http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/29/science/29grid.html?_r=1&ref=technology
A team of researches is attempting to use people's idle computers in order to allow massive processing of a simulated primordial sea, similar to SETIs use of home computers. The goal is to eventually find evidence of evolution within the simulation and to learn about the biological structures of living things as a result.
While this seems far fetched, it may yield worthwhile results. Unlike analysis of actual biological material, the simulation allows for complete understanding. Every aspect of what happens can be monitored and understood, all without disturbing the simulation. Furthermore, given the complexity and length of the simulation, it may provide unexpected results in the form of digital "organisms." While obviously not physical creatures, these organisms would be separate from any human invention and would give credence to the concept of computer invention.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Copyright Law Threatening
http://www.calgaryherald.com/technology/Copyright+threatening/1969025/story.html
This Canadian article discusses the problems of copyright law and a right to privacy in a digital age. As people become more able to distribute copyrighted material over a number of private channels, the old copyright laws become unfeasible without constant and ubiquitous surveillance of citizens, which obviously flies in the face of civil liberties.
While this particular article gets off to something of an alarmist start, citing dictatorships and the KGB-like invasion of privacy in much of the Soviet Block, it's point remains valid. The media giants are attempting to maintain an outdated system rather than restructuring it for a new age. The result is that people willfully break the law that they no longer see as just while government is lobbied to spy on it's own citizens.
This Canadian article discusses the problems of copyright law and a right to privacy in a digital age. As people become more able to distribute copyrighted material over a number of private channels, the old copyright laws become unfeasible without constant and ubiquitous surveillance of citizens, which obviously flies in the face of civil liberties.
While this particular article gets off to something of an alarmist start, citing dictatorships and the KGB-like invasion of privacy in much of the Soviet Block, it's point remains valid. The media giants are attempting to maintain an outdated system rather than restructuring it for a new age. The result is that people willfully break the law that they no longer see as just while government is lobbied to spy on it's own citizens.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
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