Enter records

ID: 66532
Title: M6a modification pattern-based gene signature can predict different tumour immune microenvironment in pancreatic adenocarcinoma
Author: Xinjing Zhang , Jiajia Liang , Zenghua Deng , Jianfei Chen and Lei Gong
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 129 (8) 25 October 25 682 -690 (2025)
Subject: M6a modification pattern-based gene signature can predict different tumour immune microenvironment in pancreatic adenocarcinoma
Keywords: Gene signature, immunotherapy, m6A, pancreatic adenocarcinoma, risk-score, tumour microenvironment
Abstract: The present study aimed to characterise an m6A modification pattern-based gene signature in the tumour microenvironment (TME) of pancreatic adenocarcinoma. We evaluated m6A modification patterns across 988 pancreatic adenocarcinoma samples using 23 m6A regulators and assessed their correlation with TME immune cell infiltration profiles. A prognostic m6A risk-score incorporating three genes (OGN, IGF2BP2 and IGF2BP3) was developed to predict m6A modification patterns and associated TME subtypes. The low-risk-score phenotype correlated with an inflamed TME and favourable clinical outcomes. Comprehensive characterisation of m6A modification patterns may inform the development of effective immunotherapy strategies.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Gourgou-Bourgade, S. et al., Impact of FOLFIRINOX compared with gemcitabine on quality of life in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer: results from the PRODIGE 4/ACCORD 11 randomized trial. J. Clin. Oncol., 2013, 31, 23–29. Von Hoff, D. D. et al., Increased survival in pancreatic cancer with nabpaclitaxel plus gemcitabine. N. Engl. J. Med., 2013, 369, 1691–1703.
Literature cited 2: Henriksen, A., Dyhl-Polk, A., Chen, I. and Nielsen, D., Checkpoint inhibitors in pancreatic cancer. Cancer Treat Rev., 2019, 78, 17–30. Zhu, Y. et al., Tissue-resident macrophages in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma originate from embryonic hematopoiesis and promote tumor progression. Immunity, 2017, 47

ID: 66531
Title: Transforming food, land and water systems to combat climate crisis in Ladakh, India
Author: M. S. Kanwar, A. R. Chichaghare and Changchuk Lamo
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 129 (8) 25 October 25 677 -679 (2025)
Subject: Transforming food, land and water systems to combat climate crisis in Ladakh, India
Keywords: None
Abstract: The one-day workshop on transforming food, land and water (FLW) systems aimed to present a thematic roadmap to catalyse FLW transformation in the Indian cold arid region through five synergistic themes: (i) Climate-smart food and nutrition system transformation; (ii) Watershed-based resilience and integrated natural resource management; (iii) Carbon farming and climate financing for smallholders; (iv) FLW nexus and integrated planning tools; (v) Frontier technologies for climate-resilient FLW systems. This event was organised as a precursor to the upcoming National Summit on ‘Transforming India’s Agriculture, Horticulture, Dairy, Fisheries and Processing through Technology and Innovation’. The deliberations were followed by an in-depth, Ladakh-specific discussion leading to concrete policy inputs based on scientific research, local needs, field demonstrations, and ongoing programmes. These insights will serve as the basis for contributions to the national-level summit. The workshop brought together representatives from the ICAR-CAZRI, School of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, University of Ladakh, Leh and Kargil; Agriculture Department, Leh; Command Area Development, Leh; India Meteorological Department, Leh; G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment, Leh; progressive farmers and Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Leh, Kargil, Zanskar and Nyoma to represent every region and stakeholders in Ladakh region who actively participated in the discussions hosted at Regional Research Station.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
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ID: 66530
Title: From forecasts to resilience: confronting the Himalayan flood crisis
Author: Madhavan Nair Rajeevan
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 129 (8) 25 October 25 675 -676 (2025)
Subject: From forecasts to resilience: confronting the Himalayan flood crisis
Keywords: None
Abstract: The 2025 monsoon season concluded on a positive note, with well-distributed rainfall across the country. The All-India monsoon rainfall was 8% above the long-period average, reflecting a surplus season that was accurately predicted by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Except for Bihar and a few northeastern subdivisions, all other subdivisions received normal to excess rainfall during the season. A key highlight of the season was the above-normal rainfall over northwestern states, including Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, and western and eastern Rajasthan. Northwest India recorded rainfall 27% above normal, with Rajasthan receiving over 60% above its long-term average. Most of this excess rainfall occurred in August and September.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
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ID: 66529
Title: Khalwat Nimgaon meteorite, Maharashtra: an ordinary equilibrated chondritic meteorite
Author: Susmita Mondal , Sharanya Halder, Monotrisha Dey and Amit Mandal
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 129 (7) 10 October 25 650 -655 (2025)
Subject: Khalwat Nimgaon meteorite, Maharashtra: an ordinary equilibrated chondritic meteorite
Keywords: Chondrules, EPMA, matrix, meteorite, ordinary chondrite.
Abstract: A meteorite that fell in Khalwat Nimgaon village of Wadvani Tehsil, Beed district, Maharashtra, around 2:30 pm IST on 3 March 2025, was collected and handed over to the Geological Survey of India for preservation, registration and dissemination purposes. The meteorite sample is named Khalwat Nimgaon meteorite, after the name of the village where the meteorite fell. The meteorite sample is characterised by chondrules, shock melting and recrystallised matrix. Petrographic and electron probe microanalysis studies show that the meteorite is a stony meteorite consisting of olivine, orthopyroxene, plagioclase, clinopyroxene, chromite, troilite and Fe–Ni minerals (kamacite and taenite). Petrographic studies and mineral compositions show that the meteorite is an equilibrated L-4 type ordinary chondrite.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Maiti, P., Datta. A., Chaudhury, T., Tripathy. S. K., Dey, M., Khandolkar, S. V. and Ekka, A. R., Microstructural and compositional variations of allanite in hydrothermal veins: implications for REE mobilization in Chhotanagpur granite gneiss complex, Purulia district, West Bengal, India. J. Earth Syst. Sci., 2024, 133(55), 1–29. Grossman, J. N., Radial pyroxene and cryptocrystalline chondrules as indicators of aqueous alteration and thermal metamorphism in ordinary chondrites. In Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, Houston, Texas, 1998, p. 1179–1179.
Literature cited 2: Gooding, J. L. and Keil, K., Relative abundances of chondrule primary textural types in ordinary chondrites and their bearing on conditions of chondrule formation. Meteoritics, 1981, 16(1), 17–43. Keil, K. and Fredriksson, K., The iron, magnesium, and calcium distribution in coexisting olivines and rhombic pyroxenes of chondrites. J. Geophys. Res., 1964, 69(16), 3487–3515.

ID: 66528
Title: Ants as pests: an overlooked challenge in dragon fruit farming
Author: B. R. Jayanthi Mala, P. D. Kamala Jayanthi , G. Karunakaran , G. Sangeetha , B. L. Manjunath and R. Sahanashree
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 129 (7) 10 October 25 645-649 (2025)
Subject: Ants as pests: an overlooked challenge in dragon fruit farming
Keywords: Ant-host interaction, ants, dragon fruit, extra floral nectaries, Selenicerus spp., Trichomyrmex destructor.
Abstract: Ants are integral to agricultural ecosystems, playing roles that range from beneficial to detrimental, particularly in dragon fruit (Selenicereus spp.) cultivation. The present study examines the diversity of ant species associated with dragon fruit orchards, focusing on their ecological roles, pest behaviour, and impact on plant health and yield. Field studies conducted at two locations in Karnataka, India, revealed eight ant species, including Trichomyrmex destructor (Jerdon, 1851) (Myrmicinae: Formicidae: Hymenoptera), a major pest, and others categorised as mutualistic or neutral. Ant activity, especially during the ripening stage, caused direct damage to fruits and indirectly fostered pest infestations through mutualistic relationships with sap-sucking insects. Yield losses ranging from 10%–30% were attributed to ant-induced damage. Further, the wounds created by ants attracted the colonisation of fungi, Curvularia lunata, which further deteriorated the fruit quality. The study emphasises the need for balanced pest management strategies that mitigate harmful ant activity while leveraging the ecological benefits of neutral and beneficial ants. The findings offer insights into sustainable practices that minimise chemical inputs and improve the profitability of dragon fruit cultivation.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Mizrahi, Y., Nerd, A. and Nobel, P. S., Cacti as crops. Hortic. Rev., 1997, 18, 291–320. Kubitzki, K., Rohwer, J. G. and Bittrich, V., Flowering Plants: Dicotyledons; Magnoliid, Hamamelid and Caryophyllid Families, Springer Berlin, Heidelberg, 1993, vol 2, p. 653.
Literature cited 2: Pimienta-Barrios, E. and Nobel, P. S., Pitaya (Stenocereus spp., Cactaceae): an ancient and modern fruit crop of Mexico. Econ. Bot., 1994, 48(1), 76–83. Barbeau, G., Red pitahaya, a new exotic fruit. Fruits, 1990, 45, 141–174.

ID: 66527
Title: Infestation of cardamom by the invasive giant African land snail (Lissachatina fulica) in the Western Ghats, India
Author: Keerthy Vijayan , Ramamoorthy Suganthasakthivel and Deepu Mathew
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 129 (7) 10 October 25 641 -644 (2025)
Subject: Infestation of cardamom by the invasive giant African land snail (Lissachatina fulica) in the Western Ghats, India
Keywords: Cardamom pests, Elettaria cardamomum, habitat adaptation, high altitude, invasive pest, mollusc
Abstract: The giant African land snail (Lissachatina fulica), a highly invasive species, was found infesting cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) plants in Cardamom Hill Reserve in the Western Ghat region of Kerala state, India, marking the instance of an invasive pest damaging a major spice crop. The present study documents the snail’s spread across 14 localities at elevations of 812–1308 m above sea level, an unusual habitat, given its historical confinement to lower altitudes. Field surveys (2021–2025) revealed considerable damage, with 40%–60% yield loss, due to feeding on floral buds, leaves, and young fruits. The infestation’s timing suggests a link to Kerala’s 2018 and 2019 floods, which may have facilitated snail dispersal through relief materials. Climate change could have further enabled the snail’s adaptation to higher elevations. Urgent management strategies are needed to align with global biodiversity frameworks, such as the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and India’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2024–2030), in order to mitigate ecological and economic impacts. The present study highlights the role of extreme weather events in accelerating biological invasions and emphasises the need for strengthened quarantine measures to prevent future spread.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Raut, S. K. and Barker, G. M., Achatina fulica Bowdich and other Achatinidae as pests in tropical agriculture. In Molluscs as Crop Pests (ed. Barker, G. M.), CABI Publishing, Wallingford, UK, 2002, pp. 55–114. Lowe, S., Browne, M., Boudjelas, S. and De Poorter, M., 100 of the world’s worst invasive alien species: a selection from the Global Invasive Species database. Invasive Species Specialist Group, Species Survival Commission, International Union for Conservation of Nature, Gland, Switzerland, 2000, p. 12.
Literature cited 2: Mead, A. R., The Giant African Snail: A Problem in Economic Malacology, University of Chicago Press, Chicago, USA, 1961, p. 257. Raut, S. K. and Ghose, K. C., Pestiferous Land Snails of India, Technical Monograph, Zoological Survey of India, Kolkata, 1984, vol 11, p. 151.

ID: 66526
Title: Three-way combination of post-emergence herbicides under DSR and TPR: deciphering weeds, energy budgeting, productivity and economic output in Northern Indo-Gangetic plains
Author: S. K. Verma, Sameer Shrivastava, Mohammad Vaheed , Deepak Kumar Yadav, Chandra Bhushan , Mayank Srivastava , Sudhir Kumar Rajpoot , S. B. Singh and Himansi Singh
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 129 (7) 10 October 25 634 -640 (2025)
Subject: Three-way combination of post-emergence herbicides under DSR and TPR: deciphering weeds, energy budgeting, productivity and economic output in Northern Indo-Gangetic plains
Keywords: Direct-seeded rice, energy use efficiency, productivity, transplanted rice, weed control eff
Abstract: The herbicide formulations were used as post-emergence in direct-seeded rice (DSR) and transplanted rice (TPR) against manual weeding and weedy check during kharif season of 2017–18 and 2018–19 at Varanasi, focusing on different weed species, energy budgeting, productivity and economic outcomes. The results showed that TPR significantly reduced the density and biomass of weeds with a lower weed index (WI) and higher weed control efficiency (WCE), yield, profitability and energy use over DSR. Significantly lower density (45–60%) and dry biomass of weed, with lower WI and the highest WCE, yield, returns and energy efficiency over other herbicides were computed with the use of BMC-II (270 g/ha) at 30 days after sowing
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: FAO, Food and Agriculture Organization, Rome, Italy, 2019; http://www.fao.org (accessed on 26 December 2019). Kumar, V. and Ladha, J. K., Direct seeded rice: recent development and future research needs. Adv. Agron., 2011, 111, 297–413
Literature cited 2: Chakraborty, D. et al., A global analysis of alternative tillage and crop establishment practices for economically and environmentally efficient rice production. Sci. Rep., 2017, 7, 9342. Chauhan, B. S. and Johnson, D. E., Row spacing and weed control timing affect yield of aerobic rice. Field Crop. Res., 2011, 121, 226–231

ID: 66525
Title: Assessing avian diversity across vegetation zones and elevational gradients in the high-altitude Camel’s Hump Mountains of Wayanad
Author: M. P. Sivachand, R. L. Rathish and C. K. Vishnudas
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 129 (7) 10 October 25 621 -633 (2025)
Subject: Assessing avian diversity across vegetation zones and elevational gradients in the high-altitude Camel’s Hump Mountains of Wayanad
Keywords: Birds, Camel’s Hump Mountains, shola, sky islands, Western Ghats.
Abstract: Nestled within the Western Ghats, the Camel’s Hump Mountains in the south of Wayanad is an important bird area recognised globally for its significance in bird conservation. We conducted a bird survey in the highaltitude regions of Camel’s Hump Mountains. The primary focus of the survey was to record the diversity of birds in the region and assess the status of certain endangered species, to guide future conservation efforts. A total of 133 species belonging to 46 families were recorded. The alpha and beta diversity across vegetation types and elevation bands were studied. Evergreen forest and grassland sites exhibited high species richness and Shannon diversity. The shola evergreen forest showed moderate richness and diversity, while the shola grassland had significantly lower values, indicating fewer species but potentially higher endemism. Lower elevation ranges (1,000–1,299 m) supported both higher species richness and Shannon diversity, reflecting a more diverse and balanced bird community. As elevation increased, both richness and diversity declined. The study is not intended to draw final conclusions but rather to provide preliminary data for future research.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Myers, N., Mittermeier, R. A., Mittermeier, C. G., da Fonseca, G. A. and Kent, J., Biodiversity hotspots for conservation priorities. Nature, 2000, 403, 853–858. Karuppusamy, S., Physiography and Climatology of the Western Ghats. In Biodiversity Hotspot of the Western Ghats and Sri Lanka, Apple Academic Press, Waretown, NJ, USA, 2024, pp. 5–23.
Literature cited 2: van der Hammen, T., Climate change, biodiversity, and conservation of neotropical montane forests. In Biodiversity and Conservation of Neotropical Montane Forests (eds Churchill, S. P., Balslev, H., Forero, E. and Luteyn, J. L.), New York Botanical Garden, NY, USA, 1995, pp. 603–607 Robin, V. V. and Nandini, R., Shola habitats on sky islands: status of research on montane forests and grasslands in southern India. Curr. Sci., 2012, 103, 1427–1437.

ID: 66524
Title: A study on alumina product characteristics – density and shrinkage, by gel-casting process
Author: Rupashree Dash, Sukalyan Dash and Laxmidhar Besra
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 129 (7) 10 October 25 615 -620 (2025)
Subject: A study on alumina product characteristics – density and shrinkage, by gel-casting process
Keywords: Alumina, gel-casting, hardness, shrinkage, XRD.
Abstract: The gel-casting process involves the in situ polymerisation of acrylamide monomers, serving as the setting mechanism for the formation of a green body. Successful fabrication of high green strength gel-cast components has been achieved with varying solid loading percentages, specifically 45%, 50%, and 55% by volume. It has been noted that a gradual increase in solid loading results in a decrease in shrinkage values and the formation of a denser structure. Gel-cast components of different shapes and sizes have been successfully sintered. The final cast product fabricated with 55 volume% slurry is having a relative sinter density 98% and a linear drying shrinkage of 4.5%. The alumina product is observed to be formed under rhombohedral crystal symmetry, and the presence of Al–O vibration bonds is identified by FTIR results. At the higher temperature, intense heat sintered the ceramic, resulting in a hard and dense final product.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Tallón, C., Moreno, R., Isabel Nieto, M., Jach, D., Rokicki, G. and Szafran, M., Gel-casting performance of alumina aqueous suspensions with glycerol monoacrylate. a new low-toxicity acrylic monomer. J. Am. Ceram. Soc., 2007, 90, 1386–1393. Omatete, O. O., Janney, M. A. and Nunn, S. D., Gel-casting: from laboratory development toward industrial production. J. Eur. Ceram. Soc., 1997, 17, 407–413.
Literature cited 2: Kokabi, M., Babaluo, A. A. and Barati, A., Gelation process in low-toxic gel-casting systems. J. Eur. Ceram. Soc., 2006, 26, 3083–3090. Olhero, S. M., Tari, G., Coimbra, M. A. and Ferreira, J. M. F., Synergy of polysaccharide mixtures in gel-casting of alumina. J. Eur. Ceram. Soc., 2000, 20, 423–429.

ID: 66523
Title: Sulfur dynamics in acidic soils during incubation with externally added elemental sulfur
Author: Gourav, Narender Kumar Sankhyan , Pardeep Kumar , Gurbhan D. Sharma , M. C. Rana and Neelam Sharma
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 129 (7) 10 October 25 607 -614 (2025)
Subject: Sulfur dynamics in acidic soils during incubation with externally added elemental sulfur
Keywords: Acidic soils, clay content, incubation, sulfur dynamics, sulfur fractions, sulfur sustainability.
Abstract: Acidic soils lack sulfur (S), and only minimal data is available on the dynamics of S fractions in low pH soils. Soil sulfur is positively correlated with pH and clay content. It is important to study the transformation of sulfur with respect to different clay contents and pH levels to ascertain the sustainability of sulfur in the future and to choose between different kinds of fertilisers depending upon soil type. A total of 21 acidic soils having different pH and clay contents were selected and incubated for sixty days in a laboratory at ambient room temperature with five levels of S, i.e., 0, 20, 40, 60, and 80 kg/ha. After sixty days of incubation in the laboratory, soil samples were analysed for the contents of available, watersoluble, heat-soluble, organic, and total sulfur. The S fractions were all incremental with increasing amount of applied S, and the maximum content occurred at the rate of 80 kg S/ha. As compared to other S fractions, water-soluble S was the lowest recorded fraction of S. During the study of 21 soil samples where external sulfur was not added, all sulfur fractions increased over incubation except for organic sulfur, which reduced as it mineralised to other forms of sulfur.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Bouranis, D. L., Malagoli, M., Avice, J. C. and Bloem, E., Advances in plant sulfur research. Plants, 2020, 9, 256. Eriksen, J., Thorup-Christensen, K. and Askegard, M., Plant availability of catch crop sulfur following spring incorporation. J. Plant Nutr. Soil Sci., 2004, 167, 609–615.
Literature cited 2: Scherer, H. W., Sulfur in soils. J. Plant Nutr. Soil Sci., 2009, 172, 326-335. Solomon, D. et al., Anthropogenic and climate influences on biogeochemical dynamics and molecular-level speciation of soil sulfur. Ecol. Appl., 2009, 19, 989–1002.

ID: 66522
Title: Balancing livestock production and environmental sustainability: insights from the Indian context
Author: Neela Madhav Patnaik, Dileep Kumar Pandey, Usha Das* , Parag Acharya and Geeta
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 129 (7) 10 October 25 601 -606 (2025)
Subject: Balancing livestock production and environmental sustainability: insights from the Indian context
Keywords: Environment, impact, livestock, pathways, strategies.
Abstract: Livestock production is integral to India’s agricultural and rural economy but poses increasing environmental challenges. This article examines the complex dynamics between livestock systems and the environment, contrasting the ecological benefits of traditional mixed farming with the environmental costs of expanding commercial dairy and poultry sectors. It highlights key interaction pathways – grazing, nutrient runoff, waste disposal, and land-use change – while challenging narratives that disproportionately blame livestock. Emphasising the role of human decisions and institutional frameworks, the article advocates sustainable, inclusive policies that balance productivity with environmental stewardship through mixed farming promotion, efficient resource use, and knowledge dissemination
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Ghahramani, A. and Bowran, D., Transformative and systemic climate change adaptations in mixed crop-livestock farming systems. Agric. Syst., 2018, 164, 236–251. Ryschawy, J., Choisis, N., Choisis, J. P., Joannon, A. and Gibon, A., Mixed crop-livestock systems: an economic and environmental friendly way of farming? Animal, 2012, 6(10
Literature cited 2: Capper, J. L., Cady, R. A. and Bauman, D. E., The environmental impact of dairy production: 1944 compared with 2007. J. Anim. Sci., 2009, 87(6), 2160–2167. Udo, H. M. J. et al., Impact of intensification of different types of livestock production in smallholder crop-livestock systems. Livest. Sci., 2011, 139(1–2), 22–29

ID: 66521
Title: Report of Chaetoceros abnormis(Proschkina-Lavrenko, 1953), from the Indian Coast
Author: Sonam Angmo, Sahina Akter, Keisham Geenita, Jeetendra Kumar, Muzammal Hoque and Binaya Bhusan Nayak
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 129 (7) 10 October 25 587 -589 (2025)
Subject: Report of Chaetoceros abnormis(Proschkina-Lavrenko, 1953), from the Indian Coast
Keywords: Biodiversity, Chaetoceros abnormis, diatom, estuary, India, phytoplankton.
Abstract: The present study confirms the occurrence of Chaetoceros abnormis, a rare marine diatom, along the Indian coastline from the Patalganga river estuary, Maharashtra. The species was identified during a routine post-monsoon survey using standard plankton collection and microscopic analysis techniques. Noteworthy morphological features included elongated terminal setae and the presence of elliptical resting spores with siliceous ornamentation. The species’ low abundance and sporadic appearance suggest that it may be unreported due to limited detection methods. Its identification in Indian waters extends the known range of this poorly understood taxon and raises questions about its ecological role in tropical estuarine environments. This record underscores the importance of high-resolution, long-term phytoplankton monitoring for revealing hidden biodiversity and also contributes to the growing inventory of Indian phytoplankton diversity.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Proschkina-Lavrenko, A. I., Species Chaetoceros novae et curiosae Maris Nigroi. Notulae Systematicae e Sectione Cryptogamica Instituti Botanici Nomine V. A. Komarovii, Academiae Scientiarum., URSS, 1953, 9, 46–56. Proschkina-Lavrenko, A. I., De prioritate et taxonomia speciei Chaetoceros abnormis Pr.-Lavr. Bot. Mater. Otd. Sporov. Rast. Bot. Inst. Komarova Akad. Nauk S.S.S.R., 1961a, 14, 39–40.
Literature cited 2: Aké-Castillo, J. A. N., Guerra-Martínez, S. L. and Zamudio-Reséndiz, M. A. E., Observations on some species of Chaetoceros (Bacillariophyceae) with reduced number of setae from a tropical coastal lagoon. Hydrobiologia., 2004, 524, 203–213. Xu, X. J., Chen, Z. Y., Lundholm, N. and Li, Y., Revisiting Chaetoceros subtilis and C. subtilis var. abnormis (Bacillariophyceae), reinstating the latter as C. abnormis. Phycologia., 2018, 57, 659–673; https://doi.org/10.2216/18-8.1

ID: 66520
Title: Transforming plastic waste: an NMR-guided break through in recycling
Author: V. Shree Yazhini
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 129 (7) 10 October 25 585-586 (2025)
Subject: Transforming plastic waste: an NMR-guided break through in recycling
Keywords: None
Abstract: The plastics are versatile, durable and cheap, making them an essential part of modern society. The globe produces over 400 million tons annually, almost 90 per cent being nonrenewable fossil fuels1 . Although the materials are indispensable in everyday life, their natural degradation is low, leading to chronic environmental pollution. Traditional waste disposal methods, like landfills and burning, are becoming unsustainable . This indicates the pressing necessity of recycling approaches that will enable the complexity of the real-world waste streams to be handled.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Plastics – the fast Facts 2023, Plastics Europe, Belgium, 2023; https://plasticseurope.org/knowledgehub/plastics-the-fast-facts-2023/ MacLeod, M., Arp, H. P. H., Tekman, M. B. and Jahnke, A., The global threat from plastic pollution. Science, 2021, 373(6550), 61–65
Literature cited 2: Jehanno, C. et al., Critical advances and future opportunities in upcycling commodity polymers. Nature, 2022, 603(7903), 803–814. Sullivan, K. P. et al., Mixed plastics waste valorization through tandem chemical oxidation and biological funneling. Science, 2022, 378(6616), 207–211.

ID: 66519
Title: Veiled burden in crabs
Author: T. K. Teena Jayakumar Hussna Nazar T. T Ajith Kumar
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 129 (7) 10 October 25 583 -584 (2025)
Subject: Veiled burden in crabs
Keywords: None
Abstract: Pedunculate barnacles are sessile epibionts commonly associated with marine crabs . They are widely distributed across tropical and temperate regions, typically inhabiting shallow littoral or pelagic water . Octolasmis, a stalked barnacle, exhibits a biphasic life cycle, beginning with a free-swimming nauplius that develops into a cyprid larva, which actively seeks a suitable host. Upon settlement, it attaches by a stalk and forms a chitinous plate, typically on the carapace, mouthparts, or within the branchial chambers of the host, where it remains until it is dislodged by the host during moulting or grooming. Depending on the site of attachment, the barnacle may engage in either a parasitic or commensal relationship with its hosts3 . The infestation rates depend on host size, sex, habitat, and environmental factors such as temperature, salinity, and the pollution status of the environment
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Jeffries, W. B. and Voris, H. K., A subjectindexed bibliography of the symbiotic barnacles of the genus Octolasmis Gray, 1825 (Crustacea: Cirripedia: Poecilasmatidae). Raffles Bull. Zool., 1996, 44, 575–592. Ihwan, M. Z., Ikhwanuddin, A., Ambak, M. A., Shuhaimi, A. D., Wahidah, A. D. and Marina, H., Study on the attachment of Octolasmis spp. on gill of wild mud crabs, genus Scylla from Setiu Wetland, Terengganu, Malaysia. Poultry Fisheries & Wild Science, 2015, 3(2), 1–3.
Literature cited 2: Siddharaju, S. and Sultan, K. M., A note on the infestation of barnacle, Balanus amphitrite (Darwin) on the prawn, Penaeus monodon Fabricius. Curr. Sci., 1979, 48(5), 225–226. Daniel, A., Colour as a factor influencing the settlement of barnacles. Curr. Sci., 1956, 25(1), 21–22

ID: 66518
Title: Identification and characterization of South Indian mammal hair using Tricho-Taxonomic Analysis
Author: Rajasivam, M. and Nazia, A
Editor: Udhayan A, Senbagapriya S, Eswaran D, Manimozhi A, Sankar K, Vasanthakumari D, Siva Ranjani S and Gabriel Paulraj M
Year: 2025
Publisher: Advanced Institute for Wildlife Conservation (Research, Training &Education), Tamil Nadu Forest Department, Vandalur, Chennai
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: 4th Annual Research Conference Proceedings, 13-14 February, Vandalur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Pg no 261-272 (2025)
Subject: Identification and characterization of South Indian mammal hair using Tricho-Taxonomic Analysis
Keywords: Trichotaxonomy, mammalian hair, species identification, biodiversity conservation, forensic science, south Indian mammals.
Abstract: The identification and characterization of mammalian hair using trichotaxonomic analysis are crucial for advancing wildlife conservation and forensic science. In this study, hair samples from eight mammalian species housed at Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, were analyzed to establish species-specific characteristics from March, 2024 to August, 2024. Using well-established methodologies such as gelatin smear preparation, DPX mounting and stereomicroscopy, the study examined medullary and cuticular characteristics under 10x and 100x magnifications. The analysis revealed distinct morphological features, including medulla patterns, cuticle scale variations, and structural differences, enabling species differentiation. Additionally, the study emphasized the importance of developing a comprehensive identification key for mammalian hair, contributing to a reference database for South Indian mammals. This research provides significant insights into biodiversity studies and forensic science, enabling species identification from hair samples through noninvasive methods. The findings contribute to a foundational understanding that can be utilized in future biodiversity monitoring and wildlife conservation efforts. Results underscore the utility of trichotaxonomy in understanding biodiversity, predator-prey relationships by scat analysis, and aiding in wildlife crime investigations. To experiment with portable solutions, hair samples from the deer family were also observed using a foldscope (paper microscope), showcasing its potential as a field-friendly tool for onsite analyses. However, this was done on an experimental basis. Integrating traditional taxonomic methods with innovative technologies paves the way for enhanced species management and conservation strategies.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Bahuguna, A. (2010). Trichotaxonomy of Indian species of Genus Ratufa Gray (Mammalia: Rodentia: Sciuridae). Records of the Zoological Survey of India, 110(3), 37-57. Debeljak, I., Kistler, M., & Madsen, H. (2016). Advances in the study of mammalian hair morphology. Mammalian Biology, 81(3), 195-205. Germany.
Literature cited 2: Kale, P., & Vats, R. (2019). Cuticular and medullary hair structure for species identification in carnivores. Journal of Zoological Studies, 58(1), 23-30. India. Kaur, H., Sharma, D., & Kumar, R. (2021). The importance of tricho-taxonomy in biodiversity conservation. Conservation Biology Review, 5(4), 109-120. India.