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The article focuses on the development of artificial synapses using cobalt ferrite transistors. It reports that researchers have fabricated an artificial synapse that emulates the behavior of biological synapses, exhibiting spike duration-dependent plasticity and long-term potentiation. It mentions that the device has potential applications in analog computing and ultra-high-density memory, although further improvements are needed to address certain limitations.

The article focuses on the development of a magnetic nanosystem for monitoring gemcitabine, a drug used in pancreatic cancer treatment, in the blood. It repots that the researchers designed a material using magnetic graphene oxide-calixarene nanosheets that could effectively adsorb gemcitabine from patient blood samples, allowing for accurate quantification of the drug and offering a reusable and cost-effective method for pharmacokinetic studies.

The article focuses on the selection of disease-resistant potato varieties using molecular markers to reduce losses caused by pathogenic microbes and pests. It reports that the researchers used molecular marker-assisted selection to screen potato accessions for resistance to late blight, potato viruses, and potato cyst nematodes. It mentions that there are multiple resistant genes for late blight, viruses, and nematodes, providing potential for high-throughput breeding.

The article focuses on improving the effectiveness of cancer treatment through a combination of photothermal therapy and chemotherapy. It reports that The researchers developed modified molybdenum disulphide nanoflowers that efficiently convert light to heat, and by loading them with gemcitabine and targeting tumor cells with folic acid, they achieved enhanced cellular uptake and demonstrated the potential of this combined approach for better cancer treatment.

The article focuses on repurposing existing drugs for the treatment of hepatitis C infection. It describes a strategy used by researchers to identify potential drugs by analyzing the structural parameters of the virus and its interaction with the liver cell receptor. It reports that the researchers identified five drugs, it includes acarbose, candesartan cilexetil, azilsartan medoxomil, cefiderocol, and hesperidin.

The article focuses on researchers at Delhi University and Gautam Buddha University who investigated how auxin hormone transmission in cotton plants is regulated by microribonucleic acid (RNA), which in turn affects blossom and fiber size. It reports that they inserted a deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) construct that mimicked microRNA, causing smaller blooms and malformed floral parts. It mentions additional flowering-related regulatory microRNAs and hormone synthesis.

The article focuses on various news related to science and scientific activities. Topics include the challenges of gathering precipitation data in the Himalayas and the potential use of high-resolution reanalysis data to fill the data gap, the discovery of a new shrimp species in the coral reefs of Lakshadweep Islands, and the association between vitamin D deficiency and preeclampsia.

Visually impaired individuals find navigation difficult as they often lack the much needed information for bypassing obstacles and hazards in their path. In order to help blind people navigate safely and quickly, an obstacle detection system using ultrasonic sensors and USB camera-based visual navigation has been considered. The proposed system detects obstacles up to 300 cm via sonar and sends audio feedback to inform the person about their location. In addition, a USB webcam is connected with eBox 2300™ Embedded System for capturing the field-of-view of the user, for finding the properties of the obstacle in particular, in the context of this work, locating a human being. Identification of human presence is based on face detection and cloth texture analysis. The major constraints for these algorithms to run on the Embedded System are small image frame (160 × 120) having reduced faces, limited memory and very less processing time available to achieve real-time image-processing requirements. Prototype of an electronic travel aid device has been developed and experimentally verified on blind-folded persons to analyse the device performance in a laboratory set-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The himFlorIS is an information system for flora in Himachal Pradesh (HP). At present, it provides information on 1141 plant species distributed across 49 landscape elements (LSE) in the state. It is based on the floristic survey of HP during 2003-2009. It provides information regarding LSE, LSE types, physiographic factors, abundance of the species at a particular location, geographical locations of a plant on the map, taxonomic classification of the species along with its photographs and ethno-botanical uses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the plant specie caragana versicolor found in the Hindu Kush Himalayan region. Topics include the background information about the plant including its physical characteristic, the distribution of its species which is mainly found in temperate Asia. Also presented species of wild animals found in the region including the snow leopards, Himalayan marmot, and the Tibetan wooly hare.

Information on eight highly traded and locally used medicinal plants was collected from the alpine zones of Chhota Bhangal. The study aimed to quantify the current status of these plants in terms of density, frequency and biomass, and also document the indigenous use of these plants for traditional healthcare. Quadrats of 1 x 1 m were used for quantitative assessment of the plants. Informal interviews and discussions were held with local people for recording local uses of the plants. Based on the sampling, it was found that different species had different habitat requirements. Steep slopes of Chhota Bhangal had the highest species richness and diversity, while rocky areas had the least. Maximum similarity in terms of species distribution was observed between steep slopes and undulating meadows. It was found that these medicinal plants are regularly used by the local people for curing various ailments such as stomach ache, fever and kidney stones. However, illegal extraction of plants for commercial purposes seems to have affected their population in nature. However, in comparison to few other alpine areas of western Himalaya, the present study area supports higher population of medicinal plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the rare observation of sea anemone Calliactis polypus on carapace of spider crab, Doclea muricata at the Covelong fish landing centre, Chennai, India. Topics discussed include Observing the mutualistic relationship between sea anemone and hermit crab as well as gastropod shells is common; and it is a good example of symbiosis in the marine environment.

The article focuses on enhancing the durability of rubberwood, derived from Hevea brasiliensis trees, by utilizing a novel approach involving metal oxide nanoemulsions combined with linseed oil and paraffin wax to combat fungal attacks, offering a potential solution.

The article focuses on exploring the potential of using papaya peel extract as a dietary supplement to boost immunity in Labeo rohita fingerlings, a species cultivated in aquaculture in India, aiming to reduce the use of antibiotics and synthetic antioxidants.

The article focuses on investigating the potential of lauric acid as a therapeutic compound for oral cancer through an in-silico approach, utilizing computational tools to evaluate its pharmacokinetics, drug-likeness, and potential targets.

The article presents information on biogeographic delineation of the Indian Himalayan Region for configuring, locating and maintaining the protected natural areas . Topics include the recognition of three hierarchical regions which include biogeographic zone, the biotic province and sub-regions, its vegetation being sparse and treeless, and tits fauna including wild species as snow leopard, Himalayan marmot, ans Tibetan woolly hare.

The article focuses on enhancing the sensitivity of graphene-based biosensors for cancer detection by combining graphene with metasurfaces, utilizing gold nano octagons to excite surface plasmons and amplify the electromagnetic field near the metal surface.

The article focuses on the dispersal behavior of snow leopards, elusive apex predators in the high mountains of Asia, whose movements are influenced by safety, food availability, and the complexity of the landscape, with limited knowledge about their dispersal behavior due to their elusive nature.

The article focuses on investigating the potential of yoghurt-derived bacteria and their metabolites, particularly from Streptococcus genus, to reduce foam cells associated with atherosclerosis, offering insights into a potential alternative approach for combating heart disease.

The article focuses on studying the parasites infesting the commercially harvested black pomfret, Parastromateus niger, which reduces its proteinaceous production, through collaborative research conducted by multiple institutions across different regions.

The article focuses on the implementation of the Wadi concept by the BAIF Development Research Foundation, which aims to empower smallholder farmers by transforming degraded or underused lands into profitable assets through an agroforestry-based integrated farming system.

Nanofertilizers have emerged as an effective alternative to traditional fertilizers. They contribute to increased agricultural production by increasing input efficiency and reducing relevant losses. The present study was carried out at the G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, India, during 2016-17 to study the effect of synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) on the growth and productivity of wheat and field pea crops. The results of the study revealed that significantly greater wheat and field pea plant height was recorded with 10, 20 and 50 ppm concentration of ZnO NPs, which decreased at 100 ppm concentration. A significantly higher yield of wheat was recorded at 50 ppm ZnO NPs concentration (3.28 ± 0.51 g plant-1), followed by 20 ppm (3.05 ± 0.43 g plant-1), which was at par with 100 ppm (3.02 ± 0.45 g plant-1), and the minimum at 10 ppm concentration (2.70 ± 0.34 g plant-1) over control. A similar trend in yield was observed for field pea. With respect to the mode of application, a higher yield of wheat was observed in the seed-soaking method (3.05 ± 0.43 g plant-1); however, in the case of field pea, a higher yield was observed using foliar spray (6.21 ± 0.52 g plant-1) method of ZnO application. Higher Zn content was observed in 50 ppm concentration for wheat (42.39 µg g-1) and field pea (26.00 µg g-1). The higher Zn use efficiency in terms of physiological efficiency was recorded at 20 ppm concentration (1.46) for wheat and 10 ppm (5.51) for field pea. Hence, it can be concluded that the applied ZnO NPs have stimulating effects on wheat and field pea crop growth and yield through increased zinc content in plants, zinc uptake and zinc use efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the importance of carbon sequestration in the making of biocharcoal in Himachal Pradesh, India.

The article informs that Multiple criteria are being used across different geographies to identify a reinfection. Topics include well-defined and consistent definition for deciding what constitutes true SARSCoV-2 reinfection; and studying different approaches that are being used globally, the goal is to determine a criterion that is accurate and practical in its application on a scale in India.

Songbirds have been regarded as an important model system in the field of animal communication focusing mainly on songs by male birds. However, the occurrence, structure and sociobiological significance of song in female birds have been a long-neglected field. We describe here the structure and context of female song in a tropical avian species, the Pied Bush Chat (Saxicola caprata). All the females sang occasionally prior to nest-building through egglaying and rarely during incubation. We did not find significant difference in any of the song type characteristics of the female song when compared with male. However, mean song repertoire size for females was significantly smaller than males. Females sang during aggressive interactions with floater or neighbouring females. Females also sang during intersexual vocal communication through song-answering. Observations suggest that females use song for mate defence and probably to convey some pair bond information to the mate. This study provides evidence for the occurrence of female song in the Pied Bush Chat which has otherwise been widely overlooked so far. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first Indian superconducting gravimeter (SG) was installed in March 2007 at the Multi-Parametric Geophysical Observatory of the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, in the Himalaya near the Main Central Thrust at Ghuttu, Uttarakhand, India. Almost immediately after installation, the free oscillations excited after the Solomon Islands earthquake (M = 8.1) were well recorded on the SG. The frequency and amplitude of several of these oscillations have been estimated in the present study and compared with the earlier global observations. The results are in tandem with similar studies carried out using a global dataset from the seismometers and SG. The present study validates the quality of the recorded data to search minute (submicrogal) coseismic/precursory gravity signals to large earthquakes and sets the background for future low-frequency seismological research in the country. Some new applications of SG data are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On 7 February 2021 at 10:30 am, a huge amount of slurry material flooded the Rishiganga catchment, resulting in excessive flow along the valley. The main cause of this flood was the dislocation of a huge rock mass approximately 540 m wide and 720 m long from the main rock body, which slipped down towards the Raunthi Gadera valley floor, causing massive devastation in the areas such as Raini, Tapovan, and Vishnuprayag. This event was not expected and was the first event in history when a flash flood occurred in winter. In this study, we tried to answer two major questions which are not been explained so far that are related to this disaster. These questions are (i) why did this event occur in winters? (ii) where did so much debris and water come from?. This study clearly answers these questions based on field observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses research which examines the repertoire size of the Pied Bushchat song bird Saxicola caprata. It notes that the structure and use of song repertoire sizes are believed to be traits to understand proximate and functional issues in animal communication. It indicates that Saxicola caprata sang with immediate variety due to the differences of more than 80% successive song types from one another in a song bout.

The article discuss the need of strategic environmental assessment of hydropower projects in India, to meet the demand and supply of energy. It mentions needs of harnessing hydropower projects in Indian Himalayan Region for maximum economic development. It discusses strategic plan for the future development of hydropower projects.

The article explores the use of lyophilized platelets from a blood bank as a potential alternative to conventional foetal bovine serum for culturing human cord tissue mesenchymal stem cells, showing comparable differentiation potential and preserved anti-inflammatory properties.

The article focuses on postoperative complications affecting pancreatic functions after pancreaticoduodenectomy, including endocrine and exocrine insufficiencies, which can be managed through pancreatic enzyme supplementation and routine screening by healthcare providers.

The article explores the use of Google Earth Engine to analyze forest cover change in the Chittagong Hill Tracts in Bangladesh over the past two decades, revealing a 20 percent reduction in vegetated areas and a 15 percent decrease in water bodies.

The article discusses research by Niranjana Balasubramaniam and her team from the Arvind Eye Care System, Madurai, on the management of uveitic glaucoma. The study explores the use of anti-inflammatory agents and intraocular pressure-lowering therapies as alternatives to surgery, highlighting the potential for better outcomes when inflammation is effectively controlled and surgical options are reserved for refractory cases.

The article discusses research by researchers from the SRM Institute of Science and Technology reported in the "Current Science," on the development of a brain-computer interface using electroencephalograms to identify the risk of developing neuropathic pain in stroke patients.

The article explores the development of an electronic nose using Arduino Uno R3 to detect spoilage in edible seeds by monitoring the release of methane and hydrogen gases, offering a potential solution for detecting food spoilage and ensuring freshness.

The article explores how adults can learn English as a second language quickly and effectively by incorporating authentic, real-world-like assessments in the training period, which improve speaking ability and cognitive engagement.

The article discusses how remote sensing and satellite data are being used to predict and estimate long-term variations in soil loss across the Western Ghats, highlighting the factors contributing to soil erosion and the need for conservation efforts in the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The article explores the use of brain images to classify and identify early psychosis in schizophrenia and Parkinson's disease, utilizing a morphometric network-based classification algorithm with promising results.

The article explores the potential of combining lower doses of aspirin with natural anti-inflammatory compounds, specifically carotenoids, to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal adverse effects and cardiovascular complications associated with long-term aspirin use.

The article examines the impact of the Delta and Omicron variants on individuals with comorbidities, finding that patients with comorbidities are associated with a higher proportion of mortality, regardless of the variant.

The article discusses a study conducted in India to determine the carbon and water footprints of rice, wheat, and corn cultivation across different regions, highlighting the highest water footprint for rice farming and the highest carbon footprint for rice cultivation in South India.

The article discusses a study on the reconstruction of droughts in the western Himalayas, which found contrasting hydroclimatic conditions during and after the Little Ice Age, using tree rings to analyze moisture variability and establish correlations between climate variables.

The article discusses research by Priyadarsi De, Arindam Mukherjee, and their team from IISER Kolkata, reported in the "Current Science," on the use of lipoic acid-bound copolymers to inhibit insulin fibrillation, highlighting their potential as safe amyloidogenic inhibitors.

The article discusses research by researchers from the Government Medical College, Srinagar, India, reported in the "Current Science," on the impact of COVID-19 vaccination on menstrual patterns, finding that a small percentage of women experienced changes in their menstrual cycles.

The article discusses research by the ICAR-Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture, Chennai, and the ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai, on the potential of dietary microalgal concentrates to improve disease resistance.Topics include the negative impact of antibiotic treatments, the selection of microalgae species, the evaluation of their bioactivity against pathogenic Vibrio species, and the positive effects observed in shrimp fed with algal concentrates.

The article discusses research by doctors from the Asian Institute of Gastroenterology, Hyderabad, on the use of a single dose versus multiple doses of antibiotics in patients undergoing endoscopic surgery, suggesting that a single dose is as effective as multiple doses in preventing infections.

The article discusses research by Murugavel Kathiresan from CSIR-Central Electrochemical Research Institute, and researchers from China, reported in the "Current Science," on the development of a method using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy to detect doping from saliva and urine samples.

The article discusses research by Shaik Mohammad Naushad and his team at YODA Lifeline Diagnostics, Hyderabad, on the use of liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and machine learning tools to detect inborn errors in metabolism. Topics include the advantages of the analytical tool, the correlation between metabolites and inborn errors, the successful diagnosis of various disorders, and the potential for cost-effective production of instruments in India for epidemiological surveys.

The article discusses the challenges of predicting the onset of the Indian monsoon and explores the potential impact of local factors, such as soil moisture and snow albedo, on improving forecast accuracy. It mentions that the researchers used different weather prediction models to analyze the effects of land surface initialization on rainfall, humidity, and other variables, finding that better land surface initialization and increased observations can improve monsoon onset forecasts.

The article discusses the highlights of a training workshop on Strategic Environmental Assessment of Hydropower Projects: An Important Tool for Sustainable development organized by the G. B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development in Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh, India on November 26, 2014. The topics include biodiversity and environmental issues related to hydroelectric projects, the overall status of the projects and the socio-economic assessment of the projects.