Green Belt Recipe for Reduced Pollution
Plantation or green belt (GB) grown around the factories and industrial premises improves the condition of land, mitigates air pollution (as the plants serve as a sink for pollutants and check the flow of dust, etc.), and reduces the level of noise pollution, claims a joint research team from Kolkata and Nagpur. The researchers have done the assessment of green belts of 500-m width in and around a petroleum refinery in the west coast of India.
For the study, they developed software and ran computer-based models using species of deciduous trees existing in the region. The researchers have found that the green belt has been good at reducing pollution and its overall efficiency was more than 60 per cent. The findings of the study have been published in a recent issue of Environment Monitoring Assessment.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Friday, September 04, 2009
Ultrafast Optical Switch
Indian researchers have made ultrafast optical switches using double-walled carbon nanotubes. They used pristine and molybdenum filled double walled carbon nanotubes (DWNTs) suspended in heavy water. Such designed DWNTs show excellent ultrafast optical switching properties using extremely short pulses of energy that lasts for 50 femtoseconds.
One femtosecond is a millionth of a nanosecond, which is one billionth of a second. DWNTs, two carbon atoms thick, yet conduct electricity. This quality makes them well-suited for advanced solar panels, sensors and a host of other applications. The findings of the study have been published in the 26th August 2009 issue Applied Physics Letters.
Indian researchers have made ultrafast optical switches using double-walled carbon nanotubes. They used pristine and molybdenum filled double walled carbon nanotubes (DWNTs) suspended in heavy water. Such designed DWNTs show excellent ultrafast optical switching properties using extremely short pulses of energy that lasts for 50 femtoseconds.
One femtosecond is a millionth of a nanosecond, which is one billionth of a second. DWNTs, two carbon atoms thick, yet conduct electricity. This quality makes them well-suited for advanced solar panels, sensors and a host of other applications. The findings of the study have been published in the 26th August 2009 issue Applied Physics Letters.
Optical Fibre on New Turf
Optical fibre has already been hailed for its role in revolutionizing communication. Now, researchers take optical fibre to new domain of application. An Indian research team has designed an analytical method using optical fibre. The fibre-optic part accommodates sample volume of 1 microlitre placed between the two ends of optical fibres.
LPME (Liquid-phase microextraction) using 25–30 microlitre of organic solvent was found to produce more sensitive results than SDME (single drop microextraction). The new technique as used in combination with sample handling techniques produced limits of detection of analytes which were better than obtained by previously reported spectrophotometry. The findings of the study have been published in the 26th August 2009 issue of Analytica Chimica Acta.
Optical fibre has already been hailed for its role in revolutionizing communication. Now, researchers take optical fibre to new domain of application. An Indian research team has designed an analytical method using optical fibre. The fibre-optic part accommodates sample volume of 1 microlitre placed between the two ends of optical fibres.
LPME (Liquid-phase microextraction) using 25–30 microlitre of organic solvent was found to produce more sensitive results than SDME (single drop microextraction). The new technique as used in combination with sample handling techniques produced limits of detection of analytes which were better than obtained by previously reported spectrophotometry. The findings of the study have been published in the 26th August 2009 issue of Analytica Chimica Acta.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Just Another Species, Yet
Survival is a talent. Everyday we prove this. From waking up in the morning to going bed at night, we do chores of things that other animals don’t. For us, life is not just mere foraging for food and mating. Since we invented agriculture, we began to move away from nature. We gave up hunting and gathering and nomadic life. Groups of humans living together formed society. Initial knack of doing things spawned specialists who later gave rise to classes and professions.
Our forefathers came to know that agriculture and seasonal change are intricately linked. They culled seeds and knew which grow when. This knowledge in the shape of rudimentary agriculture was the first stepping stone of modern human civilization. Winter gives way to spring. And spring to summer. We yearn for every season. We have developed unique ability to adapt to any season. Humans have spread from North Pole to South Pole. Though we are dense around the equator, we show our dominance in temperate and colder regions.
Survival is a talent. Everyday we prove this. From waking up in the morning to going bed at night, we do chores of things that other animals don’t. For us, life is not just mere foraging for food and mating. Since we invented agriculture, we began to move away from nature. We gave up hunting and gathering and nomadic life. Groups of humans living together formed society. Initial knack of doing things spawned specialists who later gave rise to classes and professions.
Our forefathers came to know that agriculture and seasonal change are intricately linked. They culled seeds and knew which grow when. This knowledge in the shape of rudimentary agriculture was the first stepping stone of modern human civilization. Winter gives way to spring. And spring to summer. We yearn for every season. We have developed unique ability to adapt to any season. Humans have spread from North Pole to South Pole. Though we are dense around the equator, we show our dominance in temperate and colder regions.
Saturday, May 02, 2009
New Protective Shield against Cervical Cancer
A research team from Kolkata has discovered that an isothiocyanate compound in combination with sulphoraphane and anti-cancer drug could help battle out cervical cancer. Studies were performed to measure the degree of controlled cell death induced by either isothiocyanates alone, or in combination with adriamycin or etoposide (anti-cancer drugs). Death of cancer cells was evident from biochemical evidence. This effect of isothiocyanates might prove to be of considerable value in synergistic therapy of cervical cancer such that the drug dose level could be minimized. This research will be very significant as India bears the 25 per cent burden of global cervical cancer cases and natural isothiocyanates isolated from cruciferous vegetables are known to be effective chemopreventive agents and exhibit protective effect against cancers in a variety of target organs. The findings of the study have been published in the 12th April 2009 Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry.
A research team from Kolkata has discovered that an isothiocyanate compound in combination with sulphoraphane and anti-cancer drug could help battle out cervical cancer. Studies were performed to measure the degree of controlled cell death induced by either isothiocyanates alone, or in combination with adriamycin or etoposide (anti-cancer drugs). Death of cancer cells was evident from biochemical evidence. This effect of isothiocyanates might prove to be of considerable value in synergistic therapy of cervical cancer such that the drug dose level could be minimized. This research will be very significant as India bears the 25 per cent burden of global cervical cancer cases and natural isothiocyanates isolated from cruciferous vegetables are known to be effective chemopreventive agents and exhibit protective effect against cancers in a variety of target organs. The findings of the study have been published in the 12th April 2009 Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Silk Insect Could Yield Anti-fungal and Anti-bacterial Drugs
A research team from West Bengal has discovered that the wild insect called Antheraea mylitta which yields Indian tasar silk harbours a wide variety of proteins and peptides. These molecules possess potent anti-fungal and anti-bacterial activity to combat microbial attack, claims the research team. The researchers have found that the insect secrets a compound called AmFPI-1 that inhibits the activity of a fungal enzyme (secreted by Aspergillus oryzae) protecting against fungal infection. The study results will help design specific inhibitors against fungal enzymes. The findings of the research have been published in the April 2009 issue of Journal of Structural Biology.
A research team from West Bengal has discovered that the wild insect called Antheraea mylitta which yields Indian tasar silk harbours a wide variety of proteins and peptides. These molecules possess potent anti-fungal and anti-bacterial activity to combat microbial attack, claims the research team. The researchers have found that the insect secrets a compound called AmFPI-1 that inhibits the activity of a fungal enzyme (secreted by Aspergillus oryzae) protecting against fungal infection. The study results will help design specific inhibitors against fungal enzymes. The findings of the research have been published in the April 2009 issue of Journal of Structural Biology.
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Mystery of Nanostripe Patterns of Aluminium Surface
An Indian research team has deciphered the mystery of microscopic origin of nanostripe patterns on electropolished surface of aluminium. Using sophisticated techniques like atomic force microscopy and computer-based simulations, the researchers have discovered that nanostripe patterns due to relaxation and reconstruction of the new surfaces exposed followed by textural changes at the surface. This is caused by dissolution during polishing on aluminium surface.
These insights will be very handy as electropolished samples have a wide range of industrial applications including the preparation of thin metal samples for transmission electron microscopy because electropolishing does not cause mechanical deformation of surface layers usually observed when mechanical polishing is used. The findings of the study have been published in the 4th March 2009 issue of Nanotechnology.
An Indian research team has deciphered the mystery of microscopic origin of nanostripe patterns on electropolished surface of aluminium. Using sophisticated techniques like atomic force microscopy and computer-based simulations, the researchers have discovered that nanostripe patterns due to relaxation and reconstruction of the new surfaces exposed followed by textural changes at the surface. This is caused by dissolution during polishing on aluminium surface.
These insights will be very handy as electropolished samples have a wide range of industrial applications including the preparation of thin metal samples for transmission electron microscopy because electropolishing does not cause mechanical deformation of surface layers usually observed when mechanical polishing is used. The findings of the study have been published in the 4th March 2009 issue of Nanotechnology.
Monday, February 16, 2009
DNA-based Diagnosis and Therapy
An Indian research team has deciphered the effects of a novel molecule when it was delivered into the helical structure of nucleic acids (DNA). Known as ‘thioacetamido linkage’ (TANA), the linker is an extended five-atom amide linker as opposed to four-atom phosphodiester linker backbone present in the DNA. Using sophisticated analytical techniques, it was observed that TANA destabilizes the helical structure of DNA.
The results of the study will widen our understanding on the nature and strength of forces that stabilize nucleic acids and facilitate the development of databases having potential applications in nucleic acid-based diagnostic and therapeutic protocols. The findings of the study have been published in the 6th February 2009 online issue of Journal of Medicinal Chemistry.
An Indian research team has deciphered the effects of a novel molecule when it was delivered into the helical structure of nucleic acids (DNA). Known as ‘thioacetamido linkage’ (TANA), the linker is an extended five-atom amide linker as opposed to four-atom phosphodiester linker backbone present in the DNA. Using sophisticated analytical techniques, it was observed that TANA destabilizes the helical structure of DNA.
The results of the study will widen our understanding on the nature and strength of forces that stabilize nucleic acids and facilitate the development of databases having potential applications in nucleic acid-based diagnostic and therapeutic protocols. The findings of the study have been published in the 6th February 2009 online issue of Journal of Medicinal Chemistry.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
New Carving Tool for Nanodevices
An Indian research team has devised a new method to produce uniform metallic coats on the surfaces of nanostructures. The method which utilizes scattered Ga ions to decompose organometallic molecules delivers metallic coats on nano-sized structures which are not accessible to the primary beam. The method can be used to provide electrical contacts on inaccessible regions of prototype nanodevices, such as ion batteries, electrophoresis cells, and cantilevers. The findings of the study have been published in the 18th February 2009 issue of Nanotechnology.
An Indian research team has devised a new method to produce uniform metallic coats on the surfaces of nanostructures. The method which utilizes scattered Ga ions to decompose organometallic molecules delivers metallic coats on nano-sized structures which are not accessible to the primary beam. The method can be used to provide electrical contacts on inaccessible regions of prototype nanodevices, such as ion batteries, electrophoresis cells, and cantilevers. The findings of the study have been published in the 18th February 2009 issue of Nanotechnology.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Probeless Deposit of Nanomaterials
An Indian research team has developed electron-beam-induced deposition method to deposit tiny structures without the need of fine probes. The method relies on the build-up of surface potential on an insulating surface exposed to an electron beam. Feature sizes as small as 20 nm can be deposited without the need to use fine probes. This helps overcome the limitation of probe size imposed on the resolution. The use of pure metal vapor also renders the process inherently clean, say the researchers in the 29th September 2008 issue of Applied Physics Letters.
An Indian research team has developed electron-beam-induced deposition method to deposit tiny structures without the need of fine probes. The method relies on the build-up of surface potential on an insulating surface exposed to an electron beam. Feature sizes as small as 20 nm can be deposited without the need to use fine probes. This helps overcome the limitation of probe size imposed on the resolution. The use of pure metal vapor also renders the process inherently clean, say the researchers in the 29th September 2008 issue of Applied Physics Letters.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Morphine Could Cure TB
A research team from National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research has discovered that morphine could battle out tuberculosis infection in mice. The team found that morphine exerted maximum effect at a dose of 5 mg per kg body weight of the mice.
Morphine boosted the immune cells of mice and initiated macrophage-mediated protective mechanism against mice tuberculosis. The study has shown that morphine alleviated mice tuberculosis infection at a dose dependent manner. The study results might be helpful in developing new opioid-like chemicals against tuberculosis, write the researchers in 30 January 2008 issue of Life Sciences.
Every second someone new is infected with TB. Overall, one-third of the world’s population is currently infected with TB. People with HIV and TB infection are much more likely to develop TB. In 2005, 8.8 million people fell ill with TB and 1.6 million died from it. TB is primarily a disease of people living in the developing world: 98% of TB deaths are in low- and medium-income countries. But no country is TB-free.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that the largest number of new TB cases in 2005 occurred in the South-East Asia Region, which accounted for 34% of incident cases globally. However, the estimated incidence rate in sub-Saharan Africa is nearly twice that of the South-East Asia Region, at nearly 350 cases per 100 000 population. Add to it emergence of drug resistant TB bugs. Under these circumstances, the present study is important as it highlights a novel way out to get rid of TB.
A research team from National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research has discovered that morphine could battle out tuberculosis infection in mice. The team found that morphine exerted maximum effect at a dose of 5 mg per kg body weight of the mice.
Morphine boosted the immune cells of mice and initiated macrophage-mediated protective mechanism against mice tuberculosis. The study has shown that morphine alleviated mice tuberculosis infection at a dose dependent manner. The study results might be helpful in developing new opioid-like chemicals against tuberculosis, write the researchers in 30 January 2008 issue of Life Sciences.
Every second someone new is infected with TB. Overall, one-third of the world’s population is currently infected with TB. People with HIV and TB infection are much more likely to develop TB. In 2005, 8.8 million people fell ill with TB and 1.6 million died from it. TB is primarily a disease of people living in the developing world: 98% of TB deaths are in low- and medium-income countries. But no country is TB-free.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that the largest number of new TB cases in 2005 occurred in the South-East Asia Region, which accounted for 34% of incident cases globally. However, the estimated incidence rate in sub-Saharan Africa is nearly twice that of the South-East Asia Region, at nearly 350 cases per 100 000 population. Add to it emergence of drug resistant TB bugs. Under these circumstances, the present study is important as it highlights a novel way out to get rid of TB.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Black Carbon – A Menace
Recent study suggests that black carbon deposition in Arctic regions may contribute to global warming by reducing the albedo of snow. This not only reduces the amount of solar energy reflected by snow in Arctic regions, but also increases the rate of snow melt, revealing dark substrates like vegetation and soil earlier in the year and thus amplifying black carbon’s effect on climate.
And also new observations show that in some regions black carbon is as culpable as CO2 for the warming, and in some cases, has a greater effect. In the winter and spring, heavily polluted air masses are transported over the Indian Ocean from central Asia, where the majority of black carbon is from cooking fires. Black carbon has been found to be part of brown cloud hovering over the Indian Ocean and it also contributes to warming of atmosphere.
Recent study suggests that black carbon deposition in Arctic regions may contribute to global warming by reducing the albedo of snow. This not only reduces the amount of solar energy reflected by snow in Arctic regions, but also increases the rate of snow melt, revealing dark substrates like vegetation and soil earlier in the year and thus amplifying black carbon’s effect on climate.
And also new observations show that in some regions black carbon is as culpable as CO2 for the warming, and in some cases, has a greater effect. In the winter and spring, heavily polluted air masses are transported over the Indian Ocean from central Asia, where the majority of black carbon is from cooking fires. Black carbon has been found to be part of brown cloud hovering over the Indian Ocean and it also contributes to warming of atmosphere.
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