Groping for invisible matter
What we can see constitutes only about 10 per cent of the universe's mass. Where is the rest hidden?
Kamikaze microbes
And now genetically-altered microorganisms that self-destruct once they've fulfilled their mission
Cometary conundrum
Fresh data on the collision of shards of Shoemaker-Levy 9 with Jupiter last year has divided scientists on the size of the comet fragments
Timeless pursuits
A new interpretation of texts from a civilisation that flourished 1,000 years ago reveals its uncanny similarity with modern times
Super storage
A new technology is set to boost the storage capacity of CD s by 1,000 times
A mango database developed for plant breeders
Kerala Agricultural University scientists have developed a database that lists 40 mango varieties based on features like the type of flower, seed,…
Theoretical physicist E C G Sudarshan passes away
A professor at the University of Texas, he was nominated for Nobel Prize several times. If found true, his theory of particles travelling faster …
The emerging science of nanoflowers
Nanoflowers can find applications in optoelectronics devices or sensors, catalysis and solar cells and also have great potential for possible …
The Chinese patent juggernaut
China has toppled Japan from No 2 spot and is set to become the leader in global patent filings, specially in future technologies
‘Ancient and Medieval maps were very inaccurate’
Briton Susan Gole is a collector and historian of maps, especially those of India. She has published various books on the subject. She is also …
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?
Chimeras of afterlife
A growing number of the elite are freezing their bodies in the hope for a rebirth. Is it possible?
Spero: India's first crowd-funded e-bike with a 100-km range
Spero is an e-bike developed by S Manikandan of Miltex Engineers, Coimbatore. It has been funded by people. This state-of-the-art bike comes in …
India's guide to Monsoon 2016
Climate reporter Shreeshan Venkatesh explains the monsoon forecast, as put together by India Meteorological Department for the monsoon …
Why some become addicts
Book> The Compass Of Pleasure, How Our Brains Make Fatty Foods, Orgasm, Exercise, Marijuana, Generosity, Vodka, Learning, And Gambling Feel So …
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
Reptile theory turns turtle
The reproductive behaviour of a turtle species overturns a theory that held that reptiles always lay eggs on land
Biomining and bacteria
Microorganisms are proving to be cheaper, more efficient and cleaner at ore extraction than conventional mining techniques
Enzymes go synthetic
Growing awareness in industry about the potential of enzymes might lead to their synthetic production
Catch a falling planet
...A recent discovery is the first confirmation of the long-held belief that planets such as Earth may exist in other parts of the universe
Where did Homo erectus first appear?
The antedating of two fossils of Homo erectus -- our immediate ancestors -- has shaken a long-held belief that humans originated in Africa
Radio comes of age
Digital audio technology will enable listeners to make their own compact disc-like recordings.
Indian scientists thwart Western embargo on manufacture of carbon composites
An indigenous technique of manufacturing carbon-carbon composites -- state-of-the-art materials of immense commercial and military importance.…
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