Science and Technology News: 22 November 2021

SciTech
22 November, 2021

Latest Science Technology news:

Planetary defense

In the first real-world test of a technique that could someday be used to protect Earth from a threatening space rock, a spacecraft is scheduled to blast off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on Tuesday, November 23 at 10:20 pm PST. NPR

Superhot ice

As if the thought of scorching ice isn’t weird enough, it might already exist on Uranus, Neptune, and possibly other planets that orbit alien stars. Just heat water to several thousand degrees while applying extreme pressure. Syfy

Skyrmions

In a new study, published in Nature Communications, the international collaboration between researchers at the University of Birmingham, Lancaster, Münster (Germany) and RIKEN (Japan) has demonstrated for the first time how skyrmions can be measured in three dimensions. Phys.org

Translate Text into Landscape Images

Nvidia today detailed an AI system called GauGAN2, the successor to its GauGAN model, that lets users create lifelike landscape images that don’t exist. Combining techniques like segmentation mapping, inpainting, and text-to-image generation in a single tool, GauGAN2 is designed to create photorealistic art with a mix of words and drawings. Venturebeat

Smartwatches

There are smartwatches available in the market  that offer an SpO2, or blood oxygen saturation, sensor; a couple of them also offer ECG monitoring. One of them is Garmin Venu. Buy on Amazon. Garmin Venu .Price: ₹22,990.00 You Save: ₹3,000.00 (12%) ( Garmin Garmin Venu has Pulse Ox sensor that estimates your blood oxygen saturation during the day and as you sleep to show how well your body is absorbing oxygen ) Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Compiled from Google Trends

 

Startup
24 February, 2024

Byju’s, once heralded as a flagship in India’s edtech sector, is grappling with severe financial and operational challenges, marked by a dramatic valuation drop. The company, which sought to stabilize its operations and finances, is now raising funds at a valuation significantly lower than its peak. This development comes amid efforts to address a substantial debt burden, with Byju’s proposing a repayment plan for its $1.2 billion loan. Investor confidence appears shaken, with some stakeholders pushing for drastic changes in leadership to navigate the crisis effectively. The turmoil reflects broader sectoral pressures and raises questions about the sustainability of high-growth trajectories in the edtech industry

Energy
10 February, 2024

Australia’s energy market is witnessing significant transitions and investments aimed at bolstering renewable energy infrastructure and securing gas supplies. Key developments include a $179 million investment by the Queensland Government for community battery projects, Santos’ $5.7 billion gas pipeline project following a legal battle win, and a $206 million energy savings package for NSW households. Additionally, the Australian government has secured new gas supply deals to support the east coast market, emphasizing the role of gas in transitioning to a renewable grid.

India 2024
9 February, 2024

The latest opinion polls, including the Mood of the Nation survey by India Today, predict a comfortable victory for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s BJP and its allies in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), with a projected win of 335 Lok Sabha seats in the 2024 general elections. This forecast suggests a slight decrease from the 2019 elections but still ensures a majority. The survey, involving interviews with over 149,000 respondents, reflects Modi’s enduring popularity based on his nationalist policies and economic reforms. Other polls echo these findings, although seat projections vary slightly. The opposition INDIA alliance is expected to secure a significant number of seats, yet not enough to challenge the NDA’s majority. These predictions highlight a political landscape that remains largely favorable to Modi and the BJP as the election approaches