“Yup That Exists”: 50 Weird But Very Real Things, As Shared On This Online Page (New Pics)

Bored Panda reached out to an electrical engineer and science communicator from "Scientifically Explained", Zaid Suhail, who kindly agreed to tell us more about his love for discoveries and how learning is important for personal growth.

Naturally, we were curious to know what initially sparked his interest in science. He told us, "Curiosity has always been a driving force behind my interest in discovery and science. From a young age, I found myself constantly questioning the world around me and wanting to understand how things worked.

Additionally, Islam, with its emphasis on seeking knowledge and understanding the universe as a reflection of the Creator's wisdom, further fueled my passion for discovery and exploration. The teachings of Islam encouraged me to pursue knowledge, ask questions, and seek understanding, ultimately shaping my interest in science and discovery."

Zaid believes that discovering and learning new things is crucial for personal growth, societal advancement, and the progression of humanity as a whole.

He says, "Throughout history, discoveries and learning have driven innovation, improved quality of life, and expanded our understanding of the world. They allow us to adapt to changing circumstances, solve complex problems, and push the boundaries of what is possible. Continuous discovery and learning foster creativity, critical thinking, and empathy, ultimately leading to a more informed and enlightened society."

We were also curious to know more about the process of scientific discovery in his research. He told us that it involves a combination of rigorous experimentation, theoretical analysis, and innovative problem-solving techniques.

"I start by thoroughly reviewing existing literature and identifying gaps or areas for further exploration. Then, I design controlled experiments or simulations to test hypotheses and gather data. I analyze the results using statistical methods and computational tools to uncover patterns or correlations.

Additionally, I collaborate with colleagues and seek interdisciplinary perspectives to gain fresh insights and approaches. Continuous iteration, peer review, and feedback are integral parts of my research process to ensure the reliability and validity of my findings.

Overall, my goal is to contribute to the advancement of knowledge and technology in the field of electrical engineering through systematic inquiry and creative thinking."

Zaid was also kind enough to provide some advice to those who might be stuck or can't seem to bring themselves to learn something new.

He said, "I would recommend approaching the challenge with a combination of patience, persistence, and flexibility. Firstly, it's important to recognize that learning is a process that takes time and effort, so it's okay to encounter obstacles along the way. Break down the subject matter into smaller, manageable chunks, and set realistic goals for yourself."

He additionally recommends seeking more diverse sources like textbooks, online courses, tutorials, and peer-reviewed articles to gain multiple perspectives and insights. "Don't hesitate to ask questions and seek help from experts or peers in the field. Collaborating with others can provide valuable support and encouragement," Zaid adds.

He further encourages to "embrace failure as an opportunity for growth rather than a setback. Analyze what went wrong, adjust your approach accordingly, and keep pushing forward. Remember that everyone learns at their own pace, so be kind to yourself and celebrate small victories along the way."

He signed off by saying, "Stay curious and maintain a positive attitude towards learning. Approach challenges with an open mind and a willingness to explore new ideas. With dedication and perseverance, you can overcome obstacles and successfully master new concepts or skills."

We, as humans, have more information than ever before, with 90% of the world’s data being produced in the last two years. And every two years, its volume doubles in size. 

While some of us might think that this would accelerate new discoveries even more, it turns out that isn’t the case. There’s been a significant decline in the number of scientific and technological innovations over time, according to a report published in Nature.

Even though areas like artificial intelligence and biotechnology seem to be blooming, the same thing can’t be said about the fields outside them.

As of 2021, there were more than 8.8 million scientists worldwide, but the report published in Nature in 2023 called “Papers and patents are becoming less disruptive over time” claims that we can see exponential growth in new scientific and technological knowledge, but it’s less likely to be groundbreaking and innovative.