Telengana 
West Bengal rice landraces: markers for genetic diversity
(0)The traditional rice landraces in West Bengal are under threat due to the new high-yielding varieties. The traditional rice varieties are better at surviving under climatic and other abiotic stresses. To save the gene pool for the future, we need to distinguish the genetic markers. Gayathri reports recent research.
Elephants and humans: conservation, coexistence and conflict
Between 2000 and 2023, more than 1400 humans died in Assam due to elephants and more than 625 elephants died due to humans. Which are the hotspots of elephant-human conflict? What can be done to reduce the problem? Sanghamitra reports recent research by Indian researchers.
Pigeon pea problem: solution with soybean
Indian researchers discover how to save pigeon pea crops from the monsoon variability. To reduce chances of loss to farmers due to diseases and pests, and market variability, here are some tips from six years of research. Sanghamitra reports.
Rice Crop at Risk in India: new frontiers for hopperburn
The brown planthopper can destroy rice crops. Now the pest is seen mostly in the east and south of India. But if the climate changes, the pest may invade other regions in India. Recent research identified the possible extent of expansion of the pest’s habitat. Sanghamitra reports research from Cuttack.
Tuberculosis bacteria in labs: search for a clinically appropriate model
The abundance of food, comfort and safety in culture media have made the strain of tuberculosis bacteria in labs less virulent over generations. Indian scientists from NCR region have now come up with protocol for producing a more clinically relevant laboratory model. Bharati Swamy reports:
Spotted Owlet: Biocontrol Agent in Agriculture
Researchers from the PJTSAU, Hyderabad investigated the dietary preferences of the spotted owlets in and around Rajendranagar. By analysing the pellets of indigestible food regurgitated by the owlet, the researchers demonstrate the value of the bird for farmers. Aparna Kalawate reports:
Transparent Metallic Electrodes: for flexible digital devices
Scientists from NIT Warangal, DMRL Hyderabad, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, and ARCI Hyderabad have now come out with a super thin, transparent and flexible metallic electrode for optoelectronics and wearable digital devices. Read the report here:
Mercury and Methylmercury: detect and discriminate
Mercury in the environment is dangerous to human health. Methyl mercury is even more so. Nilanjan Dey from BITS Pilani, Hyderabad has designed a cost effective and highly sensitive method to detect both.
Detecting Ovarian Cancer
Researchers from IIT Hyderabad and IIT Bombay collaborated to come up with a method to detect ovarian cancer. They attached antibodies against fibronectin, a protein, to porous carbon derived from sweet corn husk to make the biosensor.
Hydrogen from Food Waste: Piloting the process
An estimated seven crore tonnes of food waste is thrown out by Indians every year, polluting the environment. Converting this waste into biohydrogen energy is an economic opportunity, say researchers from CSIR-IICT. Municipalities need to listen to this.
