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Entropy

All articles tagged with #entropy

A Universal Law Says Evolution Builds Function by Increasing Information
science2 days ago

A Universal Law Says Evolution Builds Function by Increasing Information

Robert Hazen and Michael Wong argue that evolution is a universal process, not limited to biology, governed by a new natural law—the law of increasing functional information—that explains how complex systems from minerals to AI become more patterned as they generate and select for functional configurations. They describe a “second arrow” of time toward greater order despite entropy, outline three sources of selection (static persistence, dynamic persistence, novelty generation), and introduce functional information as a measure (based on Szostak). The concept has broad applications—from cancer to ecology and AI—and invites reflection on meaning and purpose within science, while highlighting humanity’s ability to accelerate evolution by imagining and testing countless configurations.

via Next Big Idea Club|
#artificial-intelligence#entropy#evolution
Memories in the vacuum: are we living as Boltzmann Brains?
science1 month ago

Memories in the vacuum: are we living as Boltzmann Brains?

Physicists propose the Boltzmann Brain hypothesis: given enough time, random fluctuations could create a brain with all your memories, making our recollections potentially illusory. In a paper in Entropy, lead author David Wolpert and co-authors Carlo Rovelli and Jordan Scharnhorst argue this is a plausible consequence of physics, though there’s no rigorous way to prove or disprove it. They connect the idea to thermodynamics and argue that grounding our sense of time still rests on the Big Bang, concluding we shouldn’t panic, but the notion challenges the reliability of memory as a reflection of past reality.

via Daily Mail|
#big-bang#boltzmann-brain#entropy
Entropy Could Be Gravity’s Hidden Origin, Pointing Toward Quantum Gravity
science1 month ago

Entropy Could Be Gravity’s Hidden Origin, Pointing Toward Quantum Gravity

A new theory by physicist Ginestra Bianconi suggests gravity may emerge from entropy, potentially reconciling Einstein’s general relativity with quantum theory. By treating spacetime as a quantum operator and describing an entropic action that couples matter to geometry through a G-field, the framework aims to yield a small cosmological constant and offer a candidate explanation for dark matter. While intriguing, the idea remains speculative and requires substantial further work to confirm its viability as a unified theory of physics.

via Yahoo News Canada|
#dark-matter#entropy#gravity
Understanding Entropy: The Science of Uncertainty
science1 year ago

Understanding Entropy: The Science of Uncertainty

Entropy, a concept introduced 200 years ago, measures disorder and reflects our ignorance about the universe. Initially linked to thermodynamics, it now spans various fields, highlighting the relationship between information and energy. Modern interpretations view entropy as observer-dependent, challenging traditional notions of objectivity in science. This evolving understanding is influencing areas like decision-making and machine efficiency, and is being explored through experiments with information engines and quantum systems, suggesting a new industrial revolution focused on harnessing uncertainty and information as resources.

via Quanta Magazine|
#entropy#information-theory#physics
"The Intriguing Connection Between Life and Entropy"
science1 year ago

"The Intriguing Connection Between Life and Entropy"

Physicist Jeremy England proposes the idea that life may be a consequence of entropy, a measure of disorder in a system. He suggests that life arises as a result of the laws of physics, drawing on energy from the environment to temporarily decrease its own entropy. England's simulations of complex chemical systems show a statistical tendency for structures with higher-than-equilibrium rates of work absorption, indicating that life-like patterns of collective molecular behavior may arise as a consequence of entropy. If correct, this theory could imply that life is likely ubiquitous throughout the universe.

via IFLScience|
#entropy#jeremy-england#life
"The Universe's Initial Entropy: Zero or Not?"
science2 years ago

"The Universe's Initial Entropy: Zero or Not?"

The second law of thermodynamics states that entropy always increases in any physical system, including the entire Universe. Contrary to popular belief, the Universe did not start with zero entropy at the Big Bang; it had a large entropy even at the earliest stages. Entropy measures the number of possible arrangements of a system's quantum state, rather than "disorder." The entropy of the Universe has increased tremendously over its history, with the largest growth occurring at the end of inflation and the beginning of the hot Big Bang. While the overall entropy of the Universe continues to rise, the entropy density has dropped dramatically over time, and will never be as large as it was at the start of the hot Big Bang.

via Big Think|
#big-bang#entropy#inflation
"Unlocking Time Reversibility: Glass's Potential for Time Travel Revealed"
science-and-technology2 years ago

"Unlocking Time Reversibility: Glass's Potential for Time Travel Revealed"

Scientists have discovered evidence of a material-based measure of the ability to reverse time, challenging the linear nature of time in certain materials like glass. This breakthrough in measuring time, known as material time, has been achieved through the study of glass's molecular reconfiguration, providing insight into its ability to reverse time on a molecular level. This finding could have significant implications for understanding the aging process of materials and the laws of physics.

via Giant Freakin Robot|
#entropy#glass#material-time
The Role of Entropy in Planetary Habitability
science2 years ago

The Role of Entropy in Planetary Habitability

Entropy, a measure of randomness or disorder in a system, plays a crucial role in determining a planet's habitability. Scientist Luigi Petraccone has proposed the concept of "planetary entropy production" (PEP) to evaluate the potential habitability of planets. A high PEP value indicates a planet's ability to sustain complex life forms. By considering the PEP and available free energy, scientists can prioritize targets for further study in the search for habitable exoplanets. This approach does not rely on assumptions about atmospheric conditions or the chemical basis of life, making it a valuable tool in the study of exoplanets.

via Phys.org|
#entropy#exoplanets#habitability
Unveiling the Exceptions: Closed Systems and Entropy
science2 years ago

Unveiling the Exceptions: Closed Systems and Entropy

The entropy of a closed system can decrease under the proper conditions, contrary to what is commonly taught. An isolated system, which allows no exchange of matter or energy with the environment, is the only system where entropy can never decrease. In a closed system, while matter exchange is prohibited, energy and work can still be exchanged with the environment, allowing for a decrease in entropy with sufficient energy input. Understanding the distinctions between open, closed, and isolated systems is crucial in comprehending the behavior of physical systems.

via Big Think|
#closed-system#entropy#isolated-system
The Surprising Link Between Human Consciousness and Entropy
science2 years ago

The Surprising Link Between Human Consciousness and Entropy

A study published in 2016 suggests that human consciousness could be a side effect of the brain's tendency to maximize disorder, similar to the principle of entropy. The researchers propose that consciousness arises naturally as the brain moves towards a state of entropy, where there is a high number of possible configurations of interactions between brain networks. However, the study's small sample size and the need for replication in larger studies limit the conclusions that can be drawn. Nonetheless, the research provides a starting point for further investigation into the relationship between brain organization and consciousness.

via ScienceAlert|
#brain#entropy#human-consciousness