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Showing posts with the label Technology

The Miracle of Lugworm Blood: Transforming Organ Transplants and Emergency Care

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   Introduction Lugworm blood, with its remarkable haemoglobin, shares striking similarities with human haemoglobin. Both can efficiently transport oxygen throughout the body, vital for survival and cellular function. However, lugworm haemoglobin has a unique advantage—it can carry up to 40% more oxygen than human haemoglobin. Its structural resemblance to human haemoglobin allows it to dissolve directly in the blood rather than being encapsulated in red blood cells. This similarity eliminates the need for blood type compatibility, making it a potential universal donor. While promising, scientists continue to explore its properties to ensure it is entirely safe for human use. Lugworm. What is a Lugworm? The lugworm ( Arenicola marina ) is a remarkable marine worm that thrives in sandy or muddy coastal areas. Renowned for its ability to survive in low-oxygen conditions during low tide, this creature lives hidden in U-shaped burrows, leaving behind distinctive sand casts on the ...

The Impact of Technology on Farming: Transforming African Agriculture with Drones, IoT, and AI

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Introduction Agriculture is the backbone of Africa’s economy, employing a significant portion of the population and contributing to food security across the continent. Despite its importance, the sector faces numerous challenges, including low productivity, climate unpredictability, and resource inefficiency. These issues threaten livelihoods and the ability to meet the growing food demands of Africa’s rapidly expanding population. Modern technology is emerging as a game-changer for African agriculture, revolutionising traditional farming practices and offering innovative solutions to these longstanding challenges. By leveraging advancements in technology, farmers can boost productivity, reduce costs, and make informed decisions that enhance sustainability. Technologies such as drones, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and artificial intelligence (AI) are transforming the way farming is done. Drones enable precise mapping, crop monitoring, and targeted spraying, reducing waste ...

The Dark Sparkle in Your Smartphone: Unpacking the Story of Coltan

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                                                           Image from https://rb.gy/9ly6qn Introduction: Ever wonder what makes your sleek smartphone, your trusty laptop, or that immersive gaming console tick? Well, pull up a chair, because it turns out a seemingly ordinary black rock, called coltan, plays a surprisingly pivotal role. My digging into the history of this mineral took me way back to the 19th century and the heart of the Kingdom of Kongo, now the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The Minerals that constitute coltan were discovered were first discovered in the 19th century, though, at the time, its significance was not fully realized. Coltan is an ore containing niobium and tantalum. Niobium was discovered in 1801 by Charles Hatchett, and tantalum was discovered in 1802 by Anders Ekeberg Interestingly, while Europ...