oleh admin | Mar 21, 2025 | archaeology, culture, history, mathematics, science
Humanity’s quest for knowledge over thousands of years ranges from basic mathematical concepts to current studies of outer space. An example is the Ishango Bone, a 20,000-year-old relic found in Africa, illustrating our ancestors’ comprehension of numeracy, sequences, and calculations. This historical item significantly ties into contemporary astrophysical theories wherein mathematics still reveals crucial secrets of the universe. Organized by the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) alongside the University of Rwanda’s College of Science and Technology on March 19th, this extensive exploration across eras came alive. Named “Bridging the Ancient and the Cosmic: Insights from the Ishango Bone and the Universe,” the gathering included Rwandan-Belgian film director and mathematician Georges Kamanayo along with acclaimed cosmologist Prof. Neil Turok—the creator of AIMS—who jointly examined how both antiquated ideas and celestial phenomena connect via the shared medium of mathematics.
Discovered in the ’50s near Lake Edward in what is now Democratic Republic of Congo, the Ishango Bone—a possible femur of a primate—measuring approximately 10 centimeters includes various incisions suggesting numerical data. Their dialogue shed light on humans’ persistent endeavor to interpret primary structures of reality, inspired by this minor fossil and the expansive universe surrounding us.
Kamanayo underscored the exceptional importance of the Ishango Bone—not merely as archaeological evidence but as mankind’s inaugural documented instance of mathematics. While scratching marks onto bones can indicate tallying items, symbols etched on the Ishango Bone extend much further than simple enumeration; featuring primes under twenty, doubling figures, subtractions, plus duodecimal systems. According to him, the Ishango bone stands out as the oldest recognized mathematical entity created by human beings. Additionally, Kamanayo linked the Ishango Bone closely with underlying cultural-mathematical legacies within Africa, notably Rwanda. Referencing the dozen-based notation seen on the bone directly correlates with Rwanda’s traditional gaming strategy called Igisoro employing similar number conventions. Furthermore, he stressed that discussions concerning the Ishango Bone serve dual purposes—to honor prior accomplishments yet simultaneously restore Africa’s rightful position among major civilizational histories. Emphasizing youthful engagement, he argued that recognizing indigenous backgrounds empowers present-day problem solvers addressing worldwide issues including AI applications and ecological concerns. As emphasized by Kamanayo, the continent’s future hinges upon harnessing local wisdom towards global contributions.
Turok echoed parallels between archaic African mathematical relics like the Ishango Bone and recent developments in theoretical physics essential for grasping cosmic enigmas. Highlighting Africa’s demographic edge due to having the planet’s largest youth cohort, he urged active participation in scientific pursuits. Notably pointing toward environmental adversities common locally, he contended domestic expertise offers superior solutions compared to external counterparts lacking firsthand experience. Praising Rwanda’s burgeoning scholarly atmosphere marked by notable improvements fostering budding talents, Turok predicted significant strides ahead evidenced partly by winning international medals recently in math competitions. Acknowledging rapid positive transformations observed personally since arrival, he projected increased representation from African scholars globally within coming decades based largely on promising indicators witnessed currently.
Quoting Poyema-Karis Yusenyu, a high school junior attending Green Hills Academy exclaimed after gaining newfound insights regarding potential origins of arithmetic rooted deeply in African soil, expressing renewed enthusiasm towards studying mathematics moving forward.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.
Syndigate.info
).
oleh admin | Mar 21, 2025 | automotive industry, autos, car companies, car models, cars
“Audi should have a sports car, for sure,” CEO Gerald Döllner said. And a new concept due out this year could show where Audi is going.
-
The head of Audi states that the company requires a sports car, with the TT being considered an iconic model.
-
He remains open to the idea that the TT might become an electric vehicle down the line.
-
The introduction of an electric TT doesn’t seem certain yet, but it appears Audi is seriously contemplating producing one.
In 1998, Audi introduced one of its most distinctive designs in modern times with the launch of the TT sports car. This model underwent three generations before being phased out in 2023, selling a remarkable 662,762 units—a significant achievement for a compact two-door front-wheel-drive sportscar. There might be hope yet as it could make a comeback but this time powered by electricity rather than petrol.
At this point, nothing appears definite, but
AutoExpress
I queried Audi CEO Gernot Döllner regarding the TT, and he admitted that it is considered an “icon” and stated definitively that “Audi must certainly possess a sports car.”
When queried about whether electricity could be suitable for an upcoming TT model, Döllner stated, “For genuine racecars intended for tracks, as far as I’m concerned, the viable options so far have been internal combustion engines or hybrids. However, if we’re considering vehicles meant primarily for regular street usage, then I’d certainly foresee a shift towards electrification.”
He continued, “In the long run, there will be room for all-electric sports cars, primarily for traversing mountains like the Alps or enjoying scenic routes on rural roads rather than racing.” According to Döllner, their capability to charge while one takes a break for a cup of coffee would be crucial for these vehicles to fulfill such roles.
The TT has historically used the same platform as the front-wheel-drive Volkswagen Golf, most notably the MQB platform, which provided
the most scorching TT-RS variant with A8-level performance
However, should the upcoming model switch to an electric powertrain, it would probably require construction based on a distinct platform, inevitably leading our thoughts towards the MEB as the electrified counterpart of MQB.
The MEB platform forms the basis for vehicles such as
the Volkswagen ID.3
or the
Audi Q4 E-Tron
It supports both rear- or all-wheel-drive configurations. Additionally, there’s a more budget-friendly variant of MEB with front-wheel drive, intended for use in Volkswagen Group’s smaller electric vehicles such as the production model of the ID.Elligo concept.
Switching to a rear-wheel-drive architecture would make sense for an electric sports car. Critics have always pointed to the TT’s front-wheel-drive-biased nature as a shortfall, and this would be a good opportunity for Audi to silence them by making something primarily rear-driven.
We also can’t rule out a future model based on the Porsche-Audi jointly developed PPE platform, which is already underway.
the Q6 E-Tron
, and
the new electric Macan
A variant of the same platform is thought to also support the new 718 Spyder and Cayman sports cars.
Electric Rendering of Porsche 718 Boxster
The Volkswagen Group is also developing a new architecture known as SSP, designed to supersede both the MEB and PPE platforms. This could serve as the foundation for future models.
the electric 718
It’s scheduled to launch next year in a new model, potentially the 718, offering adaptable design options with engine powers spanning between 160 and 1,740 horsepower. This architecture may form the basis for most upcoming electric vehicles within the company lineup, which means we might see it applied to an electrified version of the TT as well.
Audi might opt for a less expensive solution by utilizing the MEB platform to create a rear-wheel-drive TT, making it possible to offer the TT E-Tron at a lower price point akin to the original. This electric vehicle could reasonably retail for about $50,000 instead of the anticipated $80,000 price tag for the forthcoming electric 718. A TT built on the PPE architecture would likely fall into this higher price range as well.
Gernot Döllner expressed his delight at having Massimo Frascella serve as Audi’s Chief Creative Officer for designing their new models. Prior to joining Audi in 2023, Frascella worked with Jaguar-Land Rover, where he played a key role in crafting the designs of the new Defender and the most recent Range Rover—both vehicles that garnered significant praise and admiration for their aesthetics.
More On This
-
Volkswagen Aims to Strike Back Where It Counts The Most
-
The Volkswagen ID: Everyone Gets a Glimpse of an Accessible EV for the General Public
-
Volkswagen was Already Facing Difficulties; Tariffs Might Exacerbate the Situation Severely
-
The New Audi A3 PHEV Offers Similar Electric Range as Cars from Ten Years Back
-
Audi’s Electric Revamp of the A2 Seems Even Smarter Upon Closer Inspection
-
You’ve Probably Never Seen an Audi Quite Like This Before
Frascella focuses on designs with straightforward and minimalistic forms, devoid of unnecessary embellishments. All his creations possess a distinct Bauhaus aesthetic. This aligns perfectly with an Audi TT, since the initial design was noted for its sleek, streamlined Bauhaus-inspired look, which has allowed it to remain elegant over time.
The information from the source indicates that Frascella’s initial significant contribution to Audi will be a concept vehicle set to premiere at the IAA German Motor Show in Munich during early September. This model could potentially signal a shift in Audi’s aesthetic approach and stylistic trajectory.
A different brand from the Volkswagen Group, Cupra, has already unveiled a concept car giving a glimpse of a possible production two-door electric sports vehicle.
Cupra DarkRebel
Interestingly, if such a production model were to be created, it might end up costing the same or even more than the electric 718. In that case, it could potentially utilize the PPE platform as well.
We would be thrilled if the TT returned as a well-handling rear-wheel-drive electric vehicle with design elements that pay homage to the classic, yet we should not overlook that
Audi isn’t performing up to its potential.
Therefore, it might be unwise to allocate resources for such a project at this moment. The mentioned IAA concept should provide insight into what priorities the car manufacturer has nowadays.
oleh admin | Mar 21, 2025 | auto enthusiasts, automotive industry, autos, car design, cars
The Jaguar brand showcased its aim to attract younger, wealthier motorists during an exhibition in Paris where they unveiled their latest concept car, the Type 00. This model offers all-electric opulence but comes with a hefty price tag.
The sleek, athletic-looking concept car unveiled to European journalists on Friday hints at a production version slated for release around mid-2026 with an estimated starting price of 150,000 euros ($160,000).
That’s twice as expensive as the current lineup of Jaguars, placing it more in the Porsche price range.
But the prestigious British brand — owned since 2008 by Indian automobile giant Tata Motors — has embarked on a campaign to remake itself as a ride for a far younger clientele than the one traditionally associated with it. Especially as the market goes increasingly electric.
At the end of last year, the company stirred up discussions when they introduced a new logo with rounded letters and launched an advertisement showcasing a vibrant, culturally diverse group of models — without any vehicles in sight.
The Type 00 prototype is just as vibrant: the electric blue variant displayed appeared as though it was taken directly from the set of a “Tron” film.
Jaguar states that the concept guiding their latest release is “exuberant modernism.”
The managing director of Jaguar, Rawdon Glover, who was present to sit in the driver’s seat of the prototype, described it as “a clear preview of all the future Jaguars to come.”
Glover mentioned that the intended audience was likely “between 35 and 50 years old,” noting they should have “a definite appreciation for both design and technology.”
Jaguar faces an uphill battle nonetheless.
Based on data from the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), Jaguar accounted for just about 1.2 percent of Europe’s car sales in January of this year.
Between April 2023 and the end of March 2024, the firm reported selling 78,000 vehicles in Europe as stated in their 2024 annual report.
As the market for electric cars expands, models from Tesla, Volvo, and Volkswagen lead the way. However, with economic uncertainties looming, numerous European consumers are hesitant due to the elevated costs.
However, Jaguar anticipates that the Type 00 technology will be appealing, boasting a claimed range of 700 kilometers (430 miles) per charge and versions capable of delivering up to 1,000 horsepower.
Nevertheless, the company failed to provide specifics regarding the hefty batteries that would be installed in the vehicles.
Several high-end automakers are delaying their shift toward fully electric vehicles due to the lackluster reaction from consumers.
Aston Martin, Bentley, Maserati, and other brands have postponed their initiatives, while Jaguar’s sister brand Range Rover has also delayed the manufacturing of its electric SUV.
oleh admin | Mar 21, 2025 | diet and nutrition, food and drink, food culture, foodies, popular culture
-
EXPLORE FURTHER: Some traditional British dinners might vanish within half a decade.
They are some of the tastiest snacks ever enjoyed during tea time in Britain.
However, treats like Victoria sponge, iced buns, custard slices, and even the iconic scone might soon become obsolete.
Experts from British Lion Eggs polled 2,000 British adults to explore how our tea-time habits are evolving.
Classic treats now deemed ‘obsolete and unhealthful’ encompass chocolate cake, Victoria sponge, iced buns, cream buns, custard slices, and sweetened tea.
Rather than opting for unhealthy choices, adults are now leaning towards more nutritious alternatives during their tea breaks, like Greek yogurt, hard-boiled eggs, and carrot sticks paired with hummus.
And fitness influencers on social networking sites such as
TikTok
could be accountable for the change.
As evidenced by the research, health-aware Brits aim to shake up their snacking habits,” stated a spokesperson for British Lion Eggs.
‘Britons aim to boost their daily protein intake to remain satiated for extended periods, control their weight, and maintain strength.’
Experts from British Lion Eggs polled 2,000 British individuals aged 18 to 40—known as Generation Z and millennials.
They were queried about which of the subsequent sugary treats they wouldn’t contemplate consuming during tea time or elevenses due to their unhealthiness.
Surprisingly, 31 percent stated they would refuse chocolate cake, which makes it the least favored among all traditional desserts.
Overall, 30 percent stated they would not consume Victoria sponge, 30 percent were against having iced buns, and 29 percent would decline cream buns.
A traditional fixture in British bakeries, the iced bun features a finger-shaped or round bread roll topped with either white or pink icing.
In the meantime, the cream bun tends to be a favorite in upscale tearooms, consisting of soft milk bread with vanilla whipped cream injected into the middle.
Following that was the custard slice – rejected by 27 percent – featuring jiggly yellow custard nestled between sheets of flaky pastry.
Additionally, 25 percent would absolutely not consume tea with both milk and sugar, suggesting that the traditional “cup of tea” featuring “milk and two sugars” might become obsolete in just one generation.
Afternoon tea favorites that younger Brits believe are old-fashioned and not good for their health.
-
Chocolate cake – 31%
-
Victoria sponge – 30%
-
Iced bun – 30%
-
Cream bun – 29%
-
Custard slice – 27%
-
A cup of tea with cow’s milk and sugar – 25%
-
Scone served with cream and jam – 23%
-
Chocolate biscuit – 16%
-
Toasted teacake – 15%
-
Flapjack – 13%
Completing the list were scones served with cream and jam (rejected by 23 percent), chocolate biscuits (shunned by 16 percent), toasted teacakes (dismissed by 15 percent), and flapjacks (refused by 13 percent).
The survey revealed that Greeks’ preferred teatime snack is actually Greek yogurt, chosen by 35 percent of those surveyed.
Boiled eggs were preferred by 32 percent of people, followed by protein bars (26 percent), avocados (24 percent), and protein shakes (21 percent).
Overall, 20 percent would opt for salmon, 19 percent would pick a handful of nuts, and 16 percent would go for carrots with hummus.
Finally, 14 percent would opt for a hard-boiled egg with spinach, and 12 percent would instead choose slices of ham or chicken.
The reasons British people choose high-protein snacks are because they make you feel full for an extended period (55 percent), aid in muscle construction and recovery (30 percent), and assist in maintaining a healthy weight (23 percent).
It may not be surprising that 49 percent of the surveyed individuals aged between 18 and 30 claimed to be health-conscious, whereas 48 percent mentioned they try their best to steer clear of cakes and biscuits at work.
TikTok and Instagram Reels are brimming with swift and nutritious recipe suggestions, potentially driving their widespread appeal.
Among all participants, 27 percent mentioned that they frequently share pictures of their nutritious snacks on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. They use various hashtags such as #healthy (33 percent), #healthysnacking (19 percent), and #protein (16 percent).
This echoes a study released earlier this month by kitchen appliance manufacturer Ninja, which revealed that dishes like pan haggerty, Glamorgan sausages, and even the beloved shepherd’s pie might soon become rare choices for dinners.
In the meantime, British desserts facing potential disappearance include Chelsea buns, rock cakes, gypsy tart, scones, and rhubarb crumble, as Ninja discovered – aligning with certain recent discoveries made by British Lion Eggs.
Read more
oleh admin | Mar 21, 2025 | automotive industry, battery electric vehicles, electric cars, electric power, technology
-
EXPLORE FURTHER: Electric vehicle brakes generate pollutants more harmful than those from diesel exhausts.
Although electric vehicles may attract environmentally aware drivers, the concern over battery depletion before reaching one’s destination deters numerous potential buyers.
However, the Chinese EV manufacturer BYD asserts that their newest models will put an end to ‘range anxiety.’
BYD says its new charging system, dubbed the ‘Super-E Platform’, can enable a car to travel 250 miles (400km) after just five minutes of charging.
This 1,000-kilowatt (kW) charger – double the power of its competitor
Tesla
Supercharger – able to replenish an electric vehicle’s battery in the same duration it takes to refuel a traditional car.
petrol
car with fuel.
Last year, BYD was
the globe’s second biggest producer of battery-operated electric cars
just slightly behind Elon Musk’s Tesla.
This recent advancement might propel the Chinese firm to the leading spot by attracting purchasers who are hesitant to abandon their traditional gasoline vehicles.
The BYD founder, Wang Chuanfu—who is frequently referred to as
China
‘s
Elon Musk
mentioned during a launch event in Shenzhen, China, that the brand’s upcoming vehicles would reach ‘fuel-parity’ when it comes to refueling.
Mr Wang added: ‘In order to completely solve our users’ charging anxiety, we have been pursuing a goal to make the charging time of electric vehicles as short as the refuelling time of petrol vehicles.’
BYD states that the newly introduced ultra-fast charging tech will first be featured in two models released this year: the Han L sedan and the Tang L SUV.
The Han L sedan and the Tang L SUV both have slightly lower starting prices.
the typical cost of an electric vehicle in the UK
ranging from 270,000 to 350,000 yuan ($37,300-$48,350 or £28,700-£37,300).
The firm asserts that this car model’s innovative battery design enables drivers to gain approximately 1.20 miles (2 kilometers) of additional range per second when charged at maximum capacity.
officially has a rating of ’10C,’ indicating that these vehicles can achieve a full charge in just one-tenth of an hour, which equates to six minutes.
Rapid charging necessitates the transfer of substantial electrical power, implying the generation of both a high voltage and a significant current concurrently.
One of the primary obstacles to boosting charging efficiency is the substantial amount of heat generated by high currents, posing risks when accumulated within a sizable battery.
To address this issue, BYD claims it has succeeded in decreasing the internal resistance of the battery, which implies that the battery generates less heat as current flows through it.
Moreover, the firm claims it has developed new silicon carbide power chips capable of handling increased voltage levels.
In a post on the Chinese social media platform Weibo, translated via Google Translate, the company says: ‘BYD officially releases flash charging battery with ultra-high voltage of 1000V, ultra-large current of 1000A and ultra-large power of 1000kW.’
At the launch event, Mr. Wang stated, “For the first time in our sector, we have reached the milestone of megawatts in terms of charging power.”
This power level increases the capacity of most charging systems found in the UK and the US by two or three times.
Tesla’s most recent batch of Superchargers can achieve up to 500 kW, whereas the majority of the older models do not have this capability.
peak at somewhere from 250 to 400 kW.
A majority of Tesla’s Superchargers in the United Kingdom can supply sufficient power for driving up to 172 miles (277 kilometers) following just 15 minutes of charging.
According to BYD, they intend to set up a network of 4,000 fast-charging stations throughout China.
Stronger charging stations need direct connection to the power grid along with specialized cooling systems to avoid overheating.
This indicates that the new flash-charging system might necessitate building further infrastructure, such as constructing extra substations and transformers.
Nonetheless, BYD has not offered any details regarding the timeline for building these stations or how they intend to fund their construction.
Similarly, BYD states that the technology will initially be accessible solely within China, and they have not verified if they intend to deploy flash chargers in other locations.
Faster charging and better range have been seen by many industry analysts as the key to switching from cars with internal combustion engines, which emit pollutants.
According to a 2024 survey conducted by management consultancy firm McKinsey & Company, 40 percent of potential electric vehicle (EV) purchasers aimed for over 400 miles of range on a single battery charge—approximately equivalent to the typical distance a gasoline-powered car can cover with one full tank.
Similarly, 42 percent of participants indicated that charging speed is their primary concern.
Out of these individuals, 60 percent expressed their preference for charging times of 30 minutes or shorter.
BYD’s advancement has been met with approval from global markets and could potentially assist them in surpassing their competitor Tesla over an extended period.
Following the announcement, BYD’s shares surged to an all-time peak, rising by 4.1 percent on Tuesday to reach a value of HK$408.80 ($52.59) on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
Meanwhile,
On Tuesday, Tesla’s stock value fell by 5.5 percent.
, adding another 4.8 percent drop from Monday.
Overall, Tesla’s valuation dropped by 44 percent throughout 2025 due to investor concerns about CEO Elon Musk’s prominent association with Donald Trump.
Since Trump’s election,
The automotive company has experienced over $800 billion (£617bn) erased from its stock market value.
Read more
