Author and associate Professor at NYU, Charles Seife discussed parallel universes, black holes, and quantum mechanics and how the concepts of information are in and of themselves, physically shaping the Universe. Information, such that is contained in every particle in the cosmos, can never be destroyed-- except, perhaps if it entered a black hole-- where it could become "inaccessible," he said. Further, living organisms can be thought of as vehicles for passing information.

The universe, Seife continued, can viewed as an "information processor" and in terms of its lifespan is about half-done or at a "cosmic midpoint." Parallel universes, he suggested, could exist simultaneously like sheets of cellophane stuck together, interacting with each other and allowing for a multitude of possible outcomes.

Bumper Music

Bumper music from Saturday January 20, 2007