To put it simply, static electricity is the small buildup of electrical charge on the surface of an object. It occurs when materials rub against each other and the friction often comes with a transfer of electrons, leading to an imbalance of charges. But let’s read a little more into it. How it happens We...
Category: Science & Tech
On zoos and magnets: the physics behind sounds
The Allen Forest Zoo in Kanpur is one of India’s largest zoological parks. Located in the middle of the city, it’s a vast expanse of fresh air, tall trees, and animals and birds of all shapes and sizes, and these early winter months are the best time to soak in the filtered sun when you...
How can India benefit from neurotechnology? | Explained
The story so far: The brain remains humanity’s final frontier. In the decades ahead, neurotechnology will stretch the boundaries of what it means to understand, and even shape, the functioning of the human brain. What is neurotechnology? Neurotechnology is the use of mechanical tools to talk directly to the brain. It includes systems that can...
Fossils, genomes clash as scientists debate the mosquito’s origins
Mosquitoes have followed humanity to every corner of the world, acquiring a reputation for being one of our least welcome companions. They are carriers of some of the deadliest diseases on the planet, including malaria, dengue, Zika, yellow fever, and West Nile virus, which together claim over a million lives each year. For their ubiquity,...
How new DGCA rules put human limits at the centre of air safety
The recent disruptions in India’s aviation sector, in particular IndiGo’s wave of flight cancellations, have placed the spotlight firmly on the new fatigue and rest norms developed by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The public frustration is understandable. The cancellations appear to have stemmed from IndiGo’s scheduling gaps and inadequate crew planning rather...
India needs a diversified portfolio of future-ready power system technologies, say experts
Energy leaders and policymakers have called for creating a diversified portfolio of future-ready power system technologies, including advanced transmission networks, flexible generation resources, and modern distribution systems to ensure reliability, resilience, and security of supply, with India steadily moving to achieve a target of 500 GW non-fossil capacity. At the conclusion of the Global Energy...
What are cosmic filaments?
Cosmic or galaxy filaments are the largest ‘threads’ in the universe’s cosmic web. A single cosmic filament is a structure spanning hundreds of millions of lightyears, formed as a result of gravity pulling in gas, dark matter, and galaxies into long, thin strands that link giant clusters of galaxies. Filaments also surround large, empty regions...
Bakelite, the first synthetic plastic
The passage of time, especially that inhabited by humans, has often been named based on the materials we use during that time. The Stone, Bronze, and Iron Ages are, for instance, a three-age system that divides human prehistory based on the primary materials in use then. It makes sense as the materials we use helps...
Unlocking the potential of India’s research in medicine
Administering the affairs of a medical school at a multidisciplinary private university, I have observed that our medical faculty are generally busy with their day-to-day affairs pertaining to patients and teaching students. They seldom get the time or the wherewithal to carry out quality and innovative research. While time is a one vital factor, another...
Science quiz: Tools of writing
Science quiz: Tools of writing Visual: Name this insect. The natural dye carmine is derived from an acid it secretes to protect itself. START THE QUIZ 1 / 6 | Name this insect. The natural dye carmine is derived from an acid it secretes to protect itself.
