Scientists are attempting to create a synthetic brain by reverse-engineering the mammalian brain down to the molecular level. A cellular human brain is predicted possible by 2023. It hopes to shed light on consciousness.
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In 1999, Harvard physicist Lene Hau was able to slow down light to 17 meters per second and in 2001, was able to stop light completely.
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Termites are being researched as a possible renewable energy source as they can produce up to 2 litres of hydrogen from ingesting a single sheet of paper, making them one of the planet’s most efficient bioreactors.
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Every day, plants convert sunlight into energy equivalent to six times the entire power consumption of human civilization.
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The weight of a carat (200 milligrams), standard unit of measurement for gemstones, is based on the weight of the carob seed.
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Indoor pollution is 10 times more toxic than outdoor pollution.
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Columbia University has developed an artificial tree that passively soaks up carbon dioxide from the air using "leaves" that are 1,000 times more efficient than true leaves that use photosynthesis.
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The average temperature at 40,000 feet above sea level is -60 F.
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