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
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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.