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Showing posts from November, 2024

Micrometals: A Silent Threat to the Atmosphere, Human Health, and Aquatic Life

Introduction to Micrometals While the environmental impact of microplastics has gained significant attention, an equally concerning pollutant—micrometals—remains largely overlooked. "Micrometals," sometimes referred to as metallic nanoparticles or metallic micro-particles, encompass a range of tiny metallic particles and nanoparticles released into the environment through various industrial, urban, and natural processes. These particles are comparable to microplastics in size (often less than 5 mm) and behavior, yet they carry distinct risks due to their chemical properties and tendency to release toxic metals upon degradation. Sources of Micrometals Micrometals enter the environment through numerous processes, including: Industrial Emissions: Metallurgical and mining operations, smelting, welding, and other high-temperature industrial activities release micrometals such as nickel, chromium, and cadmium. Automobile and Road Dust: Vehicle brake wear and tire abrasion release m...

Exploring the Untapped Potential of Tongue Biometrics for Secure Identification

Biometric technology has become a central part of modern security systems. From fingerprint scanners to facial recognition, we’ve grown accustomed to unlocking devices, securing transactions, and authenticating identities through our unique physical characteristics. Yet, one biometric frontier remains largely uncharted: the tongue. Unlike the face, fingerprint, or retina, the tongue's unique characteristics are less known and underused. But with its unique and unchangeable structure, tongue biometrics could be an ideal tool for highly secure identification, especially where conventional biometrics may fall short. Why the Tongue? Unique Characteristics and Advantages The tongue might not seem like the most obvious candidate for biometrics, but it actually holds several unique advantages:   Individual Uniqueness : Each tongue has a distinct shape, size, and surface texture. Like a fingerprint, a person’s “tongue print” is unique and doesn’t change throughout their lifetime. Internal ...