Home » Tech » World’s largest alien-hunting telescope now operational

World’s largest alien-hunting telescope now operational

After years in development, construction workers slotted into place the final piece of the 500-meter aperture spherical telescope (aka FAST) back in July.

And following months of testing, FAST (the world’s largest alien-hunting telescope) became fully operational on September 25.

The giant telescope will aid in China’s quest to achieve “major advances and breakthroughs at the frontier of science,” China’s President Xi Jinping said in a congratulatory message on Sunday.

Read also: 500 million accounts compromised as Yahoo confirms data breach

Calling the telescope the nation’s “eye in the sky,” Xi and other Chinese officials certainly have high hopes for the world’s largest single-dish radio telescope.

It’s a symbolic achievement for China, which is aiming to prove not only its economic well-being, but its scientific prowess as well. “Astronomy is an ultimate expression of ‘pure’ science that has little immediate practical benefits,” Luis C. Ho, the director of the Kavli Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics at Peking University, told the New York Times via email. “It is a luxury that only the most advanced economies enjoy.” And now, it’s a luxury that exists in the backyard of one of China’s most impoverished areas.

Home » Tech » Moon formed from melted bits of earth, researchers say

Moon formed from melted bits of earth, researchers say

September 27, 2016

This is how the planet earth came to be, according to a group of scientists who are researching the formation of the moon; which they say took place around 4.5 billion years ago.

when the solar system was still in its infancy, a Mars-sized planet collided with the proto-Earth and blasted our baby planet to smithereens.

Earth’s rocks did not just melt; they vaporized, the very elements in those rocks turning into gas the way boiling water turns into steam.

Eventually, the remains of the original Earth cooled and settled down, condensing to once again form a solid planet. The leftovers formed the moon.

Read also: Virgin Atlantic launches another shuttle 2yrs after crash

That’s the latest twist in the decades-old story about how Earth’s moon came to be, and it’s based on new measurements of elements in both worlds.

The moon, our first friend, is more than a familiar fixture in the night sky; it dictates the slosh of tides, stabilizes Earth’s rotation, and might contribute to earthquakes.

It is also the best place we have, other than Earth, for studying the formation of rocky worlds.

Scientists are still unsure how it formed, in part because it’s hard to reconcile the moon’s chemical composition with the original stories our computers tell.

Home » Business » NSE LIVE! Equities sustain modest rally as investors scramble for oil stocks

NSE LIVE! Equities sustain modest rally as investors scramble for oil stocks

September 27, 2016

Nigerian equities sustained a modest rally on Wednesday as improved investors’ appetite for oil and gas stocks spurred the market to a second consecutive positive session.

Key indicators at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) showed that the stock market recorded average gain of 0.02 per cent on Wednesday, equivalent to a capital gain of N2 billion.

Aggregate market value of all quoted equities on the NSE rose from N9.690 trillion to close at N9.692 trillion, representing a modest gain of N2 billion.

The All Share Index (ASI), the major value-based index that tracks prices at the Exchange, improved marginally by 0.02 per cent from 28,209.93 points to close at 28,214.57 points. With this, the negative average year to date return improved to -1.49 per cent.

Price analysis showed widespread positive sentiments with nearly two gainers for every loser. However, the market position was also boosted by gains by leading oil and gas stocks. Conoil Plc, which recently released two impressive earnings reports, led the 22-stock gainers’ list with a gain of N3.91 to close at N42.60.

MRS Oil followed with a gain of N1.42 to close at N39.90. Total Nigeria placed third with a gain of N1 to close at N270. PZ Cussons Nigeria rose by 90 kobo to close at N18.97. Cadbury Nigeria rose by 55 kobo to close at N14.75. Stanbic IBTC Holdings added 45 kobo to close at N16.50. Zenith Bank gathered 40 kobo to close at N15. Oando chalked up 26 kobo to close at N5.60 per share while Cutix added 7.0 kobo to close at N1.85 per share.

On the negative side, Guinness Nigeria, which on Tuesday reported its first loss in 30 years of N2 billion, led the13-stock losers’ list with a loss of N7 to close at N93. Nigerian Breweries dropped by N1.31 to close at N142.04. Julius Berger Nigeria lost 44 kobo to close at N39. E-Tranzact declined by 30 kobo to close at N5.70. Guaranty Trust Bank lost 23 kobo to close at N26.77 per share.

Lafarge Africa declined by 14 kobo to close at N56.01 while Neimeth International Pharmaceutical dropped by 10 kobo to 98 kobo per share.

Total turnover stood at 3.09 billion shares valued at N6.24 billion in 2,815 deals. The high market turnover was due to a cross deal on Great Nigeria Insurance for 2.87 billion shares valued at N3.24 billion.

Zenith Bank staged a distant second position with a turnover of 51.23 million shares valued at N752.7 million. United Bank for Africa recorded turnover of 23.56 million shares worth N101.31 million while Guaranty Trust Bank followed with 21.45 million shares valued at N577.21 million.

Home » Business » Crude prices rebound as OPEC meets

Crude prices rebound as OPEC meets

September 24, 2016

Oil prices rebound over the week at the International market as hope was rekindled that the planned meeting of the major crude producers will help control the long running supply glut that has substantially hurt prices.

OPEC members and Russia are billed to begin a three day meeting in Algeria from Monday to discuss ways of ending the over supply that has driven prices to its lowest point in 13 years.

Traders, who had been uncertain over the possibility of the meeting reaching any deal on maintaining current output levels or cutting production, became more optimistic after reports of a meeting between Saudi Arabia, Iran and Qatar at OPEC headquarters in Vienna.

Speaking on the planned meeting, Fawad Razaqzada, a Market analyst at Forex.com said: “A deal to freeze production should give oil prices a significant boost while if there is no deal then expect to see a big drop, at least in the short-term,” said Fawad Razaqzada, market analyst at Forex.com.

Around 1615 GMT, US benchmark West Texas Intermediate for delivery in November was down $1.43 at $44.93 a barrel compared with Thursday’s close.

Brent North Sea crude for November delivery shed $1.25 to $46.40 a barrel.

Both contracts rose over the week however after booking strong gains in the previous two sessions. WTI surged 6.6 per cent and Brent gained 3.9 per cent — on data showing US commercial inventories fell more than six million barrels last week, indicating stronger demand in the world’s top oil consuming country.

Home » Business » BUDGET DEFICIT: AfDB to rescue FG with $1b

BUDGET DEFICIT: AfDB to rescue FG with $1b

September 27, 2016

The African Development Bank, AfDB, has said it would advance $1 billion facility to the Federal Government as budget support to fund the 2016 federal budget.

The President of the bank, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina, stated this in Abuja on Monday when he led a delegation of the bank to visit President Muhammadu Buhari at the State House.

Aside the $1 billion budget support, the AfDB President, who is Nigeria’s immediate past Minister of Agriculture, said the bank has also earmarked $300 million to create jobs for 185,000 youths, $250 million towards North East infrastructure development, $1 million grant to deal with challenges of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), $300 million for infrastructure development around Abuja, $200 million for Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to deepen facilities, among others.

Adesina, who appreciated President Buhari for supporting his candidacy for the presidency of the AfDB, also commended him for successes recorded in securing the country, particularly in the North East, adding that “there can be no development without adequate security.”

The former Nigerian minister, who said recent economic decisions taken in the country were “bold, tough, uncomfortable, but right,” insisted that Nigeria would reap the dividends in the short and long run.

“You can count on the AfDB as a true friend of Nigeria. You should support massive investment in infrastructure, and we are here to also support. Closing the infrastructure deficit will enable growth, and create employment. Nigeria is too big to fail,” Adesina said.

Adesina who said he delighted with President Buhari’s push against corruption, also announced that the AfDB was extending the sum of $4.8 million as institutional grant, with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, getting $2 million and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, getting $1 million.

“You can always count on my support, and that of the ADB,” he concluded.

Home » Jungle's blog » 5 things to know before using a swimming pool in Nigeria

5 things to know before using a swimming pool in Nigeria

September 27, 2016

Swimming pools offer a great way to chill out and have fun, especially during hot or lazy days. A basic feature of most hotels in Nigeria, visitors and lodgers are always keen to use the amenity. But most of these hotels do not clearly state the guidelines on how the swimming pool should be used and most of the visitors are clueless as to how to behave before and while using the pool. Here are five things every prospective swimming pool user in Nigeria should know before diving into any pool.

1) Only get in the pool if you can swim

A lot of people may not be able to swim but would just want an opportunity to wear their swimsuit and dabble in the water. While this can be fun, it is very risky and should be avoided, especially if you are alone. Not every hotel or club offer swimming pool accessories for beginning swimmers and not all have life guards on standby. If you cannot swim, just avoid the pool.

2) Be careful with your mobile device

It is no secret that water is no friend to the mobile device and most times when people go to the pool area, they leave their phones at the edge of the pool or on whatever chair they may have placed their towel. It is advisable you leave your phone safely locked in a safe in your hotel room before coming down to swim. If you are however too attached to your phone, you can bring it with you but you endeavor to put it in a plastic bag if you plan to keep it near the pool and keep a watchful eye over it lest it gets stolen.

Read also: What to do when your child swallows an object

3) Do not forget the Sunscreen and Bug spray

This is very important if you are swimming in the noon time. Some hotels will offer you mini bottles, but it is always advisable to come with yours, so that you are sure the cream contains enough SPF to protect your skin. Again, bugs tend to frequent pool areas and to avoid being severely bitten, take the bug spray along too.

4) Go to the pool with your own accessories

Do not expect to get a fresh swimsuit/gear or towel at the swimming pool, ensure you go with your own stuff, that way you are not disappointed and you run a lesser risk of catching any skin rash or infectious ailment. Pack your swimsuit, your swimming cap, goggles if needed and towels. Also, if you are a beginner in swimming, endeavor to take your own float noodle to the swim pool as not every pool will have all that you may request.

5) Avoid drinking the pool water

The pool can be fun and sometimes you may playfully want to taste the water or even drink it….please don’t! The pool water may look clean and pure, but that does not mean it is clean. Aside from the chlorine (which is not good for your health) that is added to the water to kill germs, the pool also contains body fluids, urine and fecal matter from people who may have used it before you.

Home » » 6 ways fathers can quickly bond with their babies

6 ways fathers can quickly bond with their babies

September 27, 2016

Time and biology certainly give new mothers a leg up on the baby bonding process, making fathers work that much harder to try and get equal time.

Mothers have the extra nine months before the child is even born where the bond is first created in the womb and cemented over time.

Then once the baby arrives, it’s the mother who is the primary caregiver, feedings, changing diapers, suffering through sleepless nights. A father pitching in on the ‘mommy’s domain’ is usually looked at with amusement and indulgence.

1. Be Tactile: Babies are comforted through the sense of touch. Pitching in during bath times, massaging the baby, and holding the baby against your chest will all succeed in fostering a warm, strong connection between the two of you.

 

2. Eye Contact: If you’ve been talking to the baby since he was still in the womb, he’ll be familiar with your voice, holding him in your arms so that you can look down at him while you speak and he can look up at you will help him associate that voice with your face and make him feel safe and loved.

3. Sharing Doctor Duty: Taking over some of the doctor’s visits from mommy will not only earn you points with her but will help you gain info on your baby’s overall health. It will give you the opportunity to help pitch in if the doctor offers any suggestions for any necessary treatments.

Read also: 5 things to know before using a swimming pool in Nigeria

 

4. Sharing: ‘Doody’ Duty: Parenting is a messy business and while most fathers feel it is the mother’s responsibility to take care of the less enjoyable end of baby care, they’re missing out. A crying, uncomfortable baby who is soothed by a clean diaper and clean clothes will associate that soothing, comfortable feeling with you.

5. Sing, Even If You Can’t Carry A Tune In A Bucket: Music is the universal calmer. A screaming baby will nine times out of ten quiet down if the radio is switched on to something soft and gentle (sorry, no AC/DC.) So if you want to bond with your child, hold them close and sing them a lullaby while rocking them, or look down at them in the crib and sing to your heart’s content.

6. Schedule Some Daddy Time: Despite the fact that the new mother will no doubt be frazzled and suffering from sleep deprivation, you might find some opposition when you put forth the initial idea for some alone time with the new baby.