Source: phys.orgScientists at the University of Southampton have discovered that bacteria can pair up their defense systems to create a formidable force, greater than the sum of its parts, to fight off attacks from phage viruses. Understanding how bacteria react to this type of virus is a big step in combating antimicrobial resistance.
Source:The Nation
February 23, 2024 05:40 UTC
Source: phys.orgA research team at the RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science (CSRS) has succeeded in developing a self-healing material that is also capable of emitting a high amount of fluorescence when absorbing light. The research, published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, could lead the way to the creation of new materials such as organic solar cells that are more durable than current types.
Source:The Nation
February 22, 2024 16:45 UTC
The Rameswaram Boat Association President Sesuraya has demanded that the Indian embassy officials in Sri Lanka should not participate in the Kachadhivu festival ignoring the sentiments of the people of Tamil Nadu. The President said they were boycotting the festival as five of the fishermen who were arrested for engaging in cross-border fishing in Sri Lankan waters have been jailed with severe warnings, while the livelihood of the fishermen's families is in question. “We are saddened to know that the officials of the Indian Embassy in Sri Lanka are preparing to go to the Kachathivu festival, which is held only with the participation of Sri Lankan pilgrims,” he said. Respecting the sentiments of the fishermen of Tamil Nadu, the Indian Embassy in Sri Lanka should also boycott the festival on humanitarian grounds, he said. At the same time, he said that the Sri Lankan government, which refuses to show humanity by freeing 5 fishermen, should not pay the expenses for the Kachathivu festival from the tax money of the Indian people, he added.
Source:Sunday Times
February 22, 2024 13:51 UTC
First intake of students to SMTIEducationThe first intake of the ‘Naval Engineering Cadet Officers’ to Southern Maritime Institute (SMTI) was held at the Institute’s auditorium at Maradana, Colombo recently. The first batch comprises of thirteen Cadet Officers including one woman officer. Once completed the training programme, Cadet Officers are qualified to sail as a watchkeeping officer. Southern Maritime Training Institute offers a superlative training for Sri Lankan youth to succeed in the international commercial maritime industry. A bright future awaits the determined students who choose SMTI for their maritime education.
Source:Sunday Times
February 22, 2024 09:51 UTC
Source: phys.orgResearch published in the journal Science China Chemistry is expected to serve as comprehensive background knowledge and to provide researchers with insight into the recent developments of solar-driven green synthesis of epoxides.
Source:The Nation
February 22, 2024 07:57 UTC
IIHS launches its much-anticipated Bachelor of Business Administration Programme with UGC approvalEducationThe International Institute of Health Sciences (IIHS), which has long been recognised as a pioneer in the healthcare sector, has ventured into the business administration segment by launching the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree programme. The newly launched BBA programme at the IIHS has received approval from the University Grants Commission (UGC), solidifying its legitimacy and ensuring that students receive a recognised educational qualification. Renowned medical doctor, Dr. Kithsiri Edirisinghe is heading the newly launched BBA programme at the IIHS. This is a unique advantage for students looking to pursue a business administration degree. Enrolment for the BBA programme at IIHS is now open.
Source:Sunday Times
February 22, 2024 04:43 UTC
Source: phys.orgThe Einstein telescope project has reached a new stage, with the E-TEST prototype—developed in the ULiège and CSL laboratories—being sent to the Liège Space Centre to undergo a battery of cryogenic and vibration tests. To function optimally, the future mirror of the Einstein telescope has to withstand being cooled to extreme temperatures and be subjected to almost no vibration.
Source:The Nation
February 22, 2024 03:29 UTC
Source: phys.orgA large international team of astronomers has discovered the smallest known star to date, and found that it is paired with another, somewhat larger star. Their paper is published in the journal Nature Astronomy,.
Source:The Nation
February 21, 2024 22:31 UTC
Controversial Malwana land used by Basil taken over by Justice MinistryNewsA 15-acre land and building in Malwana, widely believed to be of former Minister Basil Rajapaksa and later disclaimed is to be made use for a proposed development project of the state, Justice Minister Wijedasa Rajapakshe said. The Justice Minister today visited the site and told reporters that a cabinet paper will be submitted shortly on the proposed development project for which the land will be used. The Minister said that the land was acquired by the Justice Ministry after all persons whose names were in the deeds disclaimed ownership of the land and the building that existed. The Justice Minister said that the building was initially due to be made use for an international Judges training centre. In June last year the Pugoda Magistrate’s Court ordered the disputed 16-acre land and house in Malwana to be auctioned after former minister Basil Rajapaksa and its registered owner denied ownership of the property.
Source:Sunday Times
February 21, 2024 13:19 UTC
New Chief of Staff for SL NavyNewsRear Admiral Pradeep Rathnayake has been appointed as the Chief of Staff of Sri Lanka Navy. Rear Admiral Rathnayake received the official letter of appointment from Navy Commander Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera today (Feb. 21) at Navy Headquarters. He has been holding the position of Deputy Chief of Staff at the Navy Headquarters until his appointment as Chief of Staff. In addition, he received the Uththama Sewa Padakkama in recognition of his impeccable moral integrity and commitment to service. Rear Admiral Rathnayake has had the honor of leading a number of Fast Attack Craft, Ships, and Establishments.
Source:Sunday Times
February 21, 2024 13:19 UTC
In a joint news conference late on Tuesday night, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari announced that Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif, 72, is set to assume the role of the Prime Minister once again. Independent candidates - a majority backed by 71-year-old Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party -- won 93 National Assembly seats. Meanwhile, in a post on X, 71-year-old Khan's PTI hit out at the newly cemented PPP, PML-N alliance as 'PDM 2.0' "PDM 2.0 = #MandateThieves." Shehbaz Sharif, who was prime minister from 2022 to 2023, said that the journey ahead for the new government would not be easy but fraught with many difficulties and obstacles. He asserted that the coalition alliance will tackle them together, the Dawn newspaper reported.
Source:The Nation
February 21, 2024 07:44 UTC
Source: phys.orgPhysicists at Paderborn University have used complex computer simulations to develop a new design for significantly more efficient solar cells than previously available. A thin layer of organic material, known as tetracene, is responsible for the increase in efficiency. The results have now been published in Physical Review Letters.
Source:The Nation
February 21, 2024 04:03 UTC
Source: phys.orgNew research from the University of Kansas might resolve a mystery in the "aging process" in species—or, how a species' risk of going extinct changes after that species appears on the scene.
Source:The Nation
February 20, 2024 20:33 UTC
Source: phys.orgUsing NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), astronomers have detected a new ultra-short-period exoplanet. The newly found alien world is nearly two times larger than the Earth and orbits its host star in less than one day. The finding was reported in a paper published February 12 on the preprint server arXiv.
Source:The Nation
February 20, 2024 15:07 UTC