What You Need To Know About AI: A Beginner’s Guide To What The Future Holds by Brian David Johnson
Artificial Intelligence is a bit of a big topic at the minute. A couple of years ago it was just a villain in science fiction, but now it seems like evil sentient robots are here and ready to take over the working world… and do your homework for you. For a lot of people it’s a scary topic because it’s something we see and hear about in the news and online but don’t understand what AI is. Is it really going to take over the world? Or is it actually going to help us achieve some really cool things? Well, artificial intelligence expert Brian David Johnson is on hand to help with his book, aimed at younger minds, What You Need To Know About AI. It’s a beginner’s guide to artificial intelligence, starting off with a very youth-friendly explanation of what it is (fortunately it is not a collection of sentient toasters looking to take over the world) and then dipping into what it can be used for and where it may help us in the future.
Reader-Friendly
As its title says, the guide helps you learn everything you need to know about AI, from how it helps us discover the epic stuff up in space or under the sea, to whether it will help you build your very own dinosaur, and why. It’s presented in short and easy bites of information, with some great little illustrations to go alongside. It’s not a big, long, boring essay full of words you won’t understand, but written in such a way that the understanding will come easily. You’ll probably understand things so well after reading it that you’ll be able to explain everything to somebody who’s never even touched a computer!
Over the course of the book, you’ll learn where AI came from, and how it’s already being used in the world of sport, space, medicine, animals and more. You will discover the amazing possibilities of AI, that might shape the future. Along the way, you’ll learn super cool facts, bust some myths, and gain a balanced and informed view on one of the the biggest topics of our time. Mixed in with it all is a message about how you can use AI positively and help engineer a better future. So if you or anyone you know is a little bit scared of what AI is, you can use this book to put those fears to rest!
Get Ahead Of The Trend
This book has been a great help to plenty of teachers across the world in understanding AI and is a great starting point for young, curious minds looking to the future and how the world might look when they’re older. It will be of great interest to those who might be thinking they want to work in computing or some other field of Science and technology when they’re older. AI will certainly play a an ever-increasing role within those sectors.
And no, artificial intelligence didn’t write this to try and fool you all. Prove it, you say? Chicken nuggets, Spider-Man. A robot wouldn’t write something daft like that now, would it?
If you are interested in studying a Science subject, English or English Literature, Oxford Home Schooling offers the chance to do so at a variety of levels, listed below. You can also Contact Us for further details by clicking on this link.
How Did The Death Zone Get Its Name?
As the Everest climbing season gains momentum, you may hear the term “Death Zone” mentioned in articles and news reports about extreme high-altitude mountaineering.
At 29,029 feet, Mount Everest stands as the world’s highest mountain, with its final 4029 feet referred to as the Death Zone. The reason for this designation is that above 25,000 feet, our bodies struggle to adjust to the altitude, and the lungs fail to process sufficient oxygen, which in turn causes cells to begin to die.
Hypoxia
The effects of extreme high altitude on the lungs can be devastating: issues arise with hypoxia (oxygen deficiency), causing soaring pulse rates, blood clots (due to blood thickening), and increased stroke risk. In severe cases, this situation can progress to High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE), believed to occur when blood vessels constrict, raising pressure in the lungs. This results in fluid leaking from blood vessels into lung tissue and, in extreme cases, air sacs. This life-threatening condition, colloquially termed “fluid on the lung,” restricts respiratory function and can lead to drowning in one’s own fluid.
High-altitude hypoxia can elevate the resting heart rate to 140 beats per minute, a condition known as tachycardia, which may precipitate sudden cardiac arrest. The eye is also vulnerable and can suffer from high altitude retinal hemorrhages.(HARH) which looks like red splotches in the eye. It doesn’t look great but isn’t life threatening. According to experts, however, it can affect vision.
And More…
The digestive system slows is suppressed at high altitude and blood is diverted away and used to increase the bodies cardiopulmonary reserves. This can lead to nausea and vomiting. The brain is also affected at High Altitude by a condition known as high altitude cerebral edema (HACE). This is where hypoxia causes the brain to swell and this can lead to ataxia, fatigue and a decreasing level of consciousness.
Records Of The Death Zone
Experts suggest that climbers do not spend more than 20 hours in the Death Zone, with 48 hours being the absolute maximum for most people, even with supplementary Oxygen. Babu Chiri Sherpa holds the record for the time spent in the death zone without supplementary Oxygen and this is 21 hours. Pemba Gyalje is the record holder for being in the death zone with Oxygen and this is 90 hours.
Considering the risks and perils of entering the Death Zone, one may wonder why climbers undertake such challenges. The famous answer to this question, of course, is “Because it’s there!”
If you are interested in studying a Science, or Geography, Oxford Home Schooling offer you the chance to do so at a variety of levels, listed below. You can also Contact Us here.
The 7 Major Types Of Electromagnetic Waves And What They Do
To fully understand electromagnetic waves we should familiarise ourselves with the electromagnetic spectrum, (or the EM spectrum), representing all the electromagnetic radiation in the universe. This type of energy is distributed throughout space in the form of electric and magnetic waves. It allows for the transfer of both energy and information.
Spectrum Placement
There are seven electromagnetic groups on the EM Spectrum. On the left of the spectrum exist Radio waves which have the lowest frequency and the longest wavelengths. Planets, stars, and even lightning emit radio waves, and of course, humans use radio waves to communicate sound and information.
Similarities And Differences
Microwaves come next on the EM spectrum, followed by infrared, visible light (the one we can see), Ultraviolet, X-rays, and Gamma rays. What these types of EM radiation have in common is that they all travel at the same speed in the vacuum of space, which is the speed of light. They differ in the fact that each form of EM radiation has a different wavelength and frequency range giving it different qualities.
For example, radio waves are great for communicating information for TV and radio as their long wavelengths allow them to transfer data over long distances within minimal signal degradation.
Microwaves (and radio waves), have long wavelengths and give scientists unique visibility into dense molecular clouds containing nascent stars. These same qualities make microwaves perfect for cooking as their frequencies can penetrate molecules found in food.
Infrared is a great heat source due to its ability to release heat from chemical bonds and it is also used in night vision cameras/goggles.
Visible light of course allows humans to see and do tasks, and UV radiation can help humans produce Vitamin D and is increasingly used to sterilize water.
Gamma radiation has profound medical applications allowing doctors to target and destroy cancer cells.
We know now that a journey to the centre of the earth would be nowhere near as fantastic as Jules Verne’s depiction, with dinosaurs, secret civilisations and sunken cities. Rather, it would be more like a hi-tech, brute force drilling exercise through gigatonnes of rock, much like what was seen in the 2003 science-fiction disaster movie, The Core. The film depicted a group of scientists who constructed a super drill to take them to the centre of the earth to restart the its core with a nuclear bomb. Well, if a bunch of pioneering scientists really took that journey, this is what they would find…
Journey To The Centre Of The Earth: Mariana To Mantle
Just like in the movie the scientists would probably start the journey at the bottom of the the Mariana Trench in the Pacific Ocean, which at 11km in depth, would cut out a lot of unnecessary drilling. Initially, they would encounter the Earth’s crust. This is the outermost layer of the Earth, ranging from about 20 to 80 kilometres in thickness beneath the continents and about 8 kilometres beneath the ocean floor. This explains why it would make sense to enter the earth through the thinner oceanic crust.
Beneath the crust lies the mantle, a layer of mostly solid rock made of iron, magnesium, and silicon that extends to a depth of approximately 2,900 kilometres. The mantle is dense, hot and semi-solid. and for any pioneering geonauts, they would be drilling through a caramel candy like substance. In the cooler first 200 kilometres of the mantle, they could encounter diamonds in crystalline form.
Outer And Inner Core
The next part of this geological journey to the centre of the earth would be the outer core, which is made of iron and nickel and is in pure liquid form, sitting around 5000 to 3000 kilometres below the surface. It’s heated by the radioactive decay of uranium and thorium, and the liquid churns in a huge turbulent current, which would make for a bumpy ride for any geonaut traversing it. These currents create electrical current and generate the earth’s magnetic field.
Having navigated the radioactive swamp of the outer core our geonauts would now arrive at the Earth’s core proper, the subject of the far-fetched disaster movie I referenced earlier. This is a sold metal sphere made from nickel and iron. With a radius of about 1,200 kilometres it has a temperature of 5,400 degrees Celsius which is almost as hot as the surface of the sun. Pressures here are thought to be 3,000,000 million times greater than on the surface of the earth. It’s mind-blowing! Scientists believe there may be an inner, inner core built of iron and the temperatures and pressures here would be unimaginable!
Such a journey might be purely hypothetical, but it is nonetheless an interesting one to make.
If you are interested in studying Geography or a Science subject, Oxford Home Schooling offers the chance to do so at a variety of levels, listed below. You can also Contact Us via this link.
Unveiling The Winter Hormone
As the winter months go on, bringing longer nights, storms and chills, our bodies undergo a subtle physiological transformation orchestrated by the enigmatic hormone melatonin. While widely acknowledged for its role in regulating sleep, melatonin’s influence extends far beyond ensuring a good night’s rest, impacting various facets of our health and well-being.
Often dubbed the “sleep hormone” due to its crucial role in regulating our circadian rhythm, melatonin takes on even greater significance when winter sets in. The prolonged darkness prompts our bodies to increase melatonin production, signalling that it’s time to wind down and prepare for rest. This heightened melatonin release contributes to the cozy, hibernation-like feeling many experience during the colder months.
What Melatonin Does For Us
Studies suggest that an excess of production due to shorter days and low light conditions may lead to feelings of drowsiness, fatigue, and depression. Exposure to sunlight can alleviate this to some extent, as it causes melatonin to break down in the bloodstream, putting a halt to its secretion and helping us feel more awake.
To optimise melatonin’s winter benefits we can adopt healthy sleep and waking habits which may involve the creation of a restful winter home environment, the establishing of a consistent sleep schedule, and spending some time outside in the sunlight each day to flush out lingering melatonin. We may also choose to embrace winter rituals that promote relaxation, such as cozying up with a good book or film in front of the fire.
Beyond its role in inducing a hibernation-like state, melatonin works to bolster our immune system, acting as an immunostimulant and an anti-inflammatory agent. As winter brings a flurry of colds and flu, it steps up as a formidable defender, fortifying our body’s ability to ward off illnesses. In essence, melatonin emerges as the unsung hero of winter, encouraging sleep, managing mood, and providing immune support. Embrace the winter hormone, and let its natural rhythms guide you toward a season of well-being and vitality.
If you are interested in studying Biology or Science with Oxford Home Schooling, you can do so at several levels, shown below. You can Contact us by clicking on this link.
Nikola Tesla was a famed inventor best known for his work in developing the alternating-current (AC) electrical system and Tesla Coil. He was a brilliant but modest man who spoke eight languages and had a photographic memory. His inventions changed the lives for future generations; we can power our homes with just the flick of the switch, listen to our favourite songs delivered on radio waves and buy electric cars branded in his name. Yet despite these incredible achievements, Tesla has often been underappreciated for his work and spent most of his life in poverty.
The History Behind The Man
Nikola Tesla was born in Smiljan, Croatia (formerly part of the Austro-Hungarian empire) in 1956. Even before immigrating to the United States to start his career as an inventor, Tesla always aspired to become an engineer. His dreams were met with resistance from his father, a priest of the Eastern Orthodox Church, who insisted he follow in his footsteps. His mother, however, spurred on his interest in electrical devices and the world of invention; She herself invented small household appliances during her spare time. Nikola followed his calling and went on to study mechanical and electrical engineering at the Polytechnic school in Graz, Austria.
The Early Work Of Nikola Tesla
Tesla was constantly inventing. Even while working as a telephone line repairman, he would tinker around with the equipment and through this invented a precursor to the loudspeaker – although he never filed a patent for it. It was, unfortunately this lack of business acumen that affected his financial success throughout his life. In 1884, Nikola moved to America and started working with the famous American inventor, Thomas Edison.
Their working relationship was, however short-lived; Edison was a businessman who had strong ideas for developing his direct current (DC) and also took advantage of Tesla’s own designs and work. After helping Edison to overcome a series of engineering problems, Tesla was offered very little in the way of remuneration and was also refused a pay rise. Because of their personal and scientific differences, they parted ways after just a year of working together.
The Battle Of DC vs AC
Soon after his departure, Tesla went on to develop his polyphase system of AC dynamos, transformers and motors at Westinghouse Electric Co. Edison believed that DC was the future for electricity distribution – which at the time, was the standard form of electricity supply in the USA. Tesla however, believed that due to the difficulty DC had travelling long distances and its voltage inflexibility, AC would provide the answer by overcoming these issues. With the help of promotional events, including the illumination of the Chicago World Fair in 1893, Tesla finally convinced the nation to adopt AC electricity.
The Tesla Coil
On top of his other inventions, Tesla imagined a method of transmitting electricity around the world without the need for wires or cables. It was here that he unveiled one of his most important inventions – the Tesla Coil – a high-frequency transformer capable of creating a very high voltage at a low current. Early radio antennas were able to harness the ability of the coil, which could transmit and receive radio signals that were tuned to resonate at the same frequency. The coil was so effective that it is still used today in modern day radio technology.
Throughout his lifetime, Tesla had filed over 700 patents, although many of ideas weren’t brought to fruition. He made a profound impact in the scientific world and with his invention of AC electricity, helped Thomas Edison bring the electric light bulb to the masses.
If you are interested in the study of Sciences, Oxford Home Schooling offers a number of courses to do so, at a variety of levels. You can see them below, and can Contact Us Here.
Book Recommendations For The New Year
Following up from my New Year suggestions last week, here are two more recommendations to build on your knowledge without taxing the brain. January and February may be cold and dark, but with these, it definitely won’t be boring.
The Guinness Book Of World Records 2024
There are a number of things that make up the experience of being a kid. The Magic Key, SATs, selective hearing when it comes to grown-ups… but there’s probably one thing that stands out from all of them: The Guinness Book of World Records. And in 2024, it’s no different.
The Guinness Book Of World Records first came about in 1951. Sir Hugh Beaver, then managing director of the Guinness Brewery, was arguing about the fastest bird in Europe. When he couldn’t find an answer (bearing in mind there was no Google back then) he decided that he would take matters into his own hands. In 1955, the first edition of the Guinness Book of World Records was released and sold alongside the beer. 69 years later, sadly for adults it no longer comes with beer, but for children, it has become one of the best books to read every year. Tracking all sorts of records from the strange to the sublime and the outright silly, it’s a book that’s been on Christmas lists every year.
The 2024 edition is more packed than ever before as well, digging into the past 2,000 years of history for some of its greatest achievements, and weird ones too: have you ever wondered how far a knight can be catapulted? Well somebody did about a thousand years ago. This edition is also super accessible. Bite-sized chunks of text, surrounded by brilliant images and 3-D pullouts, make for an easy read. There’s even extra content online, scannable through QR codes in the book. You won’t find learning any easier or more fun. For less than a tenner as well!
Weird But True!
Did you know that Olympic Gold Medals are actually made of silver? Weird, but true.
The Weird But True! series by National Geographic Kids has become a phenomenon in the world of children’s literature, captivating younger readers with its unique blend of mind-bending facts, vibrant visuals, and playful approach to learning. The 2024 edition is no different.
Similar to the Guinness Book Of World Records, there are no reams and reams of text to try and read through, just plenty of images with interesting facts. It’s eye-catching, but it will keep your attention thanks to just how weird things get. Want to see robots play football? Or play a game where you guess which poo belongs to which animal? You can do that here. And when things do get weird enough to need an explanation, everything is laid out so well and so simply that you’ll feel like an expert on the subject. It covers pretty much everything too; history, science, technology, animals, people, and more. There is plenty packed into its 256 pages.
Weird But True! is a great alternative to Google when it comes to learning without screens. It’s a great resource for any young and inquisitive mind looking to learn about just how odd our little planet is, even reluctant readers can pick this up… and likely not put it down as well.
If you want to see the titles I have suggested previously, you can follow the link here, to find out.
You can study History or Science with Oxford Home Schooling at a variety of levels, listed below. Click on the subject you may be interested in or Contact us for further details.
Understanding the science behind snowfall is deceptively simple: moist air rises, cools, and condenses into ice crystals around particles, forming snowflakes. This process demands freezing temperatures, ample moisture, condensation nuclei, and upward air motion, all abundant during winter. However, predicting snowfall proves to be more elusive.
Why Snowfall In The UK Is So Unpredictable
In many countries, scientists can with some reliability predict when it is going to snow. But, in certain geographies, and we can use the UK as an example, predicting snowfall is not easy. In December 2023, the UK media buzzed with reports of imminent snow in the South of England, yet scientists couldn’t pinpoint when or how much would fall. The reason for this lack of predictability of snowfall in the UK is down to two things, according to Rob Thompson, a Postdoctoral Research Scientist in Meteorology at the University of Reading: “Its location and the fact that small differences in temperature can cause dramatic changes to the forecast.”
Situated at the convergence point of diverse global weather patterns, the UK experiences freezing northern or easterly winds, which occasionally collide with moist air from the west to produce snow. The UK’s awkward predicament stems from the sporadic interaction of northerly/easterly winds with southern warm moist air—a rarity in winter. This tenuous relationship between weather systems makes snowfall hard to anticipate. Moreover, in regions where winter temperatures hover around 0 degrees Celsius, (such as the UK), minor temperature fluctuations wield substantial influence. A two-degree rise transforms falling snow into rain, while a two-degree drop ensures a snowy spectacle.
Even with precise precipitation predictions, the UK’s atmospheric idiosyncrasies make it challenging to forecast the form — rain, sleet, or snow — that precipitation will take. Being a snow weather forecaster in meteorologically awkward regions like the UK is therefore an extremely challenging occupation. Conversely, in regions with consistently colder temperatures, like those at -10 degrees Celsius, snowfall can be predicted with more certainty.
If you are interested in studying Geography or Science as a subject, Oxford Home Schooling offers courses at several levels. You can find these via the site Courses page here.
You can Contact Oxford Home Schooling via the link here.
The Power To Transform The Future Of Genetic Engineering
In the field of science, few breakthroughs have sparked as much excitement and intrigue as CRISPR-Cas9. It’s probably not something you will have heard of, but is in fact a revolutionary genetic tool that has the potential to transform the future of genetic engineering, and thereby our lives. It is not without its critics or problems, as we will come to, but firstly, what exactly does CRISPR stand for?
CRISPR is short for Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats, a system derived from the defence mechanisms of bacteria and archaea (microorganisms) against viruses. It was discovered relatively recently, but its applications have far-reaching implications for medicine, agriculture, and beyond.
Cas9 And Revolutionary Medical Applications
The core of the CRISPR system is the Cas9 protein, an enzyme capable of precisely cutting DNA strands at specific locations. What makes CRISPR-Cas9 truly remarkable is its ability to be programmed to target and edit specific genes within an organism’s genome. This level of precision was previously unimaginable. It offers a powerful means to address genetic diseases, develop new therapies, and modify organisms for various other purposes.
One of the most significant applications of CRISPR technology is in the realm of genetic medicine. In the past, treating genetic diseases often involved complex and invasive procedures. Now, with CRISPR-Cas9, scientists can potentially correct the genetic mutations that cause diseases such as cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, and muscular dystrophy. The implications for patients and their families are profound, offering hope for a future where these debilitating conditions could be effectively treated or even prevented.
Agriculture
Beyond medical applications, CRISPR holds enormous promise for aiding the Agricultural sector. It offers a way to engineer crops that are more resilient to pests, diseases, and environmental stress – an increasingly common problem. By modifying genes responsible for plant growth and disease resistance, scientists hope to develop crops that can thrive in challenging conditions and contribute to global food security. However, this technology also raises ethical questions and concerns about genetically modified organisms (GMOs) that need to be addressed as it continues to advance.
CRISPR has even found its way into the realm of environmental conservation. Scientists are exploring the use of gene editing to help threatened or endangered species adapt to changing habitats, resist diseases, and overcome challenges to their survival. While this application remains in its early stages, it offers a new dimension to wildlife conservation efforts.
Ethical Issues Surrounding CRISPR
To further the point, as with any transformative technology, CRISPR comes with ethical considerations. The ability to manipulate the genetic code of living organisms raises questions about potential misuse and unforeseen consequences. There are concerns about designer babies, gene doping in sports, and the very alteration of the human germline that could have permanent effects on future generations. As scientists and policymakers navigate these ethical waters, it is crucial to ensure responsible and transparent use of CRISPR technology.
Promise, Innovation And Careful Thought
CRISPR is a powerful tool that holds immense potential to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges. As we venture further into the era of genetic engineering, we must carefully balance the incredible promise of CRISPR with ethical considerations and a commitment to responsible innovation. The power of CRISPR is transforming the way we think about genetic engineering, offering hope for a healthier, more sustainable, and genetically edited future. So long as we are careful in monitoring its development, it should bring us great benefit.
Exploring The Complex Ecosystem Within Us
For many years, we viewed the human body as a singular entity, an integrated whole. But scientific research in recent decades has unveiled a hidden world within us, a vibrant ecosystem teeming with life, intricately connected to our health and well-being. This hidden world is known as the human microbiome, and its exploration has revolutionised our understanding of what it means to be human.
The human microbiome refers to the trillions of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microbes, that inhabit various parts of our body. These microorganisms are not mere passengers; they play a crucial role in our physiology, metabolism, and immune system. This complex ecosystem resides within our gastrointestinal tract, skin, mouth, and even the reproductive system.
Perhaps the most well-known aspect of the human microbiome is the gut microbiota. These communities of microorganisms living in the digestive system have a profound impact on our health. They aid in the digestion of food, produce essential vitamins and metabolites, and help regulate our immune system. Research has shown that the composition and diversity of the gut microbiota are linked to various health conditions, from obesity and autoimmune diseases to mental health disorders.
Under And Inside The Skin
In addition to the gut, the skin hosts a diverse array of microbes. These microorganisms form the skin microbiota, which serve as a first line of defense against invading pathogens and contribute to skin health. Understanding the skin microbiome has implications for skin care and treatments for dermatological conditions.
Even the oral microbiome, found in the mouth, plays a crucial role in our overall health. It can influence our dental health, the development of cavities, and gum diseases. Furthermore, the oral microbiome may have links to systemic conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
Exploring The Human Microbiome
The exploration of the human microbiome has transformed our approach to medicine. Its emerging medicinal field is focused on harnessing the power of these microorganisms to develop new therapies and treatments. This includes fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) for gastrointestinal disorders, the use of probiotics and prebiotics, and the development of microbiome-based diagnostic tools. Neither is the study of the human microbiome confined to the realm of medicine – it also extends to other disciplines, and raises fascinating questions about our co-evolution with microbes, the role of the microbiome in human history, and the impact of modern lifestyles on our microbial ecosystems.
When we delve deeper into the mysteries of the human microbiome, we are continually amazed by its complexity and potential. This world within us challenges our perceptions of what it means to be human and how our health is intricately linked to the microbial communities that reside within us.
