Research

Indian scientists have developed a composite paper made of carbon (graphene oxide) loaded with preservatives that can be used as wrappers to help extend shelf life of fruits. Unlike the present preservative dipping technology, where the preservatives are adsorbed by the fruit, causing chronic toxicity to the consumers; here preservatives the wrapper releases the preservative only when needed. The wrapper can be reused, which is not possible with the present technology.

Dhriti Banerjee, entomologist with an expertise in Diptera, has taken over as the 18th director of the 105-year institute on August 6. Headquartered in Kolkata, the ZSI has 16 regional centres and about 300 scientists.

The four astronaut-elects part of the Gaganyaan programme are scheduled to begin their India training from the first week of September with the National Medical Advisory Council constituted specifically for the programme, having laid out the protocol to be followed given the pandemic situation.

Centre for Battery Engineering and Electric Vehicles Research (C BEEV) has developed a range of motors and sub assemblies for commercial deployment. “All e-vehicle makers now import motors and assemble them. We now have motors and sub assemblies fully designed and developed here,” said Prof Ashok Jhunjhunwala of C BEEV.

An Indian scientist has developed an advanced wound dressing based on agarose, a natural polymer derived from seaweed agar, for the treatment of infected diabetic wounds and patients suffering from chronic wounds. This indigenous dressing will allow cost-effective dressings for chronic wound patients and will also pave the way for business incubation.

The Indian Space Research Organisation’s (Isro) third attempt at launching Gisat-1, a first-of-its-kind earth observation (EO) satellite, will happen in mid-August if all goes as per the space agency’s plan.

Dr. Yogita K Adlakha, an Inspire Faculty Fellow, has developed human-based models to study neuron development and neurodevelopmental disorder such as autism which can help design treatment strategies for such brain disorders.

Indian researchers have come up with an innovative hydrogen manufacture route which increases its production three times and lowers the energy required that could pave the path towards environment-friendly hydrogen fuel at a lower cost.

A researcher at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi has designed a device for high-density magnetic memory, in collaboration with the National University of Singapore (NUS).The proposed device may help reduce frequent charging of wireless electronic devices such as mobile phones and other Internet of Thing (IoT) based devices.