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. 

Vitamin C, present is citrus fruits like lemons and oranges, is known to boost immunity and prevent our body from bacterial infections. But how does it do it? A new study by researchers from the Indian Institute of Science has now elucidated the mechanism behind why Vitamin C inhibits bacterial infections. This research also opens up possibilities for using Vitamin C in various therapeutic applications.

A team of scientists from Centre for Ecological Sciences (CES) at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have discovered a new species of plant – Reissantia (Celastraceae). Members belonging to Reissantia family are usually found in Old World tropics of Africa and the Indo- Malaya regions.  The plants are found as a climbing, scandent or erect shrub and are characterized by small flowers.

Graphene, also called a “wonder material” is increasingly being used in the field of electronics due to its lightweight and electrical properties. Now, researchers at the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, have identified a potential drawback in graphene transistors that have metal contact leads. The metal atoms in the contacts react with graphene atoms, creating an unwanted disturbance or noise in the electronic circuit. This discovery may have major implications on using graphene for futuristic electronic applications.  

Saffron, the most expensive spice from the Middle East, is also well-known for its neuropsychological effects, apart from its culinary uses. Now, researchers from Savitribai Phule Pune University and University of Kansas Medical Centre have studied the potential of Safranal, a chemical present in saffron, for its anti-inflammatory and cancer fighting abilities.

Electricity has become a basic necessity today - powering our homes to running our machines, all run on electricity.  This growing need for electricity has seen the rise of smart grids - a network of electric supply system that detects changes in usage of electricity in real time and helps to manage the demand-supply equation. Smart grids also incorporate Dynamic pricing, where the amount per unit of electricity changes with time, with it costing higher at peak times and lower during other times.

In a pathbreaking research on anencephaly, a fatal birth defect where a baby is born without a major part of the brain and the skull, researchers from IISc and BMCRI have identified a genetic mutation that is responsible behind this condition. Technically called Tripartite Motif Containing 36 (TRIM36), this gene is responsible for the development of the nerve cells in a foetus. A modification to this, the scientists say, is to be blamed for anencephaly. 

Electronic waste or e-waste pose a serious challenge in their disposal. The printed circuit boards (PCBs) present in discarded electronic devices like smartphones and computers contain toxic chemicals and metals that can get into the soil or water if thrown in landfills or burnt. Now, scientists have designed a novel technique to dispose them by simply powdering them using a cryomill. This, they claim, can completely recover the polymers and metals for recycling in an eco-friendly way, ensuring zero waste.

A new study by scientists at Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI) and Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), has found a link between lower vitamin D levels and prevalence of hypertension in pregnant women. The research, building upon previous studies that showed a correlation between low levels of vitamin D and hypertension, has focused to see if this relationship holds true in pregnant women who are at a high risk of developing hypertension.