Human cell ‘membrane on a chip’ can fast track COVID-19 drug testing
The research aims to know how SARS-CoV-2 virus attacks human cell membranes and how it can be blocked
New genealogy project allows astronomers to trace ‘ancestors’
The database provides information on more than 33,000 astronomers, their advisors and universities and the links to their dissertations
‘There could be a racist backlash to the current anti-racism movements’
Race science has been used to justify colonial occupation, slavery, genocide; it became so ingrained that we still live with its devastating …
The world needs pharmaceuticals from China and India to beat COVID-19
Chinese manufacturers make around 40% of all APIs used worldwide; China, India are the source of 75-80% of APIs imported to US
Hubble space telescope celebrates 30th anniversary
The Hubble Space Telescope — responsible for significantly expanding mankind's understanding of the universe — celebrated its 30th …
Scientists call for legally-binding treaty to protect Earth’s orbit. Here’s why
Over 60,000 satellites expected to orbit Earth by 2030, up from the current 9,000 satellites
‘Increased representation of women, ethnic groups not enough to overcome biases in STEM’
Down to Earth speaks to Meena Balagopal, educational researcher and ecologist, CSU, on gender bias and racism in STEM disciplines
Oxford scientists: These are final steps we’re taking to get our coronavirus vaccine approved
The vaccine is being evaluated in these different regions and populations of the world to ensure that results of the trial are ‘…
Eyes on the world — drones change our point of view and our truths
It’s true that drones are vision machines: They loiter in the air with a persistent eye on the ground, beaming back imagery to their …
How is COVID-19 diagnosed and are the tests reliable?
Let’s delve into the world of diagnostic tests where every reaction and every chemical matters
Lasers could speed up coronavirus diagnostics
Our approach uses a technique called Raman spectroscopy to identify viruses by shining a light on a disposable cartridge that collects samples …
Moderna’s COVID-19 breakthrough: Is the media hype justified
The biotech firm develops vaccine against novel coronavirus disease that shows positive results for eight patients
Will there be a middle path for affordable COVID-19 vaccines?
It is expected for COVID-19 vaccines to be classified as 'global public goods', given their development is being substantially funded by …
COVID-19: Here’s the difference between vaccines, antibodies
Vaccines are chemicals that help the body develop antibodies while antibodies are developed by the body’s immune system to fight pathogens
Chloroquine does not inhibit SARS-CoV-2 spread in human lung cells: Study
The drug stops the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19 in African green monkey kidney cells, but is ineffective in human lung cells
COVID-19: Aarogya Setu app privacy concerns deepen despite govt assurance
Ravi Shankar Prasad may call app robust but hacker Elliot Alderson has raised unputdownable flags
COVID-19: New tool through CRISPR tech to aid quicker coronavirus tests
The technology confirms presence of viral DNA in samples faster and more accurately
COVID-19: Bats’ immune system, longevity offer clues for treatment, says study
Bats’ immune systems have mechanisms to control inflammation, a mainstay of disease and ageing
COVID-19: Researchers develop portable, battery-operated ventilator
The device, called AirBridge, works as a bridge for a few hours to a few days before conventional ventilation is provided
Revisiting Gandhi in the age of social media
For the Mahatma, “science without humanity” was one of the "seven deadly sins", due to which, people could become slaves or victims …
‘Tighter regulations needed on nutrient effluents’
Here’s N Raghuram, chairman of International Nitrogen Initiative, speaking with Down To Earth about the viability of United Kingdom’s …
Now drug-resistant genes can be identified in less than half the time
A researcher in California talks about FLASH, her new gene-based technology that can help doctors tackle antibiotic resistance better
Researchers develop materials to detect hydrogen with high sensitivity
This is important because hydrogen gas is difficult to produce and it is hard to detect if it leaks
Aerosols increase drought severity over the Indian subcontinent
El Niño weakens the monsoon by transporting aerosols from lower altitudes in East Asian region up and into the higher altitudes, finds a …
Scientists may have found a way to reverse age by more than two years
Using a combination of growth hormone and two common drugs used for diabetes medications, a scientist reduced epigenetic clock by an average of …