Category: Education


Aakash 2 ICS tablet Hardware upgrade To Android 4.0

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April 12, 2012

world’s cheapest low cost tablet PC ($35) Aakash 2 tablet will now supplying with better hardware than the previous generation Aakash tablet. Aakash 2 tablet which is also known as the Ubislate 7 , it will also supplying with a 7-inch capacitive touch screen display.

Akash 2 tablet will be launch by the Indian government as a subsidized low-cost computer with single core 800 mhz Cortex A8 Android 2.3 Gingerbread processor for students.

“The product development is complete and deliveries are expected to start for Aakash 2 in about two or three weeks,” Tuli said.

Datawind CEO Suneet Singh Tuli said that an upgraded version of the Aakash named the ‘Aakash 2′ will be upgrade to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich within “six to eight weeks”.

Aakash 2′s single-core processor might be upgraded to a dual-core chip later this year too, given a hint by Mr. Tuli. He said, “We’re confident that by the fall, Cortex A9 dual-core processors will be in the same [price] range as what Cortex A8 is at today.”

Tuli said that tablet’s total price is around $45. The Indian government will subsidize it for students.

Aakash 2, testing project has now transferred from IIT-Rajasthan to IIT-Bombay. Datawind’s Akash 2 will supply the upgraded dual-core ARM Cortex-A9 processors by the end of this year.

Cortex-A9 processors are using by many manufacturer in their tablet PC, including Samsung, Asus, Acer and Lenovo.

Indian government has planned to buy 8 million to 10 million tablets of the original Aakash tablet by March 31 this year.

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During dieting pregnancy have risk of obese child

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April 5, 2012

Dieting during pregnancy

Researchers of Manchester University found in a study that women who fall pregnancy during dieting has risk to deliver obese child. That child may be diabetic in later life.

Researchers found in a study on sheep that less food at the time of conception caused DNA changes in the brains of their young. scientists suspect the findings may hold true for humans as well and could explain why twins are more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes in adulthood. The researchers looked at tissues from the brains of the unborn lambs to see if there were changes in the structure of the DNA.

Study leader Anne White said, “We found that unborn twin lambs had changes in the structure of DNA in the region of the brain that regulates food intake and glucose that resulted in an increased chance of diabetes in adulthood. Our findings provide a reason why twins are more likely to get diabetes but we have also shown that mothers who don’t have enough food around the time of conception may have a child who grows up with an increased risk of obesity.”

Professor White added, “Our study is important because it shows that factors in the brain can be altered by non-hereditary mechanisms and this result in changes in the body, which could make people obese. The findings may provide a new understanding of why twins can develop diabetes and also suggests that dieting around the time a baby is conceived may increase the chance of the child becoming obese later in life.” “This is not an inherited change in the genes but a change in the structure of the DNA that affects the genes, and therefore much more unusual,” White said.

Dieting in young women is also very common practice and some time women who may not know they are pregnant.

The team’s findings in sheep if replicated in humans then obesity and diabetes may be passes to their children from mothers who aren’t eating properly or on dieting during the time of conception.

This study has published in the Journal of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology.

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Mysterious evidence of flowing water on Mars

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March 26, 2012

Evidence of flowing water on Mars

As we all knows that the key of life is water. In an exiting news in last August, NASA’s orbiter had send spotted strange streaks on the Mars surface. These slope lines at Horowitz Crater on Mars may be the tracks of fluid flowing through the soil. Now after eight month, scientists are still not sure to explain it. As Scientific American reports, they have discovered the recurring slope lines. As University of Arizona researcher Alfred McEwen puts it, “No one has come up with alternative models that they believe. Nor have we.” “There’s more there that we’re going to find,” McEwen says.

“extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence.”

“No one has come up with alternative models that they believe,” McEwen says. “Nor have we.” Lujendra Ojha, an Arizona undergraduate student who has done much of the heavy lifting in identifying recurring slope lines in imagery from the High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) camera on the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, announced in a talk at the conference that he and his colleagues have now confirmed RSL in 15 locations, up from seven when the features were first announced in a 2011 Science paper. Probable recurring slope lines have been identified on 23 additional slopes, but they have not yet been shown to recur year after year. “There’s more there that we’re going to find,” McEwen says.

“In all these cases, you can explain the observations without liquid water,” McEwen comments. “You have to favor the nonwater models if you can make it work. For the RSL, we can’t make it work.”

Joe Levy of Oregon State University compared it to the similar-looking lines caused by saline groundwater seeping downhill through the soil in Taylor Valley in Antarctica.

“For flowing water features that darken the surface, it turns out you can do hydrogeology from orbit, which sure beats hiking,” Levy said.

Courtesy from io9 & Scientific American sites

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Wishtel joined the low cost Tablet Race

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March 25, 2012

Wishtel tablet PC

Wishtel has launched two model of tablet PC ranging Rs. 4000.00 to Rs. 5000.00 to compete Akash tablet. Wishtel has launched two model of tablet (‘IRA’ and ‘IRA Thing’) and designed and also manufactured in India. Company is focusing students and corporate users.
Wishtel has manufactured both model with seven-inch Andoid tablet size 203mm x 137mm x 14.5mm, weight is 370 grams. Wishtel has provided a 2200mAh battery in the Tablet that the company claims will provide up to 3 hours of battery life. Wishtel’s Andoid tablet will support more than Indian languages with HD video, Wi- Fi and 3G. Memory of both tablets can be expanded to 32 GB. Some difference in these models are given below.
Wishtel’s IRA Tablet has a 7 inch TFT LCD (800×480 pixel resolution) capacitive touch screen display. It will operate on Android 2.2 Froyo operating system powered by an 800MHz processor and has 256MB of RAM. Its internal memory is 2.0 GB. It hasl supplied with a USB 2.0 port and a Trans Flash (TF) card reader.
Wishtel’s IRA Thing tablet has contained a 7 inch TFT LCD (800×480 pixel resolution) capacitive touch screen display. It operate on same on Android 2.2 Froyo operating system powered by an 800MHz processor and has 512MB of RAM. Its internal memory is 4.0 GB.
These tablet can be purchased all over India through their over 350 distribution and support centers.
Wishtel’s tablet are definitely better than Datawind’s low cost Tablet offering Aakash and Ubislate. But due to the price difference it will not have direct competition with these tablets. Wishtel tablets will face close competition from Noida-based hardware company Pantel Technologies Pvt Ltd’s T-Pad IS701R. Its cost is Rs 3,499.00. Pantel Technologies Pvt Ltd’s T-Pad IS701R definitely loaded with better processor and also comes with a camera.
“We are eagerly waiting for the same, given an opportunity we are getting ready for this project, it is a very ambitious project,” WishTel Chief Executive Officer Milind Shah told PTI.
“Between ourself and Datawind, price for device was competitive, we lost out on deliverables in terms of service support, maintenance, logistics, taxes and other things. For the device, we were lower against Datawind by 10 cents, or 8 cents to be precise,” Shah said.
“I still cannot answer this really until we don’t really know the specifications.” No company can make claims of supplying Aakash 2 as specifications are not yet finalised, he added.
Mr. Shah also added, “See the difference that’s going to be happen with Aakash2 is that there are huge volumes that are being committed compared to Aakash 1 … they are talking about five million devices … the economics works out differently for such large volumes.”

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Higher-Fat Diets linked to low sperm counts

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March 14, 2012

According to a study conducted by US fertility clinic found eating habit of high saturated fat not only bad for waistlines but also make a negative impact below the waist. High fatty food will impact on body to produce low sperm count. This new study published in the journal Human Reproduction.

Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School collected semen samples from 99 mostly overweight or obese men and assessed their diets. Researchers found that eating habits of a lot of saturated fat was linked with a lower total sperm count and concentration. In the other hand that people having a habit of taking diets high in omega-3 which is polyunsaturated fats, were associated with better-quality semen, meaning the sperm cells were of a better size and shape. This type of fat is in fact commonly found in cold water fish such as mackerel, salmon, sardines and tuna, and also in flaxseeds, walnuts and soybeans.

omega-3 fatty acids which is polyunsaturated fats are not only linked with seamen it also linked to protective benefits to the brain, such as reduced likelihood for Alzheimer’s and dementia

The study’s lead author, Dr. Jill Attaman, now a reproductive endocrinologist at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center said, “There are few clearly identifiable lifestyle modifications that can be made to optimize natural fertility, especially for males,” Attaman told “This is the first report of a relation between specific dietary fats and semen quality.”

“The study explores an inadequately studied field in andrology and suggests associations between dietary habits and sperm parameters among subfertile, mostly overweight men,” said Dr. Tamer Yalcinkaya, associate professor and section head of reproductive endocrinology and infertility at Wake Forest University School of Medicine.

“The magnitude of the association is quite dramatic and provides further support for the health efforts to limit consumption of saturated fat given their relation with other health outcomes such as cardiovascular disease,” study author Dr. Jill Attaman, assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Dartmouth Medical School, said in a written statement.

“Maintaining a healthy, well-balanced diet will be the key to optimizing sperm parameters,” said Dr. John Petrozza, director of the MGH Fertility Center, a center involved in the study. “The concept of omega-3 fatty acids will be the key, since it has been well established as an important cell membrane stabilizer.”

“We have been discussing diet with our female patients for quite a while,” said Dr. Alan Penzias, associate professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive biology at Harvard Medical School. Researchers at Harvard Medical School were also involved with the study, though Penzias was not. “This evidence is entirely plausible and affords us the opportunity to expand the discussion to the male partners of our female patients.”

Sperm count is not only depends on dietary habits it also effect through Heavy use of tobacco, drugs, and alcohol.

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New species human fossils found in China

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March 14, 2012

New humen fossils

A human-like species in southeast China has found recently. These fossils estimated between 11,500 and 14,500 years ago. Chinese scientists have presented theory about an unknown Stone Age culture, researchers said Wednesday.
“We have discovered a new population of prehistoric humans whose skulls are an unusual mosaic of primitive features, like those seen in our ancestors hundreds of thousands of years ago,” evolutionary biologist Darren Curnoe of the University of New South Wales, said via email.
“In short, they’re anatomically unique among all members of the human evolutionary tree,” added Curnoe, a co-author of the new study of the “Red Deer Cave people,”
“These new fossils might be of a previously unknown species, one that survived until the very end of the Ice Age around 11,000 years ago,” said lead author Darren Curnoe, a professor at the University of New South Wales.
“Alternatively, they might represent a very early and previously unknown migration of modern humans out of Africa, a population who may not have contributed genetically to living people.”
“First, their skulls are anatomically unique,” he said. “They look very different to all modern humans, whether alive today or in Africa 150,000 years ago. And second, the very fact they persisted until almost 11,000 years ago when we know that very modern-looking people lived at the same time immediately to the east and south suggests they must have been isolated from them.”

Their skulls are anatomically unique. They look very different to all modern humans, whether alive today or in Africa 150,000 years ago,” the anthropologist said.
“They clearly had a taste for venison, with evidence they hunted and cooked these large deer in the cave,” Curnoe explained.

“Second, the very fact they persisted until almost 11,000 years ago—when we know that very modern-looking people lived at the same time immediately to the east and south—suggests they must have been isolated from them,” Curnoe added.
“It’s possible these were modern humans who inter-mixed or bred with archaic humans that were around at the time,” explained Dr Isabelle De Groote, a paleoanthropologist from London’s Natural History Museum.

“The other option is that they evolved these more primitive features independently because of genetic drift or isolation, or in a response to an environmental pressure such as climate.”

Dr Curnoe agreed all this was “certainly possible”.

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90% south Indian blindness by Glaucoma, it can be prevent but not cure

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March 10, 2012

90% of the south Indian are loosing their eye sight through Glaucoma & most of them are not aware from this disease. It will result in permanent blindness.

This study conducted by Sankara Eye Hospital and out come says that the glaucoma detection rate is still very low in south India due to lack of knowledge and awareness.

Glaucoma damages the optic nerve which transmits signals from the eye to the brain. In this disease the patient gradually loses eyesight without any early warning signs. Glaucoma can tackle thorough eye checkups and screening tests.

When any one start to loosing their vision then person dependent on their central vision. If one eye starts losing its vision, the other eye compensate overall vision. Patient never imagine that it is due to non curable disease Glaucoma.

Glaucoma specialist Dr Shirish Nelivigi said: “After cataract, this is the most common cause for blindness. But unlike cataract, glaucoma is irreversible. According to WHO, almost 605 million people suffer from it, of which 11.9 million (2.5%) are Indians.”

“Like diabetes, glaucoma is controllable but not curable,” said Dr AV Sathi Devi, head, Glaucoma Services, Narayana Nethralaya.

Factors which take major cause of Glaucoma.

Over 60 years of age.
Glaucoma is in the family history of either side (mother or father)
Physical eye injuries
Diabetic patient
High intraocular pressure.
Persons are over 60 years.
Using steroids from long time

Dr MS Ravindra, secretary of Bangalore Ophthalmic Society, said: “Blindness due to Glaucoma is preventable with early detection. We should work in a manner similar to what we did to eradicate polio — by creating awareness, educating people and through regular health check-ups.”

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Solar Storm hitting Earth, may disrupt power supplies

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March 7, 2012

Solar Storm

The largest solar flare is racing toward Earth in five years. The full storm is expected to hit Earth early Thursday. It has potential to brutally disrupt the power grids, GPS systems, satellites, and forcing airplanes to change their routes around the polar region.

“Space weather has gotten very interesting over the past 24 hours,” said Joseph Kunches, a space weather scientist with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
“The current increase in the number of X-class flares is part of the sun’s normal 11-year solar cycle, during which activity on the sun ramps up to solar maximum, which is expected to peak in late 2013,” the US space agency said.

“It’s hitting us right in the nose,” said Joe Kunches, a scientist for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. He called it the sun’s version of “Super Tuesday.”

NASA solar physicist Alex Young added, “It could give us a bit of a jolt.”

Solar storms have three (magnetic, radio and radiation) emissions ways they can disrupt technology on Earth. The storm’s magnetic part has potential to trip electrical power grids. Kunches said that power companies around the Earth already have been alerted for all possible disturbance. The timing and speed of the storm determines whether it will knock off power grids.

“We’ve had these multiple shots,” Kunches said. “They can pile on top of each other, so the second one has a more energetic impact on Earth.”

“According to analysts at the Goddard Space Weather Lab, the CME will probably miss Earth, although it will hit Mercury and Venus.” the website Spaceweather.com reported in an alert. “Even if this CME misses, high-latitude sky watchers should still be alert for auroras in the nights ahead.”

sometimes it can cause a major disruptions to satellites in space and power grids and communications infrastructure on the ground. Strong flares and CMEs can also pose potential hazards to astronauts on the International Space Station.

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Earth will pass in between Mars and sun on March 3, 2012

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March 3, 2012


Courtesy from Starry Night Software

Earth will come in between Sun and Mars on March,3 2012. At this time Mars separated by about 62.6 million miles. Set alarm in your watches to see the Mars. It will be about at its brightest and best for this two-year period. Interested sky watchers can follow the action live. Mars opposition will begin at 11:00 p.m. EST on March 4th.

Mars will closest to Earth two days later on March 5, 2012 and will be near the full moon on the night of March 7, 2012.

In this week to see Mars from naked eye will shortly after the sun sets. It will look bright orange-red dot in the eastern side of sky.

The Earth and Mars aligns such that the two planets form a relatively straight line with the sun after approximate every 26 months. This makes the Red planet more brighter from Earth’s sky because the sun’s rays illuminates the full face of Mars.

Mars have two satellites which were discovered in August 1877 after systematic search by Asaph Hall of the U.S. Naval Observatory. Hall named them Phobos and Deimos. Phobos and Deimos are so small as Phobos is 14 miles wide while Deimos is just 8 miles wide. Both satellites revolves around their planet in nearly circular orbits. Phobos orbits a mere 3,700 miles while Deimos is a bit fart at a distance of 12,400 miles

The closest position of Mars was occurred on Aug. 30, 2003. It was happened after almost 60,000 years. In 2003 this planets were just 35 million miles apart from Earth. Earth and Mars will come more close after approximate 275 years ie: on 2287.

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One more fully loaded low cost Android tablet launched in India at Rs.5000

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March 1, 2012

Now students will have a wide range of choice to select low cost range tablets. After announcement of BSNL to launch three model of tablet PC, one another International education company AcrossWorld along with Delhi-based Go-Tech announced to launch a fully loaded tablet, called ATabin.
It will be a 7-inch, advanced touch screen display with attractive features as 1.1 GHz processor, 512 MB RAM, 2GB inbuilt memory (expandable via microSD up to 16 GB), Wi-Fi and will supply with an external 3G USB Dongle.
It will supply with a software called ‘open source’ which allow academic institutions, teachers and students to use a variety of content and educational resources up to three-year free access to education technology platform ‘Education Bridge’.
It is expected that it will be running at Android 2.3 Gingerbread.
Dr. Stephan Thieringer, President and CEO of AcrossWorld, spoke on the launch of the tablet:
“Open Source is the future of education. With the availability of ATab, Indian schools will be able to discover and leverage world-class educational content at their fingertips at the K-12 level itself as well as at the college and University level. It is very timely and appropriate that India schools and colleges alike seriously explore advanced technology solutions that provide instant access to the world’s best educational resources especially now within an affordable budget.”
Gaurav Khanna, CEO, Go Tech said, “By bundling free access to AcrossWorld’s global premium educational content, ATab is not just a book shelf, but a whole library full of the world’s best Open Source knowledge for schools and higher educational institutes.”
It is expect to come in market in second week of March. However Akash, launch by government is still cheapest tablet. But few days earlier BSNL & now AcrossWorld will launching tablet with more attractive features in compare to Akash.

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