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Friday, September 18, 2015

Scientific Sunday#7- Nanotechnology

(TopTrending Friday is taking a break for today and is being replaced by the popular Scientific Sunday series!)

Nanotechnology

Over the past 1000 years, our knowledge, technology and civilization had sky- rocketed. Our lifestyle has since greatly improved- from safety to transportation and communication. Many inventions of the past were revolutionary, and has massive contribution to society and humanity till now. Take for example the printing press, the light bulb, the Internet and many more to go. Many people think these, what we are having right now is essentially the peak, and anything above that is only science fiction. But is it true that we are at the top of possible technology already? To be honest, I don’t know where the boundary of possible technology is, but there is one thing I am certain about -we cannot be at the top without this potentially revolutionary technology: Nanotechnology. So what exactly does the word nanotechnology mean?  The term nano, is a unit of measurement for very very small things. So small that humans can't see it with the naked eye. To put that in perspective, one centimeter is about 1 million nanometers. Nanotechnology first came about as an idea in 1959, but not until 1980 was the first nanotechnology-based machine made, the scanning tunneling microscope.
The first scanning tunneling microscope!
How can such technology benefit us you ask? Well, there are in fact countless ways that it can. By filling nanotubes with titanium oxide and applying them to cotton, you can create T-shirts that blocks ultraviolet rays. Fill nanorods with gold, and you can develop a therapy that affects only cancer cells, leaving healthy cells alone. The nanotube's carbon membrane can dramatically improve water purification systems. For now, nanotech is still unheard of by many, but I believe that if we put extra effort in developing nanotechnology, in less than a few decades, people will be using smart phones which batteries last twice as long, using windshields that won’t fog and wearing clothes that never get smelly. Nanotechnology has the potential to contribute to nearly every aspect of our lives.
All hail nanotechnology!

Quantum Mechanics

Before we could work with nanomaterials, we have to understand them. Thankfully, brilliant physicists have came up with Quantum Mechanics (it employs mathematics to predict the behavior of very small units of energy and matter). The two most important scientist for Quantum Mechanics are Max Planck (who in 1900 stated that light was made up of specific”quanta”s of energy) and Niels Bohr (who stated a theory of how an atom works in 1922). These were good theories, but theories are ought to be proven by direct experiments before we can say they are true. It was tough for them because atoms were too small to observe. Finally, about 60 years later, it can be proven when physicists Gerd Binning and Heinrich Rohrer developed the first working scanning tunneling microscope. The microscope could actually see individual atoms! 


Odor Reducing Fabrics

Tired of smelly socks? Nanoparticles of silver can take care of that problem for you, so you don’t have to worry about those anymore! Researchers at the Southern Regional Research Center, operated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service, are working on a method to inhibit microbial growth in cotton. Using minute silver particle ranging from two to six nanometers in size, this method can be applied to all cotton fabrics. The silver acts as a catalyst and has a finely tuned germicidal effect: it kills unwanted, odor-producing bacteria.

Fact: Humans have been using silver to fight infections for over 6000 years. Even modern hospitals still value naturally occurring silver nanoparticles to help clean dangerous bacteria, and kill ”superbugs” resistant to traditional antibiotics.
With this, we definitely won't be seeing these kind of signs around!

Flexible LED Displays

If you are the kind of person that often drops your phone or tablet and cracks the screen, then I have a great news for you, the flexible OLED display. OLED stands for organic light display screens, and researchers are investigating methods of creating OLED displays that could be flexed but doesn’t crack or break. Not only will the screens be much lighter in weight, they would also be able to provide high-definition displays, and would require less energy, allowing your phone to last twice as long. Flexible displays will allow users to roll up or fold their electronic devices, making it convenient for keeping. In order to compete with current displays, the OLEDs will need to be highly conductive, transparent and flexible. Several alternative ways to achieve the goal are now under development. Though the price tag remains high...

A few of the methods are, using silver nanowires that are deposited on plastic sheets, using sheets of Metallica-Carbon nanotubes, and also Grapheme, a one-atom-thick carbon matrix. University of Arizona has also manufactured a flexible OLED using advanced mixed oxide-thin film transistors. The Korean electronics company Samsung is too, developing a version of flexible OLED using plastic, and Sony Corporation is developing a version that uses an organic transistor.
Who DOESN'T want a flexible phone!?
Saving Lives

Cancer, is a deadly sickness that kills countless people. For centuries, people have tried to find the ultimate cure for cancer, and now there is a way. Imagine being injected with nanorods containing gold that target only cancer cells. In a process developed by researchers at MIT, the University of California, San Diego, and UC Santa Barbara. The gold nanorods are absorbed by healthy blood cells. However, blood cells within a tumor are leaky and allow the nanorods to enter the tumor, where they build. An infrared laser heats the tumor cells, and this heat causes them to release a specific protein. Molecules of chemotherapy are inserted and, thanks to the nanorods, they attach themselves to the tumor cells. Instead of every cell receiving this treatment, healthy cells are undisturbed and side effects are reduced. 
Can't wait to see these signs being shown!
Self-Cleaning Glass

Nowadays most modern commercial buildings are covered in glass. It looks better and saves light electricity. But there’s one major disadvantage: cleaning all that glass will cost time and money. Fortunately, nanotechnology solves this, the glass is coated with a thin film of Titanium Dioxide, which reacts with sunlight to break down dirt on the glass. Next, the rain will do the washing!
Notice the difference?
Water and Air Purification

Scientist have discovered that nanotube carbon membranes have an equal or faster flow rate in purifying water than traditional filters. The nanotube membranes can filter and remove everything from oil and microorganisms to viruses and organic containments. Nanotech filters also cost less and are easier to clean. Gold plays an important role in air purification system, energized gold nanoparticles can destroy airborne pollutants such as volatile organic compounds.
Nanotechnology is sure to have a huge impact on water purification!


Thanks for reading




Wednesday, September 16, 2015

Story Adaptation- Sleeping Beauty

Story Adaptation

Well, here we are again... Not that long ago, we were given the task of changing a story (a fairy tale or bedtime story) into whatever we would like it to be. So, without further delay, here is our sequel to Sleeping Beauty! A lot of work was put into this so we hope you enjoy!
WHAAAT? Sleeping Beauty?? YES, SLEEPING BEAUTY! XD

Story Adaptation- Sleeping Beauty

         Aurora finally awoken from a deep sleep that once engulfed her in darkness. She felt a warm and welcoming sensation when she woke up. What was this feeling? Was this the act of true love she needed to awake from her sleep? She saw her "Prince Charming" in front of her, with open arms. She sat there, speechless and clueless for a few seconds. She then came to her senses and gave him a big thanksgiving hug for saving her from the once inevitable deep sleep.

          Two’s reunion would come to an end, and Aurora would face a rude awakening. Aurora then heard a crackling sound behind the room and several other loud noises all around her. Without warning, one of the palace guardsmen stormed into the room, out of breath, tattered and arrows pierced through his armor. He spoke to them in a dying tone telling them that Maleficent’s army was besieging the castle.  The guard then fell to his knees and with one last grasp of fresh air he dropped dead flat onto the ground. The two looked at each other in horror, their eyes filled with trembling fear. Her love got a grip of himself, took her hand and exited the room with much needed speed.

          Once they exited the room, the hallway that lead to the room was engulfed in flames. It felt as if they stepped into the depths of Hell and it welcomed their new guests to their destroyed home in open arms. The two dashed along the once magnificent hallway, dodging the fires that were consuming its glory. They then reached the stairs and raced down palace, but a volley of rocks crashed through the wall of the stairs. Aurora nearly slipped and fell; fortunately, Prince Philip caught her just in the nick of time. Aurora held onto her love’s hand for dear life while her feet were dangling aimlessly in the air.
        The prince safely escorted his love from danger by using all his strength to pull her up. Aurora, from the fear of near death hugged her love in a tight and secure manner with great relief. The two then turned their attention to the view made by the hole, and saw the battle rage on. It was human versus magic and man versus beast. They could see the human archers on the castle wall walkway light their arrows on fire, while the transformed trees tossed the charging human cavalry effortlessly around like rag dolls. The battle of the century and ages had begun.




            The two put the worse behind and continued scooting down the stairway, swiftly. While doing so, they could hear the men screaming in horror and agony, whereas the beasts made their terrifying grunts. As they continued their journey, they could also hear the archers releasing another volley of arrows. Despite the action and how far the rage of the battle went, the stairway they passed through could only amplify their footsteps echoing throughout the empty castle.

             Finally, the anxious couple arrived at the ground floor of the castle. The ground floor was a beautiful open courtyard, alongside with many exotic flowers of different colors.  Well, at least it used to be… Suddenly, several hideous beasts broke through the main door and rushed towards them, yielding daggers and swords filled with dark magic. By a stroke of luck, the human archers on the catwalks turned to their prince’s safety and shot down the beast with precise aim. The prince gave them a sign of thanks and a signal that they were unharmed.

            Unfortunately for the archers, after they were given the sign by the prince, a boulder came flying towards them and crushed at least two of them. It was a sorrowful sight to see, as the blood and guts of the two crushed archers filled the pavement with red. The other two were severely injured and were groaning in pain, with one having his leg crushed and the other covered in debris. There was nothing they could do, but listen to their cries of incomprehensible pain.

             Again, the duo continue making a run out of the castle. However, this time they finally find some peace and quiet in an empty storage room. They were at last somewhat free of Maleficent’s forces. Without any time to waste, prince Philip got down to explaining the cause of the attack made by Maleficent. According to him, after Maleficent cursed Aurora, she took over the throne, but now, she had finally awoken from her sleep. Afraid that she will lose the seat of power, Maleficent sent her horde forces to kill her. Prince Philip told her that the people in the kingdom gathered arms and fought for their rights and beloved princess. After hearing this, tears ran along Aurora's smooth face and soon began to break into tears. Aurora had mixed feelings inside of her; sadness, fear and touched by the act of the people.

             Her love comforted her that all hope is not lost as she has the power to defeat Maleficent and her forces.  Aurora was confused with what he was trying to say, but soon come to realize that she had the power of purity. She toughened up and stood in an upright position with the door right in front of her. Aurora burst open the doors of the once dull storage room, but now enlightened with white illuminating light. The holiness of such power was limitless and it was commanded by Aurora’s bidding.

            She came out with gleaming golden armor, along side a sword that was to free the world of any evil. Prince Philip was in such amazement that he had nearly fainted from the light itself. Aurora then made her way to the forward lines of the battle and rallied the remaining kingdom’s forces. As if this day was not filled with enough surprises, the other kingdoms also arrived on the scene with their armies, ready to help their allies from the destruction that gathered them.

            The vast armies stood, ready to attack Maleficent’s forces, and Aurora knew that this was the beginning of the end of Maleficent. She knew very well of what she had to do next, to slay the queen of darkness, Maleficent.
Can you imagine war between these 2???


END

So, how was it? Now, we know that the part where Aurora found her armor is a BIT unexplained... But hey, fairy tales find a way! (That rhymes) That would be all for now, make sure to check back regularly to see what we have in store!

THANKS FOR READING!

Friday, September 11, 2015

TopTrending Friday#9- The European Migrant Cisis

The European Migrant Crisis

With news circling The European Migrant Crisis, we take a deeper look on what this ACTUALLY is...
(All information taken from TIME's webpage on this topic!)

What IS it?
The European Migrant Crisis is a common term to describe the 2015 refugee crisis in Europe. Every country in the world is sure to have some amount of refugees. However, during this period, there has been a significant increase in the number of refugees entering the European region, with up to 70% of refugees coming from Syria, Afghanistan and Eritrea! AND, up to 2850 refugees drowning in the Mediterranean!
Some of the stats shown by BBC...

Why are the refugees coming in so rapidly?
There are many reasons on why this is so... Firstly, the ISIS has been constantly attacking villages in these countries. Secondly, Syria is in the midst of a civil war, making families flee from their homeland. Lastly, modern conflict plays a huge role in the crisis.
Consequences of the Syrian Civil War...

Why is EUROPE the continent of choice?
Well, they have no other choice! Also, they could look for a better life there thanks to EU's good housekeeping. Fleeing from poverty is one of the reasons why refugees flee... and Europe seems to have naturally solved that issue!
More stats! Notice that Germany is under the most strain...

How can we help these refugees?
If you are interested to help, go to HIAS to donate!
(Below are some images of this major crisis...)



THANKS FOR READING!

Friday, September 4, 2015

TopTrending Friday#8- Marvel's Civil War DISCUSSION! (Yes, We're BACK!)

Marvel's Civil War DISCUSSION!

(Discussion/Theories)


What's going on? Any Marvel fan you approach will tell you about "Civil War"... How many times has these 2 words been used in a day, you think to yourself. Well, we can't blame the fans for reacting like this... That's because they're EXCITED! Being a Marvel fan myself I'm going to write about the "Civil War", plus add some theories of my own regarding this topic.
The poster for the Civil War movie in 2016

For All Of You Out There Who Don't Know What The Civil War Is All About, This Paragraph Is For You...


Long story short- 
After a huge explosion caused by the villain Nitro which killed many people, the U.S government orders all superheroes to be registered under the Superhero Registration Act. However, Captain America and several heroes like Falcon refuse to register and ran away. Iron Man and the rest of the heroes set out to find them. Eventually, this leads to a war between most of the Marvel heroes and S.H.I.E.L.D agents.
Original Civil War cover as shown in the comics

 Woooo, Sounds Interesting Right? Indeed It Is! Now, Let's Get To Some More Exciting News!


Recently, Jeremy Renner (the actor playing the role of Hawkeye), tweeted these 2 images which give us clues on who is on whose side in the upcoming "Civil War" movie...

As we can see, Cap's team seems to be consisting of Ant Man, Agent Sharon Carter, Hawkeye, Winter Soldier and Falcon. Whereas Iron Man's team seems to include Black Widow, Vision, Black Panther and War Machine. Also, we see Falcon with his trusty Redwing and a new Iron Man suit! 
BUT! These pictures raise a very important question- Where are Spider-man and Scarlet Witch?
Falcon and Redwing as shown in the comics
Where are these guys?

Theory Time!

First of all, I have a theory that the director DOESN'T want us to know what happened to Spidey and Scarlet as they are 2 of the most anticipated characters in the movie (though another one in the list is Black Panther who has not been featured in any movie before), probably because they want to keep the fans' attention!
Although it is very likely that my first theory is correct, I feel that they WILL indeed be shown sooner or later and Spider-man will join Iron Man's team. This is because, based on the comic, Spider-man DOES join the Pro-registration side. However, there is not really any theory on whose team Scarlet Witch would be on as she maintains a fairly good relationship with both Iron Man and Captain America. 
                      Marvel Studios™  is feeling sneaky!


Even though those theories sound legit, we can't take them as facts, so I guess we would just have to wait and see what the future brings! 
Fact Of The Day: 

Thanks For Reading!