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NASA’s SPHEREx Detects Organic Molecules In Interstellar Comet

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  NASA’s SPHEREx space telescope has delivered new insights into interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, only the third such object ever observed passing through the solar system. Observations made in December 2025 revealed a rich mix of organic molecules and heightened cometary activity, strengthening scientific understanding of material formed beyond the Sun’s influence. Infrared observations of a rare interstellar visitor The NASA’s SPHEREx mission turned its infrared instruments toward comet 3I/ATLAS shortly after it passed closest to the Sun. Scientists detected organic molecules including methanol , cyanide and methane. While these compounds are central to biological processes on Earth, researchers emphasise that such molecules can also form through non-biological processes in space. Post-perihelion brightening and cometary activity Mission scientists reported a dramatic increase in the comet’s brightness nearly two months after its closest approach to the Sun. This delayed surge is lin...
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Indian Researchers Develop Low-Cost Biosensor For Early Heart Attack Detection

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  Researchers have developed a flexible and economical biosensor capable of rapidly detecting myoglobin, a critical cardiac biomarker linked to the early stages of a heart attack. The innovation is expected to significantly improve early diagnosis, particularly in resource-limited healthcare settings, by enabling faster and more accessible cardiac screening. Indo-Australian Research Collaboration The biosensor has been developed by doctoral researcher Mohsina Afrooz through a joint programme between Birla Institute of Technology and Science Pilani Hyderabad and RMIT University. The collaborative research brings together expertise in materials science, biosensing, and biomedical engineering, strengthening Indo-Australian cooperation in advanced healthcare technologies. Graphene-Based Myoglobin Detection The newly developed sensor is graphene-based and detects myoglobin, a protein released into the bloodstream soon after cardiac muscle injury. Early identification of myoglobin is cli...
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Customs Duty Scrapped on 17 Cancer Drugs

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   Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced major relief for patients battling cancer and rare diseases in the Union Budget 2026. The Budget removes basic customs duty on 17 cancer-related drugs and extends duty exemptions to treatments for seven rare diseases, aiming to reduce the financial burden of life-saving therapies that are largely dependent on imports. Relief for Cancer Patients Through Duty Exemption Presenting the Budget in Parliament, Sitharaman said the removal of basic customs duty on 17 cancer drugs is intended to make advanced and complex treatments more affordable. Imported oncology medicines currently attract customs duty, which significantly inflates retail prices. By eliminating this levy, the government expects a direct reduction in treatment costs across several high-value cancer therapies, improving access for patients across income groups. Impact on Treatment Costs and Access Health experts have noted that imported medicines form a substa...
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New Diplozentrum Orchid Species Found in Idukki

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  Researchers have identified a new orchid species in the high ranges of Kerala, adding to the botanical richness of the Western Ghats. The species was discovered in Kanthalloor near Marayoor in Idukki district and belongs to the Diplozentrum genus, which is endemic to the southern Western Ghats. Taxonomy and Scientific Naming The newly identified orchid has been scientifically named “Diplozentrum papillosum”. The genus Diplozentrum is known for its limited geographical distribution, making the discovery significant from both taxonomic and conservation perspectives. The species has been formally documented in the latest issue of the scientific journal “Species”. Distinct Morphological Features “Diplozentrum papillosum” is distinguished by its unbranched flower clusters and striking pink-and-white blooms. The petals show a distinctive structure that clearly differentiates it from other known species within the genus. The flowers are noted for their fragrance as well as their visual ...
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Tax Exemptions Boost Lithium-Ion Cell Manufacturing

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  Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced a set of targeted tax and duty exemptions in the Union Budget 2026, aimed at strengthening India’s clean energy, manufacturing, and regional development agenda. The proposals focus on easing input costs for advanced battery production, renewable energy components, and cleaner transport fuels, while aligning with the broader goal of building domestic industrial capacity. Customs Duty Relief for Battery Manufacturing The Budget proposes the extension of basic customs duty exemption on capital goods used for manufacturing lithium-ion cells for battery storage. This move is intended to support domestic value addition in advanced energy storage technologies, which are critical for electric mobility and grid-scale renewable energy integration. By lowering the upfront cost of specialised machinery, the measure seeks to improve the competitiveness of Indian manufacturers and attract further investment into battery cell production. Support...
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New Plant Species Discovered in Nagaland Forests

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  Researchers from Nagaland University have recorded a new plant species in the high-altitude forests of Nagaland, reinforcing the northeastern region’s status as a biodiversity hotspot. The discovery also highlights the critical role played by community-protected forests in conserving rare and undocumented flora. Discovery in community-managed forests The newly identified species, named “Hoya nagaensis”, was found during botanical surveys in remote forest areas that have remained largely unexplored by scientists. Nagaland’s forests are distinct because many are owned, protected and managed by local communities rather than the State. While this traditional stewardship has preserved large forest tracts, limited scientific surveys have meant that much of the region’s biodiversity remains undocumented. Scientific study and identification process The research was led by Gyati Yam from the Department of Forestry at Nagaland University, along with researchers Vieneite-o Koza and Joynath ...
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Kerala Declares Bacillus subtilis As State Microbe

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  Kerala has created a national first by officially declaring a microorganism as its State Microbe, underlining the growing importance of microbiome research in health, agriculture , and sustainability. The announcement reflects the State’s focus on science-led development and innovation-driven economic growth. Bacillus subtilis Gets Official Recognition Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan declared “Bacillus subtilis” as the State Microbe at a function held in Thiruvananthapuram. With this move, Kerala became the first State in India to formally recognise a microbe as part of its official identity. “Bacillus subtilis” is a probiotic bacterium commonly found in soil, fermented foods, and the human gut, known for its beneficial role in health and agriculture. Centre of Excellence In Microbiome Launched The declaration coincided with the dedication of the Centre of Excellence in Microbiome (CoEM) to the public. The centre has been established by the State government to scientifically stud...
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