Science 
Pure science with potential applications
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.
Rice and Fodder Intercropping: Improving yield and income sustainability
Marginal farmers cultivating rice in rainfed areas of Odisha will have better yield and income stability if they intercrop rice with leguminous crops such as cowpea or ricebean, say researchers in Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology. Read more for details.
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.
Spontaneous Abortions: Chlamydia and microRNAsÂ
Infection by Chlamydia trachomatis, a bacteria, can cause recurrent spontaneous abortions. Sangita Rastogi and team, ICMR-NIP, New Delhi recently identified two biomarkers in urine that signal the possibility of spontaneous abortion. Read on for details.
Spousal Violence Affects Reproductive Health
Violence against wives is very high in some Indian states. Researchers from the International Institute for Population Sciences, Mumbai find that it has serious consequences for maternal health and pregnancy outcomes. Read more for details.
Dealing with Dyes: Fungi to the rescue
Lakshmi Tiwari and Barkha Sharma from the G B Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pant Nagar have come up with a cute solution to water pollution by the dangerous dye, Congo red: agar plugs containing mycelia of the fungus, Penicillium crustosum.
Acrobatics of the Indian Roller:Â A birdbrained ballet!Â
What in the brains of male Indian roller birds make them fly so high only to shriek and fall rolling while in flight? Researchers from Allahabad University provide an answer: the seasonal changes in a part of the hippocampus in the bird’s brain.
STEAMindiaReports 