The world's first known warm-blooded fish was found

Since elementary school, Our teachers always taught that birds and mammals are warm-blooded animals, whereas fish, reptiles, and amphibians are cold-blooded animals.

However, the findings published in the journal Science on Thursday, May 14, 2015 will change all. Nicholas Wagner, a biologist from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries’ Southwest Fisheries Science Center has found the first known warm-blooded fish in the world, namely Opah (Lampris guttatus).

The Opah (Lampris guttatus). (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1TCZxOP)

Warm-blooded animal is an animal that is able to regulate their body temperature by internal mechanisms. There is also the so-called cold-blooded animals whose the body temperature is always changing in accordance with their environment and adapt to temperature with the behavior.

Sharks and tuna are examples of cold-blooded animals. Two fish can dive in depth and cold temperatures, but in a certain period should be returned to the surface to protect the vital organs such as the heart.

In the study, Wagner and colleagues mark a number of opah that live off the coast of California. They track the movement of opah, reading body temperature, as well as the temperature and the depth of their moving place.

Wagner reveals the fact that the fish are sometimes called "moon fish" it has a stable body temperature. Their temperature is about 7-9 degrees Celsius higher than the environment. This fish type maintain its body temperature by moving constantly their chest fins.

"By being endoderm, opah do not need to move to the surface to simply warm their body and can remain at depth close to food sources," said Wagner, as quoted by Al-Jazeera America.

Opah is a pelagic fish that has an average weight of 90 kilograms. The fish body has the equivalent size of a car tire and oval. The fish types which was spending their life at a depth of 50-300 meters in the ocean to hunt squid. And the Opah grow to over 5 feet (1.5 meters) in length and can weigh over 150 pounds (70 kg).

According to Owyn Snodgrass of NOAA, opah also can maintain the temperature due to the unique structure of the gills that allow blood to leave the organ warmed before it spread to the entire body. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SCI-NEWS]

Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.

Urus officially carrying a V8 Twin-Turbo engine

After a long time there's no definite information about the engine that will be carried by Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) Lamborghini Urus, and now seems to begin to revealed. The SUV that will be introduced in 2016 will be carried a Twin-Turbo V8 engine with a capacity of 4,000 cc.

Lamborghini Urus. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1XIFPSg)

As reported by Autoevolution on Wednesday, December 2, 2015, President and CEO of Lamborghini, Stephan Winkelman has ensured that information. He also informed that the SUV will be introduced to the world's public at the Geneva Motor Show 2016, in March 2016.

The same thing also delivered by the Lamborghini Research and Development Chief, Matt Burt as saying that the Lamborghini is working on a twin-turbo V8 engine capacity of 4.0 to Urus.

Interior view of Lamborghini Urus. (Picture from: http://aol.it/21IJlRe)

"Urus has been introduced as the concept in 2012, and the project continues to run and ready to be sold in 2018," he said further.

For the record, Urus going to use the same engine as the Audi S8 plus. Namely 4,000 cc TFSI engine, which has the power up to 605 hp and 700 Nm of torque.

How's about the car's price? Lamborghini currently hasn't said about it. However, estimated the Lamborghini lovers can find out the price at the time of its release event next year. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOEVOLUTION]

Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.

10 most bizarre Tanks ever made (Part-2)

Every country should have a military force that became defense forces. But it is not complete without the presence of combat vehicles such as the fighter aircrafts to battle tanks. Well as a child, you must have the desire to be able to ride a tank.

The Bob Semple tank was a tank designed by New Zealand Minister of Works Bob Semple during World War II. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1TIZUHG)

Generally the tank figure is somewhat unique, because it use different form of wheels from the other vehicles. Besides tank is also equipped with a large weapon. However, in contrast to the 10 unique tanks ever below:

5. Krupp Kugelpanzer (Germany) 

Also known as the "Ball Tank," this tank was captured in Manchuria by the Russians back to 1945. No other examples of this tank are known to have been produced, and next-to-nothing is known about it. The tank was powered by a tiny two-stroke engine, and its weaponry relied on whatever machine gun the driver had on hand at the time. As you tell, there was only room for one person in this so.

One of German weird combat vehicles in WW2 called Krupp Kugelpanzer. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1TqUIr9)

4. Antonov A-40 (Russia)
Not satisfied with the tank as a vehicle capable of destroying and driving over everything in its path, the Russians tried to make them even better by teaching them how to fly. Behold the Antonov A-40, basically a tank strapped to a glorified glider. However, in order to reduce the tank’s weight so that it was capable of flight, it had to be stripped of all its ammunition, a big problem when your main purpose is to fire this ammunition into the faces of the Nazis. Luckily, the Antonov never entered combat; the military test-flew it once and, despite its safe landing, they proceeded to forget about the whole thing.

Antonov A-40, a Russian absurd flying tank concept. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1LTVt6g)

3. Bob Semple Tank (New Zealand)
During World War II, New Zealand saw that every other country had some tanks, and decided to make some themselves. However, without the industrial capability to do such a task, they settled on building a shed of corrugated iron on a tractor’s base. Named after their Minister of Works, Bob Semple, each tank was equipped with seven machine guns. 

Bob Semple Tank, a New Zealand ridicules tank built on a tractor’s base. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1TqVmF3)

However, the cramped conditions inside meant that one crew member had to shoot out of his firing hole whilst laying on a mattress covering the engine. After the tanks were ridiculed for their appearance, they never saw combat, although they did boost public morale all across the country. 

2. Sherman Flail Crab (USA)
The Sherman Flail Crab tank is proof that sometimes the craziest people in the office do the best job. Aside from being a fully-working Sherman tank, its main job was to clear minefields, by beating the daylights out of them with chains. On the front of the tank, its designers mounted a series of drums with chains attached to them, and a motor that would rotate the whole array. Upon reaching the minefield, the motor would be kickstarted, and the chains would spin round and round, harmlessly detonating any mines they came into contact with. All we’re wondering is why they bothered fitting this tank with a gun, when they could have just pointed it at the enemy and terrified them into surrendering.

American Sherman Crab mine flail tank. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1IKitVq)

1. 1K17 Szhatie (Russia)

Here are combat vehicles belonging to Russian named 1K17 Szhatie. This tank looks very tough because it is equipped with missiles. Russia designed this vehicle to be able to shoot the enemy with missiles, either the ground vehicle or even an airplane. The tank shape is similar to a conventional tank, only its main weapon that looks different.

This thing is a laser Russian prototype tank developped in the late 70's called 1K17 Szhatie. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1lgSJuT)

It was her the second part of 10 designs or models of the most unique tanks ever of all time. However, the current combat vehicles are already retired, aka not used anymore for war. Moreover, the technology is also not as advanced as today's tanks. (Back to 1st part). *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | DID YOU KNOW]

Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.

Seeing the Su-35 Super Flanker be purchased by TNI-AU

Like in the competition of Miss Universe, then the contestant from Russia who offers the Sukhoi Su-35 Flanker E can be called as the strongest candidate to win the competition. No one denies that the Su-35 is the most advanced Russian fighter jet with an excellence label of multirole air superiority of 4++ generation fighter jets.

Sukhoi Su-35 Flanker E. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1lmDyjX)

Apart from the wide range of sophistication, since the beginning the Su-35 Flanker E as the only one that's capable of stealing the 'heart' of public in Indonesia. Admittedly, the view of community in Indonesia was so dominant which want the Russian fighter jets as the replacement candidates of Indonesian F-5E/F Tiger II fleet who immediately retired. Public support for the Su-35 in Indonesia has surfaced to non-technical problems, such as the longing for the glory of the Indonesian military while intimate moment with the Russian (in Soviet era) in the end of 1950s until 1960s, next to the matter of the embargo.

Sukhoi Su-35 Flanker E is the most advanced Russian fighter jet with an excellence label of multirole air superiority of 4++ generation fighter jets. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1IOCjik)

Russia mentioned was the country with the most low vulnerability in terms of the embargo, not because anti-embargo country, but rather on the Russian political/economy interests that is not too large in Indonesia, especially when compared to the interests of US and Western European in the country. Beside that Indonesia had experienced the embargo problems by the United States for the parts of the F-16 fighter jet, so that Indonesia experienced a difficult period in the operation of the F-16 plane fleet.

Instrument panels and joystick in the cockpit of Sukhoi Su-35 Flanker E. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1NAvBBZ)

While the TNI-AU (Indonesian Air Force) as the user, it also implies a desire to be able to get the aircraft, as consideration from the affairs of power deterrent, through technological transformation, certainly not so difficult for the pilots and technical personnel in the Indonesian Air Force has had experience in operating the Su-27SK/Su-30MK in Air Squadron 11 of Indonesian Air Force.

Hercules KC-130B of Indonesian Air Force which is used for an air-to-air refueling mission with the Sukhoi Su-27SK and Su-30MK. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1IyLVTu)

Similarly, the weapons that have been purchased to equip the Su-27SK/Su-30MK can be directly installed on the Su-35 Super Flanker. Some sophisticated missiles that had been owned by the Indonesian Air Force as the air-to-air missiles namely the R-73, R-77 and R-27. While the air-to-surface missiles, Indonesia already had the Kh-29TE and Kh-31P.

Apart from the non-technical problems above, the Sukhoi Su-35 by NATO labeled as 'Flanker E' is phenomenal. The Russian jet fighter which first flew on February 19, 2008, is actually the 'heavy upgrade' derivatives of the Su-27 Flanker, a single seat fighter jet who also owned by the Indonesian Air Force.

According to some sources, although not an official identity, the version offered to Indonesia is the Su-35BM. The Russian fighter jet was equipped with the excellence thrust vectoring engines which allows the cobra pugachev maneuver can be done easily, and also gives a distinct advantage when a dogfight happens.

Sukhoi Su-35 Super Flanker equipped the thrust vectoring engines. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1IOCjik)

Although the design is very similar to the Su-27, but the Su-35 structurally different from the Su-27, especially for electronic innards installed in the aircraft. Although the new avionic and sensor devices, but the radar is still adopting the Irbis-E PESA (Passive Electronically Scanned Array), but its reach and technologically is still considerably better than mechanically scanned radar, or conventional radar.

Sukhoi Su-35 Flanker E used the Irbis-E PESA (Passive Electronically Scanned Array) radar. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1IOCjik)

The Irbis-E radar on the Su-35 can detect 30 targets in the air simultaneously, and capable of carrying out attacks to eight targets simultaneously. Radar range is touted able to sniff out the targets up to a distance of 400 Km.

Talk about the airframe, the Su-35 structure is reinforced in order to have a longer service life than the Su-27, as well as retrofitting aircraft airframe is intended to be able to withstand the force due to extreme maneuvers.

The Sukhoi Su-35 Flanker E had its first debut at the Paris Air Show 2013 in Le Bourget, France. In such event, the Su-35 show the ability of an astounding maneuver and according to many observers difficult to surpassed by Western Europe fighter jets, it is said that only the F-22 Raptor can challenge it, because the American fighters equally powered by thrust vectoring engines. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | INDOMILITER]

Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.

Splinter: The Wooden Supercar with V8 Power

Wooden Marvel - Supercars have always been a symbol of human ingenuity and innovation. These machines are often seen as the pinnacle of engineering, blending advanced technology with breathtaking aesthetics. While most supercars boast cutting-edge materials like carbon fiber and titanium, there exists a unique creation that defies convention—a supercar crafted largely out of wood. This exceptional vehicle, known as the Splinter, turns heads not only because of its unconventional material but also because of the craftsmanship and engineering excellence it represents.

The Splinter, a wooden V8 engined supercar showed off at the Essen Motor Show 2015. (Picture from: GTSpirit)

The Splinter began as a bold concept for Joe Harmon’s thesis in 2005 and evolved through years of experimentation and refinement into the marvel it is today. Created by a team of industrial designers led by Harmon, the project drew inspiration from the iconic World War II fighter plane, the De Havilland Mosquito, renowned for its wooden wings. Harmon set out to redefine the potential of wood as a material, pushing its limits in automotive design. Though the idea of a wooden supercar might seem improbable, the Splinter proves that wood, when paired with innovative engineering, can be both functional and breathtakingly beautiful.

The Splinter posed along with models Jessica Kühne and Daria Eppert at the Essen Motor Show 2015. (Picture from: CK-ModelCars.de)

The body of the Splinter is a masterpiece of craftsmanship. It is made from a mix of thin slices of cherry wood and lightweight balsa wood, carefully engineered to balance strength and weight. The result is a structure that not only holds up under the demands of a high-performance vehicle but also exudes a natural beauty that synthetic materials cannot replicate. The attention to detail extends to the interior, where the dashboard and steering wheel are also made of wood, adding to the car's organic and artisanal appeal. Every inch of the Splinter is a testament to the meticulous effort and creativity of its creators.

Front three quarter of the Splinter at the Essen Motor Show 2015. (Picture from: T-Online.de)

Beneath its striking exterior lies a powerful heart—a 7.0-liter V8 engine capable of delivering an impressive 600 horsepower. Paired with a 6-speed gearbox, this engine ensures that the Splinter is not just a showpiece but a legitimate performance machine. While exact figures for its top speed remain undisclosed, the car's power and lightweight construction hint at thrilling performance potential. The combination of raw power and wooden elegance makes the Splinter a true one-of-a-kind supercar. 

Interior view of the Splinter at the Essen Motor Show 2015. (Picture from: TopSpeed)

What makes the Splinter even more remarkable is the way it challenges traditional notions of automotive design. Supercars are often associated with cutting-edge technology and futuristic materials, but the Splinter shows that looking to the past—in this case, the age-old art of woodworking—can yield something truly innovative. This wooden supercar is not just a feat of engineering but a celebration of nature’s materials and human ingenuity.

Joe Harmon behind the wheel of the Splinter at the Essen Motor Show 2015. (Picture from: CK-ModelCars.de)

The Splinter also serves as a reminder of the potential for sustainability in an industry dominated by synthetic materials. While the car was not designed with mass production in mind, it sparks an important conversation about how natural resources can be utilized in new and exciting ways. By demonstrating the capabilities of wood in a high-performance application, the Splinter encourages designers and engineers to think outside the box and explore alternative materials.

The Splinter's appearance at the Essen Motor Show in 2015 captivated audiences with its bold design and extraordinary concept. Its striking presence reminded the automotive world that creativity and craftsmanship still have a vital role to play in innovation. Though it wasn’t making its debut, the showcase underscored the Splinter’s impact as an extraordinary example of what is possible when ambition and artistry come together.

The Splinter is more than just a car—it’s a work of art, a conversation starter, and a symbol of what can be achieved when passion meets innovation. While it may not dominate the racetrack or revolutionize the industry, its impact lies in its ability to inspire. It reminds us that even in a world of high-tech materials and advanced engineering, there is still room for natural beauty, creativity, and the timeless appeal of wood. *** [EKA [06122015] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | GTSPIRIT | TOPSPEED | T-ONLINE.DE | CK-MODELCARS.DE ]

Note: This blog  can be accessed via your smart phone

Stonefish venom could reduce transplant rejection rate in cancer patients

Stonefish may be a nightmare for the divers, but fish with ugly and deadly form that was able to reduce the level of rejection of transplants in the Cancer patients. 

The scientists found similarities between the Stonefish deadly toxins, and how the human immune system reacts when they rejected a bone marrow transplant. These findings are particularly surprising given the Stonefish has a bad reputation.

Scientists found the Stonefish venom could reduce transplant rejection rate in cancer patients. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1Iq2GjU)

"If the sting does not kill you, it will be Stonefish can cause tremendous pain to be paralyzing and may even turn off the body's tissues and therefore the most likely members of the body that need to be amputated."

Jamie Seymour, an associate professor from James Cook University who specialises is venom, said the pain of Stonefish stings was excruciating. 

"Stonefish is one of the few animals that we know will only use the poison for defense," he said. But these fish were able to help scientists to understand more about the human body.

Professor James Whisstock of Monash University said the Stonefish venom contains a perforin protein which has the ability to make a hole in the body's cells.

"We were shocked to find the protein content in this Stonefish was associated with the main weapon used by the human body's immune system in eliminating cells infected by viral and malignant as cancer cells," he said.

The response of the immune system plays an important role in thwarting up to 30 percent of bone marrow transplant, which is used in the treatment of leukemia.

So understanding how these proteins form pores may help scientists find ways to prevent the formation of pores as often as possible, particularly through the development of the body's immune system suppressants.

"It gives us an idea of ​​how this protein can assemble into larger and form a ring-shaped pores," says Professor Whisstock.

And the information on the structure of the Stonefish toxin, it turned out to actively inform us of drug discovery programs that occur at this time.

Structure of the Stonefish venom really gives us some fantastic information about how to develop a molecule that is better to prevent the immune system to function when we're not wanted, for example, reject the transplanted organ.

Professor Seymour said the poison may occasionally contain important information and possibilities that need to be explored.

"If you could find out what exactly the structure and components of each of the pieces in this poison, then we can examine the structure and eventually discovered a new compound from the poison," he said.

The researchers hope to develop a molecule, which can be transferred to a medical clinical settings, in the next three years. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ABC NEWS]

Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.