Cell Biologist

  An institute under India’s Department of Science and Technology (DST) in North East India has synthesised a novel biosurfactant using natural substances, offering a potential alternative to synthetic surfactants widely used in cosmetics and medicines. The compound demonstrates promising antibacterial and cleansing properties, particularly against skin pathogens. The breakthrough was achieved by researchers at the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST), led by Director Prof. Ashis K. Mukherjee, along with Prof. M. R. Khan and senior research fellow Anushree Roy. Innovative Use of Probiotic and Ghee The team synthesised the biosurfactant using the probiotic bacterium Lactobacillus plantarum JBC5. Ghee, a lipid-rich dairy product with deep cultural relevance in India, was used as the primary substrate. Production was optimised through response surface statistical analysis, enabling efficient yield of a lipopeptide biosurfactant. The approach highlights the po...

  The Union Health Ministry is set to roll out a nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programme targeting 14-year-old girls. The vaccine will be voluntary and provided free of cost at government health facilities, ensuring equitable access across socio-economic groups. The initiative aims to significantly reduce the burden of cervical cancer, which remains a major public health concern in India. Use of Quadrivalent Gardasil Vaccine India will administer Gardasil, a quadrivalent HPV vaccine that protects against HPV types 16 and 18, responsible for the majority of cervical cancer cases, as well as types 6 and 11. Scientific evidence, both global and Indian, indicates that a single dose in the recommended age group offers robust and durable protection. The programme targets girls at 14 years of age, prior to potential exposure to the virus, when the vaccine provides maximum preventive benefit. Supplies have been secured through a globally supported procurement mechanism...

  Food safety authorities in Thiruvananthapuram are investigating a suspected case of marine neurotoxin poisoning after multiple people fell critically ill following consumption of seafood at a restaurant in Vizhinjam. Three members of a six-member family developed severe symptoms on the night of February 16, and two died within hours. Subsequently, six additional cases of acute illness were reported, all linked to the same establishment and date. Preliminary assessments have ruled out conventional food poisoning caused by spoilage or bacterial contamination. Investigators are now examining the possibility of contamination by a naturally occurring marine toxin, with tetrodotoxin (TTX) emerging as the primary suspect. Fish Roe Under Suspicion Authorities have identified fish roe as the likely source of exposure. All affected individuals had consumed this seafood delicacy. Fish roe can accumulate toxins if sourced from contaminated marine species. The clustering of cases and the rapi...

  The United Arab Emirates has launched two pioneering gene therapy initiatives aimed at treating autism and rare neurogenetic brain disorders in children. Led by Emirates Health Services, the projects mark a shift from symptom-based management to precision medicine that targets the genetic roots of disease. The move positions the UAE at the forefront of advanced paediatric neurological care in the region. Targeting Genetic Causes of Autism One of the projects focuses on genetic mutations linked to autism and epilepsy. It is being developed in collaboration with Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, a globally recognised centre for paediatric research. Scientists aim to develop enhanced gene delivery systems capable of targeting specific brain cells with greater accuracy. The approach seeks to improve treatment effectiveness, reduce dosage requirements and lower long-term costs. Among the conditions included is Beta-Propeller Protein-Associated Neurodegeneration (BPAN), a rare disor...

  A newly identified cellular mechanism could pave the way for effective treatment of lymphedema, a chronic and painful swelling disorder with no current cure. The condition arises when the lymphatic system, responsible for transporting fluid through specialised vessels, is damaged. It may be congenital or caused by injury, but most commonly develops after breast cancer treatment involving lymph node removal. The resulting fluid build-up leads to persistent swelling, discomfort and increased infection risk. Breakthrough in Lymphatic Vessel Growth Researchers at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland, have identified a cellular process that stimulates the growth of lymphatic vessels. The discovery was led by Dr Jonathan Astin, senior lecturer in molecular medicine and pathology. The team first observed the mechanism in zebrafish, a widely used model organism in biomedical research. They found that insulin-like growth factor (IGF), a molecule long studied for its role in growth...

  Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have discovered a new species of Diplura in the eastern Himalayas, marking a milestone in Indian entomology. The wingless, soil-dwelling micro-arthropod has been named “Lepidocampa sikkimensis”. The discovery ends nearly five decades of limited research on Diplura in India and represents the first species of its kind to be formally described by an Indian research team. The findings were published on 7 January in the international taxonomic journal “Zootaxa”. Ancient Hexapod Lineage Diplurans are primitive hexapods, a group of six-legged arthropods under the class Hexapoda. They are blind, soil-dwelling organisms commonly known as two-pronged bristletails. Researchers believe “Lepidocampa sikkimensis” belongs to an ancient evolutionary lineage of hexapods. Until now, 17 Diplura species had been recorded in India, all identified by foreign scientists. The new discovery signals a revival of indigenous taxonomic research in this le...

  Scientists have identified a 5,000-year-old bacterium preserved in underground ice in Romania that can resist multiple modern antibiotics. The discovery has raised concerns about the risks posed by melting ice in a warming climate. The strain, recovered from Scărișoara Ice Cave, survived millennia in frozen isolation yet carries resistance to drugs commonly used in present-day clinical practice. Discovery from a 25-Metre Ice Core Researchers drilled a 25-metre ice core from the “Great Hall” of Scărișoara Ice Cave in north-west Romania. The ice represents nearly 13,000 years of accumulation. To prevent contamination, samples were handled in sterile conditions and transported frozen to laboratories for analysis. Several bacterial strains were isolated and sequenced. The most significant was Psychrobacter SC65A.3, a cold-adapted bacterium belonging to a genus previously linked to infections in humans and animals. Despite its ancient origin, it demonstrated notable resilience to mod...

  In a major leap for telemedicine, doctors at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, have conducted a real-time ultrasound examination on a patient located nearly 12,000 km away at India’s Maitri research station in Antarctica. The breakthrough demonstrates the feasibility of delivering specialist diagnostic care in one of the world’s most hostile and remote environments. Tele-Robotic Ultrasound System Demonstrated The procedure was enabled by a tele-robotic diagnostic system that allows specialists in India to remotely operate ultrasound equipment stationed in Antarctica. The initiative marks the first known deployment of such a system at an Antarctic research station globally. It was developed through collaboration between the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), AIIMS, IIT Delhi and technology startups. NCPOR Director Thamban Meloth stated that the innovation positions India at the forefront of medical technology in polar regions. The...

  Bacteria are often associated with disease and infection, yet they are also essential to life. Renowned molecular biologist Bonnie Bassler of Princeton University described bacteria as “magical microbes” that hold transformative potential in medicine, environmental sustainability and agriculture. Delivering a lecture titled “A Chemical Language that Enables Communication Between Diverse Organisms”, she underscored the remarkable ability of bacteria to communicate and coordinate behaviour. According to Prof. Bassler, bacteria are multilingual organisms capable of collective decision-making. This communication system, known as quorum sensing, reshapes scientific understanding of microbial life. Understanding Quorum Sensing Quorum sensing refers to the chemical signalling process through which bacteria detect their population density and synchronise actions. By releasing and sensing small signalling molecules, bacteria coordinate group behaviours such as biofilm formation, virulen...

  The World Health Organization (WHO) has prequalified another novel oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2), strengthening global efforts to eradicate poliomyelitis. The decision enables United Nations agencies, including UNICEF, to procure and distribute the vaccine for immunisation campaigns worldwide. Prequalification confirms that the vaccine meets international standards of quality, safety and efficacy, facilitating its use in large-scale public health programmes. Why nOPV2 Matters The nOPV2 vaccine has been engineered to be more genetically stable than earlier oral polio vaccines. Traditional oral vaccines, while effective, carried a rare risk of mutating and triggering circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus outbreaks. By enhancing genetic stability, nOPV2 lowers the likelihood of such reversions while maintaining the ability to interrupt virus transmission. This innovation addresses a key challenge in the final stages of global polio eradication. Global Eradication Push The preq...

  Goa is set to receive its first biodiversity and cultural features map, developed by WWF India, offering a child-friendly visual guide to 48 commonly found species and traditional art forms of the state. The map will be released at the Goa Art and Literature Festival and distributed free of cost to schools across Goa in both print and digital formats. Designed as an educational tool, the initiative aims to strengthen environmental awareness among schoolchildren at a time when conservationists are also working on a comprehensive wildlife mapping exercise in the state. Featuring 48 Common Species The WWF India-Goa map highlights 48 species representing birds, mammals, reptiles, marine animals, mangroves and insects commonly found in Goa. From catfish and mangrove species to larger mammals such as the tiger, the focus remains on organisms that children are likely to encounter in their daily surroundings. The selection deliberately avoids rare species found only in remote interiors, ...

  A new study published in The Lancet Regional Health has raised concerns over the widespread reliance on glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) testing for diagnosing and monitoring type-2 diabetes in India. The findings suggest that HbA1c may not accurately reflect true blood glucose levels in large sections of the population, potentially misrepresenting the country’s actual diabetes burden. Why HbA1c May Be Unreliable in India HbA1c reflects the glycation of haemoglobin over the lifespan of red blood cells and is widely used for diabetes diagnosis and long-term glucose monitoring. However, the study highlights that conditions affecting haemoglobin quantity, structure or lifespan can distort HbA1c values. These include anaemia, haemoglobinopathies and red blood cell enzyme disorders such as glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, all of which are prevalent in India. Risk of Misdiagnosis and Delayed Treatment According to the study, exclusive reliance on HbA1c can lead to both ...

  Scientists have discovered a new species of frog in the cloud forests of northern Peru, but researchers warn that the amphibian may already be at risk of extinction due to rapid habitat loss. The finding highlights growing concerns over biodiversity loss in fragile high-altitude ecosystems of South America. Discovery in Peru’s Cloud Forests The new species was discovered in the cloud forests of the San Martín region by a joint team of Peruvian and French scientists, supported by indigenous guides. The frog has been named “Oreobates shankusacha”, and the discovery has been formally documented in the scientific journal “Salamandra”. Researchers encountered the species on the Amazon forest floor, where it lives among leaf litter, moss, and ferns. Unique Features and Indigenous Link “Oreobates shankusacha” is a small, ground-dwelling frog measuring about one inch in length. It is dark brown in colour with distinctive golden eyes, allowing it to blend easily into its surroundings. Th...

  Cancer cells can manipulate the body’s immune defences to support tumour growth, according to a new study that sheds light on a critical mechanism of cancer progression. Researchers have found that tumours can “reprogramme” immune cells to produce molecules that actively promote cancer growth, with potential implications for diagnosis and personalised treatment. Neutrophils Turn from Defenders to Enablers The study, led by researchers from the University of Geneva and the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, focused on neutrophils, one of the most abundant immune cells in the human body. Neutrophils normally act as the first line of defence against infections and injuries. However, when exposed to tumour environments, they undergo functional reprogramming that contributes to cancer progression. Role of CCL3 in Tumour Progression Published in the journal Cancer Cell, the research identifies the chemokine CCL3 as a key molecule produced by reprogrammed neutrophils. The study shows...

  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...

  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...

   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...

  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 ...

  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...