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Learning the Science Behind Roulette

Sierra Parisian — Sat, 04 Aug 2018 08:16:27 +0000

Roulette is one casino game that keeps growing in popularity due to its availability and simplicity. Unlike other games where players have to deal with complicated judgment calls, roulette requires you to bet where the ball will land – red or black, even or odd number. Realising that there is a science to playing roulette is the first step to increasing your winning chances. Understanding the science of roulette can save you from falling victim to the numerous formulas that are peddled to players out there.

How the Game Works

A roulette wheel has 38 or 37 numbers, depending on the region. You have 1-36, which are coloured red and black, and the zero (plus double zero for 38-numbered wheels) placed on green slots. The red and black colours alternate but the numbers are at random. There is a table as well that contains 36 number arranged in 3 columns in similar order to those on the wheel. A player can choose to bet on red or black, odd or even number, a high or low stake. The dealer then spins the wheel on one direction and the ball in the opposite. The ball is pulled down to the numbered slots, and if it lands on a number or colour that you have predicted, you win.

The Science of It

A player can improve the chances of cashing out big at an online casino by mastering the physics of roulette. When the croupier spins the ball, it travels at a speed that you can calculate to determine where it lands. Doing this can boost your odds from the traditional 48.6%. Some experts have developed tools that can calculate the path that a ball will take as other bounces off the table. With the right tools, you can determine which number combinations to bet on with more confidence. The secret to using science to get bigger winnings when playing roulette is to spread them across a long period rather than capitalising all at once.

How to Get More Natural Light At Home and in the Office

Sierra Parisian — Mon, 25 Jun 2018 11:52:42 +0000

Sunlight is vital for our health and wellbeing. Unfortunately, many of us live and work in places that don’t have access to natural light. This is usually because of the architecture of buildings. There are several ways of bringing natural light to a room that is positioned far away from the windows. Here are some of them:

1. Using the Parans System

The Parans system involves the use of fibre optic cables to transport sunlight through a building. It can carry sunlight through 30 floors while retaining its luminosity and quality. An advantage of this system is that it follows the sun through the day. This way, you enjoy natural light at all times of the day.The Paranslight SP4 system can be adapted and expanded to suit your needs. It can serve between 4 and 20 light points. The length of the cables can be customized to any size under 100 metres. As an extra advantage, dangerous IR and UV rays are filtered out of the light, meaning the light you get is almost free of radiation.

2. Architectural Light Shelves

Light shelves are horizontal surfaces that are meant to reflect light deep into a building. These surfaces are typically placed above eye level and on the side of the equator. This side usually has the maximum light. If used correctly, these shelves can eliminate the need for artificial lighting during the day. Unfortunately, light shelves cannot be used in places with intense solar gain such as deserts.Exterior sunshades are often classified as a type of light shelves. This is because they direct sunlight to the ceiling of the room. However, the main purpose of exterior sunshades is to reduce glare in a room and limit the solar heat gain.

What Is The Brain’s Reward System?

Sierra Parisian — Fri, 22 Jun 2018 08:30:31 +0000

We all know the pleasure we get from certain foods, or a hug or kiss from a loved one and the natural high that we get when we indulge in some activity that we enjoy. The buzz we get from these positive experiences is all down to dopamine which is a neurotransmitter produced when we get the feel-good factor from certain substances or experiences.

Where Is It Located?

The part of the brain responsible for the feelings of pleasure and reward is an area called the ventral tegmental area (VTA) which is also the area concerned with basic survival mechanisms. Of course this can sometimes be activated for the wrong reasons such as drug addiction, but it is primarily intended to reward healthy, motivational activities when activated at normal levels.

How Does It Work?

Human brains are constructed to ensure that we continue to repeat life-enhancing activities. By flooding the brain with dopamine when we do something that produces pleasure, the brain connects this activity with something important that needs to be remembered and we obviously want to repeat the experience.This can be seen in a range of activities including tactile behaviours such as kissing and hugging as well as other stimuli such as eating chocolate, watching a favourite sport, undertaking betting or other activities.When people play betting games, not only do they have the excitement and anticipation of participating but there is the very real chance of winning money which is a great motivator. This provides an incentive to try again and repeat the fun and the possibility of cash prizes.As with all human behaviours, it is necessary to keep these in check and ensure that pleasurable activities stay within reasonable and moderate boundaries, but the reward system in the brain definitely makes life much more enjoyable for all of us!

Behind the Poker Face

Sierra Parisian — Fri, 04 May 2018 13:57:13 +0000

Anyone who’s attempted to play poker – whether successfully or not – can tell you that the game possesses an attraction unlike any other. Whether this is because it’s been heavily commercialized in movies, because of its association with money or due to its uncanny ability to draw people of all kinds together, there’s no doubt that poker remains the ultimate card game.

Becoming a poker player is not to be taken lightly, and amateurs are warned that the game needs to be studied beforehand. It’s important that each player plans his strategy well, is aware of his playing style, and is able to read his opponent’s body language in order to gauge his next move. If you’re a novice planning your first poker night, it’s wise to read up on the psychology behind the game and get some insightful advice for poker rookies.

While poker is usually very much associated with socialization, the introduction of online poker in recent years presents an altogether different kettle of fish. While technological advances do make online poker experiences extremely authentic, the fact that you cannot see your opponent makes it extremely difficult to predict your opponent’s moves – or indeed, call his bluff. You’ll also need to pay careful attention to your bankroll as it’s very easy to get sucked into what is known in poker terms as a tilt, a reckless state of mind in which the player is tempted to make several consecutive uninformed choices. It’s therefore worth getting a few tips before embarking on online poker.

In short, for the discerning player, poker can prove a fulfilling experience whether played live or online. Always remember to play within your means and, in the case of online gaming, make it a point to check the license of your chosen casino.

Health Benefits of Sunlight

Sierra Parisian — Fri, 03 Nov 2017 11:00:56 +0000

The health benefits of sunlight are more far reaching than many people are aware. There are countless health benefits to having the sunlight kiss your skin on a daily basis, not least of which is avoiding the depressive state of mind linked to seasonal affective disorder.Aside from SAD, the sun’s rays can prevent people from experiencing conditions like high blood pressure. When the human body spends time under sunlight, blood pressure drops and the blood is capable of taking more oxygen to the tissues of the body. This brings oxygen to the muscles of the body in a similar way to that which takes place when exercising.Health benefits that we get from the sun include the stimulation of the production of the essential vitamin D. This vitamin aids in the development of the bone structure, more so in growing children. It also improves overall immune health, making us less susceptible to ailments. Adequate exposure to sunlight also reduces acne and other undesired skin inflammations.The sun can also significantly improve our mental health. Exposure to sunlight will help lighten your mood and this will assist you to manage your stress levels. Radiations emitted by the sun can also cure a variety of skin conditions such as jaundice and psoriasis.Sunlight can also lower cholesterol. The sun’s rays convert high cholesterol in the blood into sex hormones and steroid hormones, which we need for reproduction. A lack of sunlight causes substances in the blood to turn into cholesterol, contributing to high cholesterol.

Indoor Lights Powered by the Sun’s Rays

Electricity isn’t the only way to power indoor lights. Thanks to an invention by Parans, the sun’s rays can now actually be transported deep into buildings in order to power indoor lights. The sun’s rays are captured by external collectors and then transported through fibre optics to indoor lights.These sun-emitting indoor lights come in a wide variety of forms to create different lighting effects. People who are indoors are then actually benefiting from the sun’s rays and the health benefits that we have described.People who spend any amount of time under these lights are healthier, more productive and are generally more positive, having avoided the risk of experiencing conditions like seasonal affective disorder.

The science of odour

Sierra Parisian — Wed, 13 Sep 2017 12:32:19 +0000

Our sense of smell is not always something that is given as much credit as many of our other classical senses. The study of olfaction is however have provided fascinating insights into both how smells work and how we, or more specifically our brain, works.We are not constantly aware of how much our olfactory system works in our daily lives. It might seem like a very small part of our lives, at first glance. But, in fact, 5 percent of our entire DNA is actually devoted to olfaction. If smell wasn’t as important to us as many would believe, the amount of our DNA devoted to this single function would most likely have been lower because of simple natural selection.In the back of our nose, we have millions of sensory neurons that lie in a narrow strip of soft tissue called the olfactory epithelium. On the tips of the cells in that area are proteins that bind odour molecules. These proteins are called receptors and functions sort of like a lock, which can be unlocked by odour molecules. One receptor can however be open by many different types of molecules, and each molecule can open different types of receptors. They do, however, react with varying strength depending on which molecule binds to which receptor. It is this complexity that allow us to detect a vast variety of odours, and what we call a single smell, like the scent of a rose, is actually a combination of many different types of molecules interacting with several different receptors.Our sense of smell enables us to not only smell the roses, but an incredible variety of both pleasant and foul odours. And everyone can probably remember when something they smelled recently had a significant effect on them. Some people can also be so unfortunate that they have an inability to get used to smells, which can have a serious impact on their ability to function in a number of situations.We are all sensitive to smells in varying degrees. The act of providing agreeable conditions to work and live in are, in part, credited to advances in odour removal technology and practices. This is a consideration that many places have to take, but it is a very serious issue in many different types of industries.

Moving On From Cigarettes

Sierra Parisian — Mon, 05 Jun 2017 07:35:01 +0000

As smoking is getting banned in more and more areas and as health concerns rise, many people are looking to quit their smoking habits. This can be hard without knowing exactly how or what to do, so here are a few suggestions, some hints, and tips to help smokers reach their goal of being a non-smoker.The main problem for smokers is the desire for a nicotine kick. As soon as the craving sets in, smokers will reach for a cigarette to have that quick puff, but what if there was a different, slightly healthier way to get that kick? There is, and it comes in the form of Swedish Snus. Snus is a tobacco product that comes in small pouches. A slightly wet powder, a single pouch is carefully placed under the top lip against the gum. The thinner skin here allows the nicotine in the pouch to be absorbed through the membrane and into the bloodstream thus giving the user the desired nicotine intake. The best way to use snus to stop smoking is to pay attention to when the craving kicks in. When it does, instead of reaching for that cigarette, grab a snus pouch instead and hey presto, no more smoking!For those that are trying to quit using nicotine whatsoever, there is also nicotine-free snus on offer so that after they have weaned themselves of cigarettes, they can continue the process to be completely nicotine-free. Snus has worked for many people around the world, so why not give it a try as well? Other options involve e-cigarettes, patches, and gum. Try them out to see what works best.Quitting smoking is hard, but with a good well-kept plan and some perseverance, it is entirely possible to get to that healthy lifestyle that people so desire.

New discoveries in medical science

Sierra Parisian — Sat, 04 Apr 2015 06:20:47 +0000

Advancements in medical science have the potential to help us all lead healthier and more fulfilling lives. Some of them sound like they have been lifted straight from the pages of a science fiction novel, but many are truly groundbreaking and could well be the difference between life and death.

3D printing

3D printing has been around for a while now, but in the past couple of years it has grown from being something used to print out inanimate objects to a technology that is making waves in the world of medicine.During 2014, a Dutch team of surgeons carried out the world’s first complete skull transplant using a plastic skull piece designed and produced using a 3D printer. The procedure, which took place at the University Medical Centre in Utrecht, took less than a single day to conduct and eased the pressure on the brain of a young woman who suffered with a rare bone thickening condition.3D printing is also being used around the world to produce dental fittings and replacement hip joints. Some also believe that it will be possible to 3D print replacement organs at some stage in the future.

The Bionic Eye

Another of last year’s major breakthroughs was the production of the Argus II Retinal Prosthesis System, AKA ‘The Bionic Eye’. The technology has been designed to give sight back to people who are legally blind and tests at the Duke University Eye Center in Durham, North Carolina in October proved to be extremely positive.The devices were originally designed in the early 2000s, but were only approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2013. Larry Hester, a 66-year-old who had been blind for more than three decades, was one of the first bionic eye recipients and he was overwhelmed by the results.

Neurostimulator for epilepsy

Around the world, an estimated 50 million people have epilepsy, with seizures having a major impact on their lives. For those with intractable epilepsy, the condition can even be fatal.However, a new device has been created that is implanted inside the skull and detects impending seizures before using electrical currents to interrupt the condition.

Where to get the best science education in the world

Sierra Parisian — Mon, 02 Mar 2015 08:00:36 +0000

There are a great many types of sciences you can study, and there are plenty of universities that have very good programs for each. Giving each a definitive rating is based on more than just which has the most students with the highest pass rates. This list is based on average ratings and consistency over ratings for a particular field.

Cambridge University (UK)

If you were looking to rank the world’s universities when it comes to science, then this grand old English institution would win. It has an academic record and prestige so that it matches Harvard in the US and Oxford in the UK, but it is slightly easier to get your research projects funded at Cambridge University, which is why it is currently the top university for a science education in the world. http://www.cam.ac.uk/

Harvard (US)

This is a university that is one of the most well known in the world because it is mentioned frequently in Hollywood movies. It is an excellent business school, but is also a great place to get an education in numerous sciences. You do need to be both exceptional and rich (or get a scholarship) in order to attend. http://www.harvard.edu/

Oxford University (UK)

This is yet another fantastic place to get a science education, and they excel in biological sciences. There are many student run companies related to Oxford University that are making breakthroughs in treatments for disease and illness. http://www.ox.ac.uk/

Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zürich (Switzerland)

ETH Zürich is a very forward thinking university that is well known for its work in a range of sciences. It you are looking for more advanced courses or the chance to take your studies and your research projects into new and exciting areas, then this is the university for you. https://www.ethz.ch/en.html

University of British Columbia (Canada)

This is another university where even uncongenial thinking can still land you a research grant and the facilities you need to complete your work. It is a very good place to study life sciences and the university is very well run. They have many different degree programs that give you a little more choice when picking what scientific area or discipline you wish to enter. http://www.ubc.ca/

Two Emerging Scientific Fields

Sierra Parisian — Fri, 13 Feb 2015 08:27:07 +0000

Graphene

This is a new material that has been developed in Zurich with the input and research of scientists from three countries. The UK, The Czech Republic and Switzerland.Graphene is an extremely thin material at only one atom thick, and is destined to revolutionise industry in many areas, but especially in computer electronics and solar cells.It has extraordinary mechanical and electronic properties, and despite being one of the thinnest materials ever created, it manages to retain a very high level of rigidity.All of these qualities will be a great asset to developers of products already being manufactured, but will no doubt give rise to new innovative technologies that can capitalise on the release from previous physical restrictions.

Nutritional Genomics

There is a growing interest and research amongst scientists into how diet may affect genetic variations at a molecular level.This whole new science has some fascinating and far reaching questions to find answers to. For instance, are we pre-disposed towards certain foods (and the attendant problems created by those foods) because our genetic structure dictates so? Could these traits be reversible for the good?Needless to say that the ultimate aim for neutrigeneticists would be to formulate a plan for individuals based on their own personal genetic make-up. The possibilities of this ever growing research will have far reaching effects on the way we all live our lives.For myself, I have to say that I doubt very much that any future personal genetic manipulation will have much effect on my love of donuts!