About Rupert

Determinants of Faraday Wave-Patterns in Water Samples Oscillated Vertically at a Range of Frequencies from 50-200 Hz

Water (2017) Vol 9
by Merlin Sheldrake & Rupert Sheldrake
Full Text — HTML / PDF

Abstract
The standing wave patterns formed on the surface of a vertically oscillated fluid enclosed by a container have long been a subject of fascination, and are known as Faraday waves. In circular containers, stable, radially symmetrical Faraday wave-patterns are resonant phenomena, and occur at the vibrational modes where whole numbers of waves fit exactly onto the surface of the fluid sample. These phenomena make excellent systems for the study of pattern formation and complex nonlinear dynamics. We provide a systematic exploration of variables that affect Faraday wave pattern formation on water in vertical-walled circular containers including amplitude, frequency, volume (or depth), temperature, and atmospheric pressure. In addition, we developed a novel method for the quantification of the time taken for patterns to reach full expression following the onset of excitation. The excitation frequency and diameter of the container were the variables that most strongly affected pattern morphology. Amplitude affected the degree to which Faraday wave patterns were expressed but did not affect pattern morphology. Volume (depth) and temperature did not affect overall pattern morphology but in some cases altered the time taken for patterns to form. We discuss our findings in light of René Thom’s catastrophe theory, and the framework of attractors and basins of attraction. We suggest that Faraday wave phenomena represent a convenient and tractable analogue model system for the study of morphogenesis and vibrational modal phenomena in dynamical systems in general, examples of which abound in physical and biological systems.

Jordan Peterson, Atheism and Belief

A video interview on the Rebel Wisdom channel.

Resurgence Talks: Science & Spiritual Practices

Rupert summarizes the latest scientific research on what happens when we take part in many common spiritual practices.

The Virtues of Enlightenment

In this Science Set Free podcast, Rupert Sheldrake and Mark Vernon discuss the evolution of ethics, from its deep roots in our nature as social animals to its expansive possibilities for our spiritual potential.

Why is there so much beauty in the world?

A talk on the nature of beauty and its role in the evolution of plants and animals.

  Subscribe to Rupert's YouTube Channel

Church Times, 23 February 2018, by Terence Handley MacMath

If you want to learn meditation, you can learn it online or go on courses; but if you want to learn how to pray, it’s much harder.

14. Grass Roots Science

Chapter 1 of The Evolutionary Mind. The institutionalisation of mainstream science has alienated the public and marginalised the amateur base of science. A new model for science is both possible and necessary. The need for big science to reintegrate with grassroots science. Examples of important low budget amateur research projects. How the computer revolution and the formulation of specific questions could empower grassroots science. Global environmental problems are likely to provide the main motivation for the revival of grassroots science. Rescuing science from the distorting demands of capitalism. The benefits of combining holistic and analytical research. A grassroots research project on holistic medicine.

• Grass Roots Science Part 1 ^{44 min}
• Grass Roots Science Part 2 ^{48 min}

Staring Experiment

Can you tell when someone is looking at you? Find out experimentally.

Joint Attention Test

Can you tell when someone is looking at the same photo?

Paid Internships for Students (UK)
Research with pets.