Science 
Pure science with potential applications
India Research Reports, 2nd quarter 2024
Here are forty six science news reports published in Current Science from April to June this year compiled into one PDF. The other reports that you see on this site are spill overs: when the number of reports go more than what a four page column can accommodate, they are posted on this site. But… Read More ›
Contemporary scientific research in India
In spite of cuts in budget allocation for research, delays in project funding and payments for fellowships, India has not yet managed to destroy the backbone of researchers as it has done to media and civil society. Here are some snippets of contemporary research in India, reported in Current Science in the first quarter of… Read More ›
Molecular markers to distinguish aromatic rice of Kerala
Researchers from the Kerala Agricultural University found three molecular markers to distinguish two aromatic rice varieties of Kerala from non-aromatic ones. This can help detect adulteration of aromatic rice with non-aromatic rice. The markers can also help researchers select aromatic rice plants for breeding purposes. Saravanan M reports.
Chronic Kidney Disease in Rural Andhra Pradesh
Cases of chronic kidney disease of unknown cause were seen in Uddhanam, Andhra Pradesh and later, in Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry. Similar cases have been reported from other parts of the world. What are the kidney pathologies in such cases and what could be the cause? Recent research provides clues. A report by M Karunanithi.
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 fishÂ
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.
STEAMindiaReports 