Tag: research

  • India’s solar observation mission reaches its final orbit

    India’s solar observation mission reaches its final orbit

    India’s solar observation mission on Saturday entered the Sun’s orbit after a four-month journey, the latest success for the space exploration ambitions of the world’s most populous nation.

    The Aditya-L1 mission was launched in September and is carrying an array of instruments to measure and observe the Sun’s outermost layers.

    India’s science and technology minister Jitendra Singh said on social media that the probe had reached its final orbit “to discover the mysteries of Sun-Earth connection”.

    The United States and the European Space Agency have sent numerous probes to the centre of the solar system, beginning with NASA’s Pioneer programme in the 1960s.

    Japan and China have both launched their solar observatory missions into Earth’s orbit.

    But the latest mission by the Indian Space Research Organisation is the first by any Asian nation to be placed in orbit around the Sun.

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed it as yet another “landmark” in the country’s space programme.

    “It is a testament to the relentless dedication of our scientists,” he said on social media.

    “We will continue to pursue new frontiers of science for the benefit of humanity.”

    Aditya, named after a Hindu Sun deity, has travelled 1.5 million kilometres (932,000 miles) from the Earth — still only one percent of the distance between humanity’s home planet and the star at the centre of our solar system.

    It is now at a point where the gravitational forces of both celestial bodies cancel out, allowing it to remain in a stable halo orbit around the Sun.

    The orbiter, which reportedly cost $48 million, will study coronal mass ejections, a periodic phenomenon that sees huge discharges of plasma and magnetic energy from the Sun’s atmosphere.

    These bursts are so powerful they can reach the Earth and potentially disrupt the operations of satellites.

    The mission also aims to shed light on the dynamics of several other solar phenomena by imaging and measuring particles in the Sun’s upper atmosphere.

    India has a comparatively low-budget space programme, but one that has grown considerably in size and momentum since it first sent a probe to orbit the Moon in 2008.

    In August last year, India became the first country to land an uncrewed craft near the largely unexplored lunar south pole, and just the fourth nation to land on the Moon.

    India became the first Asian nation to put a craft into orbit around Mars in 2014, and it is slated to launch a three-day crewed mission into Earth’s orbit later this year.

    It also plans a joint mission with Japan to send another probe to the Moon by 2025 and an orbital mission to Venus within the next two years.

  • Do aliens exist? NASA answers in its new report

    Do aliens exist? NASA answers in its new report

    NASA has investigated hundreds of UFO sightings, concluding that there is no evidence of aliens being behind the mysterious occurrences, however, it has said that the possibility cannot be completely discarded.

    While there is no irrefutable evidence, NASA will, nonetheless, investigate UAPs (Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena) with improved technology and artificial intelligence.

    According to the report, “there is no reason to conclude” that extra-terrestrial activity is at the back of UAP sightings, “However… those objects must have travelled through our solar system to get here,” the report added, and that there is no denying the possibility of “potential unknown alien technology operating in Earth’s atmosphere.”

    The latest report, 36 pages long, explores technical and scientific observations.

    Nicola Fox, associate administrator for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, stated that due to dearth of high quality data “UAP are one of our planet’s greatest mysteries”.

    Which is why, even though a number of UAP have been sighted, the data is not enough to make “definitive scientific conclusions about the nature and origin of UAP”, added Fox.

    NASA has appointed a new UAP research director to “establish a robust database for the evaluation of future data”.

    BBC spoke with the space agency’s panel about the photos of aliens presented before the Mexican Senate this week by Jaime Maussan.

    Maussan claimed that the remains were more than 1,000 years old, Maussan said they belonged to “non-human beings that are not part of our terrestrial evolution”.

    However, as per experts, the legitimacy of the evidence is perceived with skepticism.

    After all, previous claims by Maussan about mummies found in Nazca, Peru, in 2017, turned out to be false.

    Nasa scientist Dr David Spergel told the BBC: “Make samples available to the world scientific community and we’ll see what’s there.”

  • Paisa double krna hai? Learn these eight important skills

    Paisa double krna hai? Learn these eight important skills

    Learning different skills is necessary for several reasons. Firstly, in today’s rapidly changing and competitive job market, having a diverse skill set makes you more adaptable and versatile. It allows you to navigate through different roles and industries, increasing your chances of finding new opportunities and staying employable. By continually learning and expanding your skill set, you can position yourself as a valuable asset to employers and stand out from the competition.

    Secondly, learning different skills enhances personal and professional growth. It broadens your perspective, improves problem-solving abilities, and promotes continuous learning. Acquiring new skills can boost your confidence; provide a sense of fulfillment, and open doors to new experiences and possibilities. Moreover, it enables you to pursue your passions and explore diverse interests, leading to a more fulfilling and rewarding career journey. Ultimately, learning different skills is essential for both professional success and personal development in today’s dynamic world.

    As a graduate, acquiring high-income skills can significantly enhance your career prospects and earning potential. Here are seven highly sought-after skills worth learning:

    Data Analysis and Data Science:

    In an increasingly data-driven world, proficiency in data analysis and data science can open up numerous opportunities. Skills like data mining, statistical analysis, machine learning, and programming languages like Python or R can be incredibly valuable.

    Software Development and Engineering:

    With technology permeating every industry, software development and engineering skills remain in high demand. Learning programming languages like Java, C++, or JavaScript, as well as frameworks and tools used in software development, can lead to lucrative job opportunities.

    Digital Marketing:

    As businesses rely more on digital platforms for marketing, digital marketing skills have become indispensable. Familiarize yourself with areas like search engine optimization (SEO), social media marketing, content creation, and analytics to excel in this field.

    Cybersecurity:

    With the rising threats of cybercrime, organizations are investing heavily in cybersecurity. Developing skills in areas such as network security, ethical hacking, vulnerability assessment, and security analysis can position you for well-paid roles in this critical field.

    Financial Analysis and Investing:

    A strong foundation in finance and the ability to analyze financial data can open doors in the corporate world. Skills like financial modeling, risk assessment, investment analysis, and knowledge of financial markets can lead to high-paying careers in finance and investment banking.

    Project Management:

    Effective project management skills are highly valued across industries. Understanding project lifecycles, budgeting, resource allocation and leadership can help you excel in roles where you manage complex projects and teams.

    UI/UX Design:

    With user experience (UX) becoming a key factor in the success of digital products, UI/UX design skills are in high demand. Learning the principles of user-centered design, prototyping tools, and usability testing can lead to well-paid opportunities in design and product development.

    Creative Copy writing:

    Learning creative copywriting skills is highly valuable as it enables effective communication, engaging content creation, branding and differentiation, impacts sales and conversion rates, and offers diverse career opportunities in marketing and advertising. Remember, while acquiring these skills is essential, continuous learning, practical experience, and staying updated with industry trends are equally important to remain competitive in the job market

  • Top 5 AI Chrome extensions to supercharge your productivity

    Top 5 AI Chrome extensions to supercharge your productivity

    In today’s fast-paced world, maximising productivity has become paramount. As we strive to accomplish more within limited time, it’s not uncommon to feel overwhelmed and stretched thin. But fret not, for the rise of AI Chrome extensions has paved the way for an efficient and streamlined workflow. With the aid of these cutting-edge tools, tasks can be automated, queries can be answered, and complex papers can be deciphered in real-time, enabling us to save precious time and energy.

    SciSpace Copilot: Streamline your research

    For researchers and frequent academic paper readers, the SciSpace Copilot AI assistant can prove to be an invaluable tool. By providing real-time explanations of complex formulas, highlighting text, and answering queries, it helps you better understand the papers you’re reading.

    Compose AI: Simplify your Email writing

    Writing emails can often feel like a never-ending task. But with Compose AI, you can automate the process of writing emails. This Chrome extension generates content that fits your needs and saves you time. The AI sits directly in any text box, so you can write emails without leaving the page you’re on.

    Wiseone: Get accurate answers

    When reading articles, questions can often arise. Wiseone is an AI Chrome extension that provides accurate answers to any questions you have about the article you’re reading. Simply ask Wiseone, and it will generate an answer for you.

    UseChatGPT AI: Access ChatGPT everywhere

    With UseChatGPT AI, you can access ChatGPT on any website without copy-pasting. This means that you can get instant answers to your queries without having to navigate away from the page you’re on.

    Merlin: Get ChatGPT responses everywhere

    Merlin is another AI Chrome extension that provides ChatGPT responses on any website by simply clicking Cmd+M. It works on Google, Gmail, and over 10 million other websites. So, you can get the answers you need without navigating away from the page you’re on.

    In conclusion, these AI Chrome extensions offer a multitude of benefits that can help you maximise productivity by automating tasks, providing answers to your queries, and explaining complex papers in real-time. Give them a try and see how they can help you achieve more in less time.

  • Want to get rich? Make rich friends: Study

    Want to get rich? Make rich friends: Study

    Friendships that cut across class lines are a key indicator of economic mobility and can help alleviate inequality, according to a new research in the United States.

    The study analysed Facebook friendships of 72 million people.

    The study found that poor children who grew up with wealthy friends had, on average, 20 per cent higher incomes later in life than other poor kids. In fact, researchers discovered that other forms of social capital, such as having affluent parents or attending top-notch schools, are less significant indicators of upward economic mobility than friendships between rich and poor individuals.

    A project led by researchers and collaborators at the Harvard University-based nonprofit Opportunity Insights, which studies barriers to economic opportunities conducted the study, which was published in a journal named Nature. The research was led by Harvard economist Raj Chetty.

    “Growing up in a community connected across class lines improves kids’ outcomes and gives them a better shot at rising out of poverty,” said Raj Chetty while talking to The New York Times.

  • Donkey population in Pakistan increases to 5.7 million: Research

    Donkey population in Pakistan increases to 5.7 million: Research

    Pakistan Economic Survey (PES) 2021-22 revealed that the number of horses in Pakistan climbed by 0.4 million, while donkey population increased to 5.7 million in the preceding fiscal year.

    The number of donkeys has been rapidly expanding in recent years, with 5.5 million in 2019-2020 and 5.6 million in 2020-21, Geo reported.

    Pakistan’s cow population remained at the top as it surged to 53.4 million, with buffalo at 43.7 million, sheep at 31.9 million, and goats at 31.9 million, as per the estimated figures provided by the Ministry of National Food Security and Research.

    Pakistan had 1.1 million camels, 0.4 million horses, and 0.2 million mules. It should be noted that these figures have remained unchanged since 2017-18.

    From 2021 to 2022, livestock provided around 61.9 per cent of agriculture value addition and 14.0 per cent of national GDP.

    Animal farming is the most important source of income for Pakistanis living in rural areas. More than 8 million rural families are involved in livestock farming, and this industry accounts for 35-40 per cent of their income.

    The gross value addition of livestock has increased by 3.26 per cent from Rs5,269 billion in 2020-21 to Rs5,441 billion in 2021-22.

    The government has refocused on livestock in order to boost economic growth, food security, and poverty alleviation in the country.

  • Gen Z is more likely to buy products promoted by influencers, celebrities

    Gen Z is more likely to buy products promoted by influencers, celebrities

    People born between 1997 and 2012 are known as Generation Z. They are not just digitally aware, but real digital natives who have grown up immersed in digital networking.

    Gen Z has been identified as being nimble, active, and bold. Every generational shift leads to a transformation in demand and expectations.

    A research study conducted by Meta reveals how Gen Zers interact with marketers and invest their online time.

    Social media – more than a picture uploading platform

    Over two-thirds of Gen Zers are surveyed on Facebook and Instagram, according to Comscore research. By time spent on mobile and desktop, these two applications list third among the top ten digital sites.

    For many people, social media is more than a basic way to keep in touch with friends and loved ones. It’s where people can spend time discovering their passions and interacting with the brands they care about. Gen Zers are delighted to see advertisers on Meta platforms, according to a Meta-commissioned study. In fact, 60 per cent of those questioned claimed they follow a company on social media.

    Gen Zers crave engagement with favourite brand

    Gen Z craves a genuine engagement with the brands they adore. According to a Meta study, 41 per cent of Gen Zers surveyed stated they feel more personally connected when brands share content that makes them feel like they’re a member of the brand’s group.

    The yearning to be a part of something and to know what’s going on can go a long way: According to the survey, 29 per cent of respondents feel a stronger bond to businesses that provide an inside glimpse into their activities. Gen Zers also highly value real chats with brands, with more than a quarter of those polled expressing a desire to be able to ask product experts questions directly through social networks.

    Gen Zers fancy writing feedback

    Following a brand on social media is a method for 60 per cent of Gen Zers surveyed to engage more deeply with their interests. One of the most common methods for people to engage with their passions is through stories shared on social media by companies and influencers, according to 43 per cent of those polled.

    They do, however, want a more engaging experience: As a way to communicate with brands, 38 per cent of respondents love completing product feedback questionnaires. 

    Impact of involving celebrities, influencers

    The key to establishing a stronger bond between businesses and Gen Z is through influencers and artists. According to Meta data, 79 per cent of Gen Zers have made a purchase as a result of watching a creator’s content. Influencers let customer feels more attached to and satisfied with the businesses, products, and services they offer.

    Read more: Pakistanis will get slow Internet on Thursday

    Luckily for marketers, 35 per cent of those polled indicated that creator material caused them to promote a brand, product, or service.

    Role of social justice

    Advocating for social justice and ethnic diversity is critical for Gen Zers. According to a second Meta research of interactional analytics, Gen Zers used Instagram to express their views on social justice issues, with discussion volume increasing by 300 per cent year over year since May 2020. However, deeds speak louder than speech for this age.

    According to Meta study, Gen Z consumers expect brands to work with influencers from a variety of racial and cultural backgrounds. The study also found that more than half of Gen Zers polled learn about new businesses through content from influencers from multiple origins.

  • Nearly everyone on earth is breathing polluted air: WHO report

    The World Health Organization (WHO) announced Monday that 99 per cent of people on Earth breathe air that comprises numerous contaminants, citing poor air quality for millions of deaths each year.

    According to new data from the UN health organization, air pollution affects every part of the globe, albeit the problem is far worse in developing nations.

    “Almost the entire global population (99 percent) breathes air that exceeds WHO air quality limits, and threatens their health,” the organization said in a statement.

    WHO had already established that about 90 per cent of the world’s population was impacted in its previous report from 2018, but it has subsequently expanded its boundaries.

    According to the WHO, the evidence base for the harm caused by air pollution is quickly advancing, and even low levels of certain air pollutants can cause serious illness.

    Despite UN statistics suggesting that pandemic lockdowns and travel restrictions improved air quality for a short time in 2021, WHO warned that air pollution continues to be a major threat.

    The WHO report includes data on air quality from over 6,000 cities and communities in 117 countries. Keeping in view the frightening statistics, the organisation emphasised the need to immediately limit the usage of fossil fuels.

  • Study shows masks make people look more attractive

    Study shows masks make people look more attractive

    Researchers at Cardiff University, Wales have released a study that found that both men and women are perceived as more attractive when they are wearing a mask, reports Guardian.

    Interestingly, similar studies before the pandemic had found that people wearing face masks are considered less attractive since people associate masks with diseases.

    “Our study suggests faces are considered most attractive when covered by medical face masks. This may be because we’re used to healthcare workers wearing blue masks and now we associate these with people in caring or medical professions,” Dr. Michael Lewis from Cardiff University said. “At a time when we feel vulnerable, we may find the wearing of medical masks reassuring and so feel more positive towards the wearer,” he added.

    The study also shows that a face covered with a disposable-type surgical mask is more appealing. During the test run by the institution, the participants said those wearing a cloth mask are significantly more attractive than the ones with no masks.

    Dr Lewis said it is also possible that masks made people more attractive because they direct attention to the eyes.

  • Study shows Thai sniffer dogs 95% accurate in detecting COVID-19 from human sweat

    Thai sniffer dogs trained to sense COVID-19 in human sweat proved almost 95% correct during training and could be used to identify virus at busy transport hubs within seconds, the head of a pilot project said.

    According to details, six Labrador Retrievers were involved in six-month research that included unleashing them to test an infected patient’s sweat on a spinning wheel of six canned vessels.

    “The dogs take only one to two seconds to detect the virus,” Professor Kaywalee Chatdarong, the leader of the project at the veterinary faculty of Thailand’s Chulalongkorn University, told Reuters.

    “Within a minute, they will manage to go through 60 samples.”

    The dogs can detect a volatile organic compound secreted in the sweat of COVID-19 patients, even if hey are not showing any virus symptoms, the Thai researcher said.

    The dogs would not need to directly sniff people, but could screen samples of sweat, a task that should not be difficult in a tropical country such as Thailand, she added.

    Chile, Finland and India are other countries that have also launched efforts to get sniffer dogs to detect the virus, with a German veterinary clinic saying last month its sniffer dogs had achieved 94% detection accuracy in human saliva.

    “The next step is we will put them out in the field,” said Kaywalee.

    “In the future, when we send them to airports or ports, where there is an influx of commuters, they will be much faster and more precise in detecting the virus than temperature checks.”

    Thailand has been relatively successful in containing the virus with a new wave of infections in the first two months of the year now levelling off and after recording 88 deaths.

    The country has also started vaccinating front-line health workers and hopes to find a way to let tourists come again after its tourism-dependent economy was affected by the pandemic.