Cell Biologist

  The release of the India State of Forest Report (ISFR), which provides a detailed account of the country’s forest cover, has been delayed for over a year. This delay has led to speculation, particularly among forestry officials. The ISFR is published by the Forest Survey of India (FSI), an organization under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). Since its first edition in 1991, the ISFR has been an important publication, coming out every two years. What is the ISFR? The ISFR gives a clear picture of the state of forests in India. It has been published every two years since 1991, making it a key source of data for government officials, environmentalists, and researchers. This report helps shape policies and understand India’s forests’ health. Why is the ISFR 2023 Delayed? This is only the second time the report’s release has been delayed, with the first delay happening in 2007. Some forestry officials believe the delay could be due to a significant decli...

  In 2023, the Amazon region faced one of its worst droughts ever, leading to a significant drop in water levels in major rivers like the Solimoes. By September 2024, the water level in the Madeira River in Porto Velho dropped to just 48 cm, compared to the normal level of 332 cm. This drastic change caused the Brazilian government to declare state of emergency in six cities. How the Drought Affected Biodiversity and Communities The drought has had a serious impact on both the wildlife and the people living in the Amazon. Many communities depend on rivers for transportation, especially the Indigenous and riverine populations. With rivers drying up, it has become difficult to travel, cutting people off from important supplies like food, fuel, and medicine. The Amazon region, which is home to around 47 million people, relies heavily on its rivers for daily life, making this situation especially difficult. Record-Breaking Wildfires The drought also caused a surge in wildfires. In July...

  Kaziranga National Park in Assam has achieved a remarkable 86% reduction in rhino poaching since 2016. This success was highlighted by Assam’s Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma during World Rhino Day, showing that ongoing efforts to protect the one-horned rhinoceros are paying off. Why was Poaching a Big Problem? Between 2000 and 2021, poachers killed 190 rhinos in Assam. The main reason for poaching is the illegal trade of rhino horns, which are highly valued in traditional medicine and as status symbols in some parts of the world. Protecting the one-horned rhino is not just about saving an animal—it’s essential for preserving Assam’s biodiversity. Government’s Commitment to Rhino Protection The Indian government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has made protecting the one-horned rhino a key priority. When the “double-engine government” (referring to the strong state and central government partnership) took office in 2016, they introduced more focused conservation strategi...

  In early September 2024, Typhoon Yagi became the strongest storm of the year in Asia, hitting several countries like Myanmar, Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand. It caused devastating winds and heavy rainfall, leading to flooding and landslides. These natural disasters forced hundreds of thousands of people to leave their homes and resulted in the deaths of more than 400 people. Impact on Affected Countries Vietnam: Vietnam was the worst affected. The typhoon caused 292 deaths and destroyed a lot of property, especially in Quang Ninh province and Hai Phong City. The damage is estimated at 40 lakh crore, which will hurt the country’s economy significantly. Myanmar: In Myanmar, 113 people died, and more than 320,000 people had to move to temporary shelters. Due to the severe situation, the country’s ruling government has asked for international help, which is rare given its usual stance. Laos & Thailand: Both Laos and Thailand also suffered from the storm. Thailand experienced its wor...

  A recent study presented by researchers from the University of Kerala at the ECSA 60 conference in Hangzhou has uncovered a significant ecological decline in Veli-Akkulam Lake. Over the past 30 years, the lake’s ecosystem has been deeply affected by the invasion of non-native species, which has changed its trophic status (how nutrients move through the food chain) and disrupted the natural food web. Study Overview The researchers used the Ecopath Model to analyze how efficiently the lake’s ecosystem functions and to map the structure of its food web. The study found a major decline in native species, while invasive species (species not originally from the lake) have increased dramatically. Historical Background In the 1990s, a scientist named C.M. Aravindan first studied the Veli-Akkulam ecosystem. At that time, the lake was home to a rich variety of native species like prawns, cichlids, barbs, and catfish. These species helped maintain a healthy ecosystem. However, recent studie...

  India’s second-largest butterfly, the Southern Birdwing, was recently spotted on the satellite campus of The American College in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. This discovery sheds light on the region’s changing movements of butterfly species. About the Southern Birdwing The Southern Birdwing was once considered the largest butterfly in India, with a wingspan of 190mm. However, in 2020, it was surpassed by the Golden Birdwing, which has a wingspan of 194mm, according to a British researcher, Brigadier William Harry Evans. It prefers areas close to water, such as the rivers and streams in the Western Ghats. The males of this species are known for their bright yellow and black colors, while the females, though larger, have more muted tones. The butterfly primarily feeds on the nectar of flowers like Bougainvillea and is the state butterfly of Tamil Nadu. As an indicator of ecological health, its presence shows the importance of maintaining a balanced and diverse environment. In both the Sout...

  Researchers near the Goa-Maharashtra border have recently discovered a sacred Myristica swamp forest in Kumbral, Maharashtra. This finding highlights the importance of local communities in preserving rare ecosystems. Sacred groves like this are often protected due to cultural beliefs, in this case, tied to the reverence of Lord Shiva, locally known as Bhalandeshwar. What Is Myristica magnifica? Myristica magnifica is an endangered plant species mainly found in Karnataka and Kerala. It plays a key role in the ecosystem, providing food for wildlife, including the threatened hornbill birds. This tree is part of the nutmeg family and can grow up to 50 meters tall. Though its seeds resemble nutmeg, they are not as commercially valuable. Its wood is used locally, and the tree’s essential oil has potential in aromatherapy. Significance of Discovery This discovery makes Kumbral the second village in Maharashtra, after Hewale-Bambarde in Sindhudurg, to have a Myristica swamp forest. The v...

  Scientists have discovered a new virus in China called the Wetland Virus, which is carried by ticks. They are concerned about its potential effects on human health because it can lead to serious neurological (brain-related) complications. Discovery and Initial Case The first case of the Wetland Virus was found in June 2019 when a 61-year-old man became very ill after being bitten by ticks in a northern Chinese wetland park. He had severe symptoms like fever, headaches, and vomiting. This case led scientists to investigate the virus further. The Wetland Virus is classified as Orthonairovirus, a type of virus that is often spread through tick bites. This scientific classification helps researchers understand which group of viruses it belongs to and how it may behave. Symptoms and Effects At least 17 people in China who were bitten by ticks have shown symptoms of the Wetland Virus. These symptoms include Fever, Dizziness, Headache, Tiredness (malaise), Joint pain (arthritis), Back p...

  During a field trip to Nagaland, researchers found a new species of plant closely related to turmeric. This new species, named Curcuma ungmensis, was discovered near the village of Ungma and has now been published in the scientific journal Phytotaxa. Taxonomy and Family Curcuma ungmensis belongs to the Curcuma genus, which is part of the ginger family, known scientifically as Zingiberaceae. This family includes about 200 species in India, such as the well-known turmeric (Curcuma longa) and black turmeric (Curcuma caesia). Plants in this genus are mainly found in South and Southeast Asia. How was the New Species Identified? Researchers carefully studied all known species of Curcuma in the region. When they couldn’t find any matches in the Checklist of Flora of Nagaland published by the Botanical Survey of India, they concluded that they had discovered a completely new species. Botanical Characteristics Curcuma ungmensis is a rhizomatous herb, meaning it grows from underground ste...

  Australia’s National Species List has been updated with 750 newly recognized species, reflecting the country’s rich biodiversity. Some notable new additions include a frog that sounds like it’s laughing, a marine worm named after Sir David Attenborough, and a spider inspired by Tom Hardy’s character, Venom. Key Discoveries Western Laughing Tree Frog (Litoria ridibunda): This frog is special because it makes a laughing sound instead of the usual croak that frogs are known for. David Attenborough Worm (Marphysa davidattenboroughi) : A colorful, glowing marine worm that has been named in honor of Sir David Attenborough, the famous nature documentary host. What is Taxonomy? Taxonomy is the science of classifying and naming organisms. Taxonomists study an animal or plant’s physical traits, behavior, and genetics to decide if it is a new species. In Australia, 70% of native species are still unnamed, which means there is a lot of work left to do in discovering and understanding the wil...

  A team of researchers recently found Arnoux’s beaked whales off the coast of Antarctica. This is a big deal because these whales hadn’t been seen for decades. The sighting happened during a 2022 survey in the Weddell Sea, where scientists were studying top predators in the area. Discovery Details During their expedition, the researchers used aircraft to survey the area from above and took photographs of three separate groups of these whales. They were spotted swimming slowly near the sea ice, often just below the surface, or diving briefly under the ice. Species Overview Arnoux’s beaked whales can grow up to 30 feet long and look similar to dolphins with their dark color. They are known for their amazing diving skills. They can stay underwater for more than an hour, which is one reason they are so rarely seen. Arnoux’s beaked whales are hard to spot because they dive very deep and stay underwater for long periods. It’s tough to detect them from ships or planes due to their diving...

  A new study published in Nature Water raises serious concerns about water security in four major river basins: the Ganges, Indus, Brahmaputra, and Congo. The research highlights that poor governance and environmental management are key factors increasing the risks to water availability in these regions. Key Study Findings The study looked at how well countries are managing their water resources. It found that India ranks in the middle when it comes to governance factors like accountability, political stability, how well the government works, the quality of regulations, and the rule of law. However, India ranked very low in environmental performance, meaning it is not doing enough to protect the environment. Additionally, India faces very high risks from natural hazards, such as floods and droughts. The Upwind Approach The study introduced a new way of thinking about water called the ‘precipitationshed.’ This concept looks at where the moisture in the air comes from before it tu...

  The Indian government has recently given the green light to the Digital Agriculture Mission, dedicating ₹2,817 crore to improve farming practices and boost the livelihoods of farmers. This decision was made during a cabinet meeting, showing the government’s strong commitment to modernizing agriculture using digital technology. What is the Digital Agriculture Mission? The Digital Agriculture Mission is a new initiative aimed at creating a digital framework for agriculture, similar to other successful digital infrastructures in the country. The goal is to use technology to make farming more efficient and productive. This mission builds on previous pilot projects that have shown promising results, and it is expected to bring significant improvements to farming in India . Support for Farmers Alongside the Digital Agriculture Mission, the government has also launched several other programs to support farmers and ensure food and nutritional security. One key focus is helping farmers pr...

  Scientists are studying a recent and unusual drop in temperatures in part of the Atlantic Ocean, particularly near the equator. Although temperatures have started to rise again, the exact reason for this sudden cooling is still unknown. Historical Background For more than 40 years, this part of the Atlantic Ocean was known for having the highest sea surface temperatures, especially during February and March, where temperatures often exceeded 30°C (86°F). However, something changed in June 2023, leading to a significant and unexpected drop in temperature. Temperature Changes Over Time February – March 2023 : The sea surface temperatures in the Atlantic were at record highs, reaching above 30°C. June 2023 : A mysterious decline in temperature began. July 2023 : The ocean temperature fell further to 25°C (77°F), marking a significant cooling period. Climate Implications of the Cooling This cooling event sparked predictions of an “Atlantic Niña,” a climate pattern similar to the Paci...

  A teenager in Missouri recently got sick with the West Nile virus, leading to very serious health problems. These included paralysis (loss of the ability to move parts of the body) and the need for machines to help him breathe in the intensive care unit (ICU). His situation has made many people more aware of the dangers of the West Nile virus and has caused concern in the community. What is West Nile Virus? West Nile virus is a virus that spreads primarily through mosquito bites and is one of the most common mosquito-borne diseases in the United States. It was first detected in the U.S. in 1999, and since then, over 51,000 cases have been reported. How Does It Spread? The virus is transmitted to humans when they are bitten by infected mosquitoes. These mosquitoes get the virus by feeding on infected birds. Once a human is infected, they do not produce enough of the virus to infect other mosquitoes, making them a “dead-end host.” This means that while they can get sick, they canno...