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Going rogue: The physics of finance

Can economic systems also act like physical systems? The interdisciplinary practice of econophysics looks for the parallels, and the physics arXiv Blog points out recent research that suggests intriguing new evidence that, like rogue ocean waves, the behavior of some market meltdowns have characteristics that can be modeled and understood.

Kentucky science, engineering research funding available

The KY Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research, or EPSCoR, Kentucky office has funding in its FY09-10 budget for the following 3 categories:

• Collaborative Research Initiation Grant (CRIG) - Funds are available to form a group and determine a research focus of national importance - 1 year, up to $10,000.
• Collaborative Research Development Grant (CRGD) - Funds are provided for organizational activities leading to the submission of a federal proposal to establish a research program, center, or institute of national importance - 1 year, up to $30,000. Renewals are possible.
• National Laboratory Initiative (NLI) - NLI grants of up to $1,500 are available for travel to a national laboratory to determine the feasibility of joint research programs and/or sabbatical stays. NLI grants of up to $5,000 are available to assist faculty in establishing residence at a National Laboratory for a period of up to 12 months. Proposals may be submitted until April 30, 2010 or the funding is exhausted.

Guidelines are available online. More information may also be obtained from Liz Knapp, Assistant Director, Kentucky EPSCoR Program at (859) 246-3245 or lknapp@kstc.com.

White House: America must meet STEM challenge

Holding an event yesterday, the White House unambiguously described the importance of math and science education.

The key to meeting these challenges -- to improving our health and well-being, to harnessing clean energy, to protecting our security, and succeeding in the global economy -- will be reaffirming and strengthening America's role as the world's engine of scientific discovery and technological innovation.  And that leadership tomorrow depends on how we educate our students today, especially in those fields that hold the promise of producing future innovations and innovators.  And that's why education in math and science is so important.

The corporate partnership is impressive.

Kentucky life sciences deal

A small Louisville-based biotech company has struck a multi-million dollar deal to sell rights to a potentially ground-breaking drug it is developing to Alcon, the world’s largest eye-care company.

American culture killing STEM?

Is American culture killing innovation? In a recent piece for Newsweek, Fareed Zakaria has some strong words for the idea that America's dominance in the sciences - and the innovation it spawned - will continue unabated.

Scarcity and innovation

The Changeist writes that abundance can sometimes be the enemy of innovation.

Epistemic games: Knowing by doing

"Epistemic games" are games in which kids can contribute their creative ideas for solving real problems in an environment that also asks them to think professionally. There is nothing like knowing by doing. David Shaffer, who coined the term, answered five questions about his work a while back.

Regional Climate Change Forum

Just a reminder that you have the opportunity to attend the regional climate change forum scheduled for December 8. But register soon, space is limited!

"Shoot for the Moon, not the tops of trees"

The new book Googled: The End of the World as We Know it, demonstrates that innovation is by its nature unpredictable and powerful. Christian Science Monitor :

Ken Auletta, an author and a longtime columnist for the The New Yorker, documents the meteoric rise of Google from its humble beginnings through its multibillion-dollar profits in his latest book, Googled: The End of the World as We Know It. As the latter half of the title suggests, Auletta’s work is more than just a history of Google and a biography of its principals. It is rather a tripartite inspection of modern technological innovation, the decline of traditional media (print journalism, music CDs, etc.) and its revenue stream (advertising sales), and the ways in which Google serves as a flash point for many of the successes and controversies surrounding the Digital Age.

The unofficial motto of the organization known for its unorthodox workplace and tens of billions in revenue is "shoot for the moon, not the tops of trees." Just as Google rose to challenge Microsoft and its business, the company's ambition and size doesn't make it invincible either, but it does show just how one well executed breakthrough innovation can change everything.

Kentucky Space delivering to the International Space Station

This weekend will mark a milestone at Kentucky Space, as it works to deliver the NanoRacks platform on Saturday, November 7, for offgas and EMI testing in preparation for a Shuttle launch to the International Space Station. The rack has been machined and all the electronics have been design, built, tested and coated. It's now being assembled.

Following a public announcement on September 21, Managing Director Jeffrey Manber described how NanoRacks plans to make low cost microgravity research available in this October video.

Outgassing is a process that results in what many people will recognize as that "new car smell." In this case it will ensure that any volatile compounds exit the hardware prior to arrival on the ISS. EMI, or electromagnetic interference testing, is done to ensure that any electronic device will not radiate electromagnetic radio waves that could affect other electronics onboard the station. EMI can come from any electronic device and generally originates from a switching signal coupling to wires and circuit board traces. Good design will limit the amount of EMI that occurs.

In addition to the NanoRack, Kentucky Space is also busy assembling CubeLabs to accompany the platform on Saturday. The first CubeLab will test the power system and confirm data flow end-to-end, from CubeLab to researcher. In addition, it will test the radiation susceptibility of the cards used in KySat-1, Kentucky Space's first orbital Cubesat, which is being readied for flight.

Finally, to ensure that researchers can create their own CubeLabs and carry out their own experimental program on the International Space Station, we're putting together an Interface Control Document.