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In the first quarter of the 21st century, we are already facing the third emergence of a coronavirus outbreak, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) responsible for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Comparative genomics can inform a deeper understanding of the pathogenesis of COVID-19. Previous strains of coronavirus, SARS-CoV, and Middle-East respiratory syndrome-coronavirus (MERS-CoV), have been known to cause acute lung injuries in humans. SARS-CoV-2 shares genetic similarity with SARS-CoV with some modification in the S protein leading to their enhanced binding affinity toward the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors of human lung cells. This expert review examines the features of all three coronaviruses through a conceptual lens of comparative genomics. In particular, the life cycle of SARS-CoV-2 that enables its survival within the host is highlighted. Susceptibility of humans to coronavirus outbreaks in the 21st century calls for comparisons of the transmission history, hosts, reservoirs, and fatality rates of these viruses so that evidence-based and effective planetary health interventions can be devised to prevent future zoonotic outbreaks. Comparative genomics offers new insights on putative and novel viral targets with an eye to both therapeutic innovation and prevention. We conclude the expert review by (1) articulating the lessons learned so far, whereas the research is still being actively sought after in the field, and (2) the challenges and prospects in deciphering the linkages among multiomics biological variability and COVID-19 pathogenesis.

Millets are known for its nutritional excellence because of its high nutrient density. Among all the millets, pearl millet is considered the most important nutricereals, having 3–8% lipids. Rancidity or off-odour development in flour is one of the major limiting factors in the popularization of pearl millet all over the world. In the present investigation, we have evaluated the flour (freshly milled and 10 days after milling) of diverse genotypes of pearl millet for their hydrolytic and oxidative degradation of lipids using different biochemical parameters such as comprehensive acid value (CAV: the number of milligrammes of potassium hydroxide required to neutralize the free fatty acids present in 1 g of flour), comprehensive peroxide value (CPV: determination of the primary oxidation product i.e. hydroperoxides in the flour) and activities of lipase and lipoxygenase (LOX). We have classified pearl millet genotypes into low, medium and high rancid groups and developed a rancidity matrix (RM) with 3 groups and 6 classes; the matrix was validated using 93 diverse pearl millet genotypes. RM will be of great help to the pearl millet breeders for developing low rancid pearl millet lines.

A continual rise in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection causing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has become a global threat. The main problem comes when SARS-CoV-2 gets mutated with the rising infection and becomes more lethal for humankind than ever. Mutations in the structural proteins of SARS-CoV-2, i.e., the spike surface glycoprotein (S), envelope (E), membrane (M) and nucleocapsid (N), and replication machinery enzymes, i.e., main protease (Mpro) and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) creating more complexities towards pathogenesis and the available COVID-19 therapeutic strategies. This study analyzes how a minimal variation in these enzymes, especially in S protein at the genomic/proteomic level, affects pathogenesis. The structural variations are discussed in light of the failure of small molecule development in COVID-19 therapeutic strategies. We have performed in-depth sequence- and structure-based analyses of these proteins to get deeper insights into the mechanism of pathogenesis, structure-function relationships, and development of modern therapeutic approaches. Structural and functional consequences of the selected mutations on these proteins and their association with SARS-CoV-2 virulency and human health are discussed in detail in the light of our comparative genomics analysis.

The diversity of Indian culture reflects the follow-up of different traditions in almost every part of the country. The production of fermented beverages reflects one such traditional act followed up by the rural folk residing in the Indian hills. The various fermented drinks which are produced are Haria, Chhang, Sura, Kacchi, Yu, and much more. Medicinal plants provide an asset in the production of some beverages because of their medicinal properties and safety concerns. Apart from these, the other substrates that are employed for the production include fruits, vegetables, grains, and herbs. The engineering of alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages are widespread to Northern Himalayas (different parts of Himachal), Kashmir, Uttarakhand, and the North-eastern regions mainly Meghalaya, Nagaland, and Mizoram. Several production conditions and equipment are taken care of for attaining the better efficiency. Microbial cultures are also widely used but the strains of the microorganism varies in different productions and the most commonly used are Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Streptococcus lactis in the production of fermented milk and probiotics while Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Kluyveromyces lactis, leuconostoc sp., Zygosaccharomyces bisporus, Candida sp. are commonly involved in the production of alcoholic beverages. This chapter focuses on the different types of beverages produced by the rural folks from the ancient time, their production methods, isolation, and screening of natural substrates (fruits, grains, herbs, and medicinal plants) for the production. Further microbial cultures employed for the fermentation processes along with the health, safety, and economic perspectives associated with the manufacturing and consumption of such beverages are covered.