Science 
Pure science with potential applications
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.
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 microRNAs
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.
