When Physics Meets Biology: A Less Known Feynman

We discuss a less known aspect of Feynman’s multifaceted scientific work, centered about his interest in molecular biology, which came out around 1959 and lasted for several years. After a quick historical reconstruction about the birth of molecular biology, we focus on Feynman’s work on genetics with Robert S. Edgar in the laboratory of Max Delbruck, which was later quoted by Francis Crick and others in relevant papers, as well as in Feynman’s lectures given at the Hughes Aircraft Company on biology, organic chemistry and microbiology, whose notes taken by the attendee John Neer are available. An intriguing perspective comes out about one of the most interesting scientists of the XX century.

Driving Simulators: Six Years of Hands-On Experience at Hughes Aircraft Company

In 1987 Hughes Aircraft Company launched a fledgling driving simulation laboratory. For six years the facility has been actively used for human factors research, product design and engineering, market research and the development of simulation technology. Review this facility's brief history reveals a concurrent evolution in sophistication of technical capability and applications with some interesting lessons learned regarding the use of driving simulators. The implications for researchers and product developers considering the use of driver-in-the-loop simulation tools are discussed.