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Why do Deep-Sea Fish Look so Bizarre?
As a child, I grew up chanting the familiar saying during my geography study: “Three-fourths of the Earth is water, and one-fourth is land. Three-fourths of the Earth is water, and one-fourth is land. Three-fourths of…” The words felt like an unshakable truth etched into my young mind. But as the years flowed by, that…
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Fetus in Fetu: The Surprising Case of a Twin Inside a Twin
Arnold Schwarzenegger appeared to be pregnant in the 1994 movie Junior. But that’s just a movie. What if I told you that similar things actually happened before in real life, where male patient carried a fetus? Fetus in Fetu is a rare and surreal occurrence where one fetus forms within another. Throughout the centuries, humanity…
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CAPTCHA: From Turing’s Test to Internet Security
April, 1950. Computer Lab, University of Manchester, England. In a lively mood, British mathematician and computer engineer Alan Turing was discussing the cognitive abilities of computers with his colleagues. The topic of discussion—could a computer ever apply its own intelligence to work as an alternative to humans, as a bot? To unfold this question, they…
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Two DNA Profiles, One Body: The Fascinating Science of Chimerism
October, 1953. Northern England. 33-year-old Mrs. McK (a pseudonym) visited a nearby blood clinic with her husband to donate blood for the first time. After donating, they both finished some little work and returned home. By then, the blood donated at the clinic had reached the laboratory for screening tests. As soon as the lab…
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Megalodon: Tale of an Oceanic Giant
When we envision the colossal beings that once reigned over our ancient Earth millions of years ago, it is the mighty dinosaurs that first come to our mind. But, an even more fearsome titan once ruled the vast oceans of our planet, leaving no waters untouched—not even our Bay of Bengal. This was the mighty…
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Detecting Kala-Azar Parasite: Novel Method Developed by Researchers from University of Dhaka
In the tropical region, a neglected life-threatening disease is visceral leishmaniasis, also known as kala-azar. This disease is prevalent in approximately 60 countries worldwide, including Bangladesh. The Mymensingh belt in Bangladesh, in particular, has a higher incidence of this disease. In the country, 45 districts are in the endemic stage of kala-azar. Research indicates that…
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CAM-SUST Researchers Detect Preliminary Asteroid
Researchers from CAM-SUST, the Copernicus Astronomical Memorial of the SUST (Shahjalal University of Science and Technology), have identified a preliminary asteroid by analyzing raw space images provided by NASA. Small stone-like objects orbiting the sun are generally known as asteroids. Their size range can be from small dust particles to 600 miles in diameter. Typically,…
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Beyond Boundaries: How Our Brain Construct Spatial Maps
When you visit a new city for the first time, you have to roam around for a while to find destination. In a new neighborhood, you often find yourself repeatedly checking Google Maps or asking locals, “Hey, which way is this place?” Instead of reaching your destination, you sometimes lose your way! However, your brain…
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Parasitic Tale: The Jewel Wasp and its ‘Zombie’ Cockroach
The scientific name of the creature is Ampulex compressa. The common name is the Jewel Wasp, or in Bengali, it is known as “Jewel Bolta (জুয়েল বোলতা).” It is mainly found in the African and Asian tropics. Its length is around one inch or slightly smaller. The exterior of its body has a beautiful coloration.…
