Relationships between various organisms stem to achieve an ultimate objective - survival. In mutualistic relationships, all involved in the relationship help each other survive, whereas in parasitic relationships, only one of those have an upper hand. But in spite of this chaos, how does nature maintain a balance? In a new study, scientists have studied examples of such relationships between termites and fungi - both mutualistic and parasitic - and have uncovered some interesting strategies adopted by these fungi to survive and thrive.

The public transport system of Bengaluru is plagued by delays and inefficiencies that have resulted in huge losses to BMTC, the operator, and lack of quality services to the common people. Now, scientists from the Indian Institute of Science have proposed a new model of transport that aims to increase bus efficiency, reduce or eliminate delays and save money for both the transport corporation and its users - the people. The new model, researchers claim, could be a win-win situation for both and could revive the appeal of public transportation. 

Science realises its complete potential when it is applied for the betterment of our lives. As a testimony to this, a group of researchers from the Indian Institute of Science have developed innovative technologies that benefit milk producers and silk growers. Their innovations, which recently won the prestigious Gandhian Young Technological Innovation award, uses nanotechnology to detect melamine, an adulterant, in milk and image processing techniques to detect the quality of silk.

Several studies in the recent years have focused on the health hazards of chemicals and pesticides used by farmers to protect their crops and improve their yields. Among the cocktail of poison, a controversial herbicide paraquat dichloride, marketed as Gramoxone, is infamous for its link to  accidental poisoning and suicides. Now, researchers have developed a new sensor using nanotechnology that not only detects paraquat, but also estimates its amount. This innovation can help save many innocent lives that grow our food.

Presence of abnormally high amount of serum uric acid in our cells have been associated with several disease conditions including gout and kidney stones. But how do we measure uric acid in live cells? Researchers from Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan, Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology, Howrah and University of Calcutta, Kolkata, have synthesized a new fluorescent compound made from Naphthyridine, which reacts with uric acid and forms intermolecular hydrogen bonds and produces “turn-off” fluorescence.

Zika virus wreaked havoc in 2015 when it spread like wildfire in parts of South America, causing microcephaly in babies born to infected mothers, neurological disorders, and poor pregnancy. Though discovered in 1947, no vaccine is yet available against Zika. Now, a collaboration of Indo-American researchers from the Indian Institute of Science and University of California, have unearthed the protein evolution of the genes of Zika virus which may throw some light on how the virus evolves and adapts to new environments.

Our nervous system is one of the most complex systems in our body. It consists of billions of nerve cells that work in tandem and processes billions and billions of calculations per second. But how are these neurons formed in our body and what controls them? In a recent study, scientists have discovered a molecule that they claim controls the mechanism in which nerve cells are formed. This study may help uncover some of the key aspects that can treat neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson’s.

A new study by researchers have now discovered the mechanism behind how statins, drugs used to treat high cholesterol in blood, could trigger insulin resistance and hence, diabetes. This study shows that statins increase the amount of fat stored in our cells that interferes with the functioning of insulin, the hormone responsible for absorbing glucose from food. The research opens up avenues for developing “super statins” without undesirable side effects.

Nature has bestowed each organism the ability to adapt and evolve with time and each such adaptations strengthens the ability of the organism to flourish. The story of carpenter bees, a close relative of honey bees and bumblebees, is no different. In a research study, scientist have observed how different adaptations of males of three different species of carpenter bees influence their ability to find a mate.

Corruption and bribe is a social evil in our society and needs to be weeded out  to achieve progress. Though giving and taking bribe are illegal, instances of both are rampant. What can be done to address this? A new study by researchers at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research may provide some clues towards this. Using game theory, they have shown how legalizing the act of giving bribe can help victims to blow the whistle on corrupt officers and thus, help reduce corruption.