New bat species discovered by a global research team

Hipposideros srilankaensis a new species of bats endemic to Sri Lanka has been discovered and described by researchers from Osmania University in a global collaborative effort. | Photo Credit: Special arrangement HYDERABAD A team of researchers led by Bhargavi Srinivasulu of Zoology Department of Osmania University here, have identified and described a new species of … Read more

ICMR interim report links high levels of selenium in wheat to hair loss

Intake of excessive selenium leads to a condition called selenosis, which is characterised by sudden hair loss | Photo Credit: CDC Three Zika virus cases in Gujarat detected between November 2016 and February 2017 were kept under wraps till WHO announced the outbreak on May 26, 2017; the Health Ministry had informed WHO about the three … Read more

Gene therapy for maple syrup urine disease shows promise

Scientists have created a new gene therapy for a debilitating genetic disorder called maple syrup urine disease (MSUD). The treatment can prevent recurrence of deadly symptoms in a cow calf born with the disease. Their protocol could one day be translated into a much-needed therapy for patients with two types of classic MSUD, who currently … Read more

Study identifies sources, health effects of PM2.5 in northern India 

Traffic can contribute up to 40% of total organic aerosols at urban roadside A study published in the journal Nature Communications has investigated the sources and health impacts of PM2.5 in Northern India, particularly in the Indo-Gangetic Plain. The study has examined PM2.5 composition and oxidative potential, a key indicator of its health risks, using samples from … Read more

Does anemonefish actively feed its hosts in the wild?

Living symbiotically with sea anemones that shelter them from predators, anemonefish (Amphiprion clarkii) drive away organisms that nibble at their hosts. Anemonefish have also shown they will provide their hosts with the food given to them by humans. A new study shows such feeding behaviour does happen in the wild by investigating food provisioning by … Read more

AI models flunk language test that takes grammar out of the equation

Generative AI systems like large language models and text-to-image generators can pass rigorous exams that are required of anyone seeking to become a doctor or a lawyer. They can perform better than most people in Mathematical Olympiads. They can write halfway decent poetry, generate aesthetically pleasing paintings and compose original music. These remarkable capabilities may … Read more

Science Minister claims India to surpass U.S. in scientific publications by 2029

File image of Union Minister Jitendra Singh | Photo Credit: PTI India will overtake the United States in the number of scientific publications by 2029, Union Minister for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh said at a public function on Friday (February 29, 2025) to commemorate National Science Day. “Future projections say that we will overcome … Read more

Bidar to host State-level traditional medicine conference from March 2

Forest Minister and Bidar In-charge Eshwar Khandre addressing a media conference in Bidar on February 27, 2025. 11 deliberative sessions would be held at the three-day conference. Traditional healers from across Karnataka and beyond would participate to share their rich healing experiences in these sessions. | Photo Credit: GOPICHAND T. Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre said … Read more

Indians living in cyberspace, working on cloud and talking to Artificial Intelligence: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh along with Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and others participate in ‘Vigyan Vaibhav 2025’ programme at Gachibowli Stadium in Hyderabad on February 28, 2025. | Photo Credit: Nagara Gopal “Today, Indians are living in cyberspace, working on the cloud, and talking to artificial intelligence,” Defence Minister Rajnath Singh remarked … Read more