A new review reveals that rising global temperatures, increased pollution, and extreme weather events are driving a global surge in eye diseases, disproportionately affecting vulnerable communities and challenging healthcare systems.

Research Matters

Silver nanoparticles, enhanced with plant extracts, promotes plant growth: Study

Silver nanoparticles are nanoparticles of silver whose size varies from 1 nm to 100 nm. They are commonly used in the manufacture of about 200 consumer products, including clothing and cosmetics. While their antibacterial properties are hailed, reckless dumping of these nanoparticles is reported to pollute water and soil due to formation of toxins like silver sulfide.

Prof. K VijayRaghavan appointed as Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government

On the 26th of March, 2018, Prof. K VijayRaghavan, ex-Secretary, Department of Biotechnology (DBT), and ex-Director of the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), was appointed the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India. He succeeds Dr. R. Chidambaram and is expected to assume the office shortly.

Now, a leaf can mine gold from e-waste!

In a new study, researchers have developed a low-cost and eco-friendly method to extract gold from electronic waste using the leaves of the plant Lagerstroemia speciosa, commonly called the Pride of India. They have applied the principle of biosorption—the ability of biological materials in an aqueous solution to bind with heavy metals—to extract gold from wastewater.

The sewage in the cities could soon light up homes

Power cuts in many parts of the country are so commonplace that we have learnt to accept and adapt to the erratic supply, no matter how frustrating. With summer rearing its fiery head, the threat of sitting in sweltering heat without fans or air-conditioners is a nightmare. A recent UN report found that 10% of people from developing countries have no access to electricity!

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