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What are neobanks? Apr 27, 2020

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What are neobanks?

Neobanks are 100% digital. They run exclusively through mobile apps, with no brick-and-mortar premises. They offer customers a user-first design, and promise low cost banking operations. There are more and more neobanks around, drawing in millions of users and rivalling traditional banks, although they don’t technically hold the same status.

Don’t confuse neobanks with digital banks, which are usually the online-only arms of bigger players in the banking sector. You may have heard of the San Francisco based neobank Chime, which is the leader in the US at the moment. But brands like N26, Revolut and Monzo are also bringing over their expertise from Europe, where the online-only trend is further ahead. All were created in the late 2010s.

Ease of use is one of the main advantages with neobanks. New customers just need to download an app and can open an account without too much hassle. Other services like fund transfers, online payments and cash withdrawals are similarly user-friendly and inexpensive. Most of the time, there aren’t any income requirements or monthly maintenance fees. The interfaces are simple and foreign exchange fees are low. Some even have features enabling users to monitor their spending in certain areas and set monthly limits.

A recent neobank adoption study by Finder estimates that 54.4 million Americans already use digital-only banking services. falling coins That’s over 20% of the population. What’s more, a further 22.5 million intend to open a neobank account in the coming months.

While the digital-only nature of neobanks may seem most suited to millennials, it’s actually Generation X who use them the most. 30% of Gen Xers have made the transition to neobanks, compared to 27.2% of millennials. Baby boomers are the least likely to have a neobank account, with an adoption rate of just 8.4%.

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What is chloroquine? Apr 25, 2020

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What is chloroquine? Thanks for asking!

Chloroquine is a prescription drug which has been used for many decades to treat malaria. It’s included on the World Health Organization’s list of essential medicines, which means it should be kept widely available at an affordable price for all.

Due to its antiviral properties, it has been getting a lot of attention from medical researchers as a potential treatment for Covid-19 patients.

Chloroquine was discovered in the 1930s and has been widely used to treat malaria since 1945. Malaria is a disease which humans pick up from mosquito bites in tropical regions of the world. mosquito To combat malarial parasites, the drug interferes with their essential processes while they are inside red blood cells.

Scientists discovered that a derivative of chloroquine, known as hydroxychloroquine, could be used to treat lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Its antiviral effects can increase the pH inside cells, preventing a virus from replicating.

So could hydroxychloroquine help us in the fight against the coronavirus?

The problem is that the antiviral effect is still somewhat theoretical. It’s rarely been confirmed outside of in vitro experiments. That’s because chloroquine is toxic in very small doses and can cause serious side effects. An overdose could potentially lead to fatal heart problems. When looked at for potential use against chikungunya, dengue fever, Ebola and the flu, all tests were unsuccessful.

Since the start of the current outbreak, some initial studies suggested that chloroquine could be effective in curing coronavirus sufferers. In early March, researchers at the University of Beijing were able to demonstrate its effectiveness through an in vitro trial.

And the most publicised trial was in Marseille, France. Among those who received chloroquine, 75% no longer had the virus six days later.

So why aren’t we doing everything we can to treat coronavirus patients with chloroquine? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions !

If you want to know what is chloroquine in french : https://podcasts.ba-ba-bam.com/maintenant-vous-savez/202003300500-quest-ce-que-la-chloroquine.html

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What are conlangers? Apr 23, 2020

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What are conlangers? Thanks for asking !

A conlanger is a person who creates one or more constructed languages. These are different to most languages in that they are devised for a particular purpose, rather than evolving naturally. Most notable examples come from science fiction or fantasy franchises, like Lord of the Rings and Star Trek. Their depicted characters often communicate in constructed languages.

A first impression might lead us to believe that the incomprehensible words we hear are just a series of meaningless sounds. But in reality, these languages can actually be spoken. They have syntax, grammar and all the other necessary ingredients to be considered a language.

So could we learn a constructed language in the same way as we would learn Italian for example ?

David Peterson is one of the most well-known conlangers out there. He started out his career as a linguist and has invented 13 languages over the years, including the dothraki language spoken in Game of Thrones. HBO hired the Language Creation Society in anticipation of the series launch, and Peterson came through a competitive application process to be selected.

In several interviews Peterson has explained that the most difficult part of being a conlanger is deciding whether a particular word should exist or not. For example, the nomadic dothraki warriors don’t carry around smartphones or books with them when going into battle. So there was no need to invent a word for those objects. On the other hand, they do have 14 different words for horse.

Peterson created the roots of the language by playing around and combining letters with sounds. After building up a small amount of vocabulary, he scribbled down basic sentences, then added suffixes and prefixes to increase the number of words.

But what's the point of inventing a language that won't survive to be used in everyday life ? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions !

If you want to know what are conlangers in french : https://podcasts.ba-ba-bam.com/maintenant-vous-savez/202003280600-quest-ce-quun-conlanger.html

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What is anthropomorphism? Apr 22, 2020

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What is anthropomorphism?

Anthropomorphism means transferring human forms or emotions onto animals and other non-human entities. It has its origins in ancient mythology, where deities were often represented with human forms and qualities. Think of many ancient Roman or Greek gods; when they weren’t fighting battles on horseback, they were at home falling in love, getting married and having children. Even in the Bible, Genesis talks about God creating humankind in his own image.

Over time, the use of anthropomorphism has become more linked to animals. We use personal pronouns like “he” or “she” to refer to pets, and like to imagine how our furry friends are feeling, in a range of situations. We might say a dog is smiling when it bears its teeth, or that a cat is bored because it doesn’t react to our attempts to get its attention.

The trend grew bigger and bigger with the explosion of social media. Everywhere you look online, you see photos and videos of cats, dogs, and almost any kind of animal. These pictures give us the impression that animals love, think and live in the same way that we humans do. The Buzzfeed Animals Facebook page has amassed more than 4 million fans and counting.

The idea that animals have emotions and free will is seen by some as being unscientifically sentimental, or showing a lack of objectivity.

And anthropomorphism isn’t just limited to living things - it can apply to inanimate objects too. Marketing studies have shown that products which resemble a human schema in some way are seen more positively by potential buyers. That could be the front of a car appearing similar to a human face, for example.

Robots are also seen to be more trustworthy and competent when they have a face, voice and name, like humans do.

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What is Misophonia? Apr 20, 2020

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What is Misophonia?

You probably won’t find it on autocorrect or spell check, but misophonia is a condition which affects up to 15% of adults. The term literally means “hatred of sound” and it was coined in the 2000s by Margaret and Pawel Jastreboff, audiologists at the University of Atlanta. Misophonia is a condition when specific sounds trigger negative emotions, thoughts and even physical reactions.

For example, it could be the sound of a person whistling, chewing or tapping which just drives you nuts. An alternative name for misophonia is Selective Sound Sensitivity Syndrome, or 4S for short.

Some scientists believe that it’s a neurological disorder while others see it as an anxiety problem. Studies have shown that misophonia sufferers display high levels of activity in the anterior insular cortex when subjected to trigger sounds. That’s a part of the brain that processes emotions and how our attention is directed.

Like with most psychiatric problems, misophonia affects people with varying degrees. Not everyone has symptoms to the same extent. Think of that person who complained when you ate an apple too loudly in their proximity. They probably don’t need therapy. SON Even if by simply avoiding the problem, they risk disturbing social or professional relationships.

Many misophonia patients talk of a startling jolt when they hear trigger sounds, instantly taking them out of a relaxed state. It’s known as a reflexive aversive response, and they experience strong feelings like rage and disgust.

Many with the disorder report that their reactions intensify over time. There are a few options for treating or managing it. Some of the most common are antidepressants, neurofeedback, earplugs and soundproofing.

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What are dark patterns? Apr 18, 2020

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What are dark patterns?

A dark pattern is an online interface which has been designed to trick visitors into performing certain actions against their will. The term was coined by British UX specialist Harry Brignull in 2010. Ecommerce industries were booming and the general public weren’t necessarily aware of dark patterns.

Researchers at Princeton University carried out a study of 11,000 e-commerce sites to collect data on the phenomenon. Their algorithm found examples of dark patterns on 1,267 of the sites, equivalent to around 11%. The experts noted that the most popular sites just happened to be the ones which used the most dark patterns.

Almost certainly yes! Some kinds of dark pattern seek to make the visitor feel guilty. 160 of the Princeton study sites used Confirm-shaming, a technique which aims to steer the user towards going ahead with a purchase, despite the user’s intention being to refuse it or leave the site. For example, when turning down a discount offer, they might be forced to click on a button saying “No thanks! I’d rather pay more for my product”.

One of the most used dark patterns on e-commerce sites are messages about a product’s rareness in order to increase its desirability. These kinds of alerts show that there is only a limited quantity available or that the product is in high demand.

The Princeton researchers are hoping their study and dark-pattern-detecting algorithm will be used by government regulators. The idea is to help them better understand these techniques, which are sometimes intentionally deceptive.

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What is instant-runoff voting? Apr 16, 2020

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What is instant-runoff voting?

Also known as the alternative vote, instant runoff voting is an election method in which voters rank candidates by order of preference. It’s not massively comm on across the globe, but some mathematicians believe it to be more democratic than other widely used systems.

Just because we have the right to vote, doesn’t mean we live in a perfect democracy. The voting system in use at an election can be decisive in its outcome . Between a majoritarian system, like first-past-the-post, a proportional system, or a mix of the two; you could have different victors.

Perhaps none of them are the best method. And it’s not politicians or philosophers who are saying this, but economists and mathematicians. They believe that if there’s a problem with democracy, it’s partly down to flawed electoral systems.

So many have tried to find new ways of electing leaders with an improved political process. The theory of the alternative vote system is that voters rank candidates by preference, from favourite to least favourite. If a candidate manages to be first choice among over 50% of voters, they automatically win the election. Depending on the context, that could be unlikely, especially if there are many candidates in the race.

In the case of no majority, the least preferred candidate is removed from consideration, buzz but the votes aren’t simply thrown away. Instead, those votes go to the second favourite candidate and a new count is established. Gradually, candidates are eliminated one by one until someone has a majority.

It’s true that vote counting can be complex in an instant runoff situation. But there are advantages too. There’s only one round of voting, in theory there are no wasted votes and there is less reason for tactical voting. The system incites candidates to make pledges which appeal to the entire population, rather than targeting certain demographics.

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What is telehealth? Apr 15, 2020

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What is telehealth?

Telehealth refers to remote health services which are provided using technology. While the technologies have been around for decades, uptake has been relatively slow. That’s changed with the current COVID-19 pandemic however, as telehealth has become a must for patients and doctors alike.

The terms telehealth and telemedicine are sometimes used interchangeably, though the scope of telehealth is seen as being greater. The World Health Organisation recognises that telemedicine is “an open and constantly evolving science, as it incorporates new advancements in technology and responds and adapts to the changing health needs and contexts of societies.

The most obvious example of telehealth is a medical appointment carried out by videoconference, rather than face-to-face. You simply use an online service to book your appointment in advance and then connect to the service at the agreed time.

But other kinds of processes or procedures also fall under this label. For example, when one doctor contacts another in order to ask for their opinion, or receives guidance while performing a medical act on a patient.

Self-monitoring enables medical professionals to follow patients remotely, using various devices. This is particularly useful for long-term conditions like heart disease, diabetes and asthma. Studies of these scenarios have shown that health outcomes are generally comparable to in-person appointments, while offering greater satisfaction and cost savings.

Teleconsultations also help with other growing challenges, like caring for an ageing population, monitoring chronic conditions and providing healthcare for residents of so-called medical deserts. Those are remote areas where a previously existing hospital may have closed, and no doctors are physically based.

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What are desert locusts? Apr 13, 2020

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What are desert locusts?

Desert locusts are a type of insect which have been threatening agricultural production in Africa, Asia and the Middle East for centuries. They are phytophagous, which means they feed on plants. In early 2020, these locusts have invaded several countries in East Africa, destroying vegetation everywhere they go. Experts fear the risk of famine, in a part of the world where many already live with food insecurity.

To really understand what’s brought about the current upsurge, you have to go back to May 2018 and the Empty Quarter desert in the Arabian Peninsula. A cyclone and heavy rains created a warm, wet climate, which was ideal for desert locusts to breed and flourish. This area has no roads and is therefore not closely monitored by humans. A second cyclone later the same year enhanced this problem, with three generations of breeding occurring undetected.

The locusts started migrating towards Yemen, where a civil war prevented any intervention, and then onto the horn of Africa. Just as countries were trying to contain the breeding in late 2019, Tropical Cyclone Pawan struck. The situation was already becoming out of control and it has only gotten worse since.

Somalia has declared a state of emergency, while several other countries are already facing their worst infestation for decades. There were six major locust outbreaks in the 20th century, with the last taking place between 1987 and 1989.

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, desert locusts appeared at the border with South Sudan and Uganda at the end of February 2020. That was the first time since 1944, when the insects caused a famine.

The UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation has already confirmed this is the worst locust outbreak to hit the Horn of Africa for 25 years. Many are already referring to the current situation as a plague, and there’s no telling how much worse it could get.

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What is male contraception? Apr 11, 2020

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What is male contraception?

We’ve all heard of the pill and the coil for women, but did you know that male contraceptives also exist? The obvious examples are condoms and the withdrawal method, but new solutions are being developed in the form of gels, shots and even thermal underwear. Many have tried and failed in the past, with no such products yet achieving commercial success.

The ideal situation would be to have a form of male birth control that’s safe, effective and reversible. Of course, there are also vasectomies for those who are looking for something more permanent. As you may know, a vasectomy is a surgical procedure which consists of sealing off the tubes which carry sperm.

Male pills have already been developed. They basically rely on hormonal modifications, in the same way as female contraceptive pills. By suppressing two types of male hormones called FSH and LH, a decrease in testosterone production and sperm count is brought about. But it’s a hard sell to some guys, who feel anything that affects their male hormones will make them less of a man.

Pharmaceutical companies are looking to find other ways of making sperm less mobile, and therefore less likely to fertilize an egg. They have tried gels which can be injected into the penis or the vas deferens ducts, preventing sperm from leaving a man’s body. It’s even been speculated that something as simple as a nasal spray or a pill could be used just before sex, with an immediate effect that lasts up to two days.

Finally, thermal underwear can be used to raise the temperature in a man’s testicles, which has the effect of reducing sperm production.

While this is all very interesting, some tests have shown unwanted side effects and the methods aren’t yet ready for large-scale production. News stories spring up every now and then promising a male pill within a few years, but nothing has been able to fit the bill.

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