Comment Re:No more prior art? (Score 0) 368
There is still prior art. This removes the ability for patent applicants to get around prior art by "swearing behind" the references, which actually means more prior art is applicable.
Submission + - Patent Reform Bill Passes Senate (politico.com)
nephorm writes: "The Senate gave final approval to the first major overhaul of the nation’s patent law in more than a half century Thursday, sending the America Invents Act to President Barack Obama for his signature.
The legislation won overwhelming approval in an 89-9 vote." Fee diversion from the USPTO will continue.
The legislation won overwhelming approval in an 89-9 vote." Fee diversion from the USPTO will continue.
Periodic Table Etched Onto a Single Hair
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adeelarshad82 writes "The University of Nottingham's Nanotechnology Center decided to help Professor of chemistry, Martyn Poliakoff celebrate his special day by 'etching' a copy of a Periodic Table of Elements onto a single strand of the scientist's hair using a 'very sophisticated' electron ion beam microscope. The microscope creates a very fine etching of the periodic table only a few microns across by shooting a 'focused ion beam' of gallium ions at the hair. The technology here is nothing revolutionary, but it is inspiring to see a grown man get so giddy with the prospect of seeing science in action."
Comment Re:Partial credit (Score 0) 395
we know that children learn languages very fast during a 'critical period' of childhood.
No, we don't know that. Children actually learn language fairly slowly, when you think about it. Most children raised in environments that are saturated with well-spoken english still take 6-7 years before they speak without making many grammatical errors in the course of a conversation.
An adult with some talent at languages, lots of free time, and access to native speakers ought to be able to speak like a reasonably well-educated adult within 2-3 years.
The difference is that children learn language without consciously endeavoring on a learning program. Adults somehow think that an hour course three times a week for two years ought to be the equivalent of 6-7 years of a child practicing and being corrected in his language development on a near constant basis.
No, we don't know that. Children actually learn language fairly slowly, when you think about it. Most children raised in environments that are saturated with well-spoken english still take 6-7 years before they speak without making many grammatical errors in the course of a conversation.
An adult with some talent at languages, lots of free time, and access to native speakers ought to be able to speak like a reasonably well-educated adult within 2-3 years.
The difference is that children learn language without consciously endeavoring on a learning program. Adults somehow think that an hour course three times a week for two years ought to be the equivalent of 6-7 years of a child practicing and being corrected in his language development on a near constant basis.
