Author: Pooja Kashyap

A CPD certified Fitness Trainer, Pooja also likes to spend time reading and blogging the latest research and discoveries in science and how technology is shaping the world. Besides writing, she enjoys reviewing books and taking interviews of creative/innovative people. Currently, she is located in Noida, India, where she actively participates in marathons as well. She is also on Twitter and LinkedIn.

Biomolecular Condensates possesses an Electric Potential: Biological Chemistry

Pooja Kashyap

Electrical charges have a vital role in majority of biological processes in the human body. In fact, the human body is an incredibly complex electrical system that relies on the flow of electrical charges to carry out its functions. Electrical signals, for instance, are not only used by the brain and nerves to communicate with each other. But the same signals also allow us to move our muscles, feel sensations, and think. At the cellular level, ions such as sodium, potassium, and calcium work in tandem to regulate various processes…

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Capsule X-Ray Dosimeter for Real-time Monitoring: Radiotherapy

Pooja Kashyap

Radiotherapy is all about precision in targeting tumor tissue while minimizing damage to healthy tissue. To deliver precision radiation requires real time monitoring of the dose till the time it is absorbed. The task is quite challenging, especially if it is in gastrointestinal tract. The dynamic nature of the region makes it nearly inaccessible.   Current approaches used for tracking biochemical indicators including pH and temperature are insufficient to give out comprehensive evaluation of radiotherapy.

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A Quadruped Robot with Proprioception and a Tail: Biomimicry

Pooja Kashyap

Nature has always inspired philosophers, scientists, and researchers alike. When it comes to solve human problems or create innovative products and technologies, studying nature’s designs and processes lead to more sustainable and efficient solutions. Afterall, nature has had millions of years to develop solutions to problems. These solutions have been honed through the process of natural selection. Learning and getting inspired from nature’s solutions, is called biomimicry. Designers, engineers, and scientists are inspired from nature to create more sustainable and efficient products and systems.

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Book Review: The Blind Watchmaker by Richard Dawkins

Pooja Kashyap

I am a big fan of Richard Dawkins works. I have already read his four books, namely, The Selfish Gene, The God Delusion and Brief Candle in the Dark. And I find them remarkable in the sense that he perfectly chooses his words to prove the clarity of his thoughts. As a science educator, his ideas are impeccably backed up with obvious logics. Which promotes scientific and logical understanding to the fundamental questions of persistent false belief held in the face of strong contradictory evidence.

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Distinct Activation Patterns of Projection Neurons: Cortical Dynamics

Pooja Kashyap

Cerebral cortex is the outer layer of cerebrum, that is the largest part of the brain. All kinds of higher-level processes such as language, memory, and decision-making are performed in this region. The complex, densely packed structure is saturated with various types of neurons. It is extremely difficult to image its neuronal dynamics with the necessary spatial and temporal resolution. So far, fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) technique is widely used for studying brain activity. However, when it comes down to examine neural circuitry at the point of a single…

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Magnetic Star–planet Interactions: YZ Ceti b

Pooja Kashyap

Magnetic field is an important characteristic of a planet. And when it comes to Earth, the field is generated by the motion of molten iron in its core. It not only protects the atmosphere on Earth from cosmic radiations but it also deflects the charged particles spewed off by the sun. In absence of magnetic field, planet’s atmosphere would erode. Thus, making it less habitable.

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Piezoelectric Effect observed in Ionic Liquids: Pressure Electricity

Pooja Kashyap

Certain materials like crystals, ceramics, and at times even biological matter (bone, DNA, and proteins), can generate an electrical charge. The effect is seen when the material is put under the influence of some mechanical stress – such as pressure or vibration – this phenomenon is termed as piezoelectricity. The charge is accumulated on the surface of the material. From there, it can be used for various applications.

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Astrocytes are the Information Regulators: Brain Pathology

Pooja Kashyap

Astrocytes are the non-neuronal cells that provide support and maintenance to neurons in the brain and spinal cord. They have a star-shaped morphology, with multiple branching processes that extend out from the cell body. They form specialized junctions with blood vessels for regulating the transport of nutrients and other molecules between the brain and the bloodstream.

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Gravity is Holographic Projection from a Higher-Dimension: De Sitter Space

Pooja Kashyap

According to Einstein’s theory of general relativity, gravity arises from the curvature of spacetime, caused by the presence of massive objects. This curvature, also, impacts the motion of all nearby objects thus, causing them to move in curved paths. General relativity however breaks down under extreme conditions such as those found in black holes and the early universe. These conditions comprise of high energies and densities, which exponentially influences the effects of quantum mechanics. And it has been observed that the laws of general relativity no longer provide a complete…

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Book Review: Passion for Mathematics by Clifford Pickover

Pooja Kashyap

Recently, I came across the works of Clifford Pickover. I finished reading Surfing Through Hyperspace and I found it extremely interesting, and so I decided to try another book from his vault – Passion for Mathematics. This book is equally fascinating. I liked the presentation of the content. Firstly, the various mathematical ideas are introduced with diagrams and puzzles, which helps in understanding the notion better. Secondly, quotes are sprinkled here and there to give the subject some poetic effect and depth to abstract concepts. Thirdly, the brain teasers and…

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Zinc Batteries for Sustainable Development: The New Hybrid Electrolyte

Pooja Kashyap

Zinc batteries have been explored as an alternative to lithium-ion batteries for large-scale energy storage since long. Zinc-based batteries is preferred over li-ion batteries because it is abundant, low-cost, and environmentally friendly compared to other metals. However, their efficiency has been limited due to issues with the zinc metal anode. However, with the recent development of a new electrolyte that improves the efficiency of the zinc metal anode to nearly 100%, researchers envision that it could make zinc batteries a viable alternative.

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Book Review: The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot

Pooja Kashyap

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks is a beautiful book written by Rebecca Skloot in 2010. It is about a poor African American woman who came down with a rare cervical cancer in 1950s. After giving birth to her fourth child, Henrietta grew suspicious of a lump in her cervix. To clarify things, she went straight to Johns Hopkins Hospital. The doctor took a biopsy by extracting sample cells for examination. Although she couldn’t survive, after a few sessions of x-ray therapy and radium treatment. She died at the age…

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