Sibusiso Khumalo
Stories (8)
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How AI could help us talk to animals
Back in the 1980s, Joyce Poole observed a fascinating behavior among African elephants. Whenever an elephant would call out to its family, only one member might respond, while others would ignore the call. This pattern intrigued her: was there a method behind these calls, possibly directing them to specific individuals? Despite her observations, there was no concrete way to verify this hypothesis at the time.
By Sibusiso Khumaloabout a year ago in Futurism
Why "pop-up" restaurants are everywhere now
As the clock ticked towards the evening, I saw a growing line of eager customers outside, waiting for me to open. The line stretched with 20, then 50, and soon 100 people, each person ready to taste what we had to offer. I put my head down, focused solely on the task at hand, and began making tortillas with a steady rhythm: boom, boom, boom. There was no other way to keep up with the demand.
By Sibusiso Khumaloabout a year ago in Feast
How pit bulls got a bad reputation
Recently, a tragic incident involving a pitbull breeder who was killed by his own 13 pitbulls has reignited discussions about the perceived dangers associated with this breed. Such stories frequently highlight the fear and controversy surrounding pitbulls, leading to the belief that these dogs are inherently more dangerous than others. But why is this the case? What has shaped this negative perception of pitbulls, and how accurate is it?
By Sibusiso Khumaloabout a year ago in Petlife
What are warts — and how do you get rid of them?
Throughout history, various remedies and superstitions have been proposed to explain the origins of warts. People believed that warts were caused by contact with things such as sea foam, boiled egg water, and notably, toads. The idea that toads were involved in the formation of warts is now known to be a misconception. In reality, toads are completely innocent of this affliction. The warty appearance of toads is due to their skin's mucus-secreting and poison-secreting glands, not any magical properties.
By Sibusiso Khumaloabout a year ago in Humans
Why is it so dangerous to step on a rusty nail?
In the 5th century, the renowned Greek physician Hippocrates, who is credited with creating the Hippocratic Oath, encountered a troubling case during a sea voyage. The ship's captain was gravely ill with symptoms that included severe muscle spasms, jaw clenching, and a stiffness that affected his neck and spine. Despite Hippocrates' thorough documentation of these symptoms, he was unable to identify or treat the affliction. Tragically, the captain died six days later. This early account is now recognized as one of the first documented cases of tetanus. Fortunately, contemporary medical practices have advanced significantly, enabling physicians to effectively manage this once-mysterious infection.
By Sibusiso Khumaloabout a year ago in Humans
What Was Happening on Earth Before Dinosaurs Roamed
Billions of years ago, our entire solar system was nothing more than a vast cloud of dust and gas floating in the expanse of space. This tranquil existence was disrupted by an unknown event, the cause of which still puzzles scientists. Some hypothesize that a distant star might have exploded in a supernova, sending shockwaves that set this Dust Cloud into motion. As the cloud began to spin faster, the dust and gas within it were drawn towards the center, forming a dense, rotating disc known as a solar nebula. The gravitational forces at the center of this disc became so intense that hydrogen atoms began to collide with each other, creating helium and releasing enormous amounts of energy. This cataclysmic process ultimately led to the birth of our Sun approximately 4.6 billion years ago.
By Sibusiso Khumaloabout a year ago in Earth
How to navigate loneliness, according to neuroscience. AI-Generated.
From a young age, society often conditions us to view solitude as a negative trait. We’re taught to perceive someone who is alone as a "loner," someone who might be unlikable or lacking the qualities needed to integrate into a group. This early stigma shapes our understanding, making us believe that being alone equates to something being wrong with us. When loneliness sets in, it can lead to rumination, catastrophizing social situations, and becoming trapped in negative thought patterns. These thoughts not only influence behaviors but also have tangible effects on our brains and bodies. However, it's possible to expand our perceptions, feel more connected, and overcome the isolating experience of loneliness.
By Sibusiso Khumaloabout a year ago in Humans
Musk Lawsuit Explained. AI-Generated.
Elon Musk, a name synonymous with innovation, technology, and space exploration, is also no stranger to legal battles. While the average person may be aware of some high-profile lawsuits, such as those involving OpenAI or Musk's controversial pay package, there are numerous other cases that could have significant implications for his companies, including Tesla and X (formerly Twitter). Understanding the scope and impact of these legal challenges provides a deeper insight into the complexities surrounding Musk's business empire.
By Sibusiso Khumaloabout a year ago in Humans
