The lab - for all things sciencey

[silverfox]

I think you're mistaken on your second point Hal. The many-worlds interpretation of quantum mechanics is only concerned with a single universe, not multiple universes.

[Huguenot]

That's not a logical interpretation of many-worlds theory silverfox.

Many-worlds assumes that all possible realities co-exist but cannot interact. Since there is no statute of limitations on this theory, it is only safe to assume that it also includes the creation of multiple universes.

In fact the 'Many-worlds' theory is used as an explanation for the 'anthropic principle' (that's the one that questions why it is that the universe in which we live is perfect for us to live here).

i.e. 'Multiverses' is a subset of 'Many-worlds'

[HAL9000]

silverfox - Apologies: M-Theory itself postulates the co-existence of multiple D-brane universes created when P-branes collide within a higher dimensional space thereby validating your original comment and rendering my interjection otiose.

[Peckhamgatecrasher]

Trip to Tate Britain anyone?

[*Bob*]

Any wireless internet 'fans' here in the science room?

Here's one that's been keeping me awake at night: is wireless at internet (at home) from a router to a receiving machine delivered 'in s straight line' from one to the other? Or does the router emit a sort-of magic data cloud which your machine can kind-of grab if it's nearby? Hope I'm putting this all the a proper science-like wording.

[red devil]

Avoid sleepless nights *Bob* and instead just use the analogy of sex...one transmits and one receives

[*Bob*]

But there's definitely a clear line of sight when it comes to sex.. with another person at any rate. I mean it's not like you can pass your penis through a brick wall and into a waiting vagina (try as I might).

[red devil]

I take it you're not a frequenter of public toliets then...

[david_carnell]

Why, when mobile phones are now digital, can signals be on a gradient between excellent and poor?

Surely either you have a signal or you don't with digital? Your reception should be either crystal clear or non-existent and yet this is clearly not the case.

Kind regards,

Confused of SE15.

[mockney piers]

It's a magic data cloud of limited range, hence why your smart phone spends half its time pestering you that wifi is available as you wander down the street.

Think of it as radio, mainly because that's exactly what it is.

[mockney piers]

D_C the signal is digital but the means of transmission is still very much analogue and thus prone to degradation inteference and interruption by other signals, the atmosphere and things like walls.

[*Bob*]

mockney piers Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> It's a magic data cloud of limited range, hence

> why your smart phone spends half its time

> pestering you that wifi is available as you wander

> down the street.

If you had a thick brick wall which was, a few metres wide and high - and placed the router a few metres behind one side and the receiver a few behind the other, then the 'magic cloud' theory would surely mean that the reception would be similar with or without the brick wall?

Only it isn't because the &&*^& things doesn't *&^*&^*& work.

[Jeremy]

Bob - it's just radio waves, emitted in all directions.

[red devil]

Maybe you're not shouting loud enough *Bob*...

http://www.lusterstudios.com/images/allysonphilip/playing-telephone-tin-cans-string.jpg

[*Bob*]

I guess I'm just a little disappointed in 'the future', as it stands.

[Jeremy]

david_carnell Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> Surely either you have a signal or you don't with digital?

> Your reception should be either crystal clear or non-existent

That's generally true with a digital signal, but that doesn't mean that your entire phone call is all-or-nothing. There are times when the audio will cut out entirely, but it shouldn't go weak/fuzzy/noisy.

Like a digital TV hooked up to an indoor ariel... when reception isn't strong enough, you find out pretty abruptly, there's no sublte degradation in quality.

[mockney piers]

Sorry *Bob*. I'm afraid the magic cloud isn't so much the future as technology from 2 centuries ago!!

Anyway this is nice in a sort o utterly useless way. But does explain why Huguenot's posts take about 4 days to reach here.

http://www.submarinecablemap.com/