Cell Biologist

  Scientists have identified a new ancient reptile species that lived in what is now the United States around 225–201 million years ago during the Late Triassic period. The discovery was made by palaeontologists from the University of Washington and the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture in Seattle. Fossils of the species were found in Arizona’s Petrified Forest National Park, a region known for rich deposits of fossilised wood and prehistoric remains. The research provides new insights into the evolution of early archosaurs and the diversity of reptile species that existed alongside early dinosaurs. Discovery in Arizona’s Petrified Forest National Park The newly identified reptile species has been named “Sonselasuchus cedrus”. Fossil remains were recovered from Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona, an area famous for its well-preserved Triassic fossils. Since 2014, researchers have collected nearly 950 fossil specimens linked to this species. The large number of foss...

  Researchers at the University of Waterloo in Canada have developed an innovative method to convert plastic waste into acetic acid , the main component of vinegar, using only sunlight. The breakthrough offers a promising solution to tackle plastic pollution while producing a valuable industrial chemical. The technique relies on a light-driven chemical reaction that breaks down plastic materials into useful compounds without requiring extreme heat or toxic chemicals. Sunlight-Powered Plastic Conversion The research team, led by Professor Yimin Wu, designed a system that uses photocatalysis to break plastic waste into smaller molecular components. In this process, sunlight acts as the primary energy source to trigger chemical reactions that transform plastic polymers into acetic acid. The reaction takes place at room temperature, making it more energy-efficient than traditional chemical recycling methods. This sunlight-driven approach also avoids the release of additional carbon dio...

  Marine science researchers from Berhampur University have recorded the presence of a rare shrimp-like marine amphipod species in Indian waters for the first time. The discovery was made at Arjyapalli in Odisha’s Ganjam district during a field survey of rocky coastal habitats. The species, identified as “Stenothoe lowryi”, was previously reported only from Malaysia, and its distribution in other regions had remained largely unknown until now. Discovery by Berhampur University Researchers The discovery was led by Shesdev Patro, Assistant Professor in the Department of Marine Science at Berhampur University. The research was carried out under the Mukhyamantri Research Innovation Extramural Programme (MRIEP) funded by the Odisha State Higher Education Council for the 2024–25 academic year. During fieldwork conducted in January last year, researchers collected eight specimens from rocky coastal habitats at Arjyapalli. Detailed analysis later confirmed the specimens as “Stenothoe lowry...

  Japan has approved a groundbreaking stem-cell therapy for Parkinson’s disease, marking a major milestone in regenerative medicine. The Japanese government also cleared a similar treatment for severe heart failure, potentially making them the world’s first commercially available medical products based on induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. The therapies are expected to reach patients within months, reflecting Japan’s growing leadership in advanced biomedical innovation. Parkinson’s Therapy Using Stem Cells Japanese pharmaceutical company Sumitomo Pharma received approval to manufacture and market a Parkinson’s treatment called Amchepry. The therapy involves transplanting laboratory-grown stem cells directly into a patient’s brain. These stem cells are developed into precursors of dopamine-producing neurons. In Parkinson’s disease , these neurons gradually deteriorate, leading to symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, and difficulty in movement. By replacing these damaged cells, th...

  The Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, has launched an ambitious “moonshot” project to develop brain co-processors that integrate neuromorphic hardware with artificial intelligence algorithms to enhance or restore brain function. The initiative is supported by the Pratiksha Trust, founded by Infosys co-founder Kris Gopalakrishnan and Sudha Gopalakrishnan. A memorandum of understanding formalising the partnership was signed at IISc in the presence of senior institutional leaders and researchers. The project seeks to develop advanced neural technologies capable of decoding brain signals, processing them using AI systems and sending corrective signals back to the brain. Researchers believe the innovation could significantly improve cognitive rehabilitation, especially for stroke survivors who experience loss of motor functions. Concept of AI-Enabled Brain Co-Processors Brain co-processors are an emerging class of neurotechnology designed to augment or restore the brain’s...

  A viral disease causing rot in cassava roots is raising alarm across sub-Saharan Africa, threatening a staple crop relied upon by millions for food security and income. Cassava, prized for its tolerance to drought and poor soils, serves as a critical safety net for vulnerable households. However, scientists warn that the spread of Cassava Brown Streak Disease (CBSD) could severely undermine this resilience. Impact of Cassava Brown Streak Disease CBSD causes necrosis in cassava roots, often leading to total crop loss. The disease can remain hidden until harvest, when farmers discover discoloured, inedible roots. This delayed visibility worsens economic losses and food shortages. Although confined to Africa, CBSD remained largely endemic for over 70 years along coastal regions of Tanzania and Mozambique. It has since spread to Uganda and parts of East and Central Africa. Researchers now caution that West Africa — home to major cassava producers such as Nigeria and Ghana — could fac...