ID: 66115
Title: Mathematical modelling of globothalamean foraminiferal shells: testing energy-saving morphogenetic strategies
Author: Ankit Jain and P. K. Kathal
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) 201-205 25 Jan. (2025)
Subject: Mathematical modelling of globothalamean foraminiferal shells: testing energy-saving morphogenetic strategies
Keywords: Energy-saving strategies, foraminifera, globothalamean (coiled) tests, mathematical mod
Abstract: The modification in the shell forms in calcareous (calcium carbonate, CaCO3) foraminifera (protozoan), the
unicellular organisms, reflects their adaptability in accordance with the prevailing physical and chemical
ambience. A comparison of the requirement for secreting mineral matter in the different types of chamber
arrangements in the serial and coiled tests has been attempted based on a new mathematical equation developed for this purpose. Insight into the model for
energy-saving by these organisms in efficiently engineered tests shows the degree of advantages of developing uniserial to complex serial and coiled tests.
Aspects related to the secretion of material, proportional to the energy saved by their adaptive capabilities, have been discussed. The study shows how the
saved energy is utilized to attain larger and stronger
adult tests by foraminifera, which one required under
adverse micro-environments for better survival, which
they adopted through the geological periods
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Saraswati, P. K., Foraminifera – witness of the evolving earth. In
Foraminiferal Micropaleontology for Understanding Earth’s History, Elsevier Ltd, Amsterdam, 2021, pp. 281–319.
Skinner, H. C. W. and Jahre, A. H., Biomineralization. In Treatise
on Geochemistry (eds Holland, H. D. and Turekian, K. K.), Elsevier Ltd, Amsterdam, 2007, vol. 8, pp. 1–69.
Literature cited 2: de Nooijer, L. J., Spero, H. J., Erez, J., Bijma, J. and Reichar, G. J.,
Biomineralization in perforate foraminifera. Earth Sci. Rev., 2014,
135, 48–58.
Pawlowski, J., Holzmann, M., Berney, C. and Bowser, S. S., The
evolution of early foraminifera. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., 2009,
100(20), 1494–1498.
ID: 66114
Title: Clinical observation of the transition from short-term intensive insulin therapy to IDegLira combined with metformin in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Author: Tan Xiaoxia, Zhong Meiling , Yin Chenxi and Sun Zhilian
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) 195-200 25 Jan. (2025)
Subject: Clinical observation of the transition from short-term intensive insulin therapy to IDegLira combined with metformin in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Keywords: IDegLira, metformin, short-term intensive insulin therapy, type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Abstract: The safety and efficacy of transitioning from short-term
intensive insulin therapy to a regimen of insulin degludec/liraglutide (IDegLira) combined with metformin in
type 2 diabetes mellitus patients is evaluated in the
present study. Conducted at Shenzhen Luohu Hospital
Group, the study involved 81 patients who switched
from continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion to
IDegLira and metformin after four days. Results showed
significant improvements: insulin doses decreased
from 40.28 to 14.79 IU, HbA1c levels fell from 9.94%
to 7.67%, and body weight slightly reduced. The transition also enhanced glycemic control, with reduced
mean glucose and variation, and increased time in
range
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: IDF, IDF Diabetes Atlas, International Diabetes Federation, 2021,
10th edn; https://www.diabetesatlas.org.
Chinese Elderly Type 2 Diabetes Prevention and Treatment of
Clinical Guidelines Writing Group; Geriatric Endocrinology and
Metabolism Branch of Chinese Geriatric Society; Geriatric Endocrinology and Metabolism Branch of Chinese Geriatric Health Care
Society; Geriatric Professional Committee of Beijing Medical
Award Foundation; and National Clinical Medical Research Center
for Geriatric Diseases (PLA General Hospital). Chinese J. Net.
Med., 2022, 61(1), 12–50.
Literature cited 2: Stein, C. M., Kramer, C. K., Zinman, B., Choi, H., Opsteen, C. and
Retnakaran, R., Clinical predictors and time course of the
improvement in β-cell function with short-term intensive insulin
therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Med., 2015,
32(5), 645–652.
American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee.
9. Pharmacologic approaches to glycemic treatment: standards of
medical care in diabetes – 2022. Diabetes Care, 2022, 45(1), S125–
S143
ID: 66113
Title: Deciphering the chemical cues underlying the oviposition behaviour of spotted bollworm, Earias vittella Fabricius in Okra
Author: S. Krisna Kumar , P. Saravan Kumar and P. D. Kamala Jayanthi2
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) 185-194 25 Jan. (2025)
Subject: Deciphering the chemical cues underlying the oviposition behaviour of spotted bollworm, Earias vittella Fabricius in Okra
Keywords: Ablemoschus esculentus, fruit and shoot borer, GC-EAD/GC-MS, olfactometer assays, phenological stages, volatiles.
Abstract: Insect pests that attack plants generally exhibit a
strong preference for specific phenological stages of
their host plants for feeding and oviposition. In this
study, we examined the influence of different phenological stages volatiles of okra (Ablemoschus esculentus),
namely pre-flowering, flowering and fruiting, on the
behaviour of the notorious pest, spotted bollworm
(Earias vittella Fabricius). To understand the olfactory
response of E. vittella, we utilized a Y-tube olfactometer, gas chromatography electroantennographic detection
(GC-EAD) and gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy
(GC-MS) techniques. Among the three host plant phenological stages, the volatile cues from the fruiting
stage were significantly attractive to E. vittella. The
specific chemical cues responsible for this attraction
were identified using GC-EAD/GC-MS. The electrophysiological studies revealed a total of 14 chemical
cues that elicited a clear antennal response in the gravid
female moths of E. vittella. Further, detailed olfactometer
bioassays with synthetic compounds revealed that four
compounds elicited a significant attraction in gravid
female moths and one elicited significant repulsion response. The study provides valuable insights into the
host plant preference of E. vittella and identifies the
underlying potent attractive chemicals for its future
management strategies.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Dicke, M. and Baldwin, I. T., The evolutionary context for herbivore-induced plant volatiles: beyond the ‘cry for help’. Trends
Plant Sci., 2010, 15(3), 167–175.
Mumm, R. and Dicke, M., Variation in natural plant products and
the attraction of bodyguards involved in indirect plant defense.
Can. J. Zool. Rev., 2010, 88(7), 628–667.
Literature cited 2: Dötterl, S., Jur̈gens, A., Wolfe, L. M. and Biere, A., Disease status
and population origin effects on floral scent: potential consequences
for oviposition and fruit predation in a complex interaction between
a plant, fungus, and noctuid moth. J. Chem. Ecol., 2009, 35, 307–
319.
Masante‐Roca, I., Anton, S., Delbac, L., Dufour, M. C. and
Gadenne, C., Attraction of the grapevine moth to host and non‐host
plant parts in the wind tunnel: effects of plant phenology, sex, and
mating status. Entomol. Exp. Appl., 2007, 122(3), 239–245; doi:10.
1111/j.1570-7458.2006.00510.x.
ID: 66112
Title: Physical properties of dehusked and debranned selected Indian millet
Author: K. Mohanraj , S. Shobana, N. G. Malleshi , B. Dayakar Rao , R. M. Anjana and V. Mohan
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) 178-184 25 Jan. (2025)
Subject: Physical properties of dehusked and debranned selected Indian millet
Keywords: Degree of milling, dimensional properties, geometrical, gravimetrical, milling.
Abstract: The impact of milling on the physical attributes of Indian
minor millets, namely foxtail, little, kodo, barnyard
and proso millets are examined in the present study.
Dehusking and debranning processes led to a reduced
1000 kernel weight and volume but increased bulk and
true density. Hardness varied significantly between all
millets in all forms. Different millets differ in properties
such as length, breadth, thickness, equivalent diameter,
geometric mean diameter, arithmetic mean diameter,
aspect ratio, surface area and sphericity in native,
dehusked and debranned forms. Understanding these
variations can aid in the design of storage, transportation and new millet processing machinery.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Verma, S., Srivastava, S. and Tiwari, N., Comparative study on nutritional and sensory quality of barnyard and foxtail millet food
products with traditional rice products. J. Food Sci. Technol., 2015,
52, 5147–5155.
Shobana, S. et al., Finger millet (ragi, Eleusine coracana L.): a review of its nutritional properties, processing, and plausible health
benefits. Adv. Food Nutr. Res., 2013, 69, 1–39.
Literature cited 2: Malavika, M. et al., Assessment of quality of minor millets available
in the south Indian market and glycaemic index of cooked unpolished little and foxtail millet. Indian J. Med. Res., 2020, 152, 401.
Misra, A. et al., Consensus dietary guidelines for healthy living and
prevention of obesity, the metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and related
disorders in Asian Indians. Diabetes Technol. Ther., 2011, 13, 683–
694
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