Project CETI

Project CETI (Cetacean Translation Initiative), led by biologist David Gruber, is getting ever so close to bridging the gap between sperm whale ‘clicks’ and human words. Breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, especially in the use of machine learning techniques, have allowed algorithms to identif

The Rise of Superbugs and Antibiotic Resistance

Antibiotic resistance, driven by evolution, has become a critical global threat. The misuse of antibiotics in healthcare and agriculture accelerates the rise of resistant bacteria like MRSA. These "superbugs" lead to millions of infections and thousands of deaths each year.

Problem Of the Week: 20th September 2024

A hot air balloon uses a gas flame to heat the air it contains to a temperature required to enable it to hover at a small distance above ground level. The mass of the balloon, ropes, basket, and riders is 240 kg and the volume of the balloon is 1100 m³. The temperature of the surrounding air is 15°C

The Growing Role of Nanotechnology in Neurological Medicine​

Nanotechnology is revolutionizing neurological medicine by enabling precise drug delivery and treatments. Techniques like PLGA and Cadmium Selenide nanoparticles bypass the blood-brain barrier, targeting conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease. With methods like lithography and vacuum deposition, the

Problem Of the Week: 28th June 2024

A drunk performs a random walk along a street. At one end of the street is a river, and at the other end is a police station. If he gets to either of these ends, he remains there. He starts n steps from the river, and there are N total steps between the river and the police station. What is the prob

The Formation and Evolution of Neutron Stars

Neutron stars are born from the explosive deaths of massive stars, known as Type II supernovae. These dense celestial objects, only about 20 kilometers in diameter, possess extreme characteristics such as rapid spin rates and intense magnetic fields. The formation process involves complex nuclear re

NFTs

NFTs, often misunderstood as mere digital images, redefine ownership by leveraging blockchain technology for transparency and easy trade. Unlike cryptocurrencies, each NFT is unique, making it valuable for verifying ownership and tracking provenance. Despite their benefits, NFTs also pose risks such

Behind the Lens: The Engineering of Smartphone Cameras

Smartphone cameras embody several functionalities akin to traditional cameras but offer the added convenience of compactness. Moreover, they leverage digital techniques, including AI-powered editing, to augment image quality and enhance user experience.

The Atom Bomb: A History

While citizens of New York sat down for supper, an American bomber dubbed the Enola Gay revealed a breakthrough: the Little Boy, the world’s first and most devastating atomic bomb. This bomb, rooted in a British patent by physicist L. Szilard, marked the culmination of six years of scientific innova

Radiation Pressure and Momentum in Photons

Radiation Pressure is a force that is exerted upon a surface due to the exchange of momentum between the object and the electromagnetic field. This includes electromagnetic radiation of any wavelength, including visible light, radio waves and gamma rays.

CT Scans

CT scans are a vital medical imaging technique for diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases by providing detailed cross-sectional images of the body. By converting X-ray attenuation data into a sinogram, CT scans visualize internal structures with high precision. Advances like helical scanning

Quark-Gluon Plasma

To many, prime numbers are a useless concept studied in maths and soon forgotten about, having no impact on the rest of our lives. While they do have some applications in computing and encryption, primes never seem to crop up in day-to-day life, remaining as “special numbers” that aren’t all that sp