Science
-
Kites in advancing science experiments
Kites are one of the oldest and most versatile inventions in human history, tracing their origins to ancient China around 2000 years ago. Initially a simple toy or ceremonial object, the kite evolved to play significant roles in military, meteorological, and scientific fields. Early kites were used in military applications, as tools for signalling, measuring…
-
Can virtual power plants optimize energy distribution?
Unlike traditional power plants, which are typically characterized by large physical infrastructure such as coal trains, smokestacks, and turbines, virtual power plants (VPP) rely on decentralized energy resources. These resources include rooftop solar panels, electric vehicle chargers, and smart appliances, all of which are integrated into a system that operates without a central physical facility.…
-
Shaping the future of medicine, agriculture, and sustainability with synthetic biology
Synthetic biology is revolutionizing life sciences by applying engineering principles to redesign biological systems for medicine, energy, and environmental solutions, while raising ethical and safety concerns.
-
The Devastating Floods in Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia has a monsoon dominated climate and has always been prone to flooding. Recently, the frequency and intensity of flood events have increased dramatically. News reports have been exploding showing the impact of devastating floods. Millions have been affected across countries such as the Philippines, Myanmar, India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Thailand, and Pakistan. Torrential…
-
Second moon for the Earth
This month, Earth is predicted to undergo a temporary gravitational capture of a second natural satellite, an asteroid designated 2024 PT5. Unlike Earth’s primary natural satellite, which has maintained a stable orbit for approximately 4 billion years, this newly captured object will remain in orbit for a brief period of about two months (Sept. 29…
-
The dilemma of butter and margarine
Butter and margarine, both solidified emulsions of fats in water, may seem similar at first glance, but their production processes and historical trajectories are significantly more complex. Butter is derived from milk, while margarine is produced from vegetable oil. The science underlying these two spreads, however, extends beyond simple production methods. The chemistry of butter…
-
The Paradox of Life: Complexity and Decay
From birth, we grow by transforming food into our body’s intricate systems, defying entropy. Yet, as decay sets in with age, we question evolution's narrative: are we the pinnacle of complexity or remnants of more advanced beings? This perspective challenges our understanding of growth, decay, and our place in nature.