ISSUE #05
GENERAL HEADLINES
Curiosity Killed The Cat
Before you fire away at me, no, there were no cats harmed in the writing of this article (or maybe there were). The headline refers to Amazon’s Project Curiosity. Burner emails, undercover conference attendees, and a shell company. You would think that any minute now, James Bond would bust out of a tall skyscraper and releasing his paraglider midfall. However, unfortunately for you and me, it is just a bunch of business and paperwork, but still pretty interesting.
The Amazon River
Amazon created a shell company known as Big River in 2015. This firm bought and sold items like t-shirts, shoes, and beach chairs on competitors’ platforms. They wanted to compare the experiences of third-party sellers on Amazon to those of e-commerce rivals. Guys, see, it’s not a spy plot, but it had so much potential to be one, especially with a name like Project Curiosity. However, they renamed it into something less conspicuous and arguably less cool: Small Business Insights (SBI).
I lied, It’s a Spy Plot
This project quickly morphed into a means of spying on those rivals, especially Walmart. Big River sold items on Best Buy, Overstock, and Walmart. It stored its inventory with Fedex, UPS, and other logistics services that rival its own. Now here’s the fun spy part, Amazon employees on the Big River team were told to take pictures or screenshots of competitors’ pricing, cataloging, and advertising systems. Employees were also sent to rivals’ conferences, where they obtained “exclusive (for the sake of a spy plot, I’ll call it classified)” information. To maintain secrecy, the Big River employees concealed their affiliations with Amazon, adopting covert communication tactics and minimizing electronic footprints. When interacting with Amazon personnel, they adhered to strict protocols, ensuring sensitive information remained safe. They even received specialized training to deflect suspicion if their true identity was uncovered (this is literally MI6 level stuff).
Amazon claimed that 70% of the shell company’s revenue came from Amazon Stores rather than competitors, which is pretty impressive. Amazon also tried to justify spying by claiming that Walmart, FedEx, eBay. Shopify, and Target employees have over 200 seller accounts on its platforms. It’s funny to me that the company that can procure a Merrycolor Nicolas Cage Pillow in 24 hours can get involved in a spy plot. Someone needs to write a book about this, and I mean that from the bottom of my heart.
By Samar Shah
WOMEN IN BUSINESS
The Crucial Role of Women in Entrepreneurship
In the landscape of modern entrepreneurship, the presence and participation of women are not just desirable but imperative. When women start and lead businesses, they create jobs, generate wealth, and contribute to the overall prosperity of communities. Empowering women economically has a multiplier effect. Studies indicate that women are more likely to invest their earnings back into their families and communities, thereby lifting entire households out of poverty and fostering sustainable development. Furthermore, from healthcare and education to consumer goods and technology, women-led businesses are innovating and disrupting industries by catering to the specific needs and preferences of women consumers. By fostering an environment that supports women in entrepreneurship, we encourage the development of products and services that are inclusive, accessible, and responsive to diverse customer demographics. Women entrepreneurs often prioritize social impact alongside financial success. They are more likely to integrate social responsibility and sustainability into their business models, leading to positive outcomes for communities and the environment. Women-led businesses contribute to social progress by promoting diversity, inclusion, and equitable practices in the workplace and beyond.
By Aishah Ahmad
MEDICINE
Poor diet: A Recipe for Heart Trouble
The type of diet you eat plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy cholesterol levels. Unhealthy eating habits can significantly increase LDL cholesterol, the "bad" cholesterol, putting you at a greater risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).
Understanding Cholesterol: The Good, the Bad, and the their effects.
Cholesterol, a waxy substance found in your blood, is essential for various bodily functions. However, there are two main types with opposing effects.
LDL (low-density lipoprotein): Often referred to as "bad" cholesterol, LDL transports cholesterol particles throughout the body. When LDL levels are high, excess cholesterol can accumulate in artery walls, forming plaque. This plaque buildup narrows arteries, reducing blood flow to the heart and increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.
HDL (high-density lipoprotein): HDL, the "good" cholesterol, acts like a scavenger, picking up excess cholesterol from your blood and transporting it back to your liver for disposal. Higher HDL levels are beneficial for heart health.
The Dietary Culprits: How Food Choices Impact Cholesterol.
Certain dietary habits can significantly influence your LDL levels.
Saturated and Trans Fats: Found in fatty meats, fried foods, processed snacks, and baked goods laden with butter or palm oil, these fats directly raise LDL levels.
Dietary Cholesterol: While dietary cholesterol has a less pronounced effect than saturated fat, excessive intake from sources like red meat, organ meats, and egg yolks can contribute to higher LDL levels.
Sugar and Refined Carbohydrates: Excessive sugar intake can indirectly increase LDL production by the liver. Refined carbohydrates like white bread and pastries can also contribute.
A Recipe for Change: Improving Your Diet for Heart Health
Fortunately, dietary modifications can significantly improve your cholesterol profile: Embrace a Heart-Healthy Diet: Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and lean protein sources like fish and skinless chicken. These foods are naturally low in unhealthy fats and cholesterol and rich in fibre, which helps lower LDL cholesterol.
Healthy Fats are Your Friends: Incorporate unsaturated fats from sources like olive oil, avocado, nuts, and fatty fish. These fats can help lower LDL and raise HDL levels.
Limit Saturated and Trans Fats: Reduce consumption of fried foods, processed meats, and commercially baked goods. Opt for leaner meats, healthier cooking methods like baking or grilling, and whole-wheat options for bread and pasta.
Mind Your Sugar Intake: Reduce sugary drinks, processed snacks, and sugary desserts. Opt for whole fruits and limit added sugars.
Even small changes can make a big difference. Consult a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized dietary advice to manage your cholesterol and reduce your risk of CVD.
By Tang Li
SPORT
Learn more about Scuba Diving!
Scuba diving offers more than just aquatic exploration; it’s a practical application of thermodynamic principles. The laws of thermodynamics, particularly the behaviour of gases and heat transfer, play crucial roles in diving safety and experience.
The increased pressure underwater affects the air in scuba tanks and divers’ bodies, illustrating Boyle’s Law. As divers descend, pressure causes the air to compress, impacting buoyancy and air consumption. Managing these changes is vital to avoid decompression sickness, where gases form dangerous bubbles during ascent.
Moreover, water’s high thermal conductivity demands that divers wear thermal protection suits to prevent hypothermia. These suits are designed based on thermodynamic principles to minimize heat loss. This understanding is essential, as water draws heat from the body far more effectively than air.
Additionally, diving conditions such as light and sound propagation are influenced by the thermal properties of water. These factors shape the unique visual and auditory experiences involved in diving, making it a blend of adventure and physics.
In essence, scuba diving isn’t just a sport; it’s an engaging encounter with fundamental physical laws, combining the thrill of exploration with the insights of thermodynamics.
By Ibrahim Benchekchou
Golf
Scottie Scheffler has just claimed his second Masters victory at Augusta National. It gave him a second Green Jacket in three years, a testament to his steady play at big events. Remarkable in his victory, Scheffler had the poise and strategic play of an old head throughout the event, hallmarks of his career so far. His win also carried with it the comparisons with golfing greats, showing he could be a generational talent for the sport. Nelly Korda ascended to golf superstardom on Sunday, winning the Chevron Championship. It was her second major championship and fifth victory in a row in tournaments, a feat previously done by only legends Nancy Lopez and Annika Sorenstam. The performance of Korda was just remarkable, especially considering the physical and mental resiliency it required, what with her 25-hole Sunday, an overcoming of huge pressure at the final holes. The near-ace on the 71st hole was the key as it likely propelled her to victory.
Football
FC Porto stun Arsenal 1-0 in the first leg of last-16 Champions League tie as Galeno fires in sensational last-gasp goal. The wonderful long-range goal after four minutes of time added-on was made, meaning the Gunners had no opportunity to come back. The goal was the crescendo of a tense game that Arsenal had largely failed to test with any seriously dangerous attempts, but it could prove a big moment in their European campaign. It is going to be a difficult return leg for Arsenal, set up at this result in London—now out in front to go through.
By Ji Li
TECHNOLOGY
Apple headhunts Google AI employees for secretive laboratory in Zurich
Recently, Apple has launched its attempt to enter the generative AI space currently dominated by OpenAI, Microsoft and Google. The tech giant hired 36 professionals from the latter since their appointment of John Giannandrea as its top AI executive in 2018 with most of these assigned to their “Vision Lab” in Zurich. Despite their competitors’ multibillion dollar outlay on research and development, Apple has kept a low profile on their AI plans. This has been evident through their drop in share price since the start of the year compared to their rivals’ sharp increases but will be mitigated on the release of their generative AI tools. By acquiring over two dozen AI startups in the past 10 years, the attention shifts towards the next Apple Event where the iPhone 16 is expected to shift towards more extensive AI use. Due to the hardware requirements to run LLMs, the next iPhone will need more Dynamic RAM than any existing smartphone yet this will be Apple’s technological USP to maintain their status as the world’s leading smartphone provider.
By Ayaan Cassim
ECONOMICS
Resilient India
India's economic landscape is a tale of two trends. On the bright side, the Economic Times reports a robust economy with impressive GDP growth and stable prices. This indicates a strong domestic market with consumers spending and businesses thriving. High GDP growth suggests the overall value of goods and services produced is rising, and stable prices imply inflation is under control. This is a positive sign for continued economic expansion.
However, a recent wrinkle has emerged - a slight decline in exports. This could be due to various factors like global slowdowns or increased competition. A decline in exports could dampen overall economic growth in the long run, as it reduces foreign currency inflow and potentially limits production for international markets.
India will need to navigate this situation by focusing on both domestic strengths and export competitiveness. Encouraging domestic consumption and investment can help sustain growth in the short term. For the long term, addressing any reasons behind the export decline is crucial. This could involve strategies like improving trade policies, investing in export-oriented industries, or diversifying export markets.
By Vihaan Poddar
SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
Accelerating Carbon Capture on American Farms
In Northern Wisconsin, an agricultural project involving Lithos, a 2-year-old startup emerging out of Yale, is demonstrating the potential of enhanced weathering for carbon capture. A local farmer spread 1421 metric tons of crushed volcanic basalt on his fields, resulting in boosted agricultural yields and the efficient sequestering of carbon dioxide. This natural process is sped up by Lithos’ technology and captures atmospheric carbon dioxide when rainwater reacts with the minerals in the basalt, eventually transporting it to the ocean for permanent storage. The method has shown promising results with a 36% increase in crop yields and significant carbon sequestration benefits. After obtaining contracts totalling $57.1 million from big players such as Stripe, Alphabet, and Shopify, Lithos plans to scale up its carbon removal technology to various states.
Transforming Urban Landscapes with Transparent Solar Technology
Michigan State University researchers have developed transparent solar panels that can change how solar energy is captured in urban areas. These panels use a see-through luminescent solar concentrator which takes invisible UV and infrared light, changes it into electricity and allows visible light to go through. This innovation makes it possible to embed solar technology in windows of buildings without affecting their beauty or functionality thereby making each glass surface a potential generator of solar power. The efficiency of these panels is expected to be about 10% but they have many different uses such as from high-rise structures down to personal gadgets this tech could convert cities into self-reliable energy systems. It is anticipated that when this technology is finally produced on a large scale it will become cheaper and hence, widely accessible. It promises a significant transformation in renewable energy utilisation, particularly in densely populated areas.
Researchers at Drexel University develop self-healing concrete
Drexel University has developed self-healing concrete technology called BioFiber. The main aim of this technology is to prolong the life cycle and increase the durability of concrete structures. In order to realize it, they install a self-repairing mechanism in the concrete, which includes a polymer fibre enclosed in a hydrogel filled with bacteria. The bacteria are activated and released when cracks appear and create calcium carbonate that plugs up the cracks. The adoption of this method may cut down on expensive maintenance costs while extending the useful life of these structures significantly. The biosynthetic concept has the potential to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions from cement production besides affording an extensive use of concrete infrastructures. As a result, such a material is a breakthrough towards the sustainable construction industry since it ensures a longer lifespan of buildings and thus contributes towards environmental preservation.
By Sai Sidhanth Manoharan Jayanthi
POLITICS
Trump becomes the first former US President to be criminally prosecuted
Donald Trump has set history by being the first former US President to be criminally prosecuted. The prosecution argues that Trump is guilty of allegedly falsifying business records to cover a sex scandal. They claim that in 2016 Trump’s fixer, Michael Cohen, made a $130,000 payment to porn actress Stormy Daniels so that she keeps her silence about a sexual encounter she had with the former US president in 2006.
The case is centred around the analysis of invoices and ledger entries, which shows that Trump issued the payment as a legal expense rather than a campaign expense, which would prevent it from being made public. So far, several key witnesses have taken the stand, including Trump’s former press secretary and White House communications director, Hope Hicks. According to others, Hicks was reportedly uncomfortable whilst answering the prosecution’s questions.
Trump is fighting the charges and, as of yet, has not pleaded guilty. The trial is not being televised.
By Sepehr Nassertork
