What is Life? by Erwin Schrodinger

    Erwin Schrödinger's "What is Life?" is a seminal work that explores the fundamental question of the nature of life from a physicist's perspective. Published in 1944, the book had a significant impact on the development of molecular biology and the understanding of the physical basis of life.

    In the introduction, Schrödinger sets the stage by acknowledging the daunting task of tackling such a broad and complex topic. He notes that the book is based on a series of public lectures he delivered, which allowed him to present his ideas in a more accessible and engaging manner. Schrödinger emphasizes that his approach is that of a physicist, bringing a unique perspective to the study of living organisms.

    In the main body of the book, Schrödinger delves into the complex and intriguing aspects of living organisms, drawing insights from his expertise in quantum mechanics and thermodynamics. He presents a comprehensive review of the key concepts and principles that he believes are essential for understanding the essence of life.

One of your favorite quotes from the book is:

"How would we express in terms of the statistical theory the marvellous faculty of a living organism, by which it delays the decay into thermodynamical equilibrium (death)? We said before: 'It feeds upon negative entropy', attracting, as it were, a stream of negative entropy upon itself, to compensate the entropy increase it produces by living and thus to maintain itself on a stationary and fairly low entropy level."

Explanation:

    This quote eloquently captures Schrödinger's central idea about the nature of life and its relationship with entropy. Schrödinger introduces the concept of "negative entropy" as a fundamental characteristic of living organisms. He argues that living systems maintain a high degree of order and organization, which is in contrast to the natural tendency of the universe towards disorder and entropy (the second law of thermodynamics).

    Organisms actively resist the increase in entropy by continuously extracting "negative entropy" from their environment. This process of "feeding upon negative entropy" allows them to delay the decay into thermodynamic equilibrium, which would be equivalent to death. In other words, living organisms are able to maintain a relatively low entropy state by constantly importing and utilizing the "negative entropy" from their surroundings. This is what Schrödinger refers to as the "marvellous faculty" of living organisms, which sets them apart from the natural tendency towards disorder and decay.

    By framing this concept in terms of the statistical theory of thermodynamics, Schrödinger provides a physical and quantitative basis for understanding the fundamental nature of life and its ability to defy the natural increase in entropy. This quote and the associated concept of "negative entropy" are central to Schrödinger's exploration of the physical basis of life and have had a lasting impact on the scientific understanding of living systems.

1. Negative Entropy and the Order of Living Systems:

    Schrödinger introduces the concept of "negative entropy" as a fundamental characteristic of living organisms. He argues that living systems maintain a high degree of order and organization, which is in contrast to the natural tendency of the universe towards disorder and entropy. Organisms actively resist the increase in entropy by continuously extracting "negative entropy" from their environment, a process that is essential for their survival and growth.

2. Genetic Code and the Aperiodic Crystal:

    Schrödinger proposed the idea of the "aperiodic crystal" as the physical basis of the genetic code. He envisioned the genetic material as a highly ordered, yet aperiodic, structure that could store and transmit the information necessary for the development and maintenance of living organisms. This concept laid the groundwork for the later discovery of the DNA molecule and its role in heredity.

3. Quantum Mechanics and Biological Processes:

    Schrödinger explored the potential role of quantum mechanics in understanding biological processes, particularly in the context of the stability and replication of genetic material. He suggested that the quantum-mechanical properties of atoms and molecules might be crucial in explaining the remarkable fidelity of genetic information transfer and the mechanisms underlying biological processes.

4. Determinism and Free Will:

    Schrödinger delved into the philosophical implications of his scientific ideas, addressing the question of determinism and free will. He argued that the apparent determinism of physical laws does not necessarily preclude the existence of free will, as the complexity of living systems may allow for a degree of indeterminacy and unpredictability.

5. The Meaning of Life:

    In the final chapters of the book, Schrödinger contemplates the deeper philosophical and existential questions surrounding the meaning of life. He explores the relationship between the individual and the universe, the nature of consciousness, and the role of the mind in understanding the physical world.

    Schrödinger's "What is Life?" is a seminal work that has had a lasting impact on the scientific community and the broader understanding of the fundamental principles of life. It has inspired generations of scientists and philosophers to continue exploring the mysteries of the living world and the nature of existence.

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Evolution of Ambient Music

    Ambient music, with its soothing textures, atmospheric soundscapes, and lack of distinct rhythmic structures, has captivated listeners for decades. This genre, which emphasizes tone and atmosphere over traditional musical structure or rhythm, may lack a defined composition, beat, or structured melody, instead using textural layers of sound that can reward both passive and active listening, encouraging a sense of calm or tranquillity.

    The origins of ambient music can be traced back to the pioneering work of composers such as Erik Satie, who in the early 20th century, composed what he referred to as "furniture music" – pieces that were intended to blend seamlessly into the background, creating a contemplative and immersive listening experience. This concept of music as an environmental element, rather than a focal point, would later become a cornerstone of the ambient genre.

    The 1970s saw the emergence of ambient music as a distinct genre, with the release of landmark albums by artists like Brian Eno, whose 1978 record "Ambient 1: Music for Airports" is widely regarded as a seminal work in the field. Eno's exploration of minimalist, textural compositions and his concept of "ambient music" as a means of creating "environmental" sound helped to define the genre and inspire a new generation of musicians.

    As the decades progressed, ambient music continued to evolve and diversify, with artists drawing inspiration from a wide range of musical traditions and incorporating elements of electronic, neoclassical, and even world music into their compositions. Figures like Steve Roach, Biosphere, and Sigur Rós expanded the sonic palette of ambient, creating immersive and deeply emotive soundscapes that resonated with listeners around the world.

    The term "ambient music" was coined by Eno to describe music that enhances environments by blanketing their acoustic properties, rather than regularizing them. In the late 1970s, new-age musician Laraaji began busking in New York parks and sidewalks, and it was there that Eno heard him playing and asked him to record an album, "Day of Radiance," which was the third in Eno's Ambient series.    

    In the mid-1980s, the possibilities to create a sonic landscape increased through the use of sampling, and by the late 1980s, the incorporation of the computer in the writing and recording process of records became more prevalent. However, many artists were still working with analogue synthesizers and acoustic instruments to produce ambient works, such as Midori Takada's 1983 album "Through the Looking Glass," which was influenced by African drumming, gamelan, and minimalist composers.

    In the 1990s, ambient music in rave contexts started to be used as a calming break from the intensity of hardcore and techno, often used in other rooms or parts of the warehouses where parties were held to allow people to relax. Ambient music was also used for music therapy and stress management, or simply to fall asleep.

    Today, ambient music continues to thrive, with a vibrant and diverse community of artists pushing the boundaries of the genre. From the cinematic, atmospheric works of Helios and Olafur Arnalds to the meditative, nature-inspired compositions of Liz Harris (Grouper) and the experimental, glitch-infused ambient of Oneohtrix Point Never, the contemporary ambient landscape is a rich tapestry of creativity and innovation.

    The enduring appeal of ambient music lies in its ability to transport listeners to other realms, to evoke emotions and sensations that transcend the boundaries of traditional music. Whether used as a tool for relaxation, meditation, or simply as a means of immersing oneself in a sonic environment, ambient music continues to captivate and inspire listeners, offering a unique and deeply rewarding listening experience.

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The Sun: The Celestial Powerhouse that Sustains Life on Earth

    The Sun, our nearest star, is a celestial body that has captivated the human imagination for millennia. As the central and dominant feature of our solar system, the Sun's influence extends far beyond its physical boundaries, shaping the very existence of life on Earth. In this blog post, we will delve into the remarkable facts and intriguing mysteries surrounding our star, the Sun.

The Colossal Size and Mass of the Sun

    The Sun is an immense sphere of hot plasma, with a diameter of approximately 1.39 million kilometers (864,400 miles). To put this into perspective, if the Sun were hollow, it could easily accommodate over 1 million Earths inside it. The Sun's mass is approximately 1.989 × 10^30 kilograms, which is about 333,000 times the mass of the Earth. This colossal size and mass are a testament to the Sun's dominance in our solar system, exerting a powerful gravitational pull that keeps the planets, including Earth, in their orbits.

The Nuclear Fusion Reactor at the Sun's Core

    At the heart of the Sun lies a nuclear fusion reactor, where the intense heat and pressure fuse hydrogen atoms into helium, releasing an enormous amount of energy in the process. This process of nuclear fusion is the primary source of the Sun's radiant energy, which is then transported outward through the Sun's layers and eventually reaches the Earth, sustaining life on our planet.

The Sun's Magnetic Field and Solar Activity

    The Sun's interior is a dynamic and complex environment, with a powerful magnetic field that extends throughout the solar system. This magnetic field is responsible for the Sun's solar activity, which includes the formation of sunspots, solar flares, and coronal mass ejections. These events can have significant impacts on Earth, affecting our communication systems, power grids, and even the Earth's atmosphere and climate.

The Sun's Influence on Life on Earth

    The Sun's energy is the driving force behind the Earth's climate, weather patterns, and the very existence of life. The Sun's radiation provides the necessary heat and light for photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert sunlight into chemical energy. This energy is then passed up the food chain, sustaining all life on our planet. Additionally, the Sun's influence on the Earth's magnetic field and atmospheric processes plays a crucial role in shielding us from harmful cosmic radiation, making life on Earth possible.

The Mysteries of the Sun

    Despite our extensive knowledge of the Sun, there are still many unanswered questions and intriguing mysteries surrounding our star. For example, the exact mechanisms behind the Sun's 11-year solar cycle and the origins of its powerful magnetic field are still not fully understood. Additionally, the Sun's outer atmosphere, known as the corona, is much hotter than its surface, a phenomenon that has puzzled scientists for decades.

Conclusion

    The Sun is a truly remarkable celestial body, a colossal nuclear fusion reactor that sustains life on Earth and shapes the very fabric of our solar system. As we continue to explore and study the Sun, we uncover new insights into the workings of our universe and deepen our understanding of the delicate balance that allows life to thrive on our planet. The Sun's enduring mysteries and its profound influence on our existence make it a subject of endless fascination and scientific inquiry.

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   Where does outer space begin

     In the margins of Earth's atmosphere, a new era of commercial and military space exploration is unfolding, as private companies like Virgin Galactic and Blue Origin prepare to offer space tourism experiences, while military forces experiment with hypersonic flight in the upper reaches, and hucksters advertise high-altitude stratospheric balloon flights, blurring the lines between the Earth's atmosphere and the vast expanse of space and raising the long-standing question of where exactly outer space begins and how high one must travel to be considered a true space traveler, a question that is not easily answered due to the gradual, exponential decrease in atmospheric density, leading to ongoing debates and discussions about the precise definition of the boundary between the Earth's gaseous envelope and the vacuum of space, a quest that has become increasingly important as the race to the final frontier intensifies, with implications for the legal and regulatory frameworks governing space activities and the recognition of those who venture into the upper atmosphere.

    The definition of outer space is the most widely accepted. In 1963, it was released by the lawyer for space Andrew Haley. Modern commentators often assume that the Kármán altitude line defines its order of magnitude estimate of 100 km.

    The original point of Kármán was that there was an altitude where it was impossible to generate a wing lift. The drag dominates gravity forces on an orbiting satellite at a similar height, showed by essentially identical calculations.

    The drag is proportional to the density of the atmosphere and the velocity of the satellite. The high density causes a rapid slow-down below this height and causes the satellite to fail. The solid braking also generates high heating and the satellite quickly splits off and melts in the absence of a heat shield. 

     Practical evidence suggests a reasonable boundary is the 80 km line. Perigee satellites in the range of 80-90 km fall below 100 km every few hours. The boundary of 80 km corresponds fairly well with the typical mesopausal altitude. The boundary used since 1961 to award "astronaut wings" to US military pilots, including several who flew the suborbital space plane X-15, is closely equal to 50 statute miles.

    All vehicles that need aerodynamic lift to remain aloft are restricted to the stratosphere. Above the stratopause is the mesosphere region between 50 km and 80 km. That is a forbidden zone, where neither aircraft nor satellites can fly. Russia and other spacefaring countries have repeatedly suggested adopting the 100 km boundary, or something near it. The US government, though, has long resisted any official legal definition of space. 

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Potential life on Mars likely lived below the surface

    Life on Ancient Mars may have been living a few miles below the surface. This is likely due to the subsurface melting of geothermal heat-fuelled thick ice sheets. In order to see whether heating via geothermal or underground heat would have been possible 4.1 billion to 3.7 billion years ago, research examined different Mars datasets.

    Study may help to resolve what is known as the paradox of the faint young sun. Lead author Lujendra Ojha claims that the subsurface may represent Mars' longest-lived habitable environment. Over time, in our solar system, the Sun has gradually brightened and warmed the surface of the planets.

    There are many geological indicators on the surface of Mars, such as ancient riverbeds. These suggest that in the Noachian era, the Red Planet had abundant liquid water. The faint young sun paradox, the researchers said, is this apparent contradiction between the geological record and climate models.

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The AI Learning to Sing Like a Human

    The new singing bot is called XiaoiceSing. In "singing voice synthesis," the task is to turn a musical score into a song with a voice. The team worked on a way to offer the ability to sing to the company's chatbot, Xiaoice (pronounced Shao-ice). Xiaoice Sing, and the results are impressive. The first research results are available on the website of Microsoft Technology Center Asia.

    XiaoiceSing does this by dividing the worlds into phonemes and then assigning each one a pitch and duration. This can be expressed in the form of a vector that can be' read by a computer, but this process of translation is tricky. Each word is made up of syllables, and they are formed from phonemes in turn. The score might indicate that the entire word is sung for several beats. But XiaoiceSing's problem is dividing those beats between the phonemes.

    XiaoiceSing uses a system called FastSpeech for text-to-speech. It must then be decoded and vocalised, or "vocoded." By associating the spectral characteristics of the human song with the machine-readable score, the machine essentially learns. Then, given a new score the machine has never seen a human-like output can be produced. The results are impressive, with XiaoiceSing repeatedly coming out on top. 

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Researchers are using AI to create the family tree of the Milky Way

    Researchers used AI to analyses large groups of stars with as many as million stars, orbiting the Milky Way. The researchers were able to predict the merger times of the Milky Way's ancestor galaxies with high precision by applying AI on these groups of globular clusters. The process also revealed a previously unknown collision between the Milky way and an enigmatic galaxy, which according to the Royal Astronomical Society, includes Sagittarius, Sequoia, Kraken, Helmi streams, Gaia-Enceladus-Sausage, along with the main originator of the Milky Ways (RAS).

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How to figure out whether you are introvert or extrovert ?

An introvert is often thought of as a quiet, reserved, thoughtful individual. They should not pursue special attention or social commitment, as these activities may leave introverts feeling tired and exhausted.
Introverts are the opposite of extroverts. The extroverts are often identified as a party life. They're looking for interaction and discussions. They are not one to miss a social event, and they excel in the frenzy of a busy world.

What Is an Introvert? 

People who are introverted tend to be inward turning, or focused more on internal thoughts, feelings and moods rather than seeking out external stimulation.

An introvert is a person with traits known as a personality type introversion, which means that they are more relaxed in their inner thoughts and ideas than what happens externally. Instead of large parties or celebrations, they enjoy spending time with one or two friends

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 5 Best DAW software For Beginner

WHAT IS DAWs? 

DAW is a device or software application that is used to record, edit and create audio files. DAWs are accessible from a single software programme on a laptop to an integrated stand-alone device in a good form of configuration, all thanks to the highly complex configuration of the different components managed by the central computer. Modern DAWs have a central interface that allows the user to modify and mix multiple recordings and tracks into a final piece made, regardless of the configuration.

DAWs are used to create and record music, songs, voice, radio , TV, soundtracks, podcasts, sound effects, and almost any other scenario where complicated recorded audio is needed.

Okay, let's see some of the best digital audio workstations for beginners in 5-1 order.

5. PreSonus StudioOne

PreSonus Studio One  offers the full DAW experience for music productions. Sharing the intuitive nature of Logic Pro X, Studio One takes the artist into consideration, after all, not everyone wants to be an engineer! Apps such as "Scratch Track" and "Arranger Track" allow users to adapt quickly and without requiring any changes to the arrangements or the composition of the hearing. This makes Studio One best suited to dense arrangements for composers. In addition, Impact XT and SampleOne XT are the new simulated beat and loop composition methods in version 4.

4. Cubase

Steinberg's Cubase was one of the first DAWs on the market and it's still really popular. Cubase 10 is the newest version of the app which is intended to create a compatibility control. Cubase has only begun as a MIDI application and now it has the best MIDI editing capabilities. Audio and mixing skills are also not sludge — this DAW can do all the big names who are able to do that. The popular VST plugin was developed by Steinberg, which makes free VST plugins especially compatible with Windows. Cubase has a lot to do, so it's worth dreaming about when you're hunting for the perfect DAW for yourself.

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