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Math

Quantum Test Found For Mathematical Undecidability 223

Posted by kdawson from the not-to-decide-is-to-decide dept.
KentuckyFC writes "Philosophers have long wondered at the profound link between mathematics and physics, but how deep does this connection go? Pretty deep according to the results of a quantum experiment exploring the nature of mathematical undecidability. Here's how: any logical system must be based on axioms, which are propositions that are defined to be true. A proposition is logically independent from these axioms if it can neither be proved nor disproved from them; mathematicians say it is undecidable. In the experiment, researchers encoded a set of axioms as quantum states. A particular measurement on this system can then be thought of as a proposition which, if undecidable, yields a random result — which is what they found. 'This sheds new light on the (mathematical) origin of quantum randomness in these measurements,' say the researchers (abstract)."
Biotech

Repairing Genetic Mutations With Lasers? 65

Posted by ScuttleMonkey from the shed-a-little-light-on-your-genes dept.
Roland Piquepaille writes "German researchers at the Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel (CAU) think they've proved that genetic information can be controlled by light. The group studied the interaction between the four DNA bases — adenine (A), cytosine (C), guanine (G), and thymine (T) — by using femtosecond time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy. The researchers think that they've demonstrated that DNA strands differ in their light sensitivity depending on their base sequences. The team thinks that it might be possible in the future to repair gene mutations using laser radiation. One of the project leaders said that 'it might even be possible under some circumstances to make transistors from DNA that would work through the hydrogen bonds.' It's not the first time I've heard about DNA computing, but this new approach looks promising."

Comment Re:Good for them... (Score 1) 833

by Calmiche (#24600595) Attached to: Psystar "Definitely Still Shipping" Mac Clones

"But didn't Apple spend a whole ton of money to write and maintain Mac OS X"

Yes, in EXACTLY the same way Microsoft did with Windows. So why is it that Microsoft can't say "You can only run Windows on Microsoft created computers."? Heck! There's an instant monopoly. Drive HP, Dell, Acer, and Sony right out of business!

I've NEVER understood why Apple thinks that they can dictate this. The Franklin case in '83 shouldn't even apply. (That case was based on modifying apple software and reselling it.) Apple's entire case is based on a shaky interpretation of what an EULA allows and an even shakier and broken US patent office.

Of course, Apple can't afford to NOT challenge Psystar. They have to try and challenge them and try to slap them down hard. There is a fairly good chance that they can even win if they bring enough force to bear and get a sympathetic or under informed judge, allowing them to maintain their monopoly.

Personally, I think Psystar has a stronger case but Apple has more money. It will be interesting to see how it plays out.

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