Saturday, June 2, 2007
Smoking changes DNA!!!
Experimants on ice done by Canadian scientists suggets so...smoking fathers can mutate certain genes in their offspring.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
"Pedagogical" difference in Math
There is a marked difference in teaching of math between teachers of US and their Asian counterparts, says a study of UCI (University of California, Irvine).
The stress is "analogies". Where the teachers of US and Asia do use same analogies (cognitive support), the Asian teachers score more points due to the fact that they more frequently utilize spatial supports, mental and visual imagery, and gestures that encourage active reasoning.
The less cognitive support of the US teachers may result in students retaining less information, learning in a less conceptual way, or misunderstanding the analogies and learning something different altogether.
The stress is "analogies". Where the teachers of US and Asia do use same analogies (cognitive support), the Asian teachers score more points due to the fact that they more frequently utilize spatial supports, mental and visual imagery, and gestures that encourage active reasoning.
The less cognitive support of the US teachers may result in students retaining less information, learning in a less conceptual way, or misunderstanding the analogies and learning something different altogether.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
On the genesis of Nanotechnology
The philosophy of Nano technology was first propunded by Richard Feynman in his lecture "There's plenty of room at the bottom"delovered at an American Physical Society meeting at Caltech on 29 Dec.
The term "nanotechnology" was defined by Tokyo Science University professor Norio Taniguchi.
The term "nanotechnology" was defined by Tokyo Science University professor Norio Taniguchi.
Monday, May 28, 2007
China fee waiver
China has decided to waive fees for students training to become teachers in six elite universities. The brunt to be borne by the central budget.
India, anyone???
India, anyone???
Sunday, May 27, 2007
IIT Kanpur developing Robot for ISRO
IIT Kanpur is developing a SMARTNAV robot for ISRO for India's proposed moon mission (Chandrayaan) in 2011.
Now, what is a SmartNav?
-SmartNav is a vehicle navigation system from Trafficmaster. It uses GPS satellites for its working. But GPS on the Moon!!!???Ummmmmm...
Now, what is a SmartNav?
-SmartNav is a vehicle navigation system from Trafficmaster. It uses GPS satellites for its working. But GPS on the Moon!!!???Ummmmmm...
Try Jamia
For those who haven’t done too well in Class XII, Jamia Millia Islamia could be the answer. This university has an evaluative system of admissions and this process, based on tests, creates hope for aspirants who failed to score high marks in the board examinations.
http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=18149380-04a2-45be-90dc-5c54da979284
http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=18149380-04a2-45be-90dc-5c54da979284
Class X CBSE results
The results of the CBSE's Class X examination will be declared on May 29. The results will be announced at 8 am and students can get their results on their e-mail address by registering themselves to CBSE's websites: www.results.nic.in , www.cbseresults.nic.in and www.cbse.nic.in , a release issued here said. The schools can get the results for all their students by giving the Board their school code and email address on which result is required. The individual results can be accessed on the websites http://mtnldelhi.in , http://bol.net.in and http://delhi.mtnl.net.in .
Tsunami and Tidal Wave
Tidal Wave is not the same as Tsunami.
Tsunami refers to an ocean wave produced by a sub-marine earthquake, landslide, or volcanic eruption. These waves may reach enormous dimensions and have sufficient energy to travel across entire oceans, whereas, Tidal waves are caused by...well...tides! So, now u know better...even "BRITANNICA READY REFERENCE ENCYCLOPEDIA" doesn't!!!
Tsunami refers to an ocean wave produced by a sub-marine earthquake, landslide, or volcanic eruption. These waves may reach enormous dimensions and have sufficient energy to travel across entire oceans, whereas, Tidal waves are caused by...well...tides! So, now u know better...even "BRITANNICA READY REFERENCE ENCYCLOPEDIA" doesn't!!!
GATE-Aerospace Engineering
A new paper was added this year in the GATE entrance exam-Aerospace Engineering. The detailed syllabus of the subject is:-
MATHEMATICS
Linear Algebra: Matrix algebra, systems of linear equations, eigen values and eigen vectors.Calculus: Functions of single variable, limit, continuity and differentiability, mean value theorems,evaluation of definite and improper integrals, partial derivatives, total derivative, maxima andminima, gradient, divergence and curl, vector identities, directional derivatives, line, surface andvolume integrals. Theorems of Stokes, Gauss and Green.Differential Calculus: First order linear and nonlinear equations, higher order linear ODEs withconstant coefficients, Cauchy and Euler equations, initial and boundary value problems, Laplacetransforms. Partial differential equations and separation of variables methods.Numerical methods: Numerical solution of linear and nonlinear algebraic equations, integrationby trapezoidal and Simpson rule, single and multi-step methods for differential equations.
FLIGHT MECHANICS
Atmosphere: Properties, standard atmosphere. Classification of aircraft. Airplane (fixed wingaircraft) configuration and various parts.Airplane performance: Pressure altitude; equivalent, calibrated, indicated air speeds; Primaryflight instruments: Altimeter, ASI, VSI, Turn-bank indicator. Drag polar; take off and landing;steady climb & descent,-absolute and service ceiling; cruise, cruise climb, endurance or loiter;load factor, turning flight, V-n diagram; Winds: head, tail & cross winds.Static stability: Angle of attack, sideslip; roll, pitch & yaw controls; longitudinal stick fixed & freestability, horizontal tail position and size; directional stability, vertical tail position and size;dihedral stability. Wing dihedral, sweep & position; hinge moments, stick forces.Dynamic stability: Euler angles; Equations of motion; aerodynamic forces and moments,stability & control derivatives; decoupling of longitudinal and lat-directional dynamics; longitudinalmodes; lateral-directional modes.
SPACE DYNAMICS
Central force motion, determination of trajectory and orbital period in simple cases. Orbit transfer,in-plane and out-of-plane. Elements of rocket motor performance.
AERODYNAMICS
Basic Fluid Mechanics: Incompressible irrotational flow, Helmholtz and Kelvin theorem,singularities and superposition, viscous flows, boundary layer on a flat plate.Airfoils and wings: Classification of airfoils, aerodynamic characteristics, high lift devices, KuttaJoukowski theorem; lift generation; thin airfoil theory; wing theory; induced drag; qualitativetreatment of low aspect ratio wings.Viscous Flows: Flow separation, introduction to turbulence, transition, structure of a turbulentboundary layer.Compressible Flows: Dynamics & Thermodynamics of I-D flow, isentropic flow, normal shock,oblique shock, Prandtl-Meyer flow, flow in nozzles and diffusers, inviscid flow in a c-d nozzle, flowin diffusers. subsonic and supersonic airfoils, compressibility effects on lift and drag, critical anddrag divergence Mach number, wave drag.Wind Tunnel Testing: Measurement and visualisation techniques.
STRUCTURES
Stress and Strain: Equations of equilibrium, constitutive law, strain-displacement relationship,compatibility equations, plane stress and strain, Airy's stress function.Flight Vehicle Structures: Characteristics of aircraft structures and materials, torsion, bendingand flexural shear. Flexural shear flow in thin-walled sections. Buckling. Failure theories. Loadson aircraft.Structural Dynamics: Free and forced vibration of discrete systems. Damping and resonance.Dynamics of continuous systems.
PROPULSION
Thermodynamics of Aircraft Gas Turbine engines, thrust and thrust augmentation.Turbomachinery: Axial compressors and turbines, centrifugal pumps and compressors.Aerothermodynamics of non rotating propulsion components: Intakes, combustor andnozzle. Thermodynamics of ramjets and scramjets. Elements of rocket propulsion.
MATHEMATICS
Linear Algebra: Matrix algebra, systems of linear equations, eigen values and eigen vectors.Calculus: Functions of single variable, limit, continuity and differentiability, mean value theorems,evaluation of definite and improper integrals, partial derivatives, total derivative, maxima andminima, gradient, divergence and curl, vector identities, directional derivatives, line, surface andvolume integrals. Theorems of Stokes, Gauss and Green.Differential Calculus: First order linear and nonlinear equations, higher order linear ODEs withconstant coefficients, Cauchy and Euler equations, initial and boundary value problems, Laplacetransforms. Partial differential equations and separation of variables methods.Numerical methods: Numerical solution of linear and nonlinear algebraic equations, integrationby trapezoidal and Simpson rule, single and multi-step methods for differential equations.
FLIGHT MECHANICS
Atmosphere: Properties, standard atmosphere. Classification of aircraft. Airplane (fixed wingaircraft) configuration and various parts.Airplane performance: Pressure altitude; equivalent, calibrated, indicated air speeds; Primaryflight instruments: Altimeter, ASI, VSI, Turn-bank indicator. Drag polar; take off and landing;steady climb & descent,-absolute and service ceiling; cruise, cruise climb, endurance or loiter;load factor, turning flight, V-n diagram; Winds: head, tail & cross winds.Static stability: Angle of attack, sideslip; roll, pitch & yaw controls; longitudinal stick fixed & freestability, horizontal tail position and size; directional stability, vertical tail position and size;dihedral stability. Wing dihedral, sweep & position; hinge moments, stick forces.Dynamic stability: Euler angles; Equations of motion; aerodynamic forces and moments,stability & control derivatives; decoupling of longitudinal and lat-directional dynamics; longitudinalmodes; lateral-directional modes.
SPACE DYNAMICS
Central force motion, determination of trajectory and orbital period in simple cases. Orbit transfer,in-plane and out-of-plane. Elements of rocket motor performance.
AERODYNAMICS
Basic Fluid Mechanics: Incompressible irrotational flow, Helmholtz and Kelvin theorem,singularities and superposition, viscous flows, boundary layer on a flat plate.Airfoils and wings: Classification of airfoils, aerodynamic characteristics, high lift devices, KuttaJoukowski theorem; lift generation; thin airfoil theory; wing theory; induced drag; qualitativetreatment of low aspect ratio wings.Viscous Flows: Flow separation, introduction to turbulence, transition, structure of a turbulentboundary layer.Compressible Flows: Dynamics & Thermodynamics of I-D flow, isentropic flow, normal shock,oblique shock, Prandtl-Meyer flow, flow in nozzles and diffusers, inviscid flow in a c-d nozzle, flowin diffusers. subsonic and supersonic airfoils, compressibility effects on lift and drag, critical anddrag divergence Mach number, wave drag.Wind Tunnel Testing: Measurement and visualisation techniques.
STRUCTURES
Stress and Strain: Equations of equilibrium, constitutive law, strain-displacement relationship,compatibility equations, plane stress and strain, Airy's stress function.Flight Vehicle Structures: Characteristics of aircraft structures and materials, torsion, bendingand flexural shear. Flexural shear flow in thin-walled sections. Buckling. Failure theories. Loadson aircraft.Structural Dynamics: Free and forced vibration of discrete systems. Damping and resonance.Dynamics of continuous systems.
PROPULSION
Thermodynamics of Aircraft Gas Turbine engines, thrust and thrust augmentation.Turbomachinery: Axial compressors and turbines, centrifugal pumps and compressors.Aerothermodynamics of non rotating propulsion components: Intakes, combustor andnozzle. Thermodynamics of ramjets and scramjets. Elements of rocket propulsion.
Chennai Mathematical Institute-Entrance Exam
The entrance exam for various programmes at the CMI will be held on 31st May. The CMI- a premier institute holds entrance exams at around this time every year. It has quite an impressive list of alumni and also encourages engineering graduates to take up MSc in various fields.
Chennai Mathematical Institute
Chennai Mathematical Institute is a centre of excellence for teaching and research in the mathematical sciences. It was founded in 1989 as a part of the SPIC Science Foundation, funded by the SPIC group in Chennai. Since 1996, it has been an autonomous institution.
CMI is managed by a Governing Council consisting of eminent persons. Today, CMI is a rare example of public-private partnership in research and education in India. The Institute receives major private funding, side by side with substantial financial support from the Government of India.
The main areas of research at CMI are Mathematics and Computer Science. A Physics group is also being set up. In addition to a vibrant PhD programme, the Institute conducts BSc programmes in Mathematics and Computer Science as well as Physics, along with MSc programmes in Mathematics and Computer Science.
www.cmi.ac.in
CMI is managed by a Governing Council consisting of eminent persons. Today, CMI is a rare example of public-private partnership in research and education in India. The Institute receives major private funding, side by side with substantial financial support from the Government of India.
The main areas of research at CMI are Mathematics and Computer Science. A Physics group is also being set up. In addition to a vibrant PhD programme, the Institute conducts BSc programmes in Mathematics and Computer Science as well as Physics, along with MSc programmes in Mathematics and Computer Science.
www.cmi.ac.in
XBOX
Rumour has it that Microsoft is creating a "calculated shortage" of the hardware by allowing shops only a limited amount of stock (accompanied, allegedly, by large "sold out" signs and instructions to display them prominently as soon as possible) to ensure a launch-day sell-out and consequent ratcheting-up of consumer desire and media interest.
Stem Cell Insulin
Scientists have for the first time in the lab successfully created insulin from stem cells taken from a child’s umbilical cord. This medical breakthrough, which shows that stem cells taken from the umbilical cord of newborns can be engineered to produce insulin, offers promise to cure Type 1 diabetes in the future. The researchers from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, who have been working on this project for four years, first grew large numbers of the stem cells and then directed them to resemble the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas that are damaged in diabetes. "This discovery tells us that we have the potential to produce insulin from adult stem cells to help people with diabetes," said Dr Randall Urban. The team announced its finding in the June 2007 issue of the medical journal 'Cell Proliferation'. Diabetes is a lifelong disease for which there is no cure as yet. Type 1 diabetes is a chronic lifelong disease that occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin to properly control blood sugar levels. Without enough insulin, glucose builds up in the bloodstream instead of going into the cells. The body is unable to use this glucose for energy. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar (glucose), starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. The lead author of the paper, Larry Denner, said that by working with adult stem cells rather than embryonic stem cells, doctors practising regenerative medicine might eventually be able to extract stem cells from an individual's blood, then grow them in the laboratory to large numbers and tweak them so that they are directed to create a needed organ. In this way, he said, physicians might avoid the usual pitfall involved in transplanting cells or organs from other people organ rejection, which requires organ recipients to take immune-suppressing drugs for the rest of their lives. "Huge numbers of stem cells are thought to be required to create new organs. We might remove thousands of donor cells from an individual and grow them in the laboratory into billions of cells. Then, for a person with type 1 diabetes, we will engineer these cells to become islets of Langerhans, the cellular masses that produce the hormone insulin, which allows the body to utilise sugar, synthesise proteins and store neutral fats, or lipids. But we're a long way from that," Denner said. Diabetes specialist Dr Anoop Misra from Fortis Hospital said, "If this can be successfully carried out in humans, it will herald one of the century's biggest breakthroughs. It is not easy for stem cells to be converted to insulin producing cells. Scientists have earlier tried to convert stem cells into Beta cells but have either failed or succeeded partially. This is the first time that a team has successfully managed the total transformation."
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