Science 
Pure science with potential applications
Nitrogen Dioxide Sensors: high sensitivity, fast response
Zinc oxide can be used as a sensor for nitrogen dioxide, a harmful gas. Researchers at PSG Institute of Advanced Studies, Coimbatore find that a nanofiber of zinc oxide sheathed by a thin layer of another metal oxide can improve the sensitivity as never before. Vishal Baloria reports.
Potato Peels and Pea Pods
Cellulases, enzymes that break down cellulose, are in high demand. But the supply is limited. Indian researchers have now come up with new sources and cheap raw materials to produce cellulases at an industrial scale. K. Yashkamal reports.
Bullet Chilli Seeds
Decades of irrigated cultivation of crops is turning agricultural lands more saline. So search is on for salt tolerant varieties. Recently, researchers from West Bengal explored the extent of salt tolerance of seeds’ germination and growth in a salt tolerant variety of chilli. Samikhya Bhuyan reports.
Bay Laurel Leaves: protect aquaculture fish
Fish productivity in aquaculture is affected by disease-causing microorganisms. To treat the diseases, antibiotics are used. But indiscriminate use leads to antibiotic resistance in the microorganisms. Instead of using antibiotics, we could improve the resistance of aquaculture fish to infections using immune-stimulants to activate immune responses to the infections. Recently, researchers at the Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences… Read More ›
Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A new therapeutic target
The causative mechanism behind inflammatory bowel disorder is not yet known. The therapeutic strategy to counter the inflammatory response targeted the pathway that was recognised earlier. But there is another pathway that influences inflammation. Soumen Basak’s lab at NII pry apart the role of the two pathways in inflammation. Alvina Deka reports:
AdipoRon Ameliorates Alzheimer’s: clues from diabetes research
Adiponectin, a signalling molecule from adipose tissues, has been implicated in insulin resistant cases of diabetes. AdipoRon, adiponectin receptor agonist, alleviates the symptoms. If not managed properly, diabetic patients develop Alzheimer’s disease. Can Adiporon reduce the symptoms of Alzheimer’s too? Neha Jawla reports recent findings from the National Institute of Immunology.
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:
Phosphate-solubilizing bacteria to save on fertilisers
A bacterial isolate from the rock phosphate mine in Jhamarkotra, near Udaipur, solubilises phosphorus, potassium and zinc, secretes siderophores to immobilise heavy metals and thus improves plant growth. A biofertiliser waiting to be exploited, say researchers from IPL Biologicals Limited, Gurugram.
Ginger Extracts: Free radical scavengers and radioprotectors
There are four ginger species that grow in Manipur. Ginger is known to have many beneficial molecules. But how do the four species differ in their nutraceutical properties? Researchers from the DM College of Science, Imphal recently investigated.
Khuban Buch, a researcher from Srinagar, Kashmir, reports the findings.
Strategic Action for Managing Forests in India
Forests are sources of livelihood for some, cleaner environment and a carbon sink for some others and a national pride for yet others. Yet forests are depleting and forest dweller, villagers nearby, forest officers and decision makers do not agree on how to manage forests. Recent research shows a logical way to manage forests sustainably.
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