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 […]
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) […]
Who discovered blood groups?
Reading Time: < 1 minuteBLOOD is the fluid that flows throughout the body and is pivotal for the transportation of materials in and out of the body. Blood transfusion is the process in which blood is transferred intravenously or via vein. During this procedure, it is vital that the right type of blood is used as some of the […]
What’s the secret behind a lion’s roar?
Reading Time: < 1 minuteTHE lion is one of the largest carnivores on land. Nicknamed ‘The king of the jungle’, it possesses a deafening roar that would instill fear within humans as well as other animals. A lion is capable of producing roars up to 114 decibels that are equivalent to certain rock concerts. Lions do not generally roar when […]
Why do crab walk sideways?
Reading Time: < 1 minuteSTRANGELY enough, there is absolutely nothing wrong with crabs moving sideways. In fact, crabs walk sideways for the same reason humans walk forward! Crabs have their legs situated underneath their bodies, with their knees bending outward. Intrinsically, crabs walk sideways because their legs are positioned in such a way. If crabs were to walk forward […]
Why do snakes shed their skin?
Reading Time: < 1 minuteALL animals shed their skin. It isn’t obvious in mammals such as humans as it is an on-going process that occurs throughout one’s lifetime in which dead cells are constantly discarded. Skin shedding is unique among reptiles as it occurs periodically. In the case of snakes, they shed a layer of skin in one continuous […]