Research

Scientists at the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), Port Blair, have developed a highly effective kit to detect the multi drug resistant (MDR) strains of the gram positive bacteria Enterococcus faecalis. This tool would enable rapid detection of the virulence of the pathogen in a single step, which would be an important tool not only in the healthcare system but also in anti-bioterrorism measures and environmental monitoring applications.

Taking a clue from this, researchers from the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune (IISER Pune) in collaboration with the BJ Medical College have developed a fast and sensitive device that can help detect asymptomatic COVID-19 patients by testing their sense of smell. By accurately measuring the ability to smell, one could detect an asymptomatic COVID-19 infection caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus.

The rugged and undulating terrain of the Western Ghats teems with life. Its numerous water bodies — streams, lakes and rivers — are a treasure trove of undiscovered species for scientists. Studies suggest that insects constitute more than half of the currently described species globally. A recent discovery of three new species of damselfly found near water bodies across the Western Ghats adds to the list.

On 14, February 2003 when the first cloned variety of sheep, Dolly died there have been huge speculations about cloned varieties of animals. To take this challenge team of scientists from the Central Institute for Research on Buffaloes (CIRB) have developed multiple clones of bulls under a project funded by the Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR).

The NIOT study found that immobilized bacterial cells had better oil degrading capacity than the free bacterial cells. It was found that they could remove 84% of the oils within 10 days. The free bacterial cells degraded a maximum of 60% of the crude oil at optimized conditions. These findings evince their efficacy in treating accidental bulk discharge of oil in marine environment through nontoxic clean-up technology.

ISRO chairman Dr K Sivan indicated that the Indian human space flight is set for August 2022, although some small shift may take place owing to disruptions due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Scientists are constantly working to find new ways to control various crop diseases. A recent study, conducted by the researchers at the New Delhi based National Institute of Plant Genome Research (NIPGR), has discovered that modulating the functions of pathogen responsible for sheath blight, could be a game changer in the fight against the menacing rice disease.

Decentralised Waste Management technology developed by CSIR-CMERI can result in drastic reduction of expenditure related to Transportation Logistics and can help reductions in CO2 emissions, by reducing fossil fuel usage. The Scientifically Decentralised Waste Processing Hubs will help multiply outreach for various locations and will also boost the manufacturing potential for the residents of the region.

Scientists have developed a synthetic material that mimics the dynamic capability of living organisms to adapt to new environments by utilizing simple natural design principles to create complex networks. The new materials developed opens new avenues for smart materials because of their dynamic and adaptive nature. Hence, they would be useful as recyclable polymers for the energy and biotechnology sector.