How do stalagmite and stalactite form?
Reading Time: < 1 minuteStalactites and stalagmites are types of rock formation prevalent in limestone caves. A stalactite hangs from the ceiling or sides of a cave whereas a stalagmite appears like an inverted stalactite, rising from the floor of the cave. The words ‘stalactites’ and ‘stalagmites’ can be traced back to the Greek word “stalassein,” which means ‘to […]
How the King Cobra got its name?
Reading Time: < 1 minuteThe King Cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) is one of the most menacing snakes in the world. They are able to reach 5.5 metres in length, making them the longest venomous species of snakes in the world. The name ‘King Cobra’ was designated as it possesses large scales on its head that resemble a King’s crown. Albeit […]
Spaceflight impacts on shape of astronauts’ brains
Reading Time: < 1 minuteMRIs before and after a space mission reveal expansions and compressions of astronauts’ brain during spaceflights. This is according to a novel study done by a team of researchers from University of Michigan. The study, which is the first to examine brain structural shifts were conducted on 13 astronauts who were shuttle crew members and […]
Take the challenge, says renowned astrophysicist to women
Reading Time: 2 minutesPENANG: Women have dual roles as mothers and career women, and for this reason they should find the balance to advance and succeed in their chosen professions, especially in science. Calling on the younger generation of women to take up careers in science, world-renowned astrophysicist Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Mazlan Othman said: “One of the […]
Fuel from water hyacinth
Reading Time: 2 minutesPeople who maintain ponds and lakes will know how much of a nuisance water hyacinth is. Sure, this aquatic weed is nice to look at, but it is considered a pest in many countries. Thanks to the researchers at Indian Institute of Technology – Kharagpur (IIT – Kharagpur), water hyacinth – which contains up to 50 […]
…. And sunflower is Hawaii’s largest biofuel source
Reading Time: < 1 minuteHawaii’s longest operating biodiesel producer, Pacific Biodiesel Technologies is planting sunflowers as its first biofuel crop on 115 acres in Maui’s central valley. The project is the largest of its kind and the only biofuel farming operation running on 100% renewable fuel in Hawaii, showcasing the company’s sustainable, community-based model of agriculture and renewable energy. […]
Where is gold found in nature?
Reading Time: < 1 minuteIn its natural form, gold is very irregular and not refined, as it is normally seen in its finished state. Gold is found in many forms. These forms include plates, large spongy pieces, scales and microscopic pieces. In large cavities and reefs, gold can be found in large quantities resembling the shape of a crystal. […]
How do disposable diapers work?
Reading Time: < 1 minuteFOR many parents, disposable diapers are a must-have item. Have you ever wondered how a small item like a diaper is able to hold so much liquid? Diapers are usually made of plastic, paper and something called sodium polyacrylate. If you cut open a diaper, you will notice a crystal like substance – that is […]
What causes a monsoon?
Reading Time: < 1 minuteIt’s been raining quite heavily recently. Malaysia has two monsoon seasons; the Southwest Monsoon which occurs from late May to September, and the Northeast Monsoon from October to March. Monsoons are caused by the difference in air pressure between the land and ocean. Normally, the convection of intense heat produces a low-pressure zone over land […]
How do sunglasses work?
Reading Time: < 1 minuteSUNGLASSES are almost a must-have item in this hot weather of ours. We know they protect our eyes from the glare of the sun – in fact, we are advised to use sunglasses to help prevent eye damage. But how do they work exactly? Sunglasses’ premier function is to block the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) […]