My Science School

The saying that friends are the family you choose may be more accurate than you thought. A study shows that people are likely to pick friends who are genetically similar to themselves – so much so that friends tend to be as alike at the genetic level as a person’s fourth cousin (people who have great-great-great grandparents in common).

People were most similar to their friends in olfactory genes, which involve the sense of smell, and least similar in immune system genes. People who like the same smells tend to be drawn to similar environments, where they meet others with the same tendencies. The opposite was true for genes controlling immunity; friends were more likely than strangers to have different genetic defences against various diseases. This may be because it helps to reduce the likelihood of epidemics if friends are resistant to different illnesses.

Researchers suspect that this trait, called ‘functional kinship’, is rooted in human evolution. Early human beings may have formed groups if they were genetically suited to certain environments, or had similar likes and dislikes, e.g., those with a similar susceptibility to the cold may have helped each other build a fire. It may have also been because some genetic attributes only work if you have someone to share it with. The first, most intelligent humans to develop speech would have grouped together with others with the small skill.

 

Picture Credit : Google

A computer comparable to the human brain would need to be able to perform more than 38 thousand trillion operations per second and hold about 3,584 terabytes of memory! IBM’s BlueGene supercomputers, one of the world’s most powerful, can manage only 92 trillion operations per second and 8 terabytes of storage.

In addition to boosting computer performance, enhanced understanding of the brain will enable people to communicate directly with machines, whether they are robots or mechanized prosthetic limbs. Primates have already proved that such brain-machine interfaces are possible, Miguel Nicolelis, co-director of Duke University Medical Center's Center for Neuroengineering, said during the conference. The researcher and his colleagues last year successfully implanted electrodes in the brain of a monkey in North Carolina that enabled him to control a robot on a treadmill in Kyoto, Japan.

Nicolelis and his team have developed a microchip they expect will allow human brains to communicate with robots using only brain signals and enables the bots to return messages directly to the brain, without the use of sight or touch. Nicolelis said that he hopes the technology will be sophisticated enough to implant into a human brain by 2012 and enable a completely quadriplegic patient to walk again.

 

Picture Credit : Google

A strip of “smart” highway with glow-in-the-dark road markings has opened in The Netherlands. About 500 metres of highway have been treated with a special photo-luminizing powder which absorbs light or “charges” during the day and then emits a soft green light at night which lasts for about 10 hours. The goal is to develop a more sustainable method of illuminating roads. Dutch engineers also plan to test other paints that would show symbols when serve weather hits, e.g., displaying snowflakes when it starts to snow so drivers know the roads are slippery.

The concept itself has been developed through several iterations and has been tested for durability and user experience. As such, the Oss pilot should primarily provide information on how well it works on a day-to-day basis in a real-world setting.

There are a number of other concepts under the Smart Highway umbrella yet to be piloted. Dynamic Paint envisages the use of temperature sensitive paint on the roads to provide contextual information. For example, if it were to be very cold, then the usually transparent paint would become visible and display warning messages.

 

Picture Credit : Google

Located in La Encarnacion Square in Seville, Spain, Metropol Parasol is the largest wooden structure in the world, created by German architect Jurgen Mayer-Hermann. It consists of six giant mushrooms-like parasols whose design was inspired by the vaults of the Cathedral of Seville and the ficus trees in the nearby Plaza de Cristo de Burgos. It houses the Antiquarium (with Roman and Moorish ruins found on-site), a farmers’ market, an elevated plaza, and a restaurant. The elevated rooftop promenades located on top of the parasols, offer visitors amazing views of the city.

Construction began on June 26, 2005, with an estimated cost of 50 million Euros and a projected completion date in June 2007. However, unknown to the public, the project soon faced difficulties. By May 2007 engineering firm Arup informed the municipal authorities that the structure was technically unfeasible as designed, given that a number of structural assumptions had not been tested and the design appeared to violate the limitations of known materials. The wood used was birch, imported from Finland, because of its straight qualities. Much time was spent developing feasible alternative plans to buttress the structure, which themselves proved impractical because of the added weight. A feasible design using glue as reinforcement was finally settled on only at the beginning of 2009. By some estimates, due to delays, the total cost of the structure approached 100 million Euros.

 

Picture Credit : Google

Crossing your arms at the wrist can reduce pain by confusing your brain! The areas of the brain that contain the map of the right body and the map of right external space are usually activated together, leading to highly effective processing of sensory stimuli. When you cross your wrists these maps are not activated together anymore, leading to less effective brain processing of sensory stimuli, including pain, being perceived as weaker.

In the study, published in Pain, researchers used a laser to deliver a pin-prick-like pain sensation to the hands of eight adult volunteers in two different positions. The first time, the participants had their hands at their sides and the second time they crossed their arms over the center of their bodies.

The participants then rated their perception of pain. Researchers also measured the brain's electrical response using an electroencephalography (EEG).

The results showed that both the perception of pain and EEG activity was reduced when the arms were crossed.

Researchers say the reduction in pain is most likely due to confusion in the brain from conflicting information being sent from the brain's internal and external maps.

 

Picture Credit : Google

 

For 140 to 160 nights in a year, for 10 hours at a time, constant lightning pierces the sky above Catatumbo River in Venezuela, with as many as 280 strikes per hour. Known as “Relampago del Catatumbo”, it is visible 400 kms away and is so regular that it’s used as a navigation aid by ships, called the “Maracaibo Beacon”. It is methane gas rising from the Catatumbo bogs meeting storm clouds coming down from the Andes. Interestingly, little to no sound accompanies it. As it rips through the air, it produces nitrogen oxide, which is broken down by sunlight and converted into ozone. With roughly 1.2 million lightning discharges per year, it is considered the world’s greatest ozone producer.

Catatumbo lightning changes its frequency throughout the year, and it is different from year to year. For example, it ceased from January to March 2010, apparently due to drought, temporarily raising fears that it might have been extinguished permanently.

 

Picture Credit : Google

Botanically, the cucumber is a fruit! Belonging to the gourd family Cucurbitaceae, the cucumber originated in India, near the slopes of the Himalayas. The plants in this family are grown around the tropics and in temperate areas, where those with edible fruits were among the earliest cultivated plants in both the Old and New Worlds. The family Cucurbitaceae ranks among the highest of plant families for number and percentage of species used as human food.

Most of the plants in this family are annual vines, but some are woody lianas, thorny shrubs, or trees (Dendrosicyos). Many species have large, yellow or white flowers. The stems are hairy and pentangular. Tendrils are present at 90 degree Celsius to the leaf petioles at nodes. Leaves are exstipulate alternate simple palmately lobed or palmately compound. The flowers are unisexual, with male and female flowers on different plants or on the same plant. The female flowers have inferior ovaries. The fruit is often a kind of modified berry called a pepo.

 

Picture Credit : Google

Catacanthus incarnates or the Man-faced Stink Bug found in Southeast Asia and India has an unusual patterning that acts as a warning to predators that it could be poisonous, and draws attention away from the vulnerable head area. Stink bugs are notorious pests; they target a plant’s fruit and tender shoots in huge groups, using pheromones to attract scores of other stink bugs to join in.

 Man-Faced Stink Bugs can come in several colours, such as red, yellow, orange and cream, and it's thought that these mostly bold colours exist to warn predators that the bug is either poisonous or at least tastes horrible. The bizarre face pattern could also function as a defence mechanism, with the pseudo-eyespots drawing attention away from the vulnerable head area.

Also known as shield bugs, Man-Faced Stink Bugs have a thick, hardened extension of the thorax, called a scutellum that covers and protects the top of its abdomen. It sometimes has two prominent black dots on its scutellum, but always has a pair of big, black spots on its leathery wings.

 

Picture Credit : Google

I am studying in Std IX. I want to do my UG degree in U.S.A. What exams should I do for this and from when should I start coaching for it?

For an UG course in USA, you’re required to takes SAT I (Scholastic Assessment Test) and TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). In addition to these, some universities also have ACT (American College Testing) and SAT II Subject Tests. Every university has its own minimum requirements and scores with respect to standardized tests.

 SAT-I is a three-hour reasoning test, primarily multiple-choice test that measures verbal and mathematical reasoning abilities that develop over time. Mastering vocabulary is a really easy way to increase your SAT score, you should pay particular attention to developing language and writing abilities. Maths questions are of Std X level, but application-oriented. So get your concepts clear now.

SAT-II consists of subject tests. These one-hour tests measure your knowledge of particular subjects and your ability to apply the knowledge. You may take the coaching while studying in Std XI.

 

Picture Credit : Google

I am in Std X. I am keen on architectural engineering as a career but I’m not sure how to go about it. What degrees are required and is it a bright career option?

Architects design buildings and other structures. In addition to considering the way these buildings and structures look, they also make sure they are functional, safe, economical and suit the needs of the people who use them.

To become an architect, one should have at least a Bachelor’s in Architecture (B.Arch.). Eligibility for this course is 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. The Council of Architecture conducts an aptitude test, NATA (National Aptitude Test), on an all-India basis for admission to colleges of architecture. This test is held to judge the applicant’s visual and spatial perception, creative ability, imagination, aesthetic sensitivity, etc. in addition to NATA, some colleges conduct their own written exam for admission. After finishing the course an architect must register with the Council of Architecture to practice as an independent architect.

Opportunities in this field are highly dependent on the level of local construction. Big cities are developing very fast, and constructions of commercial as well as residential buildings are going on. Even renovation of old buildings is on the rise. This trend is especially good for architects as it provides many job opportunities.

 

Picture Credit : Google

I’m 16 years old and confused about what I should take up after Std XII. I would love to specialize in gynaecology. What are the requirements/qualifications to become a gynaecologist? Is it possible to write an entrance exam without going for coaching? F so, how can I prepare by myself for the exam?

OB/GYN specialists are doctors who focus solely on women. This field is particularly appealing because it allows you to maintain an interest in both medicine and surgery. You can develop expertise in the most sophisticated, technically demanding procedures if you choose.

You need many years of education to become an OB/GYN specialist. First, clear 10+2 examination with Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Then appear in a competitive exam to get admission into M.B.B.S. (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery). This is a five and a half-year course which includes a one-year internship period as well. After that you can go for M.D. in Gynaecology.

It is certainly not necessary to go for coaching classes. These just guide you, but it is you who have to work hard. First get your concepts clear, understand all the topics of XI and XII NCERT. Do the last five years entrance test papers to get a full insight into the pattern of the papers. Normally, in these exams, the emphasis is on conceptual questions. So, you should practice for questions based on diagrams given in NCERT text and concepts. Be confident and prepare well. Wish you all the best.

 

Picture Credit : Google

I am in Std VIII. I am interested in space science, astronomy and planetary studies. How can I align my education towards a career in this field?

A career in space sciences is full of glamour and adventure. But in order to establish yourself in the space industry, be prepared to continue studying throughout your work-life.

To enter this field, there are two routes, both of which require 10+2 with PCM. After 10+2

you can go for a four-year B.Tech. in Aerospace Engineering/Avionics/Physical Sciences at the Indian Institute of Space Science & Technology (under Department of Space, Govt. of India) at Thiruvananthapuram. After completion of the course, students are absorbed into Indian Space Research Organisation.

Alternatively, you can go for graduation in Physics followed by M.Sc. in Physics/Astrophysics. Some institutes like the IISER, NISER, Bhubaneswar, National Institute of Technology, Surat, a few IITs offer integrated M.Sc. directly after 10+2.

 

Picture Credit : Google

I am an F.Y.B.Sc. (Chemistry) student. I am interested in Forensic Science and intend to make my career in the field of forensics. What course would I have to do?

A forensic scientist investigates crimes. S/he gathers and documents, or analyzes, physical evidence from crime scenes. This evidence may include fingerprints, blood, hair and bullets. An inquisitive nature and a concern for accuracy is the main attribute required to be in this field.

To become a forensic scientist, you need to do M.Sc. (Forensic Science), for which eligibility in Bachelor’s in Forensic/Physical/Biological Sciences. To become a forensic pathologist, one has to complete an M.D. in Forensic Medicine after successfully completing his/her MBBS. These pathologists conduct post-mortems on dead bodies to find out the cause of death.

 

Picture Credit : Google

I am in class 12. I have a secret crush on a girl in class 10 from my own school, but she has a crush on my classmate. She does not use a cell phone and she’s not on any social networking site, due to which I cannot express my feelings. I feel shy to propose to her face to face because of the fear of being rejected. But whenever I talk to her, I feel that she’s comfortable with me. What should I do?

You have a secret crush on a girl who does not use a cell phone nor is on any networking site. Because of this, you are unable or unwilling to talk to her face to face, fearing rejection. In this situation it is better for you to wait until you gather enough courage to talk to her or she will make up her mind: either to concentrate on her studies, or to carry on the crush she has with one of your classmates or to accept your proposal (if and when you will do that). If you do not feel confident to talk to a girl, you are not yet ready for a relationship with her.

 

Picture Credit : Google

My 17-year-old son is not at all interested in studies. He is only interested in playing football and late nights out. At a tender age he’s picked up bad habits like smoking and drinking. His food habits are not appropriate. He loses his temper easily and is very undisciplined. What should I do?

The upbringing of a son is the duty and responsibility of both parents. Did you and your husband approach your son with one heart and mind? Have you spoken to him clearly about your expectations and love for him? How could he spend late nights out and pick up “bad habits of smoking and drinking” without the parents’ knowledge and consent? Who gave him the money for such bad habits? These questions have to be answered and solutions found together in the family as soon as possible.

 

Picture Credit : Google