It is a branch of physics concerned with how baryons were originally formed. Baryons are a family of subatomic particles and, like other subatomic particles, have their opposite category called anti-baryons. Interestingly, baryons outnumber antibaryons, thus giving rise to a lot of residual matter in the universe. Physicists believe the asymmetry between baryons and anti-baryons must have been caused by …

Balata is a variety of non-elastic rubber obtained from the latex of the tropical tree known by the botanical name Manilkara bidentata. The trees are spread mainly in South America. Balata is used extensively in the manufacture of golf-ball covers and machine belts.

Balance is what keeps us upright, although we tend to take it for granted unless we are standing on a swaying bus or crossing a narrow bridge. But how do we know when we are upright? The answer lies in our ears in three small tubes called semi-circular canals. These canals are filled with liquid and they act very much …

A point of the horizon and a circle extending to it from the zenith; or an arc of the horizon measured clockwise between the south-point of the horizon and a vertical circle passing through the center of any object. An azimuth is an angular measurement in a spherical coordinate system. The vector from an observer (origin) to a point of …

A branch of astronomy that deals with the identification of habitable regions in the universe, the search for extraterrestrial life and effects of outer space environments on living organisms. It is the study of the origin and distribution of life in the universe. Astrobiology makes use of physics, chemistry, astronomy, biology, molecular biology, ecology, planetary science, geography and geology to …

If you touch a hot metal object, you will yank your hand away immediately. When this happens to you the first time, the sequence of events and the result (the burning of your hand) gets stored in your brain. This is what we call an experience. When you see a hot metal object next time, you will not touch it. …

Artificial gravity is the varying of gravity using artificial means. It is used largely in space, but also on Earth. It can be achieved by the use of different forces, in particular centrifugal force and (for short periods) linear acceleration. The creation of artificial gravity is considered desirable for long-term space travel or habitation. It allows for ease of mobility, …

This is technique whereby a diseased or damaged section of artery is replaced with tubing prepared either from synthetic materials, or with a section of healthy artery from the patient or from another person.

Argemone oil is extracted from argemone seeds. It is mixed with sunflower oil and sesame oil to increase their quantity. Consumption of this oil leads to health disorders among children. To avoid this, we must check the contents of the cooking oil. Many oil brands mention ‘no argemone oil’ on their packs.

Apomixis is asexual reproduction without fertilization — developing or producing without sexual union. This is a botanical term (also known as apogomy) used with respect to many plants. Apomixis can occur in two ways: when the embryo arises from unfertilized egg produced without meiosis, called agamugenesis; a nucellar embryo is formed from surrounding nucellus tissues. The seeds produced are generally …