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Golden Ratio Discovered In a Quantum World
FiReaNGeL writes "Scientists have for the first time observed a nanoscale symmetry hidden in solid state matter. 'In order to study these nanoscale quantum effects, the researchers have focused on the magnetic material cobalt niobate. It consists of linked magnetic atoms, which form chains just like a very thin bar magnet, but only one atom wide.' By artificially introducing more quantum uncertainty, the researchers observed that the chain acts like a nanoscale guitar string. The first two notes show a perfect relationship with each other. Their frequencies (pitch) are in the ratio of 1.618, which is the golden ratio famous from art and architecture. The observed resonant states in cobalt niobate are a dramatic laboratory illustration of the way in which mathematical theories developed for particle physics may find application in nanoscale science and ultimately in future technology."
If the bodies of most organisms are anything to go by, evolution loves symmetry. The universe isn't random, it obeys rules, and when you combine random effects with structured rules you fairly often get to see patterns. Perhaps a better explanation: "The golden ratio is found everywhere in nature even to the quantum level. It is THEREFORE the most pleasing ratio to the human eye. It would be highly PROBABLE for a random universe, GOVERNED BY PHYSICAL LAWS, to create this sort of symmetry."
There are 10 kinds of people in this world: those who understand binary, and nine other kinds of people.
The golden ratio is found everywhere in nature even to the quantum level. It is also the most pleasing ratio to the human eye.
It would be highly improbable for a random universe to create this sort of symmetry.
To believe in a random universe requires a lot more mental gymnastics to reconcile the observed universe with that world view.
Which is more likely:
A) The human eye finds the golden ratio pleasing because it is everywhere in nature
B) the golden ratio is everwhere in nature because it is pleasing to the human eye
It's okay to say "I don't know."
You don't have to fill in all the gaps with "God"
[Fuck Beta]
o0t!
if you ask me the deity that needs to constantly fiddle with the universe to make things go its way isn't very intelligent after all. a real show of intelligence would be to interact as little as possible and yet have the universe with its simple, derivable nature inexorably lead toward whatever said deity had in mind.
That's pretty much how the Anglican Church came to grips with evolution. Regrettably, many other religions are highly offended by the concept of a more competent god.
-jcr
The only title of honor that a tyrant can grant is "Enemy of the State."
At this point in the discussion there is a need to remind everyone that this level of physics is appropriate to describing models of the Universe. But, as pointed out by the luminaries who formulated the Copenhagen convention, the Universe is not the model, and the human mind is fundamentally incapable of comprehending how the models we construct differ from the Universe.
Not only do we not know what is really going on, we cannot possibly ever know that; it is one of the limitations that make us humans rather than gods. But we can make models that are fun to play with, and sometimes lead to new insights. Or even new gadgets, like computers, the Internet, slashdot...
I can't believe I used to think that what I thought was happening was really going on --The Sugar Beets
Will