Science
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Perception and reality
In their 2010 article, Stephen Hawking and Leonard Mlodinow raise a fascinating philosophical question inspired by a city council decision in Monza, Italy. The council banned the use of curved fishbowls, arguing that they distorted a fish’s view of reality, which they considered cruel. This seemingly small ordinance serves as a springboard for a larger…
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Observing the vibration of the universe
Though we are able to view wonderful colors of the nature through our eye, human eye is sensitive to only a very narrow fraction of whole electromagnetic spectrum of light. Light wave is basically a radiation emitted when matter interact electromagnetically and depending upon the nature of interaction, different kind of light will have different…
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Alkali Silica Reaction in concrete
The phenomenon of aggregates reacting with the alkali component of cement is called alkali aggregate reaction (AAR). The predominant form of alkali aggregate reaction is alkali-silica reaction (ASR) in which the silica content of aggregate reacts with sodium and potassium hydroxide of concrete. Other forms of AAR are alkali-carbonate reaction and alkali-silicate reaction. In China…
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Using microbes for durable concrete
Conventionally, organic matters in concrete were considered to be undesirable. But recent study with selected microbes has shed new light on its usefulness. Both useful and deteriorating microbes has been identified. Metabolic activity of microbes produces acid which degrade concrete. These kinds of deterioration are pronounced in location having high microbial activities such as near…
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Dual effect of silica fume in concrete
While silica can cause deterioration through ASR, when used properly, it significantly enhances concrete's durability and strength
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Brain map of female fruit fly
The human brain consists of billions of neurons. These neurons are connected by synapses, where information is passed from one neuron to another. Understanding how neurons connect and communicate can reveal how the brain controls behaviour. However, reconstructing these connections for an entire brain has been challenging due to technological limitations. Recently, a team of…
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Scientific history of rice
Rice is one of the most significant staple foods in the world, nourishing more than half of the global population. Its origins, cultivation, and consumption are deeply intertwined with human civilization, shaping cultures, economies, and societies. Archaeological history of rice Archaeological evidence suggests rice cultivation began around 9,000 to 11,000 years ago. The earliest known…
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Possibility of Marburg virus outbreak
The Marburg virus, a highly virulent pathogen belonging to the Filoviridae family alongside the Ebola virus, has re-emerged in recent years, triggering outbreaks that remind the world of its lethality. This virus, responsible for Marburg Virus Disease (MVD), causes severe haemorrhagic fever with a mortality rate often exceeding 80%. While MVD is less well-known than…
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Experiments with the bees
Honeybees have long fascinated researchers due to their complex social structures and remarkable navigational abilities. These tiny creatures, vital to ecosystems and agriculture, utilize a sophisticated array of behaviours to locate food sources and return to their hives. Over the past century, numerous studies have contributed to our understanding of honeybee navigation, revealing that it…
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Simplified chemistry of pottery
Pottery vessels have been crafted for about 18,000 years, but what transforms raw clay into a colourful pot? And what chemistry lies behind the process?