Humans use internal models to estimate gravity and linear acceleration
Article Abstract:
Research using eight subjects, of whom four were experienced psychophysical observers, has tested the hypothesis that there is an internal (neural) model of the physical relationship between gravity, linear acceleration and specific gravito-inertial force. It was proposed that the difference between the internal estimates of gravity and linear acceleration equals the estimated gravito-intertial force. It was established that illusory tilt can be produced by cues from the semicircular canals. Vestibulo-ocular reflex following post-rotational tilt is determined by subject orientation and direction of rotation.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1999
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Measurement of gravitational acceleration by dropping atoms
Article Abstract:
An important use of laser-cooled atoms is in atom interferometers. An atom interferometer based on a fountain of laser-cooled atoms was used to measure the acceleration of gravity, g. A absolute uncertainty of Deltag/g = 3 x 10(super-9) was achieved. The measurement was compared with the value of g obtained using a Michelson interferometer gravimeter, which fell within the same acceleration.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1999
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Acceleration of quantum decay processes by frequent observations
Article Abstract:
It has been established that the quantum Zeno effect is fundamentally unattainable in radiative or radioactive decay. These processes may be speeded up by frequent measurements.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 2000
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