Our Burning Questions – Entropy & Immortality
StarTalk Radio
Deep Dive
Why do humans resist merging technology with their biology, according to Neil deGrasse Tyson?
According to Neil deGrasse Tyson, humans resist merging technology with their biology because they are neurologically and psychologically resistant to invasive procedures, even if it means having instant access to information. People prefer the convenience of having the internet in their palms rather than undergoing brain surgery.
Why did the speed of airplanes slow down after the 1970s?
The speed of airplanes slowed down after the 1970s because the need for faster travel diminished when passengers had more options to stay productive or entertained during flights. The urgency to reduce transit time was outweighed by the comfort and amenities available on slower flights.
What happens to a photon as it travels towards the edge of the expanding universe?
As a photon travels towards the edge of the expanding universe, it redshifts, increasing its wavelength and reducing its energy. At the horizon of the universe, where objects are receding at the speed of light, the photon redshifts to infinity and effectively disappears, having no energy left.
What would be the consequences of changing the gravitational constant by a small amount?
Changing the gravitational constant by a small amount would have significant consequences for the universe. For example, doubling the gravitational constant would increase the luminosity of stars by a factor of 256, making the universe much brighter but reducing the lifespan of stars, which would prevent the evolution of complex life.
Why couldn't we have landed on the moon in 1700?
We couldn't have landed on the moon in 1700 because the necessary scientific and technological advancements, such as the periodic table of elements, material science, and advanced physics and astronomy knowledge, had not been developed. The technological and intellectual foundations required for such a mission were not in place.
How do electron microscopes exploit wave-particle duality?
Electron microscopes exploit wave-particle duality by heating electrons to a high energy level, which reduces their wavelength. This allows them to resolve much smaller details than visible light can. The electrons are then beamed at the sample, creating detailed images of structures that are too small to be seen with visible light.
Why might advanced alien civilizations be difficult to detect?
Advanced alien civilizations might be difficult to detect if they have evolved into artificial intelligence and exist in a virtual or computer state. They could be living in data centers on their planets, and their hardware emissaries might be the only physical presence they have, making them hard to distinguish from natural phenomena.
How does the concept of entropy relate to human immortality?
The concept of entropy, which dictates that systems tend to move towards disorder, does not forbid human immortality because life on Earth is an open system that receives energy from the sun. To achieve immortality, humans would need to continuously harness and utilize external energy sources to counteract the effects of entropy.
What is a simple way to communicate with aliens using mathematics?
A simple way to communicate with aliens using mathematics is to create a large triangle on Earth with squares on each side, and then light it on fire at night. The aliens would recognize the Pythagorean theorem (A² + B² = C²) and understand that the creators are intelligent beings.
- Resistance to merging technology with biology is predicted.
- The potential benefits of neural enhancements for mental health are acknowledged.
- The question of whether the brain controls all aspects of human biology is raised.
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