treat illness” by getting to “the root cause” rather than simply treating the symptoms. She adds, “People like Dr. Zhi Gang Sha and Dr. Eric Pearl will be recognized.”

More inspiring news comes from Robbins who predicts that 3D printers will be used to provide “human organs,” which will bring “new hope to transplant patients by not having to rely upon human organ donors.” This would also eliminate the need to use cadaver organs, which are most prevalent on the black market organ trade.

Robbins predicts more good news for patients who are paralyzed.

“A microchip implanted in the spine will be able to send electrical currents to nerve cells,” she says. This microchip would be “activated by a hand held computer and would allow paralyzed patients to regain a sense of feeling in their arms and legs.”

A June 2014 article in the National Post entitled Science fiction come true: Paralyzed man moves arm with his thoughts using microchip in his brain calls this new technology a “neurobridge.” The microchip, which reads the patient’s thoughts, was created “by doctors at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center,” along with “engineers from a non-profit research center called Battelle.” The Columbus, Ohio man is the first person who has been able to accomplish this.

Greene says that Jupiter in Virgo this year will bring more “grassroots” ways of dealing with health matters. “Learning from the past, herbalism (the use of plants for medical purposes) will become mainstream,” she says adding that “all naturopathic and homeopathic healing methods will surge in popularity. Osteopathy and cranio-sacral therapies also become popular.”

As well Greene predicts, “Spiritual healing will get very mainstream. With Jupiter in Virgo (the body) opposite Neptune in Pisces squared by Saturn” she says, “spiritual healing, sound healing, crystals, color therapy, shamanism, ayahuasca, sacred plants, cleansing diets and positive outlooks will all be factored into any patient’s healing methodology as standard practice.

Many More Predictions Found Here:

http://www.examiner.com/article/health-predictions-cover-ebola-new-inventions-return-to-natural-cures-part-4

Tesla Electric Motors Boosts It's Roadster’s Existing Cell Battery and Wheel Aerodynamics Technology

Part of the Roadster’s range boost will come from using tires with less rolling resistance and from making modifications to the car’s body that improve its aerodynamics.

But the biggest improvement comes from increasing the energy density of the battery pack. Each pack contains thousands of cylindrical battery cells that look similar to AA batteries. “Cell technology has improved substantially” since Tesla designed the Roadster, the company said in its announcement. For the upgrade it will replace the original cells with new ones that store 31 percent more energy.

Though Tesla isn’t explaining in detail how it achieved the increase in energy storage, it was likely made via incremental improvements to existing battery technology, not through major breakthroughs in battery materials, says Jeff Dahn, a professor of physics and chemistry at Dalhousie University. He analyzed cells made by Panasonic, Tesla’s cell supplier, and found several small changes that might account for a 30 percent increase. For example, Panasonic has done away with some bulky plastic packaging material that had been wasting space inside the cells. He says Tesla’s battery pack could also accommodate slightly larger cells that store more energy.""

Click to Learn More:

http://www.technologyreview.com/news/533846/how-tesla-boosted-its-roadsters-range-by-50-percent/

Measuring Billions of Elusive Neutrinos Flowing Through the Earth, UMass Amherst Physicists Learn More about the Sun

 ""AMHERST, Mass. - Using one of the most sensitive neutrino detectors on the planet, an international team including physicists Laura Cadonati and Andrea Pocar at the University of Massachusetts Amherst are now measuring the flow of solar neutrinos reaching earth more precisely than ever before. The detector probes matter at the most fundamental level and provides a powerful tool for directly observing the sun’s composition.

Pocar, Cadonati and colleagues report in the current issue of Physical Review Letters that the Borexino instrument has now measured with high precision the flux of the beryllium seven (7Be) solar neutrino, abundant, low-energy particles once below the observable threshold. With this advance, they can now precisely study the behavior of solar neutrinos with kinetic energy below 1 megaelectron volt (MeV). Borexino scientists also recently reported the first observation of neutrinos produced in a little-studied solar nuclear process known as proton-electron-proton, or pep, and set of stringent limit on reactions involving carbon, nitrogen and oxygen (the CNO cycle) in the sun.

Cadonati says, "Borexino is the only detector capable of observing the entire spectrum of solar neutrinos at once. Our results, the culmination of 20 years of research, greatly narrow the observation precision. The data confirm the neutrino oscillations, flavor changes and flow predicted by models of the sun and particle physics."""

http://www.umass.edu/newsoffice/newsreleases/articles/138249.php