Edition 40 - Tech For Good, Spare Organs & The Design Of Evolution

Dear Reader,

Welcome to Between Calls, your weekly dose of hand-picked stories from the worlds of digital marketing, wellness & science. Blending commerce, consciousness & curiosity Between Calls brings you insights to make you think & think again.

In this week's edition we're bridging the gap between technology, evolution and the wonders of our own biology. First up, we're taking you inside the TechForGood India Conclave 2024, a melting pot of ideas transforming sustainability through technology. Next we'll explore the marvels of our bodies i.e. extra organs & related insights from Harvard Health. Finally we'll explore a fascinating Phys.org study that rethinks the randomness of evolution. So we have tech for good, extra organs & the design of evolution this week. Happy reading!

Kabir says -

“A tech-for-good technologist, a master of spare organs, and an evolutionary sage walk into a bar. The technologist says, "I'm digitizing world peace as we speak." The spare organ master responds, "That is child's play – I’m rearranging the building blocks of life!" To which the sage just chuckles & responds "Cute gadgets and organs, yet evolution is the original life hacker." The bartender, who is listening to them brag pours a drink & adds "Great, but can any of you make a mean martini in 30 seconds? I don’t think so"

DIGITAL MARKETING

Tech For Good

When technology meets social imapct, good things happen. The TechForGood India Conclave 2024, presented by Nasscom Foundation is setting up to do just that. The initiative is a visionary push towards the UN's 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. With technology as the key catalyst, it aims to bridge digital divides and foster knowledge societies. Attendees will experience a fusion of live tech demonstrations, engaging discussions and networking opportunities with industry leaders and innovators.Together we can change India, bit by bit. Full disclosure, I conducted a masterclass at the event for social entrepreneurs on how to use Gen AI to achieve SGDs. 

WELLNESS

Why Do We Have Spare Organs

Ever wonder why we have two kidneys when we can survive with just one? Harvard Health wrote this fascinating piece about our body's built-in backups. It's like our own survival kit. We're talking kidneys, lungs and more This intriguing article explains how our 'extra' organs, like kidneys and lungs, are not just spare parts but crucial elements ensuring survival and enhancing quality of life. It's a fascinating journey into why we have more than what we need and how this surplus plays a vital role in our wellbeing. Do read to learn about and appreciate the incredible resilience our bodies offer. 

SCIENCE

The Design Of Evolution

Does nature play dice ? We may not know the answer to that question yet but Phys.org seems to be challenging the understanding of evolution & it's randomness in this article.
This pivotal study, led by experts from the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University, utilizes machine learning to unveil a new predictability in the evolutionary journey. Researchers have found patterns in the chaos, suggesting that evolution isn't as random as we thought. There could be design behind the screen which isn't visible to us just yet. With implications stretching from synthetic biology to climate change mitigation, this research signifies a monumental shift in evolutionary studies.  

PROMPTITUDE

Ignite Ideas, One Prompt At A Time: Plug in this prompt to any LLM to understand the role of short naps in the field of health & wellness.

"Assume the role of an evolutionary biologist who is adept at explaining complex scientific debates in a straightforward and engaging manner. Your task is to present a balanced view of the arguments for and against the idea of 'design in evolution.' Begin with a simple explanation of what 'design in evolution' implies, including its interpretation in both the scientific community and popular discourse. Then methodically lay out the key arguments supporting the idea, such as the appearance of complexity and order in biological systems and contrast these with the counterarguments, including the principles of natural selection and random mutation. Ensure your explanations are clear, concise and free of technical jargon, using relatable analogies or examples where appropriate. The goal is to provide an accessible and unbiased overview of this debate, highlighting its fundamental points, for an audience that may not have a deep background in evolutionary biology or science"

FROM THE BOOKSHELF

To do this week: We all have clutter in our lives, whether it’s physical, digital, emotional, or even spiritual. Here’s a powerful Ted Talk on how to move from clutter to clarity to help you declutter your life. Watch Video.

Stay Informed, Stay Ahead!

About the author: abhinavchetan.com

FEEDBACK

What's your rating for today's edition?