The year 2020 saw science thrust into the media limelight as world over people sought news about the COVID-19 pandemic. The year has been marked by frustration and weariness for us all. Nevertheless, science and its people have carried on the quest of figuring out the ways of the world. So here are the science updates that caught our eye in 2020, in no particular order.

Footsteps of history

An interesting year this one, with the world locked in and a virus reigning our lives. Nevertheless, there was no dearth of news in science. There was a considerable quantum of studies being reported even outside the realm of the rampant COVID-19 research. At Research Matters, we have tried our best to cover the most interesting stories in the Indian scene and listed below are our most popular stories this year. Take a look.

Researchers investigate how dietary patterns, single nutrients, and food choice may be promoting or protecting against depressive disorders.

Study evaluates regional factors that play a vital role in reducing conflicts between people and wild animals in the Ladakh region.

Scientists survey rural areas of Maharashtra for the most suitable agricultural strategies in the face of climate change

Powered by citizen science, the State of India’s Birds report calls for conservation efforts to save India’s aves.

In a virtual ceremony, the Infosys Science Foundation announced six winners of the Infosys Prize for the year 2020. The annual prize, announced in six categories, recognises individuals with outstanding contributions to science and research. The prize consists of a pure gold medal, a citation and a purse of USD 100,000. 

Study has found that the lockdown widened the challenges of stroke care in the country.

In 2013, over 50 infants died in Attapadi —a protected area in the Palakkad district of Kerala. This incident, and more deaths in the subsequent years, put the spotlight on the health of the tribal population that lives here. Several underlying health issues, including malnutrition and infant mortality, were identified to be rampant. Both the central and state governments responded with a financial package to provide healthcare and related facilities to these communities free of cost. Seven years later, a new study has found that free healthcare hasn't solved the problem of poor access to healthcare and high levels of infant mortality. 

In a recent study, researchers from Pune, along with their collaborators in Chennai and the USA, have assessed the functioning of lungs after successful tuberculosis (TB) treatment. The study, published in the journal PLoS ONE, has shown the occurrence of lung defects and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease after tuberculosis treatment.