Trouble over the Taj Mahal
NEERI submitted a report on the effect of air pollution on the Taj Mahal which was questioned by the Centre for Science and Environment. What …
The revival of indigo
A school principal in Bihar revives the cultivation of the crop that symbolised the independence struggle
Will an amended Seeds Act make industry accountable?
The Union ministry of agriculture has moved an amendment to the Seeds Act, 1966, and also proposes to create a National Seeds Grid. While the aim …
Rajasthan ignores seed advice
It distributed Monsanto’s hybrid maize seeds that were not recommended for the state
The world of french fries and potato salad
The potato, native to South America, invaded England in 1588, the year Elizabeth I's devil-may-care sea-dogs vanquished the Spanish Armada. It …
Neem gains honour as India's wonder tree
Known in ancient India as a tree with many wondrous properties, the neem tree is slowly drawing the attention of the country's scientific and …
Fishing in truobled water
Does India need to import exotic fish species, when the experience with them has not been particularly good? Besides, the country already boasts …
Bacteria that reduces fertilser use
indian scientists have discovered a novel microorganism in salty marshlands, which has the potential to absorb nitrogen -- an essential plant …
Bankruptcy of ideas and innovation: What India’s recent science & tech indicators show
Indians have shown little innovation over the decades. They are content to copy successful ideas from elsewhere or …
Scientific researchers must maintain integrity
These soldiers of science must understand that they may not have taken the Hippocratic Oath to serve patients, but their research determines the …
Climate proxies can effectively mobilise public action and tackle climate change
These proxies work for everyone as people use them based on their age-group, understanding and even geographical location
Debased database
Statistical data has been used and abused for centuries by a range of people for a variety of reasons. Is there a way out?
Quality V Quantity
Daniele Fanelli, a researcher at University of Edinburgh in Scotland is analysing the increasing bias in scientific studies. He did a similar …
Protein bodyguards
A protein found in almost all life-forms not only offers protection against toxins but also preverits errant behaviour in other proteins
Persistence helps masquerading ant raiders
Similarities between human beings and social insects extend to even stealing. One ant species, probably too lazy to forage, has found that when …
A penchant for adultery
Most birds are adulterous, find bird-watchers, and contrary to earlier beliefs, it is the females who have a roving eye
Star hunger
A recent astronomical observation may prove to be the first sighting of a class of celestial bodies whose existence was postulated about two …
Timeless pursuits
A new interpretation of texts from a civilisation that flourished 1,000 years ago reveals its uncanny similarity with modern times
A case of tolerance
Studies on heat shock protein synthesis in mosquitoes leads on to significant pointers to pesticide use and transmission of diseases
Back to nature
Computer scientists are resorting to help from a highly unlikely source to solve the software design problems they frequently encounter: nature. …
Material in, metal out
A recently produced ceramic is likely to replace metals used for various purposes and increase efficiency
Little brother's tale
Cog and Kismet are brothers, who are helping scientists learn a thing or two about artificial intelligence
Defence strategy
With researchers discovering the evading mechanism of the anthrax bacteria, better drugs may be on the anvil
After the bang
The universe has been continuously undergoing destruction and formation, indicates a new research
Scientific research - Mutual admiration cycle
Scientists seeking the spotlight are adversely impacting the quality of scientific research, says a recent article in Nature magazine. Scientists …