Topic: Maxwell's demon is real!

[Bonk]

Nature Physics
Published online: 14 November 2010 | doi:10.1038/nphys1821

Experimental demonstration of information-to-energy conversion and validation of the generalized Jarzynski equality

Shoichi Toyabe1, Takahiro Sagawa2, Masahito Ueda2,3, Eiro Muneyuki1 & Masaki Sano2

Abstract
In 1929, Leó Szilárd invented a feedback protocol1 in which a hypothetical intelligence—dubbed Maxwell’s demon—pumps heat from an isothermal environment and transforms it into work. After a long-lasting and intense controversy it was finally clarified that the demon’s role does not contradict the second law of thermodynamics, implying that we can, in principle, convert information to free energy2, 3, 4, 5, 6. An experimental demonstration of this information-to-energy conversion, however, has been elusive. Here we demonstrate that a non-equilibrium feedback manipulation of a Brownian particle on the basis of information about its location achieves a Szilárd-type information-to-energy conversion. Using real-time feedback control, the particle is made to climb up a spiral-staircase-like potential exerted by an electric field and gains free energy larger than the amount of work done on it. This enables us to verify the generalized Jarzynski equality7, and suggests a new fundamental principle of an ‘information-to-heat engine’ that converts information into energy by feedback control.

http://www.physorg.com/news/2010-11-maxwell-demon-energy.html

Holy crap. It's going to get weird from here... first, information is preserved at black holes? Now this? Wild.

(granted, this is a Letter... to Nature... so I'll wait on it a bit, but if they really have... wow...)

[Bonk]

Pedantically, after looking at that mitochondrion video again, I'm led to the philosophical question, why not class every live organism as a "maxwell's demon". Is that not what we are? Information to energy? (in varying levels of efficiency and complexity)

[Kreeargh]

Pedantically, after looking at that mitochondrion video again, I'm led to the philosophical question, why not class every live organism as a "maxwell's demon". Is that not what we are? Information to energy? (in varying levels of efficiency and complexity)

Midiclorian from starwars yoda stuff ,all life has other life in it some say jedi some say parasites what is real may never know the truth. I wish it was yoda stuff but i dont think its true.

[Bonk]

So you disagree with my (admittedly huge) philosophical leap? Or do you doubt the Japanese work on the Jarzynski equality?  (interesting to make the connection to the Lucas fiction... never occurred to me that he might be analogising mitochondria)

[Kreeargh]

So you disagree with my (admittedly huge) philosophical leap? Or do you doubt the Japanese work on the Jarzynski equality?  (interesting to make the connection to the Lucas fiction... never occurred to me that he might be analogising mitochondria)

I just find it interesting the Starwars theme lil things" parasites" can exist and Maybe change the way one reacts. If not kill off subject they may be able to create a force like effect ?

[Bonk]

It is interesting. Symbiosis with theorised origins in parasitism, resulting in the potential of much more sophisticated organisms. Us.

Indeed they are literally our driving force. Without them we have no zip. Nada.

Perhaps we are only capable of raising Maxwell's "demon" because the essence of its design is already embedded within us. My good old "matter contemplating itself" concept.

[Starfox1701]

I think it more likly that this is simple a basic natural reflection of Quantum Mechanics.