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  • Science Calendar August

    Science Calendar August

    Let’s get acquitted with the Science Happenings in the month of August…

    August 1 – 1941:

    The first Jeep rolled off the assembly line, and Willy’s Truck Company was the first company to create a jeep.

    August 2 – 1932:

    The positron (antiparticle of the electron) is discovered by Carl D. Anderson

    August 3 – 1958:

    The nuclear submarine USS Nautilus travels beneath the Arctic ice cap

    August 6 – 1945:

    An American B-29 warplane, dropped atomic bomb named as ‘Little Boy’ on the Japanese city of Hiroshima.

    August 7- 1944:

    The world’s first program-controlled calculator, popularly called the Harvard Mark I, was inaugurated. The machine was built by Harvard researcher Howard Aiken and supported by IBM.

    August 8 – 1911: T

    he millionth patent is filed in the United States Patent Office by Francis Holton for a tubeless vehicle tire

    August 9 – 1898:

    Rudolf Diesel of France was granted patent Number 608,845 for an “internal combustion engine” known as the Diesel engine.

    August 10 – 1990:

    The Magellan space probe reaches Venus.

    August 11 – 1942:

    Hedy Markey received a patent for a secret communication system.

    August 12 – 1851:

    Isaac Singer is granted a patent for his sewing machine.

    August 13 – 1913:

    Invention of stainless steel by Harry Brearley

    August 14 – 1984:

    IBM released MS-DOS version 3.0. IBM first approached Bill Gates and Microsoft to discuss the state of home computers in 1980.

    August 15 – 1977:

     The Big Ear, a radio telescope operated by The Ohio State University as part of the SETI project, receives a radio signal from deep space.

    August 16 – 1989:

     A solar flare from the Sun creates a geomagnetic storm that affects microchips, leading to a halt of all trading on Toronto’s stock market.

    August 17 – 1970:

    Venera Program: Venera 7 launched. It will later become the first spacecraft to successfully transmit data from the surface of another planet (Venus).

    August 19 – 1837:

    Louis Daguerre and Joseph Nicephore had developed Daguerreotype, which was first photographic process. The patent of Daguerreotype was purchased by the French government.

    August 20 – 1858:

    Charles Darwin first publishes his theory of evolution in The Journal of the Proceedings of the Linnean Society of London, alongside Alfred Russel Wallace’s same theory

    August 21 – 1888:

    The first practical adding & listing machine (calculator) was patented by William Burroughs.

    August 22 – 1952:

    The Television Show “Adventures of Superman” was copyright registered.

    August 23 – 1966:

    Lunar Orbiter 1 takes the first photograph of Earth from orbit around the Moon.

    August 24 – 2006:

    The International Astronomical Union (IAU) redefines the term “planet” such that Pluto is considered a dwarf planet.

    August 28 – 1859:

    A geomagnetic storm causes the Aurora Borealis to shine so brightly that it is seen clearly over parts of USA, Europe, and even as far afield as Japan

    August 31 – 1897:

    Thomas Edison patented a kinetographic camera.

    -Team ScienceNow

  • Plastic Sugar and Salt…

    Bottom-line

    Plastic Sugar and Salt…

    The most essential ingredients in our daily food are Salt and Sugar and without these ingredients our food is incomplete. Recent study shows an alarming investigation that Micro-plastics are found in Sugar and Salt in India. It is like eating plastic every day.. The situation is alarming which will lead to major medical catastrophe.

    Micro-plastics are very tiny plastic fragments found in environment as a result of major plastic pollution all over the world. A recent study conducted by a research organization reveals that these tiny particles are contaminating the essential food ingredients like Salt and Sugar. Micro-plastics impose various health risks. Medical experts highlight the potential health damages of micro-plastics in Sugar and Salt.

    The micro-plastic pollution is causing threat to biodiversity. These tiny particles enter the living organisms causing serious diseases. In human beings, the micro-plastic particles get stuck in the vital organs causing inflation, metabolic disorders like indigestion. These particles are toxic in nature and lead to the loss of gut flora of microorganisms like bacteria, causing serious damage which may lead to deadly Cancer. Micro-plastics also cause serious Cardiac, Respiratory and Metabolic problems. The long term exposure leads to serious problems to the vital organs.

    The situation is alarming; it is like eating plastic. The only remedy is detox from micro-plastics by resorting to natural healing…

    -Dr Siddhivinayak Barve

    Editor, ScienceNow Digital  

    Use glass containers for storage.

    Dr Nancy Nagpal, Consultant Gynaecologist at Salubritas Medcentre suggests avoiding using plastic at all costs. “Storing food items in glass or metal containers instead of plastic ones is a great way to reduce exposure to microplastics. Avoid using plastic water bottles and plastic bags while buying fresh fruits and vegetables. Keeping a regular check on cleanliness is also as important when cooking,” she adds.

    Use herbs and spices to add flavour.

    Alternatives to these salt and sugar brands can be to use different herbs and spices such as basil, oregano, onion powder, cumin powder, cilantro, parsley etc. to add flavour to your dishes. “Mineral salts like rock salt come from ancient deposits and may have less risk of microplastic contamination compared to sea salt. For sugar, organic sugar may have a lower risk of microplastic contamination compared to conventionally processed sugars. Opting for raw or minimally processed sugars, such as raw cane sugar or turbinado sugar, which may be less likely to contain microplastics than highly processed white sugars,” suggests Dr Vibhu Kawatra.

    Reducing exposure to microplastics as much as possible can be beneficial to overall health and development.

     

  • Editorial

    Editorial

    Greetings from ScienceNow Digital….

    This month is marvellous in the history of Indian Science. The month is special as it has the historic moon landing date..

    In India ISRO has established itself as the most successful space research organization in the world… The dream of the visionary, father of Indian Space Programme Vikram Sarabhai, is translated to reality… showing the world the power of India’s Space Programme with the indigenously developed technologies by our scientists.

    India is making rapid strides in Science and Technology and now regarded as one of the most promising Science and Technology happening destination… Our endeavour is to bring the best in Science and Technology through ScienceNow Digital to present science to the masses…

    ScienceNow will be with more power packed material in the coming months… we are revamping our website and soon we will be on the app store too… ScienceNow Digital will have a wider reach.

    ScienceNow Digital with its commitment to bring Science and Technology, will leap forward with your support, keeping up the promise of bringing out excellence in Science…

    Scientifically yours

    Dr Siddhivinayak Barve

    Editor,

    ScienceNow Digital

  • The Hyperloop – On a High-speed Evolutionary Journey

    Innovation

    The Hyperloop – On a High-speed Evolutionary Journey

    At a time when the future of mass transit is anything but clear with speculations on wide range of possibilities – driverless cars, flying taxies, high-speed trains, etc., the Hyperloop system is fast emerging as the most pragmatic one owing to its high-speed, low-cost and environment-neutral carbon footprints…

    Speed Travel

    For over a century now, innovators and scientists have been propounding several theories to make travel through air-tight or near-vacuum tubes a reality. While several amateur, out-of-the-box attempts have been made in the past to move people/material via underground tubes, the final breakthrough innovation idea came up at an event in Santa Monica, California, in July 2012. SpaceX’s CEO, Elon Musk announced creation of a fifth mode of transportation (i.e. after road, water, air and rail) – the Hyperloop. A futuristic transportation system, expected to be a commercial reality by 2030, the Hyperloop would facilitate passenger travel at speeds faster than that of an aeroplane. Indeed, the event marked the beginning of a new era in ‘hypersonic’ transportation – an era of high-speed passenger transportation that promises to be low on power consumption, collision-free, environment-friendly and immune to weather irregularities.  

    Mission Hyperloop Alpha

    Breathing life into a hypothetical concept of ‘Hyperloop’, a group of engineers from Tesla and SpaceX got onto the shop-floor to create the world’s first operational prototype. After an intense year-long R&D work on different technologies, the team put together a preliminary design – the Hyperloop Alpha. The design proposed construction of passenger pods, powered by advance linear electric motors, gliding above the track at cruising speeds in vacuum tunnels. To propel the passenger pod at over 700 mph, they proposed embedded magnetic accelerators along the length of the track. Making travel through the tube environment-friendly, they recommended installation of solar panels on the tube’s exterior to generate energy in excess of what’s required. The Hyperloop Alpha design system promised to make travelling between cities faster, cheaper and more energy efficient than all prevailing modes of transportation.

    Development Initiative

    Interestingly, though Elon Musk first presented the breakthrough idea, he was not in favour of SpaceX developing an ‘operational’ prototype, exclusively and independently. Treating the Hyperloop Alpha design as only the starting point, Musk decided to release the design as an open source. Thereafter, he invited the engineering community and students from across globe to improve upon the design, and help develop an operational prototype pod, via competitions.

    In the second stage, the 30-teams selected were invited to build a subscale prototype Hyperloop Pod, and bring them to the SpaceX test track for Hyperloop Pod Competition.  While the second and third competition were held, SpaceX scheduled the fourth in 2019. Incidentally, a student group – Avishkar from the Indian Institute of Technology – Madras, was one of the 21 globally short-listed teams for the competition.

    Prototype Testing

    Theoretically, passenger travel at high speeds in pods propelled using magnetic levitation through low-pressure or near vacuum tube looks possible and feasible, owing to low friction and air resistance. But in reality, arriving at a pragmatic means to accelerate the pod to 700 mph and then de-accelerate it to stop at the end station, within a very short time durations, requires some serious out-of-the-box technology thinking akin to ‘an engineering miracle’.

    Most experts agree that the Hyperloop system is still in its early stages of development, while some recent tests with prototype pods and propulsion technology have yielded a top speed of 240 mph, these achievements are just baby steps considering its true potential. Nonetheless, if ever the Hyperloop system manages to achieve the projected speed of 700 miles/hour, these travel pods would be travelling 2-3 times faster than high-speed rails and magnetic levitation trains, and upto 10-15 times faster than traditional railway.

    Future of Hyperloop

    As conventional transportation systems (i.e. road, water, air and rail) are proving to be expensive, slow and environmentally unsafe, several developed countries have opted in favour of a Hyperloop system making it the most popular and preferred mass transit system of the future. Though the new system promises to effectively address most of the present-day transportation issues, we are yet to see a fully operational large scale commercial Hyperloop system at work. As companies globally busy themselves aggregating their technology knowhow working on simpler and smaller versions, the ever bulging population and precarious environmental issues is opening new opportunities, necessitating mankind to look for better mass transit systems. Undoubtedly, amongst plethora of options available to technocrats and town planners, presently the Hyperloop appears to be the best and safest gamble to take!

    –Dr Siddhivinayak Barve

    Editor, ScienceNow Digital

  • Self-Driving Cars: Fact or Fiction 

    Self-Driving Cars: Fact or Fiction 

    With technology evolving quite rapidly, the role of science cannot be ignored which is helping us experience a whole new world of comfort: autonomous cars being one among them…

    Technology

    With technology evolving quite rapidly, the role of science cannot be ignored which is helping us experience a whole new world of comfort. And the latest advancement is in transportation in the form of self-driving or autonomous cars. What was once considered unreasonable or impossible by many is soon becoming a reality. For sure, self-driving cars are fast changing gears from science fiction to reality? 

    With companies like Tesla, Google, Nissan, and Ford already coming into the fray with their dedicated platforms and technology to develop self-driving cars, it wouldn’t be long before we have to just strap up, sit back and relax!

    How do Autonomous Cars work?

    Most of the cars available in the market today are partially autonomous with features like hands-free parking, self-braking systems, GPS assistance, etc. But since they have limited software capabilities, they require human intervention to make certain decisions. However it is not the case with self-driving car as several systems (mentioned below) work in tandem with each other to control a driverless car.

    Sensors

    There are a number of hi-tech sensors available today which make self-driving cars a reality. Sensors for forward collision warning, blind spot monitoring, radar, camera, LIDAR, and ultrasonic all of them come together to form an eye of the vehicle and make self-driving car possible. 

    Self-driving cars use cloud computing to know about adjacent cars, traffic data, maps, weather, surface conditions, etc. This helps them to monitor their surroundings better and make informed decisions. However internet connectivity is a must for the self-driving cars all-the-time even though computing hardware can solve small computing tasks locally.

    The main function of the software algorithms is that all the data collected by the car from the sensors (eye) and connectivity (ears) needs to be analyzed in no time to determine the best course of action. It is necessary for self-driving cars to make quick decisions without any error, otherwise it can be disastrous.

    Software algorithms is supposed to seize and integrate all the data from sensors and connectivity tools to make correct decisions on when to speed-up, turn, brake,  and map a route for guidance.

    Technology

    But the biggest invention in technology for the self-driving cars has come in the form of Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) system. This technology works by sending light pulses that reflect off objects. This helps it to create a 3D image of the vehicle’s surroundings which include the size, shape and distance of the objects.

    Likewise, in order to know if these objects are still or moving deterrents, a radar is used. This complex radar, like LiDAR, sends out sound waves that bounce off objects around the car and anything in its trail. Simultaneously it also gauges the objects in which way it is moving along with their range and speed. And to know what’s happening on the road like street signs, traffic lights, etc., self-driving cars use a high-definition video camera. It also helps the computer in knowing movable obstacles like pedestrians, bicyclists, or any other obstacles.

    Finally, a simple GPS is used for navigation, helping in reaching the destination accurately. Scientists say that the data collected from the hardware is more reliable than what people or humans can collect with their primitive senses, and is not affected by the driver’s fatigue.

    Strictly speaking, it is the processing that makes these self-driving cars special and not the way they gather the information. The computer processes the real-time inputs from the laser scanner, radar, and video camera, which is then combined with mapping and navigational data from the GPS to control vehicle’s steering wheel and pedals. It makes these decisions by relying on algorithms based on complex mathematical models.

    Precision

    According to studies, human error is seen behind 93% of the accidents that take place on the roads. And self-driven cars can be the answer to bringing down collisions and accidents. Inventions like these can bring down healthcare costs and also reduce the overall stress on emergency response teams.

    The two major companies – Google and Tesla – have taken a leap in the development of autonomous cars. Google is using LiDAR to develop cars that will have no foot pedals or a steering wheel, while Tesla on the other hand is using Autopilot – a software that uses advanced camera sensors acting as the car’s eye.

    With evolving technology likely to make autonomous cars a reality soon, at present these cars are made legal only in the US and few other countries. Finally it is how such vehicles interact with other objects and persons will see its acceptability in many more countries.

    –Manoj Mahanta

    Team, ScienceNow Digital

  • HARMONY FOR TOMORROW: A SUSTAINABLE SYMPHONY

    HARMONY FOR TOMORROW: A SUSTAINABLE SYMPHONY

    ENERGIZING PROGRESS: A GLOBAL ENDEAVOUR

    Introduction:

    As we find ourselves at the intersection of environmental stewardship and economic advancement, the resonance of a sustainable symphony reverberates through our collective efforts. Today, we embark on a journey towards igniting progress in the realms of economic growth, aligning the imperative of sustainable development with the pursuit of prosperity.

    Decent Work and Economic Growth

    In tandem with India’s strides in clean energy, a paradigm shift unfolds in the realm of economic growth and job creation. By intertwining investments in renewable energy infrastructure with a burgeoning ecosystem of green entrepreneurship, India charts a course towards a future where economic prosperity and environmental preservation are not mutually exclusive. Through fostering inclusive economic growth, India pioneers a model where the principles of sustainability serve as the cornerstone of development, ensuring that no one is left behind in the march towards progress.

    One notable success story in this narrative is the rise of SolarTech Solutions, a startup based in Bangalore. Founded by a team of young entrepreneurs, SolarTech Solutions specializes in manufacturing affordable solar panels tailored for rural households. Through innovative financing models and community engagement, SolarTech Solutions has not only electrified remote villages but also created hundreds of jobs, particularly for women in rural areas. This success story highlights how green entrepreneurship can drive inclusive economic growth while advancing sustainability goals, setting a precedent for similar initiatives nationwide.

    Sustainable Development

    Navigating the intricate landscape of sustainable development presents us with a formidable challenge: reconciling the pressing needs of economic growth with the imperative of environmental conservation. The pursuit of affordable and clean energy, while noble in its goal, is fraught with a multitude of hurdles, ranging from technological limitations to financial constraints. Yet, amidst these challenges, lies a beacon of hope- collaborative global efforts that can surmount these obstacles and pave the way for a resilient and sustainable energy landscape.

    Advancements in renewable energy technologies serve as a testament to human ingenuity and innovation. From solar and wind power to geothermal and hydroelectric energy, these technologies offer promising alternatives to traditional fossil fuels. However, their widespread adoption requires concerted efforts on a global scale- efforts that transcend borders and ideologies. It is through collaboration, sharing knowledge and resources, that we can accelerate the transition towards a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.

    Moreover, initiatives aimed at enhancing energy efficiency play a crucial role in our quest for clean energy. By optimizing energy consumption across various sectors-  from transportation and manufacturing to residential and commercial buildings- we can reduce our carbon footprint and mitigate the adverse effects of climate change. Investing in energy-efficient technologies and practices not only conserves valuable resources but also drives economic growth by creating new markets and job opportunities.

    Simultaneously, as we embark on this journey towards a sustainable energy future, we must also address the intertwined challenge of fostering decent work and economic growth. In a world grappling with the dire consequences of climate change and environmental degradation, the imperative of sustainability cannot be overstated. It must become the cornerstone of our economic policymaking, guiding us towards a path of prosperity that is in harmony with the planet.

    Promoting green jobs is paramount in this endeavor. By investing in sectors such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and conservation, we can create employment opportunities that not only provide livelihoods but also contribute to environmental stewardship. Equally important is the provision of vocational training and education, ensuring that individuals possess the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in a green economy.

    Entrepreneurship, too, plays a pivotal role in driving the transition towards a low-carbon economy. By empowering aspiring entrepreneurs with the resources and support they need to launch sustainable businesses, we can unleash a wave of innovation and creativity. These green enterprises not only generate economic value but also catalyze positive social and environmental change, fostering inclusivity and social cohesion in the process.

    In embracing sustainability as a guiding principle, we not only safeguard the future of our planet but also cultivate a more equitable and prosperous society. By prioritizing investments in clean energy, promoting green employment opportunities, and fostering entrepreneurship, we can build a world where economic growth is synonymous with environmental preservation. Together, let us embark on this transformative journey towards a future that is not only sustainable but also inclusive and resilient.

    Conclusion:

    As we reflect on the symphony of progress orchestrated through sustainable energy and economic empowerment, one thing becomes abundantly clear: the interconnectedness of our collective endeavors. The harmonious integration of clean energy initiatives with inclusive economic growth epitomizes the transformative potential of sustainable development. It is through collaboration, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to our shared goals that we can truly harness the power of sustainability to build a better world for all.

    In the continuum of our sustainable journey, each episode serves as a melodic refrain in the symphony of progress. As we bid adieu to this segment, hope you would eagerly anticipate the next movement in this series, where I will delve deeper into the realms of innovation and social equity. Together, let us march forward towards a future harmonized by the chords of sustainability and shared prosperity.

    -Prof Sanjay Deshmukh

    Ex VC, University of Mumbai

     

  • Indian Space Research Organization

    Indian Space Research Organization

    “The development of the nation is intimately linked with understanding and application of science and technology by its people.” – Dr. Vikram Sarabhai

    The space research activities were initiated in India during the early 1960’s. Dr. Vikram Sarabhai – the founder of the Indian space programme, envisioned that space research would help address the needs of humankind and lead the nation to progress.

    Inception of Space program

    Dr. Sarabhai summoned brilliant scientists, anthropologists, communicators, environmentalists and engineers from across the nation to build the Indian space programme that focused on building satellites for communication and remote sensing, space transportation system and application programmes.

    He set up the Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station (TERLS) which pioneered the manufacturing sounding rockets in India. He also initiated Satellite Instructional Television Experiment (SITE) so as to transmit education to remote regions across India. The Government of India set up the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) under the leadership of  Dr. Sarabhai and Dr. Ramanathan. The first Experimental Satellite Communication Earth Station (ESCES) that was set up in 1967 also became a training centre for Indian and international scientists and engineers.

    Setting up of ISRO

    The time was ripe to harness space technology for India’s development. In 1969, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) replaced INCOSPAR. The Satish Dhawan Space Centre was formed in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh in 1971. The following year, the Department of Space (DoS) was established and ISRO was brought under it. It was now crucial to set up a satellite system that can contribute to the national development. In 1980, ISRO successfully launched its own satellite Rohini-1 from Sriharikota. The launch enlisted India as the eight nation to prove its space technology prowess.

    Leap of success

    Today, space technology in India has brought immense progress and added the nation into an elite club of developed countries. India has become the sixth largest space agencies in the world. ISRO maintains one of the largest fleet of communication satellites (INSAT) and remote sensing satellites (IRS) for reliable communication, earth observation, satellite navigation, climate and environment. ISRO has also developed two satellite launch vehicles – PSLV and GSLV to place satellites in the Earth’s orbits. The vehicles have become favoured satellite carriers by other nations, thereby fostering international associations.

    Contribution towards education

    Apart from technological capability, ISRO has immensely contributed to science and education by initiating several autonomous institutions and research centres, promoting studies in astronomy, astrophysics, atmospheric sciences and space sciences. ISRO’s massive lunar missions (Chandrayaan 1 & 2) and planetary mission (Mars Orbiter Mission) has encouraged scientific study and research, further promoting valuable data to the scientific community.

    Future ready

    With technology as the key to future, ISRO adheres to optimise its development of launchers, human spaceflight projects, reusable launch vehicles, semi-cryogenic engines, orbit vehicles, development and use of composite materials for space applications etc. From the humble beginnings to the massive missions, ISRO has grown as an institution of space research.

    –Manoj Mahanta

    ScienceNow Digital

  • Unravelling mysteries of Space and beyond

    Unravelling mysteries of Space and beyond

    The Indian Institute of Astrophysics has over a century long legacy… the institution is pioneer in unravelling the mysteries of Space and beyond….

    The journey of India’s premier astronomy and astrophysics research institution – The Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) dates back to 1786. An officer of the East India Company, William Petrie went about setting up a private observatory over his 11 acres residence in Egmore, Chennai. Back then, the observatory was used for navigational purpose. Petrie closely observed the position of the Moon’s eclipse and satellites of Jupiter to guide ships in the high sea. In 1790, the East India Company formally took over the observatory and shifting the centre to Nungambakkam, Chennai expanded its scope of work.

    Around 1881-82, in addition to photography and spectrography of the Sun and the stars using its 20-inch telescope, the observatory was being used to measure the Sun’s heating up of the earth’s surface and its periodic variation.

    A decade later, in the aftermath of a severe famine in the Madras Presidency region around July 1893 in the U.K. Secretary meeting chaired by Lord Kelvin, it was decided to establish a solar physics observatory at Kodaikanal. Thereafter the Madras Observatory served as the only astronomical observatory of India for over a century making significant contributions in the area of astronomical science.

    Achievements of the Observatory

    Indian astronomer, C. Raghunathachary’s discovery of the light variations of variable star R. Reticuli in 1867; use of spectroscope to discover gaseous nature of the prominences during solar eclipse on August 18, 1868; British astronomer, Taylor’s completion of his ‘catalogue of places’ for 11,000 stars in 1884; Norman R. Pogson, Director of the Madras Observatory for over 30 years in 1891 catalogue of over 3000 stars; John Evershed’s discovery of the phenomenon of ‘radial motion in sunspots’ in 1909 and so on.

    While Kodaikanal Observatory continued to serve as the nodal Observatory for over a century working in the area of solar and atmospheric physics, under its shadow the country saw rise of several elite and specialised space observatory centres.

    The Vainu Bappu Observatory at Kavalur housing a 2.34 metre telescope was established in 1968 for night time astronomy, spectroscopy and photometry. The Gauribidanur Radio Observatory, equipped with a 6-meter radio telescope – a radio heliograph facility to obtain two-dimensional pictures of outer solar corona, was established in 1976 to study the Sun, galaxies and pulsars. The high-altitude Indian Astronomical Observatory at Hanle in Ladake saw installation of a 2-metre Himalayan Chandra Telescope in 2001 and later setting-up of a seven-unit High Altitude Gamma Ray (HAGAR) telescope.

    Indian Institute of Astrophysics

    As the country continues its onward journey of over two centuries (i.e. since 1786) dedicatedly working in the area of astronomy and astrophysics through its network of observatories at Kodaikanal, Kavalur, Gauribidanur and Hanle, in 1971 the Indian government decided to form the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), bringing all the observatories under a single autonomous research institute headquartered at Koramangala in Bengaluru.

    -Manoj Mahanta

    Team, ScienceNow

  • SOCIAL APP

    SOCIAL APP

    HEAD: FOSTERING ‘BLOOD RELATIONS’ THROUGH TECHNOLOGY…

    BODY:

    India has over 3,000 blood banks but they still do not have enough supply to fulfil the demand. They often run short of up to millions of units and more than a millions units while more than a million units are discarded every year because the collected blood does not meet quality parameters or deteriorates during storage. But thanks to a few good Samaritans who have connected technology with humanity, have proved to be a boon to the society. They have connected the donors to the recipients with blood donation apps which offer a touch of kindness through technology.

    Mblood

    To bridge the gap between demand and availability of blood units, Sushil Lalwani conceptualized Mblood – a unique start-up. The idea struck to him after he lost a close relative as he was not able to get the required number of blood units in time. He met doctors, approached hospitals and blood banks and connected with volunteers from the local Rotary Club. Using GPS technology, Mblood enables users to connect with registered blood donors in their area for free at just the click of a button. As of now, there are 2100 blood banks listed with Mblood. So, when a requirement is posted, a willing donor is immediately notified. Mblood app went live in January 2018 and within a month over 10,000 users registered with the app. Currently the app has over 27,000 users across India.

    Donor2donor

    Donor2donor is an initiative by Arthaay Foundation which has come up with its own insight to offer services to the society. Founded by Mr. Dixit Sood, it is a blood donation platform where one can find live donors online, thereby evading the long waiting scenario of blood banks. Donor2donor mobile app allows the user to search blood donor within the range of 50 km. through the app, Donor2donor aims to encourage voluntary blood donation and spread awareness among the people to donate blood.  The app serves as a channel between the blood donor and recipient to curb unavailability of blood during emergency or crisis situation. Besides promoting the accessibility of blood to display our commitment to healthcare and betterment of society, the app also aims to spread awareness among the public so as to increase the count of donors.

    Friends2Support – Friends by ‘Blood’ Relation

    F2S is an organization launched by five friends – Sheikh Shareef, Naveen Reddy, S. Koteshwara Rao, Phani Kethamakka and Murali Krishna in Hyderabad. The founders are all software engineers by profession and were on a mission to fulfil every blood request across India with a web portal connecting people who are willing to donate. With over 1,00,000 donors, F2S is now India’s largest blood donor network with a free SMS facility to blood donors. Using technology, F2S has launched several mobile apps and plans to set up a GPS tracker which will detect the location of the caller and send details of available blood donors through call analysts. Thus F2S connects voluntary blood donors and those in need to a common platform through its website – http://www.friends2support.org .

    Indian Blood Donors

    Recognising the dearth of access to blood banks, Khushroo Poacha built a small network of volunteers and supporters through technology to connect blood donors and recipients. He registered his company Indian Blood Donors in 1991 with family and friends being the first registered users. Soon, using the paging technology, Poacha sent out a line asking people to page him if anyone needed blood from outside Nagpur. With a positive response, he immediately connected to his registered friends and soon a network of blood donors was formed. With over 50,000 registered donors, www.indianblooddonors.com connects donors and recipients across India building a community that cares.

    Technology has thus made a deep impact to foster humanity on a positive and healthy note.  

  • Do you know?

    Do you know?

    Some candid facts that will amaze you…

    Why is DIAMOND the hardest substance on Earth?

    Diamonds are incredibly hard because they have crystallized in a particular atomic shape after being subject to the effect of heat and pressure on Earth at a depth of 140 to 150 kilometres. This makes diamond the hardest mineral on earth and cannot be broken or cut easily. It is only possible by using another diamond.

    Why do NEWSPAPERS turn yellow over time?

    Paper is made from wood, which is made up mainly of white cellulose. Wood also has a lot of a dark substance in it called lignin, which ends up in the paper, too, along with the cellulose. The exposure of lignin to air and sunlight is what turns paper yellow.

    Why do we get HEATSTROKE?

    Heatstroke is a condition caused by your body overheating, usually as a result of prolonged exposure to or physical exertion in high temperatures. This most serious form of heat injury – heatstroke, can occur if your body temperature rises to 104 F (40 C) or higher.

    Why do FORMULA 1 driver lose weight?

    The F1 drivers can lose up to three kgs weight after a race due to extreme heat in the cockpit of the vehicle. Hence, the drivers take in large amounts of water before the race, even if they do not feel thirsty, to avoid dehydration through sweating.

    Why is SUN harsh in summer?

    In the early morning and late evening, UV (ultraviolet) radiation is less strong because the rays have farther to travel to get to the Earth. But throughout the year, the sun’s angle varies with the seasons, so the strength of UV rays change, too. UV rays are strongest in the summer months.

    -Team ScienceNow