Category: Featured

While forex trading may be a relatively tried-and-tested investment concept, the same cannot be said for cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin. Digital currencies certainly take volatility and dramatic price shifts onto a new level, with Bitcoin’s historic price run from $1,000 to $20,000 (and back again) in 2017 offering a relevant case in point.

There’s no doubt that cryptocurrency is at the cutting edge of innovation in the financial marketplace, while it continues to be driven by change and brand new applications. One of the latest is gaming, with various titles such as TradeStarts offering unique opportunities for players to trade virtual assets on the growing Ethereum platform. 

In this post, we’ll explore the links between gaming, cryptocurrency and forex trading, while asking whether gamers could ultimately dictate the future of these markets in the future.

The Inherent Links Between Gaming, Cryptocurrency and Forex Trading

Strategy or so-called ‘Massively Multiplayer Online Role-playing Games’ (MMORPGs) are well-represented in the digital age, although it’s fair to surmise that innovation in this vertical has tailed off since the halcyon days of World of Warcraft and Diablo.

While gamers have bemoaned the lack of a genuinely impressive MMORPG launch since 2010, this drop-off in the market coincided with the emergence of Bitcoin. 

There are certainly similarities between strategy and role-playing games and cryptocurrency, particularly in terms of individual components. For example, you can draw a direct link between the clans or armies that you see in MMORPG titles and the growing range of token available to investors, which boast a cumulative market capitalisation of $237.1 billion.

On and offline services can also be represented by the individual exchanges in the crypto space, and these subtle similarities are undoubtedly attractive to a demographic of gamers who are actively looking for something new and exciting.

Interestingly, you can apply the same logic and comparisons to the forex market, which also features a wide array of major and minor currency pairings and features several alternative exchanges and platforms such as the MT4.

Beyond These Comparisons – The Future for Gaming, Crypto and Forex

Of course, the blockchain technology that underpins cryptocurrency is already impacting forex and a raft of other marketplaces, with this technology offering autonomy, transparency and the removal of central control from specific platforms.

Even on a fundamental level in the world of gaming, blockchain is being used to create more convenient real-time payment methods on subscription based games and the freemium business model.

At the Game Developers Conference (GDC) recently, crypto and blockchain were hot-button topics for discussion, particularly in terms of the examples referenced above and how these new technologies will contribute to a $143 billion global industry.

In the case of the aforementioned TradeStars, this Ethereum-backed fantasy sports platform combines gaming and crypto in an even more engaging and obvious way. More specifically, it allows users to own, create, trade and monetise digital assets across an array of different sports, creating the opportunity to win huge prizes in a secure digital environment.

The takeaway here is clear; as the boundaries between gaming and cryptocurrency (and forex) become increasingly blurred and the level of collaboration between such entities continues to intensify over time.

We should definitely expect this trend to continue at pace for the foreseeable future, while gamers may also become one of the seminal crypto trading demographics and they become increasingly familiar with the underlying technology.

The invention of Bitcoin and more crypto coins after this made the cryptocurrency world’s entry in the real world. In an era of modern digital technology, this new form of money should progress, as expected, but controversies loomed over digital currency’s ultimate success for many years. The crisis is not yet over, but Bitcoin has initially shown its potential in the global financial market; a few other cryptocurrencies (altcoins) followed the same action as their predecessor Bitcoin. Many news has appeared in the media that narrated Bitcoin’s success stories on crypto trading platforms for many years. 

Bitcoin is today’s market

Bitcoin’s publicity and the real-life experience of many potential crypto traders have provided ample strength to Bitcoin’s status in the contemporary investment environment. Bitcoin grew as an impressive coin for crypto traders and stocks, forex, and commodity traders. Many have reshuffled their investment portfolios after viewing better profits in trading cryptos. Those who earlier considered Bitcoin a scam at its advent have now changed their opinion about this coin. 

Bitcoin is not a scam

Bitcoin was considered fraud because of the lack of security due to centralization on digital wallets and crypto exchanges, but it’s not true. A blockchain is not so easy to a break-in by the hackers. A paradox that decentralization can only bring safety is proved wrong. Decentralized fiat currencies have more risk of scams and thefts; many news portrays how hackers have been stealing fist currencies from the people’s accounts. Frankly speaking, the risk is an element of online transactions. When fiat currencies are transacted via internet banking or online exchanges, the hacking risk cannot be avoided. Scammers and hackers will never stop to target online platforms, but their actions can be nullified. It is up to the users how they manage the safety of their transactions. For instance, trading crypto is safe on a trusted crypto platform, like financial-peak.com It won’t be a challenging task to find a trusted crypto platform with a little bit of research.

Trading Bitcoin is a profitable business.

It is nothing but a little bit of clutter and disagreement about cryptocurrency. People who use Bitcoin know its benefits, but the non-users criticize it. A debate is still going on the genuine reputation of cryptocurrency in the financial markets. The problem is that cryptocurrencies lack support from the governments and total acceptance from the masses. Nowadays, Bitcoin, Ethereum, and a few more crypto coins are gaining the public’s confidence and trust. It would unquestionably help in building a positive opinion about cryptocurrency. Cryptocurrencies are not bad at all, as many of us see nowadays. Many investors see that Bitcoin business is one of the best business practices in the contemporary world. Thorough research, trading on a safe crypto platform, and a diversified investment portfolio can solve the issue of non-confidence on this money.

People’s interest in crypto trading

Bitcoin has revolutionized the world after the kick-off of Bitcoin trading. It has worried the governments but taken away worries of many people looking for more profitable investment. People are gradually losing interest in fiat currencies. If the trend continues like this, cryptocurrencies will gain dominance in financial markets; people will be able to improve their investment portfolios. Bitcoin trading markets are highly volatile that guarantee higher profits than trading in other assets. That’s why the philosophical point of view of active traders nowadays has changed; they are more interested in trading cryptocurrencies. The expert crypto traders know how to do trading in Bitcoin and altcoins. The new crypto traders can seek an expert’s guidance to learn proper and safe trading practices. They can gain more confidence in crypto trading by earning higher profits through regular engagement in this trading activity.

Wrap up

From the above discussion, you might have understood that Bitcoin or cryptocurrencies are not bad at all when you learn its working and trading. The blockchain technology used in transacting Bitcoin or altcoins is not easy to manipulate by the non-trusted elements. Frauds in cryptocurrency transactions are easy to track and monitor. You don’t need to get afraid and relax. We are at a stage when advanced technology is in action to nab cybercriminals that guarantee no security threat to the crypto trading platform users.

Note: This article is not meant to be financial advise.

The cryptocurrency was released in 2009 with the invention of Bitcoin and crypto family after that with altcoins in this family. Altcoins are similar to Bitcoin in characteristics, but they are successors of Bitcoin. Today, Bitcoin is the leading crypto, and a few altcoins follow its path. Cryptocurrency is progressive money, as seen in its historical trends, but it has remained under controversy for an extended period because of its lousy reputation. 

Why does cryptocurrency have a lousy reputation?

The critical question is whether cryptocurrency is good or bad money. Its lousy reputation is due to the following reasons:

• Cryptocurrency has not got legal recognition as money for everyday use.
• Cryptocurrency transactions created black money because the underworld has used it for illicit trades and financial transactions. Crypto has been widely used for money laundering.
• Cryptocurrency is for scams and frauds.
• Being digital money for online transaction, it can be easily hacked.
• Crypto money lost for once is gone forever.
• The blockchain technology used in cryptocurrency transactions seems far away from being relevant in the real world.
• Crypto coins are an unseen element, and many people are sceptical about their storage.

The difference of opinion

The above reasons are wholly relevant to prove that cryptocurrency is lousy money. The difference of opinion always exists when some invention is made. Cryptocurrency is a new invention, though it was made a little over a decade ago, this invention is unfamiliar to the masses. When people fail to know the real benefits of Bitcoin or its successive coins, the feasibility of improving crypto’s reputation in the financial markets is feeble. Still, Bitcoin outperformed to establish an excellent reputation of the cryptocurrency. Many people may not be familiar with altcoins’ names, but Bitcoin is known to even kids in the current. Many people don’t know how to use Bitcoin as money or replace it with fiat money, but they know that Bitcoin is digital money. Digital technology has a bright future. For this reason, Bitcoin holds a promising future. It is an ideology of an average individual.

Cryptocurrency is not lousy at all.

Bitcoin’s overall impact on the escalation of the criminal and money laundering activities is rarely known against cash transactions. Still, one thing is sure that cryptocurrency can be comfortably used with anonymity, and that’s why secure for unlawful transactions. These are a few activities about which we are actually not concerned as normal human beings. It is not a valid point of our discussion, as we aim to find the usefulness of cryptocurrency in our life. If you consider the benefits of cryptocurrency, you will surely be impressed with this money. Ask an active crypto trader who knows better about cryptocurrency’s profitability than anyone else. You can check more about trading cryptos on the website of the click money system.

How the opinion changes about crypto money

Opinions and views of the people are gradually changing about Bitcoin and many altcoins, as they have viewed this money from a different angle of profitability. Substantial profits can be derived from speculative trading, and Bitcoin is an excellent digital asset for this activity. If you believe in the power of blockchain, you would definitely believe in Bitcoin and many altcoins. Blockchain has the ability to transform modern society for improvement. The mass adoption of crypto money can be the best use of emerging blockchain technology. It is a new project that can benefit the masses when they adopt it fully. Blockchain will achieve the next level soon. One can realize all the possibilities by more exploration of this money. One cannot determine the usefulness of Bitcoin or altcoins without a real-world experience of cryptocurrency. You can start with the lessons on blockchain technology followed by cryptocurrency characteristics before you jump into crypto trading.

Wrap up

You can’t make a single opinion about cryptocurrency or Bitcoin, but decide between lousy, good, better, and the best. It is apparently not lousy until it is not used for illegal transactions. Bitcoin was good when it was invented; it is better than before; it could be the best in the future. It is up to you how you view it from various perspectives. It’s not only a time to wait and watch but also learn the different aspects of cryptocurrency for efficient use.

For two years, Idealoyal GhaClean team have been researching on the pragmatic measures to eradicate filth caused by solid waste materials. In the root cause analysis with the help of analytical thinking, we realized that solid waste material can cause filth mostly if it drops on the ground. 

Hence until the attention is focused on how to prevent waste materials from dropping or having the tendency to drop on the ground, we’ll continue to organize occasional “clean up exercises”. Unfortunately, “clean up exercises’ have proven to be ineffective to prevent filth or eradicate existing filth. Doesn’t this warrant the need to look for a better option?

Brief Explanation of the Waste Disposal Chain

Inasmuch as we wouldn’t want to criticize a system of waste management that has been in operation since time immemorial without giving an alternative solution, Idealoyal GhaClean has coined a phrase “Waste Disposal Chain” (WDC) to help eradicate filth without reoccurrence. 

The WDC is a mechanism which involves the chronological activities and actions required to manage waste from its inception to its final disposal. It operates in such a way that no one deliberately puts any waste material of any kind – including a match stick, toffee wrapper or tip of a pencil – generated by human activities (individuals or institutions) on the ground with the aim to sweep later. 

The process or the mechanism include Originator of Waste, Temporary Waste Storage Devices (Waste Bins/Bags), Waste Collectors, Waste Transfer Sites, Recycling Sites, Incineration Sites, and Landfill Sites. These processes have been thoroughly explained in the articles, “The Fight Against Filth: Waste Disposal Chain – Part 1, 2 & Final”.

The Waste WDC has proven and continue to prove why it’s the most effective mechanism to eradicate filth. Technology has evolved our way of life and therefore, it’s about time we let all and sundry become aware of the WDC mechanism and practice it accordingly with the use of outputs or devices derived from technology. 

Main Purpose of the Article

This article focuses on the use of the various print media: newspapers, magazines, journals, flyers, newsletters, books, etcetera to help people to practice the waste disposal chain in order to eradicate filth. We shall lay emphasis on four (4) functions – inform, educate, entertain and report – of print media with respect to how they can be related to the WDC.

Information

Most of the print media seek to communicate knowledge to readers or followers. Hence, they serve as avenues through which people can get to know that the first site for dumping any waste generated is waste bin/bag. This vital information can appear at the front pages of newspapers, for instance, the Daily Graphic and Junior Graphic, so that everyone (whether a child or an adult) will be abreast with it. 

Moreover, there can be textbooks and other learning materials at schools and other learning centers, like religious institutions, that have been designed to provide basic and adequate information on WDC to students as well as readers in general. In fact, knowledge about the WDC should be readily accessible and widely spread across all spheres of our endeavors. 

Education 

Some of the print media seek to develop readers or followers mentally, morally, or aesthetically by giving instructions. In this regard, the process of the WDC should be described with images and diagrams in various newspapers, magazines, textbooks, and etcetera. 

Specifically, children should be given such training through reading or learning materials at various institutions: schools, colleges, churches, mosques, homes, and so forth. This will go a long way to change the attitude of the next generation towards waste management. It’s apparent that a child who gets training on the WDC today will grow to live with it. 

Entertainment 

The print media that are established to entertain readers or followers also fit the narrative of making the WDC known. There are newspapers, magazines, books or flyers that talk about the lifestyles, performances, achievements, opinions, and etcetera of celebrities. Because those celebrities have fan bases, their opinions on the WDC can be written or described in the print media for their supporters or fans to practice.

For instance, Glitz Africa Magazine can publish that Sarkodie, arguably the biggest musician in Ghana, has advised Ghanaians to desist from indiscriminate littering by adopting the attitude of “unless I see a waste bin, I ain’t dropping waste material anywhere”. The fan base of Sarkodie called SarkNation and all music lovers will adhere to such advice to help eradicate filth.

Reporting

Some people will be much knowledgeable about the WDC, and even though adequate waste bins and all other mechanisms will be in place, recalcitrant individuals or institutions will litter indiscriminately. Such people might need mental health care or need to be punished to serve as a deterrent to others. 

However, there are some people who will practice the WDC to achieve its objective of eradicating filth without reoccurrence. Obviously, such people need to be commended and rewarded to encourage others to emulate.

Also, there can be tremendous initiatives like the manufacture of waste bins with different kinds of materials, purchase of recycling plant, and construction of community/municipal incineration sites by the government, firms or individuals. 

In view of that, the print media can be used to give detailed accounts or reports of what happens on a periodic basis as far as the WDC is concerned. Those reports will be talking points for days, weeks or months. 

Conclusion 

Practising the Waste Disposal Chain (WDC) to achieve desired results is a collective responsibility. The contributions of the various print media are needed in the efforts to eradicate filth with WDC. 

About The Author

Harry Sarfo Diko, popularly known as Jamigy Harry, is the sole proprietor of Idealoyal Enterprise – a registered business (with GhaClean as one of its objects of business). He holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting & Finance) Degree from the University of Cape. He’s much enthusiastic about Entrepreneurship and solving societal problems.

Email: [email protected] 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harry-sarfo-diko-1a392317b
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarfo.jamigyharry
Twitter: @jamigyharry

If your business is tackling a massive amount of physical documents on a regular basis, you need to adopt a digital signature. With the enhancement of technology, many businesses are moving towards precision and accuracy. One of these exclusive technologies, an electronic signature, is one of them.

 An electronic signature is a mathematical code that indicates the validity of digital documents or messages that allow you to sign a document digitally and authenticate the signer. The digital signature is usually compared to the fingerprints since they comprise an exclusive set of data used for identification purposes.

However, many companies still prefer handwritten or wet ink signatures, but there are many benefits of adopting an electronic signature. If you are looking for E-solution services to adopt an electronic signature, then go for CocoSign.

CocoSign: The Best E-Sign Solution

CocoSign is an e-solution provider which offers you an in-person signing feature. It permits you all across the firm to insert their signatures on the documents. CocoSign uses a progressive electronic encryption procedure to keep your information and documents secure. When you sign up CocoSign, you will encounter an advanced layer of security and authentication with passcode and fingerprint.

When you register CocoSign, you can check this signature creator and make your document innovatively safe. It is being used in more than 190 countries, which consider CocoSign as an outstanding E-service provider. Numerous companies feature CocoSign and receive an exceptional response. These companies involved Forbes, Mac World, CENT, which have found CocoSign as the best e-sign service supplier.

The use of an electronic signature is a considerable modification that can carry businesses to new heights. The acceptance of electronic signature and application on your business will make it paperless to some amount. Help yourself in growing your business to the modern world with CocoSign because you would be able to streamline workflow with CocoSign vastly. It enables you to gather and insert the electronic signature on your documents while offering numerous forms, contract and agreement templates.

 If you are still not convinced to adopt an electronic signature, you can go through the following several reasons why a business should use an electronic signature.

Workflow proficiency

With lesser postponements, electronic signature guarantees better proficiency in the workflow. It helps in managing the documents in a simpler and faster way. Various time-taking documents to complete the procedure makes it effortless to complete the documentation. The digital signature also helps you organize the information and documents and keep them secured.

Moreover, you can find your documents without any trouble since there is no mess up of papers. Another reason that a company should acquire an electronic signature is that you would be able to track your documents.

CocoSign is there to assist you with single details about your documents. Once you sign in CocoSign, it will send you an email if a document has remained signed yet.

Save time and effort 

Some documents need to be signed by a whole team or multiple people; it takes time. Besides, a document contains numerous pages, and each page needs to be signed, how much time would it take for a single person. It may take hours or sometimes days.

If you choose a digital signature, you can do this in a while without any effort. Even if a document needs to be signed by several people from different countries, it can be sent in a minute digitally.

Consequently, you would be able to save a considerable amount of time and effort. Obtaining an electronic signature will diminish the effort you use to keep the documents into cabinets and cupboards to keep them safe. You can invest your saved time and effort in growing your business to the next level.

Safe and secure

When you deal with paper documents, you have a huge responsibility to keep them safe and secure. And you try your best, but it can also happen to some extent. Since there is always a threat that paper documents may get misplaces, damaged, or stolen if they are essential. Electronic signature has brought an innovative level of safety and security towards your documents.

With CocoSign, you can adopt electronic documents that are kept safe with excellent security protocols. CocoSign is specifically there to implement your document to send, receive, and store the digital documents.

The electronic signature does not only provide you with the necessary security, but it also keeps track of all the significant information related to your signing contracts. Hence, the electronic signature guarantees additional reliability and precision to keep your documents safe and secure.

Ending note

So these were some reasons why a business should acquire electronic signatures and documents. CocoSign helps you progress your business more safely. Furthermore, by adopting digital signatures, you can save you money, time, and effort.

Online sports betting is the leading form of gambling worldwide. It generates more than half of the revenue the gambling industry earns each year. Betway allows pundits to wager on the phones and desktops. It has an easy to understand website with different features. In this article, we discuss six things that have increased the popularity of online sports betting.

Incentives and Prize Promotions

Betting firms and online casinos often provide their customers with bonuses, incentives, and prize promotions. For example, you can get a 15 percent bonus on your winnings if you place an accumulator with more than four bets. Or, your favorite bookie can award you with loyalty points that you can use to place bets. Such incentives help bookies keep existing clients.

New Gamblers Feel Welcome

Many beginners feel intimidated when they go to land-based casinos. Betting firms such as Betway have reliable customer representatives who promptly respond to queries. This makes new players feel welcome and enjoy placing bets online. Some bookmakers offer free trials to help you familiarize yourself with different online games.

Online Gambling is Convenient

Many people spend a lot of their free time on mobile phones and computers. You can place bets from anywhere as long as there is a reliable internet connection. Thus, this eliminates the need to travel to a land-based casino to wager. Besides, you can place online bets at any time of the day.

A Diverse Betting Market

Many brick-and-mortar casinos have a limited number of games. But, sportsbooks offer a wide array of betting markets. They cover sports such as athletics, basketball, baseball, cricket, football, golf, hockey, rugby, swimming, tennis, and volleyball. This allows gamblers to wager on their favorite sports. Furthermore, you can bet on individual players or teams.

Many Gambling Options

Many amateur punters start betting on popular sports like basketball and football before they venture into other sports. Betting firms often cover leagues from different countries. So, if you are a sports enthusiast who likes betting on soccer, you can combine bets of different football leagues including the English Premier League, Ligue 1 and Serie A.

Online sports betting offers a variety of gambling options that are hard to find in traditional casinos. This makes it interesting throughout the year. Also, sportsbooks introduce new betting options frequently. Some of them are ideal for beginners while others suit experienced punters.

Easy Verification of Sportsbooks

Security is among the main factors that gamblers consider before they choose a specific bookie. They need to be assured about the safety of their money and personal details. So, many people often verify whether a bookmaker is legitimate or not. Genuine firms display their operational licenses on their websites and have positive reviews from clients. Online sports gambling makes it easy to verify sportsbooks.

Improved mobile connectivity has promoted the growth of online sports betting. Now, gamblers can place pre-game bets, live bets, and future bets at Betway. It is important to check the previous results, team roster, and team schedule to determine the probability of a team winning a game. Avoid betting based on emotions. Instead, use statistics and tips from renowned tipsters to increase your chances of winning.

The most confusing aspect of any online casino is considered to be the welcome bonus that is offered to online visitors as they create their online account with any online casino website. Unlike free spins no wager by Johnslots, most of the casino bonuses are designed in such a way that these bonuses make you play your favourite online casino game for a longer period of time making you invest more of your money in the game. Essentially, you can say that these welcome bonuses do give your extra cash in the game but also have some hidden drawbacks.

Bonuses are one of the valuable and lucrative features that make these online casinos more interesting for all the players, however, there are certain things that every player should learn about before they start with their games.

In this article, we are going to take a look at the different aspects of online casino bonuses that every online casino player should know about.

What is a casino bonus?

Casino bonuses are basically a form of additional cash that is given to new players by the online casino platform on which they create their account and deposit a certain amount of money in their online wallet. There are different types of casino bonuses that are offered by different casinos, which is why players should choose their bonus according to the type of game that they are interested in.

These casino bonuses are just a form of marketing tool that is used by online casinos to attract more and more customers. Additionally, casinos do use these different bonuses to keep their existing players engaged as well.

Pros And Cons

Just like everything else, there are some pros and cons associated with casino bonuses as well. In this section, we are going to take a look at the different pros and cons that you get as you avail these welcome bonuses.

+Players get an increase in the number of bets they can place along with a significant bonus on their bankroll.

+ As you get additional cash for free, this means that you can enjoy more games and spend more time with your favorite game online.

+Increase in the number of times you can bet also means that there are increased chances of winning.

+Lastly, spending more time in the game is going to increase your experience and skills over time.

Coming to the downside of these casino bonuses:

– The biggest drawback to online casino bonuses is the playthrough policy that is followed by almost every online casino. This means that players can not withdraw their winning until they spend a certain amount of money in the game or not until they complete multiple deposits.

This will mostly make players lose most of their winning as welcome online casino bonuses are only applicable to certain games that are generally beneficial for the casino.

In order to clear any bonus, players need to finish their games as soon as they can which will allow them to cash out their winning without any problem. Although, this will also increase your chance of losing as you might get your hand on some specific games only.

Types Of Casino Bonuses

Considering the type of bonus that you choose there are different variants that are there

No Deposit Bonus

As the name suggests, No deposit bonuses are completely promotional bonuses that are offered by online casinos in order to attract customers. No deposit bonuses generally include free chips, free spins, or slots. However, players can’t win anything extraordinary out of these types of online casino bonuses, which is why they are used by players to hone their skills and get a better understanding of the game that they are interested in

First Deposit Bonus

This type of bonus is something that you get as you deposit a certain amount of cash in your online wallet. With First deposit bonuses, you get additional cash that you can use while playing your favorite game. Although, it is really important that you consider the terms and conditions of the first deposit bonus as it may limit you from playing your favorite game in online casinos until the offer expires.

Reload Bonus

This is something that casinos offer to their regular customers in order to keep them interested. For every deposit their customers make, they get additional chips, cash, or spins.

Valued Member Bonus

In order to keep their most important and valuable players interested in the casino, online casinos often give free rewards to all the players that use their platform consistently.

Final Verdict

Online casino bonuses are a great way through which both players and casinos can get really great profit. For players, it is really important that they choose their online casino bonuses carefully, and according to the type of game that they play. Moreover, we have shared most of the basic things that every online casino player should know about online casino bonuses.

Microsoft Excel has been a darling to many researchers in the biology sector and other major fields. It has been the most preferred tool for various research for quite a long time despite some challenges. One crucial problem is the naming system used for human genes. 

Traditionally, every gene name has two name parts: a string and an integral part called a symbol. Researchers encountered problems when Microsoft Excel interpreted the numerical part of the name (the symbol) for a date. As such, a solution had to be found to aid the proper coordination of research. This will be seen as the Hot Target of the genetics research industry.

Over the last twelve months or so, researchers embarked on a journey to rename the affected genes, and they have successfully renamed 27 genes as we write this. While you may think this was not appropriate, scientists had no alternative since Excel does not allow you to turn off auto-formatting dates. This makes it easy to corrupt data by exporting to CSV or importing back to Excel without consideration for formatting.

In a report released earlier in August, the Hugo Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC) said it had released new guidelines for gene naming. To many scientists, that’s one barrier that has been put aside. However, the organisation that is tasked with regulating the naming of genes will have to store the old names and symbols in a bid to prevent confusion. 

The New-look

Following the new naming guidelines, Membrane Associated Ring-CH-Type Finger 1, which was previously abbreviated as MARCH1, will now be known as MARCHF1. Senior members of the HGNC revealed to the verge that gene naming is more of a consensus thing than just a directive. This is a shift from the old days when researchers would have their way of naming genes and often giving them fancy names.

Therefore, the committee had to consult with researchers before announcing the changes. Primarily, the HGNC considered researchers whose work will be affected by the changes the most.

HGNC holds that gene names should be unique and must not spell out offensive words in any case regardless of the language. HGNC officials say that changes in gene naming procedures are taken seriously, given that genes are the backbone of many types of research.

In the past, genes with names that could be read as nouns – leading to misinterpretation and false positives – have been renamed. Bruford, a senior member of the committee, is quoted as saying that the gene name formulation takes into account a situation of a clinician explaining the mutation of a particular gene to a layman patient. 

The Expectation and Reception

The news was warmly received by researchers across the divide, with some taking to Twitter to express their joy. However, many expected that Microsoft would perhaps release a version of the Excel software capable of handling genetics research without messing around with data. Even so, the company hasn’t expressed any interest in the preceding and is yet to comment on the new developments. According to Bruford, Microsoft is justified to avoid changing its software to cater to a single-use case while there are a hundred others that are already satisfied.