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Submission Summary: 0 pending, 8 declined, 4 accepted (12 total, 33.33% accepted)

Space

Submission + - Was there only one Big Bang? (physicsworld.com)

goldaryn writes: physorg.com are running an interesting story about the work of Oxford-based theoretical physicist Roger Penrose.

Penrose has been studying CWB radiation and believes it's possible that space and time did not come into being at the Big Bang but that our universe in fact continually cycles through a series of "aeons". He believes that he has found evidence supporting his theory that the universe infinitely cycles, which contradicts current theory.

They thank Physics World , who ran the original story.

Science

Submission + - European company to harness orbital solar energy (bbc.co.uk)

goldaryn writes: Word from the BBC today is that Europe's biggest space company is seeking partners to help get a satellite-based solar power trial into orbit.

EADS Astrium says the satellite system would collect the Sun's energy and transmit it to Earth via an infrared laser, to provide electricity. Space solar power has been talked about for more than 30 years as an attractive concept because it would be "clean, inexhaustible, and available 24 hours a day". However, there have always been question marks over its cost, efficiency and safety. But Astrium believes the technology is close to proving its maturity.

Announcements

Submission + - South Korea drafting ethical code for robotic age

goldaryn writes: "The BBC have reported that the South Korean government are working on an ethical code for human/robot relations, "to prevent humans abusing robots, and vice versa"

The article describes the creation of the Robot Ethics Charter, which "will cover standards for users and manufacturers and will be released later in 2007."

The article continues: "It is being put together by a five member team of experts that includes futurists and a science fiction writer."

"In the 21st Century humanity will coexist with the first alien intelligence we have ever come into contact with — robots. "It will be an event rich in ethical, social and economic problems."
"

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