ID: 66111
Title: Exploring the molecular mechanism of Pandanus tectorius fruit extract in treating diabetic peripheral neuropathy via the Nrf2/Keap1 signalling pathway
Author: JinGui Zhang , YuQing Li , XiaoLi Wang , ShiSong Wang, XianMei Xue, LiWen Dong , JingChun Yao and Chao Wang
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 128 (2) 169-177 25 Jan. (2025)
Subject: Exploring the molecular mechanism of Pandanus tectorius fruit extract in treating diabetic peripheral neuropathy via the Nrf2/Keap1 signalling pathway
Keywords: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy, Nrf2/Keap1 signalling pathway, oxidative stress, Pandanus tectorius fruits, sciatic nerve.
Abstract: Diabetes is a global epidemic, and its pathogenesis involves multiple factors. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is one of its clinical complications, which
brings a serious burden to the lives of patients. Pandanus tectorius fruits (PTF) extract has attracted much
attention due to its rich bioactive components and is
considered to have potential effects in treating DPN.
The present study aims to deeply explore the molecular
mechanism of PTF extract in treating diabetic peripheral neuropathy, focusing on the regulatory effect of the
Nrf2/Keap1 signalling pathway. The blood glucose
changes and behavioural changes of DPN rats before
and after PTF treatment were detected. Histological
myelin staining was performed using Luxol fast blue
(LFB) staining. TUNEL staining was used to observe
the apoptosis of sciatic nerve cells. TEM observation of
the ultrastructure of dorsal root ganglion. ELISA and
kits detect NGF, IGF-1, VEGF, SOD, GSH-Px, and
malondialdehyde (MDA). Western blot detects Nrf2,
Keap1, HO-1 and NQO1. This experiment found that
PTF extract has significant blood glucose control and
analgesic effects on DPN rats. PTF extract can also
inhibit the apoptosis of sciatic nerve cells in DPN rats
and protect the structural integrity of myelin sheaths.
The ultrastructure of dorsal root ganglia was improved after PTF treatment. The neuroactive factors
(IGF-1, VEGF) in rats with DPN under a high-fat diet
were significantly reduced, NGF was overexpression,
the oxidative stress-related factors SOD and GSH-Px
were reduced, and the levels of MDA were increased.
After treatment with PTF, the positive drug α-lipoic
acid reversed these abnormalities, enhanced levels of
neuroactive factors, and mitigated oxidative stress.
Western blot analysis showed that in DPN, the expression of Nrf2, HO-1 and NQO1 proteins in the sciatic
nerve was down-regulated, Keap1 was overexpression,
while PTF and α-lipoic acid treatment led to their upregulation. Adding the Nrf2 inhibitor Brusatol to the
DPN + PTF group inhibited the up-regulating effect of
PTF on these proteins. In summary, PTF extract can
effectively reduce blood glucose and pain perception in
DPN rats, promote antioxidant capacity, and protect the
sciatic nerve through the Nrf2/Keap1 signalling pathway, thereby achieving the purpose of treating DPN.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Galicia-Garcia, U. et al., Pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Int. J. Mol. Sci., 2020, 21(17), 6275.
Tomic, D., Shaw, J. E. and Magliano, D. J., The burden and risks of
emerging complications of diabetes mellitus. Nat. Rev. Endocrinol.,
2022, 18(9), 525–539.
Literature cited 2: Dyck, P. J. et al., Variables influencing neuropathic endpoints: the
Rochester diabetic neuropathy study of healthy subjects. Neurology,
1995, 45(6), 1115–1121.
Dyck, P. J. et al., The prevalence by staged severity of various
types of diabetic neuropathy, retinopathy, and nephropathy in a
population-based cohort: the Rochester diabetic neuropathy study.
Neurology, 1993, 43(4), 817–824.
ID: 66110
Title: Contingent valuation, conjoint experiment elicitation and behavioural economic valuation of Koothapar big tank wetland
Author: N. Mangaiyarkarasi, J. S. Amarnath, M. Anjugam, B. Sivasankari, R. Balaji and V. Balamurugan
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 128 (2) 163-168 25 Jan. (2025)
Subject: Contingent valuation, conjoint experiment elicitation and behavioural economic valuation of Koothapar big tank wetland
Keywords: Behavioural economics, conjoint experiment, contingent valuation, non-use value, wetland
Abstract: In recent decades, wetlands have deteriorated due to biotic and abiotic threats. Hence, ecosystem service valuation is sine quo non for its conservation. This was
estimated through novel environmental impact assessment methodologies of contingent valuation, conjoint
experiment elicitation and behavioural economic valuation of Koothapar big tank wetland, Tamil Nadu, in
the Indian context. The estimated economic value of
non-use value through contingent valuation was Rs
81.95 lakhs per annum. The estimated total economic
value for biodiversity conservation through conjoint
experiment was Rs 85.50 lakhs per annum. The inclusion
of behavioural economics in the study showed that its
willingness to pay value was higher than the stated
preference approach by 30.52%.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Boxall, P. C., Adamowicz, Wiktor L., Swait, J., Williams, M. and
Louviere, J., A comparison of stated preference methods for environmental valuation. Ecol. Econ., 1996, 18(3), 243–253.
Mitchell, R. C. and Carson, R. T., Using Surveys to Value Public
Goods: The Contingent Valuation Method, Resource for the Future,
Washington, DC, 1989, pp. 254–312.
Literature cited 2: experiments with complex ecosystem changes: the effect of information formats on estimated variances and choice parameters.
J. Agric. Resourc. Econ., 2010, 35(3), 568–590.
White, P. C. L., Bennett, A. C. and Hayes, E. J. V., The use of willingness-to-pay approaches in mammal, conservation. Mammal
Rev., 2001, 31(2), 151–167
ID: 66109
Title: Forest growth modelling in agroforestry systems
Author: H. B. Roghan, M. Murugesh, I. Sekar , P. S. Devanand , S. Vennila , P. Kumar , M. Kiruba and B. Sivakumar
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 128 (2) 125-126 25 Jan. (2025)
Subject: Forest growth modelling in agroforestry systems
Keywords: Coffee, different age, forest models, Grevillea robusta, growth and yield prediction, volume.
Abstract: Forest modelling is a concept that has gained importance in recent years and is emerging as a vital respect of forest management. It enables us to predict the
development of stands of trees over time. Through
forest modelling, we have derived the growth and yield
prediction models for silver oak grown in coffee plantations. By using diameter at breast height and commercial bole height simultaneously, along with
estimates of commercial timber volume calculated in
coffee plantations, we have developed a new growth
model. This model will allow us to utilize these derived
values and formulas to draw conclusions in the near
future.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Johnson, L. A. S. and Briggs, B. G., Evolution in the Proteaceae.
Aust. J. Bot., 1963, 11, 21–61.
Thomas, M. B., Research on the nutrition of container grown Proteaceae plants and other nursery stock. Proc. Int. Plant Prop. Soc.,
1974, 24, 313–325
Literature cited 2: George, C. K., Intercropping pepper in coffee plantations problems
and prospects. J. Cocoa, Arikanut Spices, 1991, 15(2), 1–2.
Raju, T. and Srinivasan, C. S., High production technology for coffee in the Pulneys in Tamil Nadu. Ind. Coffee, 1996, 4, 12–14.
ID: 66108
Title: Discovery of Lockeia gigantus trace fossils in India
Author: V. S. Parihar, Abhimanyu Singh and V. K. Meghwal
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 128 (2) 148-153 25 Jan. (2025)
Subject: Discovery of Lockeia gigantus trace fossils in India
Keywords: Fort member, Jaisalmer Basin, Jaisalmer Formation, Lockeia gigantus, Plicatounio bivalves, resting traces, western Rajasthan.
Abstract: The present study discovered the well-preserved
Lockeia gigantus traces from the Fort Member of the
Jaisalmer Formation of the Jaisalmer Basin in the
Jethwai area of Jaisalmer district, western Rajasthan,
India. Here, the L. gigantus traces have been recorded
in the yellowish medium- to fine-grained silty sandstone
in the Jethwai section. The L. gigantus trace fossils are
large-sized (ranging from 35 to 70 mm), elongated,
seeds-shaped to almond-shaped in smooth surface
traces, preserved as convex (positive) hyporeliefs with
more or less tapered at both ends. These species of the
Lockeia genus are interpreted as the resting traces
probably of Plicatounio bivalves, however, these Plicatounio bivalves have not been recognized yet from the
Fort Member of the Jaisalmer Formation. These new
L. gigantus resting traces represent the largest ever
known Lockeia specimens and are the first time reported in India.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Das Gupta, S. K., Stratigraphy of western Rajasthan shelf. In Proceedings of the IV Indian Colloquim on Micropalaeontology and
Stratigraphy, Dehradun, India, 1974, pp. 219–233.
Datta, A. K., Geological evolution of hydrocarbon prospects of
Rajasthan basin. Petrol. Asia J., 1983, 1, 92–100.
Literature cited 2: Biswas, S. K., Rift basins in the western margin of India and their
hydrocarbon prospects. Am. Assoc. Petrol. Geol. Bull., 1982, 66,
1497–1513.
Mishra, P. C., Singh, N. P., Sharma, D. C., Kakaroo, A. K., Upadhyay, H. and Saini, M. L., Lithostratigraphy of Indian Petroliferous
Basins, Document II West Rajasthan Basins, Keshava Deva
Malaviya Institute of Petroleum Exploration, ONGC Publication,
Dehradun, 1993, p. 123.
ID: 66107
Title: Need of groundwater microplastics study: insights from India
Author: Susanta Paikaray
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 128 (2) 142-147 25 Jan. (2025)
Subject: Need of groundwater microplastics study: insights from India
Keywords: Groundwater contamination, landfill origin, microplastics, microplastic migration, soil microplastics
Abstract: Dependence on groundwater as a freshwater resource
is increasing worldwide, yet the study of microplastics
(MPs) contamination in groundwater remains limited.
Infiltration from landfills, urban runoff, seawater and
river discharge through soil pores, fractures and joints
in rocks, along with disintegration of the MPs in aquifers, significantly contributes to groundwater contamination by the MPs. The strong hydrophobicity of MPs
combined with chemical additives can lead to trace metal enrichment, which may eventually enter groundwater
systems. Despite groundwater being a major source of
freshwater across the country, research on MPs in
groundwater in India began in 2019 and to date, has
been largely confined to the state of Tamil Nadu. Existing studies indicate the presence of small-sized MPs,
primarily composed of polyethylene and polypropylene, with fibres and fragments being the dominant
shapes. Current research is focused on coastal zones
and landfill sites, where sampling has been carried out
using pumping and filtration techniques. The characterization and quantification of MPs have primarily
relied on optical microscopy, infrared spectroscopy,
and electron microscopy. However, future research
should focus on comprehensive monitoring efforts,
identifying MP hotspots, understanding the subsurface
migration mechanisms and investigating behaviour and reactivity at the soil-groundwater interface.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Geyer, R., Jambeck, J. R. and Law, K. L., Production, use, and fate
of all plastics ever made. Sci. Adv., 2017, 3, e1700782.
Chia, R. K., Lee, J. Y., Kim, H. and Jang, J., Microplastic pollution
in soil and groundwater: a review. Environ. Chem. Lett., 2021, 19,
4211–4224.
Literature cited 2: Khant, M. A. and Kim, H., Review of current issues and management strategies of microplastics in groundwater environments. Water,
2022, 14, 1020.
Chinglenthoiba, C., Pukhrambam, B., Chanu, K. T., Devi, K. S.,
Meitei, M. J., Devika, Y. and Valiyaveettil, S., A review on microplastic pollution research in India. Reg. Stud. Mar. Sci., 2023, 58,
102777.
ID: 66106
Title: India–Ladakh arc collision during Early Eocene (~ 55 Ma): evidence from the Shimla hills, India
Author: B. P. Singh Aditi Mishra
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 128 (2) 139-141 25 Jan. (2025)
Subject: India–Ladakh arc collision during Early Eocene (~ 55 Ma): evidence from the Shimla hills, India
Keywords: None
Abstract: The timing of India–Ladakh arc and India–
Asia collision is enigmatic and there is no
direct evidence to decipher the age of the
collision. Also, whether India collided first
with the Ladakh–Kohistan arc or directly
collided with Asia’s mainland is unclear.
All inferences are indirect. As such, there
are four schools of thought on the age of
collision. According to first school, the
collision took place around 50 Ma in the
western Himalaya based on geology, biostratigraphy, palaeomagnetism, Cr-spinel
and zircon ages from Tibet1,2. The second
school, based on sedimentary sequences of
the Zanskar area3
, palaeomagnetism and
movement along the ninety-east ridge4
, Crspinels5
, growth fault and forebulge in the
Jammu Himalaya6
, considered that collision took place at 54+ Ma in the western
Himalaya. Third school based on the stratigraphic evidence suggested that collision
took place between 66 and 55.5 Ma (ref.
7). This interpretation got support from radiometric dating of rocks from the collision
zone which yielded 57 ± 1 Ma as the age of
collision8
. Fourth school suggested that
collision took place ~34 Ma in the western
Himalayas based on field evidence and radiometric dates from Tibet9,
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Najman, Y. et al., J. Geophys. Res., 2010,
115, B12416.
Wang, J., Hu, X., Jansa, L. and Huang, Z.,
J. Geol., 2011, 119, 293–309.
Literature cited 2: Gaetani, M. and Garzanti, E., AAPG Bull.,
1991, 75, 1427–1446.
Klootwijk, C. T., Gee, J. S., Peirce, J. W.,
Smith, G. M. and McFadden, P. L., Geology,
1992, 20, 395–398.
ID: 66105
Title: A rare freshwater crab, Chopramon panningi (Bott, 1966) (Crustacea: Brachyura: Potamidae) from West Bengal, India
Author: Ram Krishna Das
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 128 (2) 137-138 25 Jan. (2025)
Subject: A rare freshwater crab, Chopramon panningi (Bott, 1966) (Crustacea: Brachyura: Potamidae) from West Bengal, India
Keywords: None
Abstract: The freshwater crabs belong to infra order
Brachyura of the order Decapoda, characterized by the broad carapace-covered cephalothorax and a reduced abdomen with five
pairs of thoracic legs in which first pair
modified as chelate legs1,2. They are considered to be an advanced group of Decapoda, having ecological and medical
importance3,4. In addition, freshwater crabs
are consumed as food and used as feed additive and fertilizer5
. The freshwater crabs
diversity of India comprises of 127 species
assigned to two families (Gecarcinucidae
Rathbun, 1904, Potamidae Ortmann, 1896)
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Yeo, D. C. J., Ng, P. K. L., Cumberlidge,
N., Magalhaes, C., Daniels, S. R. and
Campos, M. R., Hydrobiologia, 2008, 595,
275–286; doi:10.1007/s10750-007-9023-3.
Deb, M., In Fauna of West Bengal, State
Fauna Series, Zoological Survey of India,
Kolkata, 1999, vol. 10, pp. 345–403.
Literature cited 2: Cumberlidge, N. et al., Biol. Conserv.,
2009, 142, 1665–1673; doi:10.1016/j.biocon.
2009.02.038.
Valarmathi, K., In Current Status of Freshwater Faunal Diversity in India, Zoological
Survey of India, Ministry of Environment,
Forest and Climate Change, Government
of India, 2018, pp. 1–624
ID: 66104
Title: Harnessing plant expression platform for the development of recombinant vaccines
Author: Balamurugan Shanmugaraj
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 128 (2) 134-136 25 Jan. (2025)
Subject: Harnessing plant expression platform for the development of recombinant vaccines
Keywords: None
Abstract: Plant molecular farming has emerged as a promising alternative platform for the production of high-value
pharmaceuticals, including vaccines, antibodies and therapeutic proteins. Various vaccine antigens, including
viral, bacterial, and parasitic targets, have been successfully produced in plants, demonstrating the versatility
and scalability of the system. Despite three decades of research, very few plant-based biopharmaceutical products
reached the market and few vaccine candidates have reached the clinical trials in the recent decade. While the
journey of plant-produced vaccines from bench to market has been accompanied by challenges, recent years
have seen significant progress in overcoming certain technical, regulatory and commercial hurdles. In the coming years, we are poised to witness the commercial potential of plants in the fight against infectious diseases.
This commentary highlights the transformative impact of plant molecular farming on vaccine development.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Shanmugaraj, B., Christine Joy I. Bulaon
and Phoolcharoen, W., Plants, 2020, 9(7),
842; doi:10.3390/plants9070842.
Fischer, R. and Buyel, J. F., Biotechnol.
Adv., 2020, 40, 107519; doi:10.1016/j.
biotechadv.2020.107519.
Literature cited 2: McNulty, M. J. et al., Biotechnol. Prog.,
2020, 36(1), e2896; doi:10.1002/btpr.2896.
Nandi, S., Kwong, A. T., Holtz, B. R., Erwin, R. L., Marcel, S. and McDonald, K.
A., mAbs, 2016, 8(8), 1456–1466; doi:10.
1080/19420862.2016.1227901
ID: 66103
Title: Harnessing plant expression platform for the development of recombinant vaccines
Author: Balamurugan Shanmugaraj
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 128 (2) 133-134 25 Jan. (2025)
Subject: Harnessing plant expression platform for the development of recombinant vaccines
Keywords: None
Abstract: Plant molecular farming has emerged as a promising alternative platform for the production of high-value
pharmaceuticals, including vaccines, antibodies and therapeutic proteins. Various vaccine antigens, including
viral, bacterial, and parasitic targets, have been successfully produced in plants, demonstrating the versatility
and scalability of the system. Despite three decades of research, very few plant-based biopharmaceutical products
reached the market and few vaccine candidates have reached the clinical trials in the recent decade. While the
journey of plant-produced vaccines from bench to market has been accompanied by challenges, recent years
have seen significant progress in overcoming certain technical, regulatory and commercial hurdles. In the coming years, we are poised to witness the commercial potential of plants in the fight against infectious diseases.
This commentary highlights the transformative impact of plant molecular farming on vaccine development.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Shanmugaraj, B., Christine Joy I. Bulaon
and Phoolcharoen, W., Plants, 2020, 9(7),
842; doi:10.3390/plants9070842.
Fischer, R. and Buyel, J. F., Biotechnol.
Adv., 2020, 40, 107519; doi:10.1016/j.
biotechadv.2020.107519.
Literature cited 2: McNulty, M. J. et al., Biotechnol. Prog.,
2020, 36(1), e2896; doi:10.1002/btpr.2896.
Nandi, S., Kwong, A. T., Holtz, B. R., Erwin, R. L., Marcel, S. and McDonald, K.
A., mAbs, 2016, 8(8), 1456–1466; doi:10.
1080/19420862.2016.1227901.
ID: 66102
Title: Peninsular Indian Coastal Ocean Monitoring System
Author: Ramesh Madipally and N. V. Chalapathi Rao
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 128 (2) 131-132 25 Jan. (2025)
Subject: Peninsular Indian Coastal Ocean Monitoring System
Keywords: None
Abstract: A two-day session was held to discuss the
challenges posed by India’s coastal regions,
explore the latest technologies, and chart a
way forward for establishing a high-resolution network of coastal monitoring stations along the Indian coast. The session
aimed to bring together experts in oceanography, coastal and atmospheric research
to develop actionable solutions for sustainable coastal management and the protection of India’s coastline. Distinguished
scientists and professors were invited from
esteemed Indian research and academic
organizations, including the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), CSIR, Goa
and Visakhapatnam; Indian Institute of
Technology, Kharagpur; Space Applications Centre (SAC), ISRO, Ahmedabad;
National Institute of Technology, Calicut;
and five Ministry of Earth Sciences
(MoES) institutes, viz. Indian Institute of
Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune; Indian National Centre for Ocean Information
Services (INCOIS), Hyderabad; National
Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR),
Chennai; National Institute of Ocean
Technology (NIOT), Chennai; and National
Centre for Earth Science Studies (NCESS),
Thiruvananthapuram.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1:
Literature cited 2:
ID: 66101
Title: Detection of novel anatoxin-a producing cyanobacteria in freshwater bodies of Assam, India
Author: Jimasree Rava Ajitabh Bora and Jadab Rajkonwar B. J. Gogoi
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 128 (2) 125-125 25 Jan. (2025)
Subject: Detection of novel anatoxin-a producing cyanobacteria in freshwater bodies of Assam, India
Keywords: None
Abstract: Cyanobacteria, often known as blue-green
algae, are diverse group of photosynthetic
prokaryotes found in wide range of aquatic
and terrestrial habitats. They are wellknown for their ability to produce oxygen
through photosynthesis, which significantly
transformed Earth’s atmosphere billions of
years ago
. In addition to oxygen production, these organisms support various ecological functions such as forming the base
of food web, fixing atmospheric nitrogen
and performing carbon sequestration, which
helps maintain Earth’s climatic balance.
However, under certain favourable environmental conditions cyanobacteria can
proliferate and form harmful algal blooms
(HABs), posing significant risks to both
aquatic ecosystems and human health.
These HABs produce toxic secondary metabolites known as cyanotoxins that can be
detrimental to animals, human and aquatic
life.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: . Hamilton, T. L., Bryant, D. A. and Macalady,
J. L., Environ. Microbiol., 2016, 18, 325–340.
Paerl, H., F1000 Res., 2017, 6, 244
Literature cited 2: Mangan, N. and Brenner, M., Elife, 2014, 3,
e02043.
Chorus, I. and Welker, M. (eds), Toxic Cyanobacteria in Water, CRC Press, Boca Raton,World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland, 2021, 2nd ed
ID: 66100
Title: Pasania pachyphylla leaves: a vital non-timber forest product in Longpi pottery craft of Manipur, India
Author: L. Chanu Langlentombi and Arati Ningombam
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 128 (2) 125-126 25 Jan. (2025)
Subject: Pasania pachyphylla leaves: a vital non-timber forest product in Longpi pottery craft of Manipur, India
Keywords: None
Abstract: The Longpi pottery is a traditional craft
made in Longpi, a village in Manipur, India,
by the Tangkhul Naga tribe1
. This pottery
is black in colour, unique in appearance
and handmade in origin, which is why it is
well known. It makes use of serpentinite
stone and local clay. In Longpi pottery,
Pasania pachyphylla plays a significant
role in the finishing process. This tree is one
of the non-timber forest products (NTFP)
that reflect the symbiotic and sustainable
relationship of traditional crafts with forest
ecosystems2
. Pasania pachyphylla is a large
evergreen tree species native to the northeastern Himalayas, Myanmar, Nepal and
Tibet, belonging to the family Fagaceae.
In Manipur, P. pachyphylla is culturally
valued across the communities, known as
‘Kuhi’ in Meitei and ‘Machina’ in Tangkhul. Its bark and leaves are used as natural dyes3
, valued for their unique colours
and eco-friendly properties.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Balasubramamam, C., Ceram. Tech., 2008,
27, 19–22.
Rohini, A., Selvi, M. P. and Anjugam, M.,
Indian Farm., 2017, 65(5), 12–15
Literature cited 2: . Sharma, H. M., Devi, A. R. and Sharma, B.
M., Indian J. Tradit. Knowl., 2005, 4(1), 39–
46
ID: 66099
Title: An efficient in vitro haploid induction protocol/method in onion (Alium cepa L.)
Author: K. N. Poornima, B. R. Raghu and P. Nandeesha
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 127 (12) 1450-1453 25 Dec. (2024)
Subject: An efficient in vitro haploid induction protocol/method in onion (Alium cepa L.)
Keywords: Doubled haploids, haploids, hybrids, inbreds.
Abstract: As is true in other vegetable crops, hybrids are the major
cultivar options in onion as well. Conventional development of near homozygous inbred lines for use as parents
of the hybrids takes six to eight years. The development
of hybrid parents using doubled haploid technology is
the best alternative to this. Toward this effort, we standardized the best protocol to induce haploidy in different
open-pollinated onion varieties. Haploid induction is a
prelude to development of doubled haploids. The MS
and B5 media consisting of 2 mg/l benzyl amino purine
(BAP), 2 mg/l 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D),
2 mM putrescine and 0.1 mM spermidine was found to
be the best protocol for haploid induction. The haploid
induction frequency varied with the genotypes used in
the study. This protocol is expected to hasten the development of doubled haploids in onion.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Netrapal and Singh, N., Heterosis for yield and storage parameters
in onion (Allium cepa). Indian J. Agric. Sci, 1999, 69(12), 826–829.
Nunes, R. L. C., Oliveira, A. B. D. and Dutra, A. S., Agronomic
performance of onion hybrids in Baraúna, in the semi-arid region of
Brazil. Rev. Ciênc. Agron., 2014, 45, 606–611.
Literature cited 2: Singh, R. K. and Bhonde, S. R., Performance studies of exotic onion
(Allium cepa L.) hybrids in the Nashik region of Maharashtra. Indian
J. Hill Farming, 2011, 24(2), 29–31.
Khar, A. and Singh, H., Rapid methods for onion breeding. In Accelerated Plant Breeding, Volume 2: Vegetable Crops, Springer,
Switzerland, 2020, 1st edn, pp. 77–99
ID: 66098
Title: Meat consumption in bonnet macaque (Macaca radiata): an analysis on recent observations from Wayanad, Kerala
Author: K. M. Muhammed Sabith , Joseph J. Erinjery , Mewa Singh and P. K. Prasadan
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 127 (12) 1447-1449 25 Dec. (2024)
Subject: Meat consumption in bonnet macaque (Macaca radiata): an analysis on recent observations from Wayanad, Kerala
Keywords: Bonnet macaque, macaque diet, meat eating, micronutrients, Wayanad.
Abstract: Studies on vertebrate feeding among macaques are rare,
except for the southern pig-tailed macaque. In this
study, we present two instances of bonnet macaques
consuming vertebrate meat in a semi-evergreen forest
in Wayanad. This marks the first report of a freeranging bonnet macaque feeding on a bird and the first
report of any vertebrate consumption by this species
since 1978. Our review and analysis of vertebrate feeding
among macaques indicate that they engage in vertebrate feeding infrequently, indicating that it is unlikely
to be a significant source of protein or energy for them.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Butynski, T. M., Vertebrate predation by primates: a review of
hunting patterns and prey. J. Hum. Evol., 1982, 11, 421–430.
Rothman, J. M., Raubenheimer, D., Bryer, M. A. H., Takahashi, M.
and Gilbert, C. C., Nutritional contributions of insects to primate
diets: implications for primate evolution. J. Hum. Evol., 2014, 71,
59–69.
Literature cited 2: Watts, D. P., Meat eating by nonhuman primates: a review and synthesis. J. Hum. Evol., 2020, 149, 102882.
Rahaman, H. and Parthasarathy, M. D., Studies on the social behaviour of bonnet monkeys. Primates, 1969, 10, 149
ID: 66097
Title: High-resolution reconstruction of images for estimation of plant height in wheat using RGB-D camera and machine learning approaches
Author: Preety Dagar , Alka Aror,, Mrinmoy Ray , Sudhir Kumar , Himanshushekhar Chourasia , Mohit Kumar , Sudeep Marwaha , Rajni Jain and Viswanathan Chinnusamy
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 127 (12) 1440-1446 25 Dec. (2024)
Subject: High-resolution reconstruction of images for estimation of plant height in wheat using RGB-D camera and machine learning approaches
Keywords: 3D reconstruction, image processing, Open3D, plant phenotyping, RGB-D imaging.
Abstract: In this study, a pipeline has been proposed where colour
image and depth information of wheat plants are captured using an red green blue-depth (RGB-D) camera;
later these two are combined to create a three-dimensional point cloud of the plant. The point clouds
were processed to calculate the plant height. The results
were then statistically analysed with the help of machine
learning algorithms, viz. linear regression, support
vector machine and artificial neural network (ANN).
The comparison of the results shows that ANN performed better than the other two models with mean
squared error 189.94, root mean squared error 13.70,
mean absolute error 11.40 and mean absolute percentage error 18.73. The proposed study shows a high precision and low-cost technology that can be widely
used for non-destructive measurement of phenotyping
parameters for wheat and other crops
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Bello, S. A. et al., Review: deep learning on 3D point clouds. Remote Sensing, 2020, 12, 1729; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs12111729
Guo, Y. et al., Deep learning for 3D point clouds: a survey. IEEE
Trans. Pattern Anal. Mach. Intell., 2021, 43, 4338–4364; https://
doi.org/10.1109/TPAMI.2020.3005434.
Literature cited 2: Li, X. et al., Advances in 3D generation: a survey, 2024, pp. 1–33,
arXiv Preprint; https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2401.
17807.
Ruan, H. et al., Point cloud compression with implicit neural representations: a unified framework, arXiv Preprint, pp. 1–6; https://
doi.org/https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2405.11493.