Category: Science

  • Pakistan Clears Starlink for Temporary Operation on PM’s Orders

    Pakistan Clears Starlink for Temporary Operation on PM’s Orders

    Islamabad: Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, announced on Friday that Starlink, a satellite-based internet provider, has been granted temporary registration in Pakistan. Furthermore Elon Musk-owned Starlink granted temporary registration in Pakistan.

    She said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif instructed the approval, and all security and regulatory authorities agreed to it. It has also received a temporary No Objection Certificate (NOC).

    Shaza Fatima Khawaja said that the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) will make sure Starlink follows all rules, including paying fees and meeting licensing requirements. Therefore Starlink Granted Temporary NOC To Operate In Pakistan.

    She also said that under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership, Pakistan is making big progress in digital technology.

    She added that satellite internet will help improve internet access, especially in remote and underserved areas.

    According to sources, this approval will help Elon Musk’s company, get a full license from the PTA.

    The official launch date has not been announced yet, but early reports say that Starlink will offer three service packages in Pakistan with the following expected prices.

    1. Residential Package: Rs 35,000 per month (Speed: 50-250 Mbps) + One-time installation fee of Rs 110,000.

    2. Business Package: Rs 95,000 per month + One-time setup cost of Rs 220,000.

    3. Mobility Package: Rs 50,000 per month + One-time hardware cost of Rs 120,000.

    For satellite-based internet companies to work in Pakistan, they need clearance from the PSARB. Furthermore sources also said that the technical details like frequencies, power, and earth gateway stations, have been finalized.

    Sources said that the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) is expected to issue a license to Starlink within four weeks.

    After getting the PTA license, may take about a year to start its services in Pakistan, they added.

    To provide high-speed internet, Starlink’s Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites will work at a height of 250 to 500 kilometers.

    Sources also said that the government has hired an international expert to help finalize the rules and regulations for satellite-based internet services.

    Furthermore, for more details Starlink registered in Pakistan:

  • Neuromorphic Computing: The Future of AI and Brain-Inspired Technology

    Neuromorphic Computing: The Future of AI and Brain-Inspired Technology

    Neuromorphic computing is an approach to computing that is inspired by the structure and function of the human brain. Right now, it is mostly used in research by universities, governments, and big tech companies like IBM and Intel. However, this technology has a lot of potential. Furthermore, neuromorphic processors are energy efficient. It could be very useful in areas that need fast and efficient AI, such as self-driving cars, smart devices, and advanced computing.

    What is Neuromorphic Computing?

    Neuromorphic computing is a way of building computers to work like the human brain and nervous system. These computers use artificial neurons and connections, just like the brain, to process information

    neuromorphic computing

    It is an emerging discipline of artificial neural networks. This helps them solve problems, recognize patterns, and make decisions faster and more efficiently than regular computers.

    “It’s hardware and software inspired by the brain,” said Andreea Danielescu, a researcher at Accenture Labs, in an interview with Built In.

    How Does Neuromorphic Computing Work?

    To understand neuromorphic computing, we first need to know how the brain works. As we know it is an approach to computing that mimics the way the human brain works.

    According to expert Daniel Bron, neuromorphic computers are designed to work like the neocortex, the part of the brain responsible for thinking, sensing, movement, and language. Moreover, the neocortex has layers of neurons and connections that help process complex information quickly.

    In the brain, neurons and synapses send and receive information almost instantly. For example, if you step on a sharp nail, your brain immediately tells your foot to move. Neuromorphic computers try to copy this fast and efficient way of processing information.

    Neuromorphic computers try to copy the brain’s efficiency using spiking neural networks.

    Spiking neurons make up these networks, storing and processing data like real brain cells. Artificial synapses connect them and send electrical signals between them, just like in the brain. A spiking neural network is like a hardware version of an artificial neural network a system of algorithms that helps regular computers think more like humans.

    How Neuromorphic Computing Is Different From Traditional Computing

    Neuromorphic computers work differently from regular computers, which use a system called von Neumann architecture.

    Traditional computers process information using binary code (only 1s and 0s). They also work step by step, with the CPU handling processing and RAM storing memory separately.

    Neuromorphic computers, on the other hand, use millions of artificial neurons and synapses to process many pieces of information at the same time. This makes them much faster for complex tasks. They also combine memory and processing more closely, making them better for handling large amounts of data.

    For many years, computers have followed the Von Neumann architecture. These computers are used for everything from writing documents to running complex science programs. However, they have some problems. They use a lot of energy and can slow down because of how they move data between memory and the processor.

    As we need more powerful computers in the future, this design may not be enough. Because of this, scientists are exploring new types of computers, like neuromorphic computing, which works like the human brain, and quantum computing, which uses the special rules of quantum physics. These new designs could help solve the problems of traditional computers.

    Researchers say the time is ripe to start building the first large-scale neuromorphic devices that can solve practical problems.

    Benefits of Neuromorphic Computing

    Neuromorphic computing has many advantages and could change the way computers work in the future.

    Faster Than Traditional Computers

    Neuromorphic computers work more like the human brain. They process information quickly and use less energy, making them faster and more efficient than regular computers.

    Great at Recognizing Patterns

    Neuromorphic computers can process lots of information at the same time, making them very good at finding patterns. This also helps them detect unusual activity, which is useful for things like cybersecurity and health monitoring.

    Can Learn Quickly

    These computers can learn and adjust in real time, just like humans. They change the connections between their “neurons” based on new experiences, helping them improve over time.

    Uses Less Energy

    One of the biggest benefits of neuromorphic computing is that it saves energy. This is especially important for artificial intelligence, which usually requires a lot of power to run.

    Neuromorphic computing draws on neuroscience insights to tackle the challenges related to the sustainability of today’s energy-hungry AI.

  • Wearable Health Monitors: Do They Really Improve Your Well-being?

    Wearable Health Monitors: Do They Really Improve Your Well-being?

    Wearable health monitors devices are defined as tools designed to track and record a patient’s health information. The sensors in smartphones, watches other wearable health monitor devices can be continuously monitor walking habits. It provide an accurate measure of the patient’s gait. Wearable health monitor technology, mainly smartwatches, is a huge industry worth billions of dollars. This is a strong focus on health tracking.

    Wearable technology in healthcare defines as devices that patients attach to their bodies to collect health and fitness data. They can share this data with their doctors. Continuous glucose monitors, smartwatches with advanced health metrics these all innovations are changing healthcare for the better

    wearable health monitors

    Many high-end devices claim to accurately monitor exercise, body temperature, heart rate, menstrual cycles, and sleep patterns. Right now the benefits of health monitoring through wearables are disproportionately available to consumer technology companies. Wearable health monitors enable remote monitoring of patients are allowing healthcare to keep the track of many patients.

    Health Secretary Wes Streeting has suggested giving wearable devices to millions of NHS patients in England. This would help them track symptoms, such as side effects from cancer treatments, from home

    However, many doctors and tech experts are still unsure about relying on health data from wearables. I’m currently testing a smart ring from the company Ultrahuman, and it seemed to know I was getting sick before I did.

    How Wearable Health Monitors Are Changing Healthcare: Benefits, Challenges, and Future Trends

    One weekend, it alerted me that my temperature was slightly high and my sleep was restless. It warned that this could be a sign of illness.

    I brushed it off, thinking it might be due to perimenopause, and ignored it. But two days later, I was in bed with gastric flu.

    I didn’t need to see a doctor, but if I had, would the data from my wearable have helped with my treatment? Many wearable brands believe it can.

    For example, the Oura smart ring allows users to download a report of their health data and share it with their doctor.

    Fitbit, Embr Labs, identifyHer, Esper Bionics, Cala Health, Wearable X, Apple, Dexcom, Rods&Cones & Oura are our Top 10 wearable healthcares.

    Dr. Jake Deutsch, a doctor in the US who also advises Oura, says wearable data helps him “assess overall health more accurately.” But not all doctors agree that it’s always useful.

    Dr. Helen Salisbury, a GP in Oxford, says she doesn’t see many patients bringing in data from their wearables, but it is becoming more common—and it worries her.

    “I think wearables are helpful sometimes, but often they are not very useful,” she says. “I worry that they might make people overly anxious about their health and lead to too much monitoring of our bodies.”

    Dr. Salisbury says there are many reasons why we might get unusual health data, like a higher heart rate. It could be a small change in our body or even a mistake by the device—and most of the time, it doesn’t need further checking.

    “I worry that people will start checking their health all the time and see their doctor just because the device says something is wrong, instead of when they actually feel unwell,” she says.

    She also points out that some people use this data as a kind of safety net, hoping it will warn them about serious health problems. But a smartwatch or app might not always detect something like a dangerous cancerous tumor, she warns.

  • Biotechnology in Agriculture: Advancements, Benefits, and Future Trends

    Biotechnology in Agriculture: Advancements, Benefits, and Future Trends

    biotechnology in agriculture

    Agriculture & Biotechnology

    Biotechnology in Agriculture is also known as agritech, is an area of agricultural science involving the use of scientific tools and techniques  including genetic.

    The Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) is using Nuclear Technology to help improve farming in Pakistan. It has developed new types of crops, better ways to control pests, improve soil and water use, keep animals healthy, and make food safer and last longer.

    Biotechnology in Agriculture improves crops and livestock using biotechnology tools.

    PAEC also helps farmers by organizing special events like “Farmer’s Days” and field visits. These programs teach farmers about new crop varieties, modern farming techniques, and ways to save water. This helps them grow more food and improve their farming methods. There are some major uses of biotechnology in agriculture.

    Biotechnology in Agriculture is the use of new scientific techniques based on our understanding of DNA to improve the production of crops. 

    Development of New Crop Varieties

    The Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) is developing new types of crops using different scientific methods. These include traditional breeding, mutation breeding, genetic engineering, and marker-assisted selection.

    The goal is to create crops that produce more food, have better quality, can survive in tough conditions, and grow in different areas. So far, PAEC’s Agriculture and Biotechnology Institutes have developed over 150 crop varieties, which are widely used by farmers in Pakistan.

    Using Salty Land for Farming

    The agriculture and biotechnology institutes of PAEC have developed special methods to use land that has too much salt. They provide these methods and special plants to local farmers and even to other countries.

    The main goal is to make salty land useful for farming while also improving its condition over time. This helps farmers grow crops and earn money from land that was previously not useful.

    Plant Nutrition and Water Management

    Water shortage is a big problem that affects farming and food production. Using too much fertilizer is also harming the soil and the environment.

    PAEC has developed better ways to use water efficiently in farming, reducing water waste. They have also found cheaper and better nutrient sources for plants, helping farmers use less chemical fertilizer while keeping the soil healthy.

    Reducing Crop Losses from Pests and Diseases

    One way to increase farm productivity is by reducing the damage caused by pests and diseases, both in the field and after harvest. PAEC Institutes have introduced methods to breed large numbers of helpful predatory insects that naturally control harmful pests in crops.

    Scientists have developed and shared new technologies with farmers to help them manage pests using an integrated approach. Research in food irradiation has also helped improve food storage by increasing shelf life, removing harmful contaminants, and reducing waste. These efforts help farmers protect their crops and reduce losses.

    Increasing Export Opportunities

    Exports are very important for a country’s economy. Since 70% of Pakistan’s exports come from agriculture, any improvement in this sector helps the country grow.

    To support exports, services are provided to remove harmful substances from food using irradiation. Experts also test food and dairy products for aflatoxins and drug residues. Additionally, researchers use DNA testing to check the quality of Basmati rice and identify genetically modified crops. These efforts help improve the quality of export goods and make them safer for international markets.

    Training and Skill Development

    Agriculture and Biotechnology Institutes train people through courses, workshops, and internships. They organize about 40 training programs each year to teach the latest techniques in agricultural research.

    Because of PAEC’s continuous efforts to build skilled research teams, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has recognized NIAB as a ‘Collaborating Centre’ for Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture. These training programs benefit researchers, students, and teachers from both national and international organizations and universities.

    Additionally, NIAB and NIBGE work with PIEAS to offer MPhil and PhD degrees in Biology and Biotechnology.

  • How 5G is Revolutionizing Internet Speed and Connectivity?

    How 5G is Revolutionizing Internet Speed and Connectivity?

    5G is the fifth generation of cellular networks. It is up to 100 times faster than 4G and is opening up new opportunities for people and businesses.

    With faster internet speeds, lower delays, and more bandwidth, 5G is changing how we live and work. It is helping industries grow. Furthermore making everyday experiences better, and improving society in many ways. Therefore, it can run on a broader range of bandwidths.

    Things that once seemed like the future such as online healthcare, smart traffic systems. Moreover high-quality mobile gamings are now possible with 5G-Advanced.

    This technology is helping us to create a safer, reliable and more endurable world.

    Primary Benefits of 5G

    1. Faster Speeds
    2. More Bandwidth
    3. Better Coverage
    4. Lower Latency
    5. Supports More Devices
    6. More Accurate Location Tracking
    5G

    A short comparison between 4G and 5G

    These few lines can help you understand the main key difference between them

    2G: focused on calls and text messages.

    3G: introduced web browsing.

    4G: brought faster internet, video streaming, and better mobile experiences.

    Previous mobile networks were mainly designed for personal use but 5G is much more.

    Furthermore, this technology in Pakistan it is designed to transform entire industries, businesses, and public services.

    5G is Better Than 4G:

    1.Reduced Latency:

    5G reacts considerably more quickly. ensuring the seamless operation of devices like smart cars, video calls, and gaming.

    2. Greater Capacity:

    It can accommodate more people and devices without experiencing lag, even in congested areas,
    3. Improved Mobility & Tracking:

    While traveling quickly and increases location accuracy. Moreover, even then 5G maintains steady connections even
    4. Edge Computing:

    5G can process data closer to users, increasing speed and efficiency, rather than just depending on cloud servers.
    5. Guaranteed Performance:

    5G may meet a variety of needs through “network slicing,” Furthermore, guaranteeing everyone receives high-quality service.
    6. AI & Automation:

    5G’s cloud-based architecture facilitates automation driven by AI, advancing the development of intelligent, self-governing networks.

    Furthermore, 5G isn’t just a faster version of 4G…it’s a game-changer for the future of technology!


    5G4G
    Peak download speed20 Gbps1 Gbps
    Peak upload speed10 Gbps0.2 Gbps
    Latency (shortest delay time)1 millisecond10 milliseconds
    Availability99.999%99.99%
    Mobility500 km/h350 km/h
    Positioning accuracy1 meter45 meters
    Device density (per square mile)250 million250
    Comparision of 4G and 5G

    The Future of 5G: What to Expect Next

    5G is not just an upgrade from previous mobile networks . Moreover, it is a complete transformation. It is designed to be faster, safer, and more energy efficient.

    More Energy Efficient

    5G is the most energy-saving mobile technology so far. Furthermore, It helps reduce power use in networks and makes device batteries last up to 10 times longer.

    New high-performance processors, like Ericsson Silicon, have also made network equipment 10 times lighter and more energy-efficient between 2016 and 2022. This helps create a greener and more sustainable future.

    Stronger Security

    5G is the safest mobile network ever. Security is built into its design to make it more reliable and always available.

    With this strong protection, 5G can support the growth of smart technology, including automated machines, robots, and transportation systems. However, this marks the start of a new and more secure digital world.

    Smarter Technology

    5G introduces cloud-based networks, allowing AI-powered software to be used across the entire system from the core network to the outer edges.

    With advanced AI, 5G can detect problems, manage resources better, improve service quality, and enhance security. Therefore, this makes networks faster, safer, and more efficient, creating a better experience for users and businesses.

    Expand the potential of 5G technology by making the internet much faster, reducing delays, connecting more smart devices furthermore, improving city services, transforming healthcare and transportation, and opening the door for new technologies like AI, virtual reality, and self-driving cars.