Tag Archives: Science

Mask Upgrade

My employer has started to gradually transition us to working at the office after almost three years of working remotely because of the pandemic. So I decided to finally upgrade the face mask that I wear to the office from a KN95 to an Aura 1870+ Respirator N95 Face Mask by 3M.

3M 1870+ Respirator N95 Face Mask
  • Here’s what I like with the Aura N95 compared to the KN95:
    Straps that go over the back of my head and neck, so virtually no strain on my ear lobes
  • Has a better fit hence a better seal over my mouth and nose
  • Give me more confidence that I have better protection from airborne pathogens and pollution

Three years since the pandemic began and I’m quite proud to say that my family has been able to avoid getting COVID-19. We plan to stay that way because masks work. COVID-19 is still here. COVID is airborne.

Episode 2: Mosquitoes, dog heaven, and the dark secrets of pet cloning

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Featured in this episode:

Mosquitoes can learn to avoid humans that swat

A clever way on how mosquitoes improve their chances of survival by remembering which humans to avoid

How mosquitoes distinguish between blood and nectar

Only the female mosquito bites as it needs blood to lay eggs while their male counterparts feed mainly only nectar. Now we know how a mosquito tells one food source from the other.

Do all dogs go to heaven? Tracking human-animal relationships through the archaeological survey of pet cemeteries

Not only do we believe in life after death for pets, we also think they go to the same heaven as we do.

The ugly & cruel side of cloning pets

Genetics and cloning technology has given pet lovers the chance to have their pets back among the living. However, it usually comes at a heavy price.

Episode 1 – Spiders can hear, social distancing bats, scary movies & a tribute to Sir Sean Connery

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Featured on this episode:

Spiders that can detect sound waves

Ogre-faced spiders have organs in their legs that are sensitive to sound which they use to hunt prey

Social distancing vampire bats

Vampire bats social distance when they are sick which helps prevent the spread of diseases to other bats

What makes a horror movie scary

There are 7 elements that make a horror movie. A combination of these elements or a masterful use of one is what defines a horror classic.

Face shields offer least amount of protection

Daily dose, , , ,

Based on current evidence, face shields offer the least amount of protection from the spread of SARS-CoV-2 – the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. How so? Well, because physics!

It cannot be stressed enough, COVID-19 is airborne – it is mainly transmitted via aerosols that float in the air which can get around face shields. If you’re not wearing a mask, a face shield is useless and even gives you a false sense of security. Listen to the science: face shields alone will not protect you from COVID-19.

If you’re still not convinced, watch the video below to see how virus-carrying aerosols get around face shields and spread in the air:

So please, do everyone a favor by wearing mask – surgical masks are better if you can’t or don’t want to wear an N95 respirator.

AGHAM – The State of Science & Technology in the Philippines

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Was able to join a webinar by Advocates of Science and Technology for the People or AGHAM on The State of Science & Technology in the Philippines and although I had to leave early, it’s an eye-opener not just for science geeks but also for anyone who believes in science.

The COVID-19 pandemic has not only exposed the terrible health care, education and governance of the Philippines, the same could be said of science and technology.

Below is a presentation featured in today’s webinar:

Aside from good governance, good science and technology is badly needed not only if we are to control the COVID-19 pandemic, but also to move the country forward in genuine growth and progress.