Science and Technology Magazine

For scientist and engineers

August 2025

  • The nine principles of Hill’s criteria

    The nine principles of Hill’s criteria

    By

    Wulandari Setiadewi
    in ,

    Some correlations reflect true causation, while others do not. How can one determine whether a correlation actually implies causation? This dilemma is encountered by both academics and engineers. In a world marked by extreme caution, the butterfly effect, and highly non-linear interactions, distinguishing genuine causation from mere correlation can be exceptionally challenging. To navigate this…

  • 29th moon of Uranus – S/2025 U1

    29th moon of Uranus – S/2025 U1

    By

    Anoj Khadka
    in ,

    Astronomers may have uncovered yet another moon orbiting Uranus. Detected earlier this year with the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), this tiny satellite could bring the total number of Uranus’ known moons to 29. While the discovery is still undergoing peer review, preliminary findings strongly support the addition. The moon, temporarily designated S/2025 U1, is…

  • N-of-1 trials

    N-of-1 trials

    By

    Wulandari Setiadewi
    in ,

    N-of-1 clinical trials, also known as single-subject trials, focus on identifying the most effective treatment for individual patients by employing rigorous, data-driven methodologies. This essay explores the potential of N-of-1 trials in advancing personalized medicine, their historical context, design considerations, and future directions, emphasizing their compatibility with the broader goals of evidence-based medicine. While they…

  • Harnessing energy with artificial photosynthesis

    Harnessing energy with artificial photosynthesis

    By

    Wulandari Setiadewi
    in ,

    Photosynthesis is a fundamental biochemical process by which green plants, algae, and certain bacteria convert solar energy into chemical energy. Through this process, light energy is harnessed to synthesize glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) and oxygen (O₂) from carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water (H₂O). The overall reaction can be expressed as follows: $$6CO_2+6H_2O+light energy→C_6H_12O_6+6O_2$$ Central to this process…

  • Safety of deteriorated structures

    Safety of deteriorated structures

    By

    Nirmal Raj Joshi
    in ,

    The collapse of various civil engineering structures-such as bridges, dams, and buildings-has become a common occurrence in recent years, often attributed to aging and material degradation (refer to relevant news reports). Many of these structures were constructed decades ago, with assumed service lives typically ranging from 50 to 80 years. For instance, the design life…

  • Use of genetic algorithm for optimum proportioning of concrete

    Use of genetic algorithm for optimum proportioning of concrete

    By

    Nirmal Raj Joshi
    in , ,

    Genetic Algorithms (GAs) have emerged as a robust optimization technique within civil engineering, particularly in the design of concrete mix proportions. Their inherent ability to address complex, multi-objective, and nonlinear optimization problems makes them well-suited for this application. Conventional mix design methodologies often rely on iterative, trial-and-error approaches that are both time-consuming and may fail…

  • Implementing AI in civil engineering

    Implementing AI in civil engineering

    By

    Nirmal Raj Joshi
    in , ,

    Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming civil engineering by offering innovative solutions that enhance efficiency, safety, and sustainability across a variety of applications. From optimizing structural designs to predicting maintenance needs and improving construction management, AI technologies are reshaping traditional practices. By analysing vast datasets, AI enables engineers to make informed decisions, leading to smarter…