David Sands on bacteria's role in rainfall
David Sands, professor at the Department of Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology, Montana State University, usa, hypothesized that there is a link …
Of algae, worms and cash flow
Continuing the series on organic farming, Down To Earth's reporter found that both the scientific community and farmers are showing interest in …
Kamikaze microbes
And now genetically-altered microorganisms that self-destruct once they've fulfilled their mission
Defence strategy
With researchers discovering the evading mechanism of the anthrax bacteria, better drugs may be on the anvil
Eating oil
Fertilisers accelerate growth not only in plants but also in certain microbes that feast on oil
Lascaux caves threatened by microbes
The Lascaux caves in France, which host fabulous prehistoric art, are being threatened by harmful microorganisms again. The invading fungus, a …
Endurance test for microorganisms
A technology for preserving food relies on creating a hostile environment for bacteria and fungi in whose presence food goes bad
Cut and run
No one wants to shoulder responsibility for microorganisms that were brought into the country for agriculture trials
Bacteria need a quorum, too
As any sensible invader, virulent bacteria ensure that there are enough of them before they attack
The guests who came to kill
A new study suggests that the more the number of hosts a parasite feeds on, the more virulent it becomes
The bacteria behind the iron curtain
Microbiologists say a species of bacteria was responsible for iron deposits in the sedimentary layers that run hundreds of kilometres deep in the …
Enzymes that came in from the cold
The ability of microorganisms found in the Antarctic region to produce enzymes at low temperatures could save energy used for heating in …
Sleuthing errant genes
Virulent genes in disease causing bacteria may be 'disabled' with the help of a new identification method
Challenge of the balance
When will scientists stop? The latest is the 'nanobalance', which would measure the mass of microorganisms and viruses
Bacteria teach crops how to endure drought
A hardy bacterium that can adapt to water-scarce conditions offers clues to how crops can survive dry periods
Is India’s biodiversity getting exploited without benefits to communities?
India’s biodiversity authority could put minds at ease by increasing transparency. Otherwise, the future of biodiversity remains grim in …
Bugs for breakfast
There is more to your average germ than you can digest with a straight face. These bacteria can prevent allergies and fight ulcers
Darwin fast forwarded
Thanks to 'rapid evolution' every life form may survive any amount of pressure from its external environment, a study proposes
Soil fertility is not the only measure of soil health
At the ongoing International Permaculture Convergence, experts discussed how the modern farming system has destroyed soil health
New cholera strain strikes India
A cholera epidemic in the Indian subcontinent is nothing unusual. But now, another bacterial strain that can cause the disease has surfaced.
Green gold
Grown only in a few developed nations till now, the nutrient-rich spirulina algae comes to India
The killer unveiled
Scientists find out how anthrax kills. It may not be very long before we have an antidote to the dreaded bacterium
The melting pot
You never thought it could happen. For the first time, geneticists have combined genes from different species
Scavenging off toxic metals
Using microorganisms to treat pollutants is a cheap eco-friendly way of disposing waste, which is fast catching on.
Simple systems available to treat sewage
Planners should be made aware of easy techniques that can recycle waste water using little electricity.