The Youth Blog

In the literal sense of the term, a green robot is being developed by a team of scientists led by Andy Adamatzky and they are calling it Plasmobot. The plasmodium algae, a slimy mould found in damp places in UK is its basis.

Plasmodium branches its protoplasm in search of nutrients and finds the shortest distance to get it. It is stimulated by sunlight or other chemical stimuli. By feeding it oat flakes it oscillates and grows in a specified direction carrying objects with it. Similarly, plasmobot will span the shortest distance between objects and carry signals in specified directions. The robots will have parallel inputs and outputs, a network of sensors and the number crunching power of super computers. It will be a fully controllable and programmable amorphous intelligent robot. Seems typical sci-fi stuff doesn’t it!

Scientists at the University of Reading are developing a new robot which is controlled by a biological brain. Such robots have been designed before but there is always a computer in the loop for decoding information. The ‘brain’ will be made of neuron cultured on an MEA (Multi Electrode Array), which will control the robot, via a Bluetooth connection. This venture will provide an insight into the working of the human brain and is expected to help aging people and in finding a remedy for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and other brain related diseases. The MEA is a dish with around 60 electrodes which receive electrical signals from the cells thus sending a message to the robot which will make it move and help it in navigating around obstacles. Scientists are also planning to find out how memories manifest themselves in the neurons by observing how the robot behaves on being repeatedly sent to familiar locations.

Foot Note- Before developing a biological brain for a robot, could not they find a way to install one in humans? I seriously believe some people need them real bad.

Image of US Embassy in Pretoria

December 1st is observed as the World AIDS day internationally. World AIDS Day, observed each year, is dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS among people.

AIDS is a vicious pandemic which has killed more than 25 million people between 1981 and 2007.

On each year’s World AIDS day, WHO gives a theme. This year 2009 World AIDS day theme was “Universal Access and Human Rights“.

Previous themes are -  “Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise – Lead – Empower – Deliver” and “Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise – Leadership” of 2008 and 2007 respectively.

The World AIDS day is observed with the symbol of Red Ribbon. The Red Ribbon is the global symbol for solidarity with HIV-positive people and those living with AIDS. It is important that more and more youngsters are made aware of the risks involved concerning AIDS.

The World AIDS day is a perfect way to raise awareness and questions for those who lack knowledge about this killer disease.