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NASA Space Apps Challenge Pakistan 2019 – A Success Story

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NASA Space Apps Challenge was organized for the 3rd consecutive time this year by RaheQamar and their event partners in Pakistan. The event organized on 18-20th October simultaneously for the first time ever in 5 major cities, Islamabad, Quetta, Lahore, Peshawar and Karachi. Following statistics give you a glimpse of the huge success of this historic event:

It was a milestone achievement and given the great response by the participants and enthusiasts alike, team RaheQamar hopes to expand this program even more next time.

RaheQamar’s Founder and CEO, Mohammad Iftekhar Yezdani said in a statement, “We started to host NASA Space Apps from Islamabad. The next year we organized it in Karachi as well. This year we have successfully hosted in 5 major cities across Pakistan! The overwhelming response of more than 500 registrations from all over Pakistan, shows that Pakistan has immense talent ready to work on Space technologies and applications. I would like to congratulate my team RaheQamar and I heartily thank all of the participants, judges and mentors for making Space apps 2019 a huge success! We would continue to organize more global events that provide students, professionals and artists with opportunities to collaborate and put Pakistan on the global map of science, space science & technology.”

Here are some highlights of the event.

Space Apps Islamabad

In Islamabad, the event was conducted at CoWork24 in collaboration with the Google developers group (ISB). Mohammad Iftekhar Yezdani and Pawan Akhani along with their team members and volunteers organized the challenge and a total of five teams participated.

1st Prize: Team SSI3 (Memory Maker) ‘mechanical memory storage’ device earned the praise from judges because it addressed the problem i.e. “Electronics not working well on Venus due to its extreme conditions”. The device that their team proposed was named “Mechanically Integrated Memory (MIM)”.

2nd Prize: Team Mahir-e-Falkiat (From Curious Minds Come Helping Hands)

Space Apps Karachi

This subevent was organized at Tabani’s School of Accountancy. It was managed by Hassaan Bin Zaki and Waniya Khursheed along with their team and a total of seven teams participated.

1st Prize: Team NUST (Memory maker)

2nd Prize: Team Globe saver (warming planets, cool ideas)

Space Apps Peshawar

Space Apps Peshawar was organized for the first time ever at CECOS University Peshawar in collaboration with ORIC (CECOS) and Makers lab. It was managed by Zara Shafique, Abdul Subhan and their team and a total of six teams took part in the challenge.

1st Prize: Team Space analysts (Rising water). They plan to create awareness regarding rising sea levels and their consequences through an interesting 3D game.

2nd Prize: Team E.co stellar (Global warming) who designed a device to convert nitrogen oxide to ammonia.

Space Apps Quetta

This too was held for the first time in the city of Quetta and the response was the most overwhelming among all the cities. It was Organized at BUITEMS (Balochistan University of Information Technology, Engineering and Management Sciences). The event was managed by Dr. Bushra Naeem, Asim Khan, and Raza Hassan and their team and in total nine teams participated.

1st Prize: Team Flow who presented a solution for global warming.

2nd Prize: Team Thruster debris towards gravity. (They worked in the category “Design your own challenge” and proposed a solution to clean space debris.)

Space Apps Lahore

Superior University Lahore, in collaboration with Chaudhary Muhammad Akram Center of Economic Development, hosted the NASA Space Apps Challenge in Lahore. Engr. Rashid Liaqat and Engr. Sagheer Ahmed along with their team managed the challenge and a total of eight teams participated.

RaheQamar successfully organized Space Apps across Pakistan

1st Prize:  Team Tunaray. They worked out a smart solution for the provision of cheap internet in the oceans.

2nd Prize: Team Lunar Dust. They proposed a setup that may reduce the contamination of landers by moondust with the help of reversing electromagnetism of dust and other stuff being employed on the astronaut’s suits and the lander chamber as well.

All these successful events were supported by respected and famous professionals belonging to different fields as well as the Entrepreneurial sector. These included Mr. Ghulam Jillani (Chief Executive at G.J. Associates for Corporate Training Solutions & Consulting, Vice President, Pakistan Policy Institute USA), Mrs. Farhat Bashir and Mr. Muhammad Zulkifil Ahmed (Seerab Maps), Mr. Ajmal Hussain, Dr. Bakhtiar Kasi, Mrs. Anila Iftekhar, and many other prestigious judges and mentors who greatly assisted in the event and encouraged and lauded the teams for their active participation.

Also Read: World Space Week 2019 around the globe

Bristol welcomes a “world-class” surf lake

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A new “world-class” surf lake has been opened in Bristol, England that is completely powered by renewable energy.

The Wave is the name given to this complex that was built with an estimated cost of 26 million pounds, and the swells generated can be altered as per the type of riders, fast for experienced and slow for amateur surfers. The creators hope that it will help to bring light to various pressing environmental issues including carbon emissions and excessive use of non-degradable plastics that affect the oceans and marine life. Not only that, but it can also be used by those suffering from disabilities and conditions.

Surfing is one of the most popular water sports in the world which features a wide rider riding on the surface of the wave in the sea moving towards the shore. These waves can also be found in the lakes and rivers, though those in oceans are definitely more challenging.

A new “world-class” surf lake has been opened in Bristol, England that is completely powered by renewable energy and cost 26 million pounds to build.

The man behind this surf lake is Nick Hounsfield who says it took almost a decade to make this idea a reality. In a statement to BBC, he said, “We’ve got a real opportunity of getting people, particularly kids, off computers, getting them outdoors, get them interacting with nature, and improving people’s health and wellbeing on a physical and a mental basis.”

Keeping in mind the ambition and idea behind this venture, the site has been constructed using non-toxic materials and sustainable wood fibre is used. Solar panels are also used to bring down the energy expenses.

Originally the project was started with almost no money and the create went through a lot of trouble to get it on its feet. Some are saying that this will become a popular surfing destination as the waves produced in the surf lakes will make people feel more secure. With this development, more spots are going to be opened soon as the idea of safe and environment-friendly sport is pleasing to all.

Also Read: Google claims breakthrough research in Quantum Computing

The Radium Girls – A tale of oblivious poisoning

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I’m pretty sure as soon as you saw the title, you imagined a group of fiction characters with extraordinary superpowers. They fight evil and save the world from crime. I believed this, too, and it led me down to memory lane. As a kid, everyone loved the Power Puff Girls, the Teen Titans, and similar inspirational superheroic cartoons. Sadly, after I searched the Radium girls on the Internet, this idea of mine shattered into a million pieces. Brace yourself as I am going to introduce you to a terrible and depressing story, the unbelievable true story of America’s Radium Girls.

It all began when two scientists Marie and Pierre Curie, first discovered the Radium element in 1898. Enthralled, they immediately purified a sample to work with. They found that the element was quite dangerous to handle and caused a burning sensation to the skin and eyes. Of course, the couple did not mention these unpleasant effects to avoid degrading the value of their discovery.

Radium, mixed with the right kind of paint, emitted luminescence when exposed to light and could soak up energy from the sun and shine bright all night long. This was considered a scientific miracle of that time.

In 1917, jobs were rare because of the war. Scores of young patriotic girls thanked their lucky stars when they were offered jobs at a large warehouse complex in Orange, New Jersey. The young ladies had to apply glowing paint to the faces of clocks, instrument gauges, and wristwatches for the United States Radium Company. The pay was higher enough, and the work required minimum manual effort. This was an option not to be overlooked!

Scores of young ladies had to apply glowing paint to clocks, instrument gauges, and wristwatches

A little bit about Radium

The only stable isotope of Radium is Ra-226, and it has a half-life of 1600 years. As long as it lasts, a sample will emit alpha-particles in all directions.
These emissions are usually harmless in minute quantities. They are present in everyday kitchen and bathroom supplies and low in energy in these cases, so do not penetrate the skin. Radium is virtually safe outside the body.

Unfortunately, inside the body, it’s a totally different story. It creates pandemonium in the tissues. The warm glow you see coming out from Radium is actually atoms acting like tiny batteries. Light photons strike the radium atom, bumping its electrons into a higher orbit. When in the dark, these electrons spontaneously drop back to lower orbits, while emitting photons as they go. When Radium is placed next to human cells, it turns into a microscopic machine gun, lodging into the tissues. The Radium fires off particle after particle at a closer range, leading to the mutation and eventual death of surrounding cells.

The work of the Radium Girls

Who knew gender discrimination would have such disturbing consequences? While the men working for URSC were given lead aprons to protect themselves, no such caution was taken for the women. Furthermore, the shop girls were encouraged to lick their brushes to achieve an excellent point for detailed work. Evidently, according to the company, the men were handling large amounts of raw material while the girls were exposed to only small amounts at one time. This led to the girls being as careless with the paint as though it was a regular one. In fact, they enjoyed it when the paint got all over their clothes and gave them an attractive glow.

For several years, working at the radium plant was fun and very well-paid, so many of the employees encouraged their sisters, nieces, and other female family members to apply. By 1920, several large families were working on URSC’s floor, totaling around 300 girls at the peak of operations.The consequences start rolling in…

The first case was as horrible as it was surprising. Radium girl Mollie Maggia experienced a severe toothache in January 1922. Several trips to the dentist followed, in which many of her teeth came out, leaving wounds that refused to heal. By May, the dentist concluded that surgery was needed to remove excessive growth in Mollie’s jaw. After the gums were removed, the bone was ashy and gray. It took only a touch of the finger for it to crumble into ashes. The Radium had perforated the bone cells and stripped them of Calcium. The collagen inside the bone was shredded as though targeted by a tiny machine gun. Mollie met a tragic death several months later, the tumors spreading to her inner ear and jugular vein.

The girls suffered from various agonizing symptoms

By this time, all sorts of odd symptoms were cropping up in the shop girls. One suffered a total collapse of her vertebrae, while others developed skin cancer, cataracts, throat cancer, hair loss, etc. At that time, Radium was not blamed as the culprit as it was not thought of to cause any harm. Mollie’s death was attributed to Syphilis.

By 1924, when dozens of radium girls were sick or dead, a study was carried out, which established that the glowing muck was indeed hazardous. Enraged, URSC paid for another study to prove the first one wrong. In 1925, Harrison Martland, Medical Officer at Essex County, reopened Mollie’s case. He abolished the jury system and handed the case to a team of competent medical examiners. As expected, Mollie’s corpse clearly had been mangled by radiation. Similar results came through for other radium girls who had died. USRC was driven into ruins by medical and court costs.

Happy Ending?

By the time of the radium girls incident, many had met a tragic and painful death, or were suffering from dilapidating bones and various cancers. Those who had the willpower to remain staunch in the court wars were given compensation by the company. The ones who died did not do so in vain. Dr. Martland’s work attracted attention and started working with uranium, plutonium, and other radioactive elements.

In 1942, the first brief chain reaction was established by physicists at the University of Chicago. Three years later, the Manhattan Project produced the first atom bombs. The US Atomic Energy Commission was able to develop safety protocols to protect many war workers in WW2. Even today, Dr. Martland’s work on the radium girls and the effects of long-term alpha exposure is being cited, and millions of people around the globe have benefited from the sad case of the radium girls.

Two movies have released to commemorate the loss of these girls. The first one was named Radium City and released in 1987, and the second, recently released in 2018, with the title “Radium Girls.” A novel has also been written by author Kate Moore. Still, the story of their pain and suffering lay hidden and their bodies still glow in the deeply buried coffins.

Link to similar posts: Cancer; from hope to the possible cure

Breast Cancer; The deadliest disease worldwide

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Every 15 seconds, somewhere in the world, a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer. Breast cancer is one of the deadliest diseases of the woman worldwide. It contributes 22 percent of all of the newly diagnosed cancer cases in women.

In Asia, Pakistan is the central hub of this disease, and the data in this regard is alarming. According to research, 90000 cases are diagnosed every year, out of which 40000 dies. Women above 50 years are more prone to this disease, but it is also affecting younger women and men too.

Breast cancer is basically the abnormal growth of cells in breast tissues; cells form a tumor that can be felt as a lump or seen on x-ray. Not all the lumps are malignant; some are benign – abnormal growths that do not spread outside of the breast. A benign is not life-threatening until it is pressing on nearby tissues, nerves, or blood vessels causing damage.

A breast is made of lobules that produce milk, ducts that carry milk to the nipples and connective tissues that surround and hold everything together. Breast cancers usually begin in the duct or the glands that produce milk. Sometimes it affects other tissues of the breast, causing sarcomas and lymphomas that are not traditionally considered as breast cancer.

Anatomy of the Female Breast
Anatomy of the Female Breast

Types of Breast Cancer

There are two common kinds of breast cancers.

  • Invasive Ductal carcinoma (IDC), also known as infiltrating ductal carcinoma, is the most common type of breast cancer. It begins in the duct that carries milk from the lobules to the nipples, and as the name indicates, it is “invasive,” which means it spreads to other tissues of the breast. It can also affect lymph nodes and other parts of the body if not treated at an early stage. Almost 80% of breast cancers are invasive ductal carcinoma, which is more likely seen in elderly women of age- 55 or so. It can also affect men.
  • Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC) is the second most common type of breast cancer, mainly affecting women of older age. It breaks through the walls of lobules and invades other tissues of the breast and other organs of the body.

About 10% of the breast cancers are invasive lobular carcinoma; it occurs later than the invasive ductal carcinoma- in the early 60s. Hormone replacement therapy is used during and after menopause can increase the risk of ILC.

Inherited Breast Cancer

According to a rough estimate, 5-10% of breast cancers are inherited caused by the passage of mutated genes from parents to offsprings.

Inherited breast cancers are associated with the mutation in the BRCA genes; BRCA1 (BReast CAncer gene one) and BRCA2 (BReast CAncer gene two). The primary function of these genes is to repair cell damage and maintain the normal growth of breast and ovaries. Mutation in one of the two BRCA genes can highly increase the risk of breast cancer. If someone has a strong family history of breast cancer, the doctor will recommend a blood test to identify mutations in the BRCA gene that may be passed to the patient from his parents.

How Breast Cancer Spreads?

Breast cancer mainly spreads in the body through blood vessels or the lymph system.

  • The lymph system is composed of lymphatic vessels that connect the lymph nodes throughout the body. Lymph vessels carry the lymph fluid away from the breast; cancer cells can enter this fluid and can travel to lymph nodes through the lymph vessels and can start to grow there. Most of the lymph vessels connect to the lymph nodes, under the arm, around the collar bone, or inside the chest near the Breast bone. Greater the lymph nodes with cancer cells, higher is the chance that it will invade other body organs by traveling through the lymph circulatory system.
  • The hematogenous route is the other way of spread through the blood vessels. Blood vessels take the cancer cells from one organ of the body to the other

Breast Cancer stages

Stage Zero                                  

Stage 0 includes all the non-invasive breast cancers such as ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) or lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS), but it doesn’t spread to other breast tissues.

Stage One

Stage I refers to all invasive breast cancers. Stage I is divided into subcategories known as IA and IB.

  • In stage IA, tumor size measures up to 2cm, but it does not spread outside the breast to the surrounding lymph nodes
  • In stage IB, tumor size measures between 0.2-2mm, involving lymph nodes. Stage 0 and I are highly treatable

Stage Two

In stage 2, cancer is invasive but still localized in the breast cells. It is divided into two subcategories

  • In stage IIA, either the patient doesn’t have a tumor, but the cancer cells are present in less than four axillary lymph nodes, or tumor size is less than 2 cm, and less than four axillary lymph nodes have cancer cells, or the tumor size is more significant than 2cm but doesn’t involve any lymph nodes.
  • In stage IIB, either the patient has a tumor of size 2-5 centimeters and has spread to less than four axillary lymph nodes, or have cancer more massive than 5 cm but doesn’t involve any lymph nodes

Stage II requires strong treatment as compared to earlier stages.

Stage Three

Cancer at this stage is invasive and more advanced. It is further divided into 3 subcategories

  • In stage IIIA, either tumor is less than 2 cm, and cancer has spread to 4-9 lymph nodes, or the tumor size is greater than 5 cm, and small clusters of cancer cells are present in the lymph nodes, or cancer may have spread into the lymph nodes, in underarm and breastbone.
  • In stage IIIB, the tumor can be of any size. The cancer cell has spread to the breastbone or skin and invaded up to 9 lymph nodes.
  • In stage IIIC, either no tumor is present, or tumor is of any size. Cancer cells may have invaded over 10 lymph nodes present near collarbone, breastbone, or underarm. Treatments at this stage include
  • Radiation
  • Mastectomy
  • Hemotherapy
  • Chemotherapy

Stage Four

At this stage, breast cancer has invaded other body organs. The organs that are mainly affected include; Brain, Bone, Lungs, and Liver.

Symptoms of Breast Cancer

Symptoms of breast cancer include :

  • Swelling of all or part of the breast
  • Skin irritation or dimpling
  • Breast pain
  • Nipple pain or the nipple turning in
  • Redness, itching, scaliness, or thickening of the nipple or breast skin
  • Nipple discharge other than breast milk-often in red, brown or yellow color
  • A lump around the collarbone or in the underarm area
  • Enlargement of one breast
  • Visible veins on the breast
  • Vaginal pain
  • Unintentional weight loss

Having one of these symptoms doesn’t vitally mean you have breast cancer, it can also be caused by an infection. You must consult your doctor first for a complete evaluation.

Breast cancer – the deadliest disease of women worldwide

Diagnostic Tests

Early diagnosis can turn the story of breast cancer into a survivor’s tale. Some basic diagnostic tests include

  • Physical Examination; The doctor will examine the patient’s breast physically to see any change in breast skin or nipple or if there is any nipple discharge or lump present.
  • Medical History; The doctor will ask the patient about his medical history and the medical history of his/her immediate relatives. Because sometimes breast cancers are linked to gene mutations passed through generations of family. The doctor will also ask the patient about his symptoms.
  • Mammogram; The doctor may use mammography. A mammogram is an X-ray picture of the breast. It is used for early detection of breast cancer, sometimes up to 3 years before it can be felt.
  • Ultrasound; Ultrasonic sound waves are used to produce an image of the internal structure of the breast. The doctor usually goes for an ultrasound if they find any abnormality during the physical examination of the breast or the mammogram.
  • MRI; It is the magnetic resonance imaging mainly used for women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer to help measure the size of disease or to look for other tumors in the breast.
  • Biopsy; During a breast biopsy, the doctor removes tissue or sometimes fluid from the suspicious area that is later examined in the lab to check for the presence of cancerous cells.

Prevention

As the causes of breast cancer are not entirely known, but the treatments are way better than before, and now we know more ways to prevent the disease, which together can have a significant impact.

Breast Self-Exam

Women should occasionally inspect their breasts and the armpit area to check if there is thickening or hardened knot in the chest, change in nipple size, unusual discharge from the nipple, or a new lump in the breast.

Johns Hopkins Medical center states, “Forty percent of diagnosed breast cancers are detected by women who feel a lump, so establishing a regular breast self-exam is very important.”

Maintain Healthy Weight

Obesity is the root cause of many severe diseases, including cancer. If you are overweight, increase the amount of exercise in your daily life and burn your extra calories. Being overweight can increase the risk of breast cancer, especially after menopause.

Be Physically Active

Adopt a healthy lifestyle- having a lot of physical activities, including exercise. The women who are physically active or do yoga for at least 30 minutes have a lower risk of breast cancer.

Healthy Diet

Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra-virgin olive oil and mixed nuts may have a reduced risk of breast cancer. Try to eat plant-based foods, such as fruit and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts, and fish instead of red meat.

Don’t smoke and alcohol

Smoking and drinking increase the risk of heart diseases, stroke, and at least 15 cancers, including breast cancer- now that’s enough motivation to stay smoke-free.

Avoid Postmenopausal Hormones

There is a lot of controversy regarding postmenopausal hormones- some women take it after menopause to prevent chronic diseases like osteoporosis or heart diseases; they are considered to lower the rate of a specific condition and may increase the risk of others. Studies show that both estrogen-only hormones and estrogen-plus-progestin hormones increase the risk of breast cancer. So avoid taking postmenopausal hormones for a long time that may have a mixed effect on your health.

Avoid Birth control Pills

Birth control pills have both benefits and risks. It can lower the risk of ovarian cancer, colonial cancer, uterine cancer, and unwanted pregnancy, but it can increase the risk of breast cancer in women. The younger the woman is, the lower the risk is as compared to the woman of older age. 

Breastfeeding for a year or more can lower the risk of breast cancer. It is also very beneficial for the child.

Don’t forget screening

Talk to your doctor when to begin breast screening exams after discussing all the benefits and risks affiliated with it. For most women, regular mammograms can begin at age 40, but specific recommendations vary by age and risk.

  • If you are aged 40 – 44: You can choose to begin annual mammograms but after consultation with your doctor about the benefits and risks.
  • If you are aged 45 – 54: Mammogram is recommended every year.
  • If you are aged 55 or over: Mammogram is recommended every other year.

Find your Family History

Women with a strong family history of cancer have a higher risk of breast cancer. Women having their mother, sister, or any other immediate family member who developed breast or ovarian cancer (especially at an early age) or prostate cancer are at a higher risk and should take proper steps and consult their doctor or genetic counselor. 

There are 3 medicines available for the women at an increased risk of breast cancer, Approved by FDA

  • Tamoxifen – for women who either have or have not been through the menopause
  • Anastrozole – for women who have been through the menopause
  • Raloxifene – for women who have been through the menopause

These medicines can lower the risk, but they do have side effects, so take them only after consultation with the doctor. Some women with a very high risk of breast cancer choose to have their healthy breasts surgically removed (prophylactic mastectomy) to reduce the risk.

Treatments

With advancements in the fields of medicine, cancer treatments are also getting better, and now we have more advanced ways to treat it. Treatment of breast cancer basically depends on

  • The type of breast cancer
  • The size of the tumor and how far cancer has spread in the body
  • If cancer has things called “receptors” for HER2 protein, estrogen, and progesterone, or other specific features.
  • Age of patient, menopause history of a patient, and other health conditions are considered while making a decision.

People with breast cancer often get more than one kind of treatment, depending on the stage:

  • Surgery where the doctor removes the whole breast, called a mastectomy, or removes just the tumor and tissues around it, called a lumpectomy or breast-conserving surgery.
  • Radiation Therapy uses high energy waves to kill cancer cells.
  • Chemo Therapy uses drugs to shrink or kill cancer cells. These drugs can be used in the form of pills or medicines injected in the patient’s veins. These drugs are potent in fighting the disease but have side effects too, including hair loss, early menopause, fatigue, nausea, and hot flashes.
  • Hormone Therapy uses drugs to block the hormones, mainly estrogen, from assisting the growth of cancer cells. It may also include the use of medications or surgery to stop ovaries from making hormones. Side effects of these drugs include vaginal dryness and hot flashes.
  • Targeted Therapy uses drugs to activate the body’s immune system to fight against cancer, and it basically focuses on breast cancer cells that have a high level of a protein called HER2.

 In countries like Pakistan, women’s health has never been a serious topic to discuss. There are a lot of young girls out there who might go undiagnosed from the fear of talking about disease and lose their lives to this disease.

Experts from Shaukat Khanum Memorial Hospital while addressing a seminar said,” The main reason for high growing breast cancer is traditional Pakistani society; there is no system of collecting data and keeping a record of cancer cases.”

Early detection of breast cancer is the key to survival. Now, it is the responsibility of all to spread awareness individually, promote awareness for the regular examination, screening, and donate to cancer societies, hospitals, and people who need funds for treatment. We all have to join hands in this battle against cancer.

Do have a regular check-up and also encourage others that might save one’s life.

Namira Salim, Virgin Galactic Founder Astronaut, Launches into the Music World

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(Los Angeles, CA – October 24, 2019)  — Future astronaut, space diplomat, pioneering polar explorer and artist, Monaco based, Namira Salim, will be releasing her first single “Follow Me To The Moon” on October 25, 2019.

Namira is widely known as the first future South Asian Space Tourist and is the only Pakistani member and Founder Astronaut of Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic, the world’s first commercial space liner. As Namira prepares for her sub-orbital flight next year as “Astronaut in transition” and soon to be fitted with the World’s First Exclusive Spacewear System for Private Astronauts, unveiled by Richard Branson last week – Namira is tapping into another inborn talent with “Follow Me To The Moon” to honor the 50th Anniversary of Apollo 11 in a NewSpace Age and to honor the work of space industry colleagues in returning mankind to the moon and beyond. NASA recently announced the Artemis Program to return the first woman and next man on the Moon by 2024, in partnership with a coalition of nations.

The release of “Follow Me To The Moon” also comes in conjunction with and during the 70th International Astronautical Congress in Washington DC, where Namira co-chaired a high-level panel “0G (ZeroGravity) Summit – Man’s Return to the Moon in the NewSpace Age.” The music video for “Follow Me To The Moon” will premiere at the closing ceremony of the Conference on October 25th. 

Namira Salim

“Follow Me to the Moon” was launched in partnership with the International Astronautical Federation and Space Trust, a non-profit and non-partisan organization founded by Namira, which advocates Space as the New Frontier for Peace on Earth.  Space Trust will benefit from part of the proceeds of the song.

“Space makes up my DNA. As a child growing up in Pakistan, I was first introduced to the stars by my late father when he navigated me through the constellations of the Northern Sky and pointed out the Pole Star. Since then, the beauty and majesty of the stars have inspired me to break orbits,” said Namira. “’Follow Me To The Moon’” is a tribute to my beloved father who carved me into the empowered woman I am today, and who inspired me to reach for the stars,” adds the future astronaut.  

“Follow Me To The Moon” was written by Namira Salim, with music by Atif Ali and composition by Namira Salim and Atif Ali.  The single was mixed, recorded and mastered at Playback Lounge in Dubai. The music video for “Follow Me To The Moon” was edited at Digitally Studio in Dubai.

“Follow Me To The Moon” single will be available on all streaming platforms including Spotify and Apple Music, iTunes on October 25th.  For the link to Namira’s official music video for “Follow Me To The Moon” Click here!

ABOUT NAMIRA SALIM:

Namira Salim has made news worldwide for breaking orbits as a future astronaut, space diplomat, pioneering polar explorer, and artist. Namira is widely known as the first future South Asia Space Tourist, personally introduced in 2006 by Sir Richard Branson to the global press in Dubai to show early consumer confidence in space tourism. Her launch landed Virgin Galactic its biggest stakeholder worth $380m. Additionally, Namira is the first Pakistani and first woman from Monaco to have reached the North Pole in April 2007, the South Pole in January 2008, as well as the first Asian to skydive (tandem) over Mount Everest during the historic First Everest Skydives 2008.

For further information, please visit www.spacetrust.com and www.namirasalim.com.

Follow Namira on Instagram @namirasalimofficial, on Twitter @NamiraSalim, and on Facebook @NamiraSalimOfficial

Cancer; From Hope to the Possible Cure

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When someone is going through cancer, a few words of motivation can uplift and even provide a mantra for life. As an effort to inspire hope for those waging a brave fight against cancer, who need a helping hand during hard times. Scientia Pakistan magazine is sharing excerpts of a recent conversation with Mr. Waqas Usman Hingoro, a Ph.D. scholar and young scientist who hails from Liyari, a small, thickly populated area in Karachi. Mr. Hingoro had attended Global Young Scientists Summit (GYSS), held in January 2019 in Singapore.

Global Young Scientists Summit (GYSS), held in January 2019 in Singapore.
Global Young Scientists Summit (GYSS), held in January 2019 in Singapore.

The young cancer scholar started his professional career as a medical laboratory technologist in the clinical laboratory of the Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT). In 2013. He was awarded the Chinese government scholarship to pursue a research-based Master’s degree in Molecular biology and Biochemistry. He joined the Institute of Cancer Stem Cell of Dalian Medical University China and supervised by two well-recognized researchers of Harvard medical school (USA). This worthy supervision led him to publish his first peer-reviewed article in the journal of BBA Reviews on Cancer, followed by another research paper published in the Journal of Cell Death and Disease.

In 2016, He secured his Ph.D. position in the institutionally funded Ph.D. program of the City University of Hong Kong under the supervision of Dr. Minh Le. In 2018, along with a team of international researchers, he made groundbreaking research in the field of cancer biology that featured in the prestigious science journal ‘Nature Communication’ in July 2018. His team has unleashed the ability of red blood cells’ components called extracellular vesicles, which can successfully carry drug delivery nanoparticles (NPs) into the affected human body parts.

Do you recall any interesting stories of the early time you spent in Liyari (Karachi), where you were born and raised?

I still remembered my childhood days when I used to spend my evenings at the football stadium with my grandfather. At that time, Liyari was a really peaceful place to live in, comprising a blend of different communities and ethnicities, sharing grieves and happiness with each other. But then there was a paradigm shift of the childhood memories of self-discipline healthy sports activities to an unknown fear of non-healthy culture and incidents going around. However, due to the motivation of my parents, especially of my mom, such terrific events never distracted my attention from future endeavors.

Dr Hingoro with his fellow researchers
Dr Hingoro with his fellow researchers

Previously you spent time in SUIT, how was that experience and do you have any advice for junior scientists mainly interested in cancer biology research?

Well, SIUT is the parental institute that provided me with a base of research and made me passionate to explore in the newly emerging field of cancer biology. It’s a well-equipped institute with cutting edge technologies. Their motto to treat the patient with dignity always keep me motivated to pursue my career to serve the humanity beyond the cultural and ethnic borders. The time I spent in the SIUT is a real asset of my life.

I would like to advise my juniors that to pursue a career as a scientist, the firsthand knowledge about the latest advancement in the prescribed field is mandatory. Cancer biology is a multidisciplinary research area, it covers almost every aspect of the life sciences from computational biology to the Nano-scale targeting of the cancer disease using robotic arms. Researchers are keeping exploring new avenues and with every unique insight into the field, creates a lot of opportunities for young scientists. All you need is to search such opportunities, prepare yourself to compete with the growing challenges in this field.

How do you think we can reach out to our younger generation and encourage more young bright minds into scientific research?

I think a simple yet attractive way to reach out to the young generation is to establish the innovation and technology centers at the secondary school level. Where students are invited to share their innovative ideas and have a discussion on the recent advances in their field of interest. I firmly believe that such steps will not only encourage bright young minds to come forward but also reduce the uncertainty regarding their future career prospects.

 Let us know about your recent research on efficient RNA drugs delivery to cancer cells, how could it contribute to controlling the rapid growth of various types of cancer?

In our recent work, we unleashed the ability of red blood cells component, extracellular vesicles (RBCEVs), to act as carrier particles for drug delivery. These extracellular vesicles can carry different types of drugs, which can be in the form of RNA, protein, or DNA, and can be effectively used to target a variety of cancers.

In this study, we successfully showed that this versatile drug delivery platform is capable of treating leukemia (blood cancer) and breast cancer in the pre-clinical models. If we look at the other methods for gene therapies, they are still under development for specific and personalized treatment with the primary concern to the delivery of RNA and DNA molecules to the target sites. The delivery of gene editing machinery using RBCEVs will overcome the hurdles of gene therapy and provide the new avenue for personalized cancer treatment.

What are extracellular vesicles and how they may act effectively in gene therapy?

Extracellular vesicles are mainly comprised of the Nano-scale particles. In the normal physiological process, these particles act as a natural carrier to deliver different molecules to neighboring or distant cells. Beyond science jargon, we can say that cellular machinery uses these vesicles to convey their messages to other cells. They offer significant benefits in gene therapy because of their capability to deliver the gene-editing mechanism to the target site with low toxicity, low immunogenicity, and excellent biocompatibility.

Dr Waqas Usman Hingoro
Dr Hingoro, on his routine work

Since cancer consists of an enormous spectrum of diseases, would you like to elaborate on various causes and classes of cancer?

Cancer can generally be defined as an uncontrolled and faster division of the cells than the average rate. These changes mainly occur due to the alteration of specific genes, which are controlled by the broad spectrum of cell signaling molecules and the surrounding microenvironment. Cancer can be classified based on the origin and nature of the cells; it can be carcinoma, sarcoma, melanoma, leukemia, or lymphoma. Besides the inherited genetic disorders, several other factors cause the normal cell to behave like cancer.

A recent study shows that the central aspect is the lifestyle of a person, a healthy diet, well maintain health, and avoiding bad habits such as smoking or drinking alcohol significantly cut down the cancer risk.

What are the major reasons behind the growing number of cancer cases in Pakistan?

In Pakistan, although we lack technological advancement on the therapeutic side, but based on the availability of treatment options, we have the same drug formulations as in the US or any other developing country.

I do agree that despite these facilities, there is a gradual increase in cancer cases. I think the main reason behind it is the lack of awareness about cancer. The majority of our population is totally unaware that what are the symptoms of the disease, and when should they visit the doctor? Moreover, many among us don’t want to visit a doctor, I saw too many patients who have poor health because of their wrong decisions but too often they needed was a doctor to point them out in the right direction.

To overcome these challenges we should run the cancer awareness campaigns, should go to local schools/colleges and community centers, have the discussion with cancer victims and let them know the severity of disease if not properly treated. I do believe that individuals will achieve a healthier lifestyle when prevention and awareness programs are accessible in their own place. Therefore, I am planning to start such awareness campaigns from my own community and local schools/colleges very soon.

Furthermore, I will request the government officials to prioritize investment in cancer prevention and should restrict the sale of all cancer-causing agents including tobacco, pan, and cigarettes or banned them at all.

Why Red blood cells (RBC’s) of the human body are taken as ideal for clinical application against cancer?

Since the production of extracellular vesicles from other cell types is an expensive and daunting task. It requires billions of cells to get the small number of vesicles. In comparison, red blood cells are the most abundant cell type of the human body and readily available from RBC units and even from patients’ own blood to treat the underlying diseases.

Furthermore, the use of RBC, EVs cut off the risk of horizontal gene transfer as they lack DNA content and thereby providing a desirable platform for the delivery of RNA molecules in future clinical applications.

What would you like to advise to cancer sufferers and their loved ones during the prolonged the course of treatment?

As a cancer researcher, I can feel the pain they are going through, not only the one who is suffering but their loved ones as well. Quite often, I come across with the family members of a cancer patient, I usually advise them that ‘with every difficulty there is ease,’ your strength is the real source of courage for the patient. During the prolonged course of treatment, a lot of changes occur in the patients’ behavior, and it’s quite natural. They develop many psychological issues, and the least one is getting irritated with small things. How you respond to those issues really matters, dealing with such things wisely will add up a lot of benefits in patient’s health and behavior.

Well, my advice for cancer patients is to remember that only you can fight your cancer. Though you are jam-packed with friends and loved ones, those can even wipe your tears, but no one can resist this battle as well, as you can. There is no doubt that cancer changes everything around you, but it’s up to you that the change will mean in your life and how good will you appear after survival.

Dr Hingoro with his team of international researcher
Dr Hingoro with his team of international researcher

How cancer tumor cells transmit their features to daughter cells and maintain malignant phenotype?

As long as its concern with the transferring of information to daughter cells, cancer cells use the same phenomenon as any other cell type of the human body. In general physiology, the cell grows and divides accurately so that the resulting daughter cells are precisely the same as the old one. These newly formed cells further go through the number of checkpoints to make sure that each and every information is accurately copied.

Sometimes a few undestroyed cells successfully escape these checkpoints and become cancerous, and with time these cancerous cells accumulate more and more mutations. They transfer their malignant features to their daughter cells in each attempt of division to maintain the malignant phenotype.

How a cancer cell stay dormant for years and why do some cancers regress spontaneously?

Well, this behavior of cancer cells basically contradicts their definition of rapid and uncontrolled growth. Same with other living beings, cancer cells also adopt survival tactics. Dormant cancer cells can remain silent for decades and start dividing once they get adopted with the surrounding microenvironment. These cancer cells wisely use their “accelerator and brake” system to survive.

In contrast, failure to survival provokes the complex network of immune mediators, which eventually leads to the spontaneous regression of rapidly growing tumors. Though the process of spontaneous regression of cancers is mainly considered as a natural remedy, there is a variable extent of opinions. To me, the patient’s psychological behavior and will to defeat cancer is the first step to conquest the fight against cancer disease.

Would you like to share your memories while studying MS in the Institute of cancer stem cells Dalian University China and also the City University of Hong Kong during your Ph.D.?

I had everlasting memories from my very first visit to China as a master’s degree candidate. Initially, it was a cultural shock. Still, with time, it’s proven to be an excellent opportunity to explore the daily norms and traditions of one of the tremendous and fast-growing nations of the world. It grew up a Challenging spirit into me, which is one of the real assets I acquired during my study tenure at Dalian Medical University (DMU) China. My master’s supervisor, Professor Pixu Liu, was a Harvard University graduate, rigorous and cautious regarding punctuality, extra working hours, and gradual progress in research. Consequently, adaptation to such an academic environment bore fruitful and resulted in two excellent cancer research publications in reputable international scientific journals.

I started my Ph.D. career with lots of experimental failures, but never gave up. The continuous support of my Ph.D. supervisor, Dr. Minh Le, and my team members always keep my morale high. The research skills I learned during my early educational and professional at SUIT and DMU are very much helpful in tackling the challenges I encountered in my Ph.D. tenure so far.

The second year of my Ph.D. was proved more arduous in terms of work-life balance. It was a time in early November 2017, when I was away for my wedding vacations, and due to some urgency, I had to come back right after the wedding celebrations. Anyhow after two years of struggle, I end up with my recent groundbreaking research work with a couple of International awards and very much hopeful for such opportunities in the future.

A few Parts of this interview has been published in EOS, Dawn Newspaper

Also Give a read: The taboo around breast cancer

Google claims breakthrough research in Quantum Computing

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Google claimed on Wednesday that it has successfully achieved “Quantum Supremacy,” which allows new generations of computers to calculate on a speed that is nearly inconvincible with modern technology. The research was published in the prestigious Nature science journal, according to Google’s research lab in Santa Barbara, Calif, their scientists had done groundbreaking research, which enables the computers to perform the tasks on an unbelievable speed.

The quantum computer processor (QP) is being one of the most desirable inventions of today’s scientists. A classical computer processor (CP), which works based on binary language, the language of 0 & 1, the language of high and low. The transistors are the base upon which the CP work; the higher the number of transistors, the greater will be the processing ability. But the dream of QP will work on the laws of quantum mechanics. The concern will be upon the spin of electrons with two states spin up and spin down.

Google CEO Sundar Pichai

Ultimately, we will be again dealing with 0 and 1, but it will be quantum mechanically having marvelous features. Quantum computers can attain two states of 0 and 1 simultaneously due to the principle of superposition which converted it more powerful than ever. A step closer, the dream is accomplished or not, it is hard to say at this time. In their research lab at Santa Barbara, Calif, they claim that a mathematical calculation that the largest supercomputers could not perform within 10,000 years, has accomplished in 3 minutes 20 seconds, only.

Scientists have been working on this project since 1980. Around 40 years of hard work and dedication, finally, Google has made this announcement today, on 23rd October 2019, which shows that nothing is impossible if one sets his goals and then dedicate his all potential to this accomplish this task.

Also, Give a read: The rise of machine

The Taboo around Cancer in Women

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Fighting breast cancer needs a team of experts who know how to target and destroy cancer cells with effective treatment. It calls for the support of caregivers who stand beside the patient and assist her as a whole mind, body, and spirit.

Cancer in Women
Cancer in Women

A few years ago, Sheryl had a healthy, peaceful life. She lived with a daughter in her 15, in a small cottage in Chicago. In February 2018, when her annual mammogram was due, she went to CTCA (Cancer Treatment Centers of America, Chicago) for a screening. Although her mammogram did not detect any sign of cancer, Shryle’s physician recommended her an ultrasound due to her more than normal breast density. Fortunately, that ultrasound detected early signs of breast cancer, and through further testing, she diagnosed with Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS).

I have has my annual mammogram for the last ten years, so in 2018, it was just another day to me, but when I diagnosed with DCIS, I was mentally blown away“, said Sheryl. “I realized that no matter how familiar you are with cancer and its treatment, it is devastated to know about your cancer diagnosis and equally for your loved ones. I was lucky enough to have a brave daughter who inspired hope into me, and I fought against cancer like a warrior.

Though DCIS is the most common type of cancer, about one five cancer cases are breast cancer in the US. It is effectively cured with lumpectomy, followed by some radiation therapy sessions to reduce the risk of reoccurrence. The journey to complete recovery is challenging with mental, emotional, and physical stresses and with a realization that sooner or later, cancer may come back. However, the patient can kick-start to embark on the path that ultimately provides tools that effectively assist her in moving through breast cancer. Subsequently, such strategies enable her to move on in life, altering situations with much ease and grace.

“After coming out from a debulking surgery, my doctor started chemotherapy for a low-grade ovarian cancer, I initiated my search for cancer support groups in India. Since the gap between effective medical treatment and healing is wider enough, sometimes surmountable, a newly diagnosed cancer patient, especially a woman, needs assurance that she is not the only one who has cancer, what society interprets as a death sentence. Even right after her recovery and chemotherapy sessions, she needs support to learn how to move on with life with a conscious awareness that cancer can come back in any phase of her life.” Said Anjeli Mathur based in Mumbai.

“The only Indian cancer group that I found after scrolling social media was “Teal Warriors,” based in Dehli, which is effectively providing emotional and technical support to cancer patients and survivors”. Gender-related types of cancer like low-grade ovarian cancer have an overwhelming sense of shame due to taboo attached to them, and more often, the biggest hurdle in treatment is the perceptions of societies more than the disease itself.

In Iran, according to the latest research entitles “taboo of cancer,” many patients, their family members, even the physicians would believe that cancer disclosure is dangerous and can destroy patients’ loved ones both mentally and physically. A 54 years Old Iranian lady, when diagnosed with incurable gastric cancer, was afraid to face her young son, but her husband supported. “In the past, we cannot speak out about our disease and often avoided cancer indicative terms in our gossip with family, friends, and relatives.” Gradually Iranian society realized that it is somewhat necessary to face the situation with grace and not only patient, but her family members should try to get the latest updates in cancer treatments”. The more they inform about the prognosis and advancement in medical sciences, the easier it will be the battle against cancer.

In Pakistan, there is an overwhelming sense of shame with woman cancer types like breast, skin, and ovarian cancer because it is related to reproductive health. The patients never allowed to disclose their treatment experience or to join some cancer support group.

“My parents intentionally hospitalized me in Dubai, after my first diagnosis with triple-negative breast cancer in Shaukat Khanum cancer hospital Lahore. This is a virulent cancer type that is difficult to treat.” Said Aisha, a 24 years old young IT student based in Rahimyar Khan. “My parents were much afraid of society than the seriousness of my prognosis, so the whole treatment process was like, I hospitalized, got surgery, followed by chemotherapy sessions, and caught the next flight to Lahore.”

Similarly, it is relatively traditional in Pakistani society to hide cancer diagnosis from the patient herself as a safety measure. In most cases, family members of patients don’t have enough knowledge about cancer prognosis, and they think that if the patient is informed of her cancer, she will eventually lose hope, and it will negatively affect different aspects of her life and further deteriorate her psychological wellbeing.

Like most Asian countries, in Pakistan, cancer is a taboo subject. The world “taboo” stands for cultural believes or customs that do not allow people to open up and talk of a particular thing or act because our society finds it offensive, inappropriate, or embarrassing without proper justification.

Though cancer is a life-threatening disease, causing a heavy annual death toll globally, it is curable. Cancerous cells develop in the body when it’s normal mechanism stop working with an uncontrolled growth of new abnormal cells, also during this specific period, the old cells in the body stop dying. These extra cells in the human body gathered and form a mass of tissue or tumor. Some cancers like Leukemia or blood cancer do not form tumors; in other forms, these mass tissues may occur in any part of the body. According to a report of the World Cancer Research Fund, around 18 million cancer cases were recorded in 2018, of these 9.5 million cases were in men while 8.5 in women. Global cancer increased in women indicates that breast cancer is the most occurring cancer type in women, followed by skin and ovarian cancer.

Breast cancer is a popular form of cancer in which cells in women’s breasts grow out of control, but its severity depends on which cell in breast turns into a tumor. The two most common types of are invasive ductal carcinoma and invasive lobular carcinoma. According to a report of the World Health Organization, Pakistan has the highest rate of breast cancer than any other Asian country with around 9000 new cases are diagnosed annually, out of which 4000 die due to lack of health facilities and the taboos around cancer that prevail in our society. According to a senior cancer researcher at Agha Khan Hospital, more research is the need of the hour to fully understand why breast cancer is a taboo subject in our society? In middle and lower-middle classes, it is like an unwritten rule that “illness like cancer should keep within the family and patients are not allowed to share their survival story even after recovery. There are religious and social believes behind cancer as a taboo subject, and they run in society quite deep.

But there is still hope, we should put confidence in, that things would not always be this way. Sooner or later, society will realize that mutual concern of patient’s family members and physicians can contribute to reinforcing taboo that surrounds breast and gender-related cancer types. In western countries, closed ones to patients used to hide the cancer prognosis with the patient, but their main concern would be the emotional and psychological wellbeing of the patient. Whereas in Pakistan, our family members afraid of society more than the seriousness of disease or death threats to patients.

Although making strict decisions against the taboo around cancer are harder enough, considering the limited conclusive evidence that is specified in Pakistan’s societal context. As an effort, October 2019 is celebrating as breast cancer awareness month worldwide, critics are emphasizing that awareness comes at the expense of more substantial efforts to connect deceased women with health care and awareness centers.

Our women should be up-to-date for the latest research in medical sciences and realize that cancer is not fatal, and it is curable. Most of the cancer types, especially breast cancer, can be detected in an early stage if a routine mammogram is done. Life remains the same just as before the diagnosis and worth living, patients only need a helping hand and full support of her family, friends, and love ones.

Also, Give a read: Artificial Intelligence on its way to conquer the Art

M Nadeem Siddique; setting benchmarks in Information Technology

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In this era of the digital world, where connectivity with the world is increasing with every single day provided by the internet, smartphones, tablets, smartwatches and smart glasses, this comfort has come as a less rewarding profit. The current lot is paying its price by the trade of their privacy. We- humans, are risking our privacy in exchange for this convenience. The security of data is the primary concern of today, and if not dealt properly, it will eventually lead to severe threats such as National and global security.

Is Your Data Privacy Getting Compromised?

It is the need of the moment to decide whether we want to be the Master of Technology or the slaves. Researchers- while they are coming with new inventions every single day to ease human life in different aspects and changing the world into a global village, must consider the threats coming along and the solution to counter these threats. Encryption of streaming data is one of the most robust and applicable solutions to this merging problem of data breaching. End to End encryption of all communicating and streaming data will make the data transmission all safe and secure

 End to End Encryption of Data
End to End Encryption of Data

Mohammad Nadeem Siddiqui, a renowned Pakistani Journalist, and researcher have presented some great ideas to encrypt the text message applications. He invented a spectacular technology named NET ( Natural Encryption Technology), which secures the digital data using Intangible Time Medium.

Mr. M Nadeem Siddque
Mr. M Nadeem Siddque

Natural Encryption Technology

The Natural Encryption Technology (NET) uses time interval technique, based on the fact that time is a universal physical quantity accessible to everyone without any restrictions and laid the foundation of end to end encrypted text message applications. NET uses the medium of time, codes, and decodes signals with time via a sound beep or breaking signals. This technology makes the transmission data-free; in case a hacker tries to decode the signal, he won’t get anything other than the encrypted time interval because the signal does not contain data or information.

Information Security Black Holes

The NET provides the users with information black holes to protect the data from being stolen. No hacker can decrypt the signal; even if he succeeds to hack the signal, he won’t get any information as the signal is just a sound beep. Even the information superhighway and information tunnels are not able to secure the data altogether, the information security black hole idea is ideal for information security.

Intangible Time Medium

According to Einstein, Time is the fourth dimension in space, and both time and space are working together. Through the invention of NET, Nadeem Siddiqui has proved the importance of time by using it as an intangible medium in transferring data.

He presented the Law of Intangible Time Medium which states that “The Universe all living and non-living things existed, being creating will soon be destroyed when a divine encoded a message to be received by all things existed. The encoded divine message which is already released, transferred to all things via Intangible Time Medium”.

Muhammad Nadeem Siddiqui presented his ideas in four international conferences and three national and international competitions, where it was accepted and reviewed. Pakistan needs more enthusiasts like him to set a benchmark in the field of information technology.

Link to similar posts: https://scientiamag.org/top-pakistani-start-ups-those-thunder-the-world-of-ai/

A Historic Day: NASA astronauts conduct the first-ever all-women spacewalk

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For the first time in space history, an all-female spacewalk was conducted by astronauts Christina Koch and Jessica Meir at the International Space Station.

A series of spacewalks have been arranged after Luca Parmitano from Italy took over as the commander at ISS when Alexei Ovchinin from Russia left. The ISS system is being upgraded and this Friday the two females hailing from the United States of America, left the Quest airlock to work on the failed power systems and replace the batteries. The expected time of the spacewalk was around six hours, but it lasted successfully for seven hours.

Christina had red stripes on her spacesuit wearing the helmet marked number 18 and Meir had no stripes and wore the helmet marked number 11. This was done so that the two can be differentiated during the spacewalk as the control room watched them from the earth through the cameras installed on the Station.

Astronauts Jessica Meir and Christina Koch preparing on the ISS for the first all-female spacewalk
Astronauts Jessica Meir and Christina Koch preparing on the ISS for the first all-female spacewalk
Credits: NASA

Astronaut Christina Koch is an electrical engineer who is also going to break the record soon as the longest single spaceflight by a woman, as reported by the US space agency NASA. Jessica Meir, a marine biologist, recently joined the crew station at the International Space Station for the first time and this was her first spacewalk and she became the 15th woman to walk in space. Last year, such a spacewalk was canceled due to a lack of spacesuit of the right size.

After completion of the tasks, the failed system will be returned to the earth after it is loaded by the ISS team members on to the next SpaceX Dragon resupply ship so that it can be further analyzed.

An out of this world achievement!

NASA live-streamed the event which was watched by many viewers from around the world and Ms. Koch and Ms. Meir also took questions from a girl scout group and from the public on twitter and were congratulated live by the US President Donald Trump for this historic achievement.

Many space enthusiasts and prominent personalities appreciated the successful and significant achievement.