Life-Saving Qualities of Graphene

Graphene has been used to turn seawater into clean drinking water, which could turn out to be a life saver.

The graphene sieve was shown to filter common salts from the water, and scientist say the technology could be scaled up – potentially providing hope to the millions of people around the globe who have limited access to clean water.

Graphene – often dubbed a wonder material – was first isolated by scientists in 2004. It is just one atom thick, extremely light and around 200 times stronger than steel. It is highly flexible and an excellent conductor of heat and electricity, making it of huge interest to scientists in real-world applications.

Scientists at the University of Manchester have now shown how graphene-oxide membranes can be used as an efficient filtration system. Publishing their findings in the journal Nature Nanotechnology, the researchers were building on previous work showing how these membranes could be used to filter nanoparticles, organic molecules and salts.

The team had shown how when immersed in water, the graphene-oxide membranes would swell up, causing larger salt ions or molecules to be blocked out. Building on this, they created a sieve that stops the graphene membrane from swelling when exposed to water, meaning the pore size can be controlled. As a result, they could filter out common salts from water (like seawater), making it safe to drink.

"Building on these findings, we demonstrate a simple scalable method to obtain graphene-based membranes with limited swelling, which exhibit 97 percent rejection for NaCl [sodium chloride]," they wrote.

The discovery has huge real-world implications. An estimated 663 million people worldwide do not have access to clean water close to their homes, with many having to travel long distances or queue for hours to get it. Under its current Sustainable Development Goals, the United Nations hopes to make sure everyone on the planet has access to safe water by 2030.

But this will not be easy. Climate change is putting more people's water security at risk – increased droughts, flooding and melting glaciers all lead to greater risk of shortages. And this, in turn, threatens food production, sanitation, energy and industry.

The researchers said their graphene sieve can be scale up for industry, and membranes can be created with "on-demand filtration", meaning ions can be removed according to their sizes.

Corresponding author Rahul Nair said: "Realisation of scalable membranes with uniform pore size down to atomic scale is a significant step forward and will open new possibilities for improving the efficiency of desalination technology.

"This is the first clear-cut experiment in this regime. We also demonstrate that there are realistic possibilities to scale up the described approach and mass-produce graphene-based membranes with required sieve sizes."

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Adaptive-Learning Tech Shows A Lot Of Promise

There is a new adaptive-learning app called IXL that allows students to "learn new skills and refresh forgotten ones in language, math, and science."

Students can connect to IXL through the platform 2hr Learning, which uses adaptive tools to compress core academic lessons into two hours daily.

MacKenzie Price, the founder of 2hr Learning, said she launched the platform in 2014 after her daughters told her they were too bored and disinterested in traditional schooling. "Adaptive learning matches each student's pace, delivering information without discrimination," Price said. "It's an equitable and scalable solution."

Education is evolving with developments in adaptive-learning technology. These tools collect and use data on each student's performance, progress, and learning style to tailor the learning experience to their proficiency and needs.

As the technology develops, educators and IT professionals hope that it will help students and teachers use their time and capabilities more efficiently and promote equity.

Gautam Parasnis, the chief digital officer of the education-software provider Imagine Learning, told Business Insider adaptive technology could create pathways that are more student-centric than traditional methods. "Books don't collect data," he said. But with data, he added, Imagine Learning can "understand learning patterns" and give educators personalized recommendations to help students learn quicker.

Say a student who loves baseball is tackling a new math concept; on the student's tablet in the classroom or at home, the system might generate questions centered on baseball statistics or game scenarios. This approach allows the student to practice mathematical skills while engaging with a personal interest. The individualized lesson can help them catch up or, if they're advanced, give them more challenging problems to solve.

Brian Galvin, the chief academic officer of the learning platform Varsity Tutors, told Business Insider that adaptive technology uses specialized algorithms to help teachers identify the learning gaps and skills that students should address and build on. This is especially beneficial for those who struggle with steep learning curves, such as neurodivergent disorders, like dyslexia, or language barriers, which affect immigrant students.

"Adaptive technology doesn't care what skin color you have, if you're rich or poor, or what your learning style is," Price said. "It is infinitely patient and available all the time to help you."

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Arts And Crafts Improves Mental Health

Past studies using various methods of gathering data are saying that creating art reduces levels of cortisol, the body’s stress hormone.

"Engaging with arts and crafts is accessible and affordable. Options such as knitting and drawing require very few tools and can be engaging and creatively fulfilling activities," said Dr. Helen Keyes, cognitive psychologist and head of the school of psychology and sport science at Anglia Ruskin University, via email.

Her new study, together with fellow researchers, has found that engaging in creative activities can significantly boost well-being by providing meaningful spaces for expression and achievement.

Although prior studies have shown that creating arts and crafting is therapeutic for people with mental health conditions, the general population has been understudied, according to the study, which published recently in Frontiers in Public Health.

This is the reason why the study sampled members of the general population without diagnosed illnesses to see how arts and crafts might contribute to well-being and may reduce loneliness outcomes in everyday life.

The team used data from a major national survey in the UK between 2019-2020 to investigate how creative activities could impact life satisfaction, controlling for variables known to affect wellbeing such as gender, age group, health, employment status and deprivation. The researchers analyzed a sample of 7,182 participants living in England (age 16 and over) from the annual Taking Part survey conducted by the UK’s Department for Culture, Media, and Sport, which explores how the public engages with these activities.

"We kept our analysis to arts and crafting at a broad level, rather than focusing on specific hobbies, as we know that people’s preferences vary and they will find the craft or creative activity that works best for them," Keyes said.

More than 37 percent of survey respondents confirmed they had taken part in at least one craft activity over the last year. They were also askabout their employment status, their health, their sense of life being worth living, how frequently they feel lonely and their levels of sensed happiness, anxiety and life satisfaction.

Participants’ reported happiness, life satisfaction and sense of lives being worthwhile were positively correlated to participating in arts and crafts, but arts and crafts were not associated with decreased anxiety or loneliness which requires further investigation. Additional study is needed to examine the social aspects of creative activities, researchers said. "All forms of art can be beneficial in boosting mental health. Benefits include: increase in self-esteem, reduction in anxiety/stress, improving communication, and fostering creativity," said Dr. Frank Clark, a psychiatrist with Prisma Health, via email. Clark was not involved in the study.

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Caitlyn Clark Is The 2024 WNBA Rookie Of The Year

All doubts were quelled. Most detractors were silent. It is now official. Caitlin Clark was unanimously chosen for the Associated Press’ (AP) as the WNBA 2024 Rookie of the Year.

The Indiana Fever star was also named in AP’s All-WNBA first team, as well as the All-Rookie Team, as the awards were announced last 22 September. The WNBA will announce its official Rookie of the Year and the rest of its awards throughout the postseason which tipped off on Sunday.

Clark, who has transcended the sport in her short career already, said it was a "tremendous honor" to be recognized by sportswriters and broadcasters.

"This recognition wouldn’t be possible without an incredible group of teammates and coaches, and we are looking forward to continuing an exciting regular season in the postseason," she told AP.

Clark went into her rookie season with the weight of expectation on her shoulders, and she certainly didn’t disappoint.

The 22-year-old, who has led her team to its first playoff appearance since 2016, started all 40 regular season games for the Fever and broke new ground in the process.

She became the WNBA single-season assists record holder (337), an accomplishment which included a league-record 19 assists in one game.

Clark also became the first rookie to record a triple-double and holds the record for most three-pointers made by a rookie in league history.

Off the court, the guard has helped attract new fans to the sport, with WNBA attendances soaring as a result.

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Olympic Shooter From South Korean Lands A Movie Role

The 2024 Paris Summer Olympics produced many stars and household names. However, it was the stone-cold stare in one of the competitions that will land an anthlete in a movie role.

She went viral online with her cools attire of a backward baseball capover her slick ponytail and eyes focused through futuristic glasses. This is how the South Korean sharpshooter Kim Ye-ji appeared to the audience as she drew her gun and shot her way to a silver medal. That look and performance won her a new role – as an assassin.

The 32-year-old will take her first acting job alongside the Indian star Anushka Sen in Crush, a spin-off, short-form series of the film Asia, reported Yonhap, Korea’s main news agency.

The film explores stories of individuals tackling racial hatred and discrimination. It features a cast of American and Asian actors and is directed by Lee Jung-sub, who is also the chief executive of the Seoul-based entertainment company Asia Lab.

The company said the Olympic silver medallist was "both nervous and thrilled" to take up the role as a "captivating assassin".

Helped along the way by the X owner Elon Musk, Kim was propelled to worldwide fame for her performance in the 10m air pistol competition.

"Her aura is insane!" exclaimed one admirer amid a rush of comparisons with James Bond and Satoru Gojo, a sorcerer in the popular manga series Jujutsu Kaisen.

Musk could not contain his excitement. "She should be cast in an action movie. No acting required!" he declared.

After her medal win in July, Kim’s popularity was boosted by another viral video of her appearance at the International Shooting Sport Federation’s shooting world cup in Baku, Azerbaijan, in May.

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Six Types Of Food That Can Damage Your Kidney

Our kidneys is a very special component of our body because it helps filter waste and toxins from our blood, regulating blood pressure, and producing hormones. Therefore, it's essential that we take care of them and avoid foods that could potentially damage them.

So, what foods should we avoid to keep our kidneys healthy? Here are some surprising culprits:

1. Processed and canned foods
   We all love the convenience of processed and canned foods, but they are loaded with sodium, which can cause high blood pressure and put a strain on our kidneys. These foods also contain preservatives and other additives that can be harmful to our kidneys in the long run.
2. Red and processed meats
   Meat lovers, beware! Red and processed meats are high in protein and can increase the workload on our kidneys. Additionally, these meats contain high levels of phosphorus, which can be challenging for our kidneys to handle, especially for those with kidney disease.
3. Fatty foods
   Foods high in saturated and trans fats, such as fried foods, fast food, and pastries, can increase the risk of kidney disease. These fats can trigger inflammation and contribute to the buildup of cholesterol in our arteries, leading to reduced blood flow to the kidneys and potential damage.
4. Sugar and sugary drinks
   Excessive sugar consumption can lead to conditions like obesity and diabetes, which are risk factors for kidney disease. Sugary drinks like soda and energy drinks are also high in calories and can contribute to weight gain, putting a strain on our kidneys.
5. Salt
   We all know that too much salt is not good for our health, but did you know that it can also negatively impact our kidneys? Salt can increase blood pressure, which in turn can damage the blood vessels in our kidneys. The recommended daily intake of sodium is no more than 2,300 milligrams, but most of us consume much more than that.
6. Artificial sweeteners
   While they may seem like a healthier alternative to sugar, artificial sweeteners like aspartame and sucralose can do more harm than good, especially for our kidneys. These sweeteners contain chemicals that can cause inflammation and damage to the kidneys over time.

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IUD, Implants More Effective?

One scientific study claim that women who choose birth control pills, the patch or vaginal ring are 20 times more likely to have an unplanned pregnancy compared to those who are using long-term methods such as IUDs and implants.

Among young women under 21 who chose the pill, the patch or vaginal ring, the risk of unintended pregnancy is almost twice as high as that for older women, according to researchers at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.

The study, carried out on 7,500 participants between the ages of 14 and 45, appears in the 24 May 2012 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.

"This study is the best evidence we have that long-acting reversible methods are far superior to the birth control pill, patch and ring," says senior author and OBGYN Jeffrey Peipert.

Intrauterine devices "and implants are more effective because women can forget about them after clinicians put the devices in place."

Unplanned pregnancies remain a major health problem in the United States. About three million pregnancies per year -- half of all pregnancies -- are unplanned, very high for a developed nation.

"We know that IUDs and implants have very low failure rates of less than one percent," said lead author Brooke Winner. "But although IUDs are very effective and have been proven safe in women and adolescents, they only are chosen by 5.5 percent of women in the United States who use contraception."

IUDs are inserted by a nurse or doctor but few women can easily afford them as the cost can reach around US$ 500.

However "when IUDs and implants are provided at no cost, about 75 percent of women chose these methods for birth control," Winner added.

That means that greater use of longer acting contraceptive methods by teens and young women could prevent substantially more unplanned pregnancies.

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Who Is Damaso?

The name 'Damaso' was suddenly thrust into the limelight when performing artist-tour guide Carlos Celdran disrupted a Mass on 30 September 2010 to protest the Catholic Church's interference in the State's pro-contraceptive policy. Celdran was wearing a dark suit and top hat and held up the placard with the word "Damaso" in the the middle of a homily.

The name "Damaso" is actually a reference to Father Damaso, an abusive friar in Jose Rizal's novel, Noli Me Tangere. He is the kura paroko or parish priest of the fictional town of San Diego, the main setting of Noli Me Tangere. The Spanish priest belongs to the Franciscan order.

In the novel, Damaso is described as an enemy of Don Rafael Ibarra, a mestizo patriarch who is the father of the novel's protagonist Crisostomo Ibarra. Damaso, who accused the elder Ibarra of being a heretic, pushed for his excommunication from the Roman Catholic church. As a result, Don Rafael was imprisoned. Later, Don Rafael died in prison. His body, which was initially buried in the local Catholic cemetery, was exhumed and set to be transferred to the Chinese cemetery upon the orders of Damaso. However, the gravediggers threw Don Rafael's body to the river.

Damaso is the biological father of Maria Clara, Crisostomo's sweetheart. He secretly impregnated Dona Pia Alba, wife of San Diego town chief Santiago de los Santos (a.k.a. Kapitan Tiyago). De los Santos stood as Maria Clara's formal father.

With his animosity with Don Rafael, Damaso became hostile to Crisostomo, as evidenced in the novel. Damaso continued to taunt Ibarra and in a party, the latter lost his cool and physically attacked the former. As a result, Crisostomo was excommunicated by the archbishop but was later pardoned by the captain general.

With the attack, Damaso persuaded Maria Clara not to marry Crisostomo. Damaso offered a Spanish man named Linares as Maria Clara's husband. The lady declined and opted to enter a convent. At the end of the novel, Damaso was transferred to another town, where he later died.

In popular culture, Damaso is perceived to be the face of Catholic conservatism, as manifested by a real-life controversy involving Celdran. However, historian Ambeth Ocampo believes that Padre Damaso is not the real villain in Noli Me Tangere. Ocampo wrote:

"The evil friar is not Damaso but his replacement (as parish priest of San Diego) Father Salvi who lusts over Maria Clara and engineers an accident that would have killed Ibarra during the laying of the cornerstone of his school. Failing in that, he instigates a rebellion and implicates Ibarra. The fat, corrupt corrupt friar is not Rizal's Fray Damaso, but Graciano Lopez Jaena's Fray Botod."

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TV Kids Are Poor Listeners

A study in 2004 revealed that watching too much television makes children poor listeners.

A literacy test conducted on selected Grade 1 pupils in Metro Manila showed poor "phonological awareness" skills, or the ability to associate letters, words and pictures with their sound. Listening is the building block of reading, according to educators.

Dr. Felicitas Pado, a teacher of beginning reading for 19 years, said the problem is observed globally to too much media exposure of children.

"We have media babies. They're used to viewing. So our pupils have poor listening skills. That's a global problem," said Pado, who is with the University of the Philippines (UP).

Educators like Pado are trying to address the literacy problem among Grade 1 pupils. The Department of Education (DepEd) estimates that up to four out of 10 pupils finish Grade 1 without knowing how to read.

The test was part of the basic reading program undertaken by DepEd officials with the fast-food chain McDonald's.

A total of 4,200 Grade 1 pupils in 14 public schools in Metro Manila underwent the reading program last year.

Pado, who administered the pretest in July and the posttest last February to selected pupils, said the pupils greatly improved their reading and writing skills with the program's help. But she asked Grade 1 teachers to help children develop their listening skills.

"Since beginning reading lies heavily on sound-symbol relationship, listening is an important skill for beginning readers," she said. "The result showed that greater emphasis should still be placed on teaching this skill."

She said the pre-test scores showed "very poor listening ability" among the beginners, though this greatly improved later as shown by the post-test scores.

She said the pupils did not have much problem with visual discrimination skills, or the ability to differentiate letters and words.

"The results show that the children's visual discrimination skills are better developed than their phonological awareness skills," she said.

Under its "Bright Minds Read" program, McDonald's, with the help of DepEd, trained 70 Grade 1 teachers how to better teach their pupils the basics of reading.

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