General

The capers in your pasta are a lot more different than you think

Pune | Jun 26, 2020

Ever looked at those tiny, green, olive-like capers in your pasta and wondered where they come from? Capers, also called Capparis, is the largest genera in the Capparaceae plant family and consists of around 139 species spread across the tropics. Found in arid habitats, these plants are mostly shrubs, and their flower buds and fruits are widely used as a pickled condiment. In a recent study, researchers from Pune's Agharkar Research Institute (ARI) and China's Zhejiang University have explored the genetic traits of two varieties of capers—spinosa and herbacea.

General, Science, Ecology, Deep-dive

What influences coronaviruses’ survival on different surfaces?

Mumbai | Jun 25, 2020

Researchers from IIT Bombay find how temperature, humidity and properties of different surfaces influence the evaporation rates of respiratory droplets infected with COVID-19.

General, Science, Technology, Engineering, Health, Society, Deep-dive

Researchers find three new species of geckos lurking under granite rocks in the Mysore Plateau

Bengaluru | Jun 24, 2020

In a recent study, herpetologists have discovered three new species of geckos belonging to the genus Cnemaspis. These geckos are thought to be endemic to the rocky granite boulders found in the Mysore plateau region of Karnataka.

General, Science, Ecology, Deep-dive

Tackling India’s post-COVID-19 challenges through science

Bengaluru | Jun 23, 2020

COVID-19, the pandemic that has shaken the world, will perhaps change our lives forever. Often, we now talk of a ‘pre-COVID’ world, where business was as usual, and a ‘post-COVID’ world which is the new normal. While the disease, caused by a tiny virus, has affected millions, it has also brought to fore some often-ignored challenges and opportunities to build a better tomorrow. Science has been in the forefront, driving these monumental changes across the world—from understanding the virus and designing a vaccine, to throwing insights on how we could prepare for and prevent the next pandemic.

General, Science, Health, Society, Policy, Deep-dive

Radio-images of the Sun explains the anomaly in its atmospheric temperature

Pune | Jun 22, 2020

A recent study by researchers at National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA) in Pune, India, explains the anomaly in the sun's atmospheric temperature.

General, Science, Technology, Engineering, Deep-dive

A hardware neuron to help ‘brain-like’ computers solve difficult problems

Mumbai | Jun 19, 2020

Researchers develop a powerful stochastic neuron, like those in our brain, using random access memory to aid breakthroughs in artificial intelligence

General, Science, Technology, Engineering, Deep-dive

A novel approach to tracking cellular ancestry, computationally

Kanpur | Jun 17, 2020

In a recent study published in Nature Communications, researchers have described a new statistical method, ‘LinTIMaT’, for reconstructing cellular lineages, giving scientists the ability to deduce the evolution of cells in a biologically growing system.

General, Science, Technology, Engineering, Deep-dive

Researchers synthesise a novel polymer from an inert sugar molecule

Thiruvananthapuram | Jun 15, 2020

In a recent study, researchers synthesize a novel trehalose molecule that can form long, helical polymers under high temperatures.

General, Science, Technology, Deep-dive

The vital role of Plasmodium’s molecular scissors in its cellular function

Bengaluru | Jun 12, 2020

In a recent study, researchers have found a new mechanism of controlling protein synthesis in the malaria-causing parasite, Plasmodium.

General, Science, Deep-dive

A damselfly’s colours have more to them than adding to the looks

Bengaluru | Jun 11, 2020

Agriocnemis pygmaea [Image credits: Shantanu Joshi]

In nature, colours are everywhere! Insects, birds, and mammals—all of them have vibrant colours and patterns on their bodies, which not only make them look pretty but play a role in behaviour and survival. Some use their kaleidoscopic looks to attract mates and stand out from their background; others prefer a dull look to blend into their surroundings and hide from predators. In some insects, like a few damselflies, males and females are differently coloured. Since the males mostly initiate mating in these insects, this difference in colours helps them to find a mate. A new study has now explored how colours impact the mating behaviour of a species of damselfly, Agriocnemis pygmaea.

General, Science, Ecology, Deep-dive