The device uses a protein based biosensor to detect harmful pollutants like phenol and benzene from water samples

Deep-dive

Bengaluru
11 Aug 2020

For years, chemicals in pesticides were thought to be the culprits, leading to the mass death of insects. Now, a new study has found that toxic pollutants in the air are equally responsible for this misery. Much like in humans, polluted air is affecting the survival, behaviour, health and genes of pollinating insects, honey bees in this case.

 

Bengaluru
12 Aug 2020

In a study, researchers have resolved the taxonomic challenge of butterflies in the Tarucus genus, also called Pierrots.

Thiruvananthapuram
10 Aug 2020

Plants have many tricks in their hat to attract pollinators—vivid colours, attractive scents, exciting shapes and patterns, heat and also electric potential. But what is fascinating is how these pollinators process these attractive cues from various plants to pick which flower to visit. If you love chocolates, which one would you choose in a big bag of assorted chocolates? Well, most pollinators must have a similar dilemma. Now, a recent study throws some insights into how insects process so many cues from flowers.

Bengaluru
6 Apr 2020

New design in thermoelectric devices can increase both output power and efficiency

A significant problem in electronic devices is the generation of heat during their operation. This phenomenon not only leads to the wastage of electric power but can also damage the device. Thermoelectric materials, which convert heat to electricity and vice versa, can be used to turn the generated heat back into electricity, thereby saving power and avoiding overheating of the device.

Bengaluru
20 Jul 2020

A new study by researchers investigates how and when calves learn to use their trunks.

Patna
5 Aug 2020

A recent study presents a success story of controlling the spread of Kala-azar in Bihar.

New Delhi
4 Aug 2020

Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells found to favour the survival of tuberculosis bacteria, instead of fighting it, shows a recent study.

 

Bengaluru
31 Jul 2020

A recent study shows how a smartphone-based tool can be effectively turned into an eye-examination device. This device can take not only retinal photos but also detect early signs of diabetic retinopathy.

Bengaluru
30 Jul 2020

The big, bright, green-coloured Andaman day gecko is a sight to behold; only that, you have to go all the way to the Andaman Islands to get a glimpse of it. Endemic to the islands, these geckos live in trees and are active during the day. Thanks to cash crops grown on these islands today, they can be found in plenty, feeding on bananas, coconuts and betel nuts. They belong to the genus called Phelsuma, believed to have evolved from Madagascar, an island about 6000 km away from the Andamans! A new study has traced their evolutionary history and has thrown some light on how they differ from the other geckos in the Andamans.

Bengaluru
29 Jul 2020

People see human-animal conflicts as a fight between two species on opposing sides. However, in reality, the human aspect also has multiple dimensions. In some cases, there are two groups—the affected public—and the forest department staff, who manage and mitigate it; in others, more such groups. One of the frequent human-animal conflicts is that between humans and monkeys, especially the rhesus macaque, whose population is widespread in many cities. Now, a study by researchers shows that differences in people's opinions on mitigating such conflicts could instead be adding to the conflict.