Ayurvedic Treatment for Alzheimer’s Disease

Recent breakthroughs in Alzheimer’s disease research offer new hope for effective treatments. A team led by Professor Anirban Bhunia at the Bose Institute has explored innovative approaches to combat neurodegenerative disorders, particularly focusing on amyloid proteins, which are central to Alzheimer’s pathology.

Role of Amyloid Proteins

Amyloid proteins contribute to Alzheimer’s disease. They aggregate to form plaques in the brain, leading to cell death. This process causes cognitive decline and memory loss, hallmarks of the disease.

Innovative Treatment Strategies

Professor Bhunia’s team employed two main strategies. First, they chemically synthesised peptides to inhibit amyloid beta aggregation. Second, they repurposed Lasunadya Ghrita (LG), an Ayurvedic remedy, to target amyloid beta aggregation effectively.

Lasunadya Ghrita (LG)

LG is a traditional Ayurvedic medicine known for treating mental illnesses. Its non-toxic compounds were characterised for their ability to disrupt amyloid fibrillation and inhibit oligomer formation, showing promise in treating Alzheimer’s.

Research Findings

The study published in *Biochemistry* brought into light chemically designed peptides as non-toxic and effective against amyloid proteins. Collaborations with Ayurveda experts showed that natural compounds could enhance the breakdown of amyloid beta more effectively than synthetic peptides.

Symptoms and Progression

Early symptoms include memory loss and difficulty in recent events. As the disease progresses, patients may struggle with daily tasks, lose recognition of familiar faces, and experience personality changes such as depression and aggression.

Preserved Skills

Despite severe cognitive decline, individuals with Alzheimer’s may retain some abilities, known as preserved skills. These can include reading, storytelling, singing, and engaging in crafts, often managed by unaffected brain regions.

Future Directions

The promising results of this research may lead to further exploration of Ayurvedic remedies in treating neurodegenerative diseases. This could enhance the quality of life for those affected by Alzheimer’s and similar disorders.

website: popularscientist.com

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ISRO Successfully Germinates Black-eyed Pea Seeds in Space

 

Recent advancements in space agriculture have emerged as critical for long-duration human missions to celestial bodies. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully germinated black-eyed pea seeds in space as part of its Compact Research Module for Orbital Plant Studies (CROPS). This milestone marks the potential for sustainable food sources during extended space travel, addressing both nutritional needs and psychological well-being of astronauts.

ISRO’s CROPS Initiative

• The CROPS project aims to explore plant growth in space.
• It is designed to simulate Earth-like conditions, excluding gravity.
• The first mission, CROPS-1, demonstrated seed germination and initial plant growth in a controlled environment aboard a spacecraft.

Challenges of Space Agriculture

Growing plants in microgravity presents unique challenges:

• Roots cannot grow downwards, and water distribution is difficult.
• High radiation levels and extreme temperature fluctuations also threaten plant development.
• Adequate light is essential for photosynthesis, especially in areas with limited sunlight.

Methods of Cultivation

Plants in space can be grown using the following methods:

• Hydroponics delivers nutrients through liquid solutions
• Aeroponics uses mist to reduce water and fertiliser usage
• Soil-like media can also be employed to create a familiar growing environment.

Technical Specifications of CROPS-1

• CROPS-1 features a mini greenhouse setup with a soil-like medium made of porous clay pellets.
• The module maintains Earth-like atmospheric conditions, with controlled temperature and light cycles.
• Water is delivered via an electric valve, allowing for precise moisture regulation.

Germination Process

After launch, water was injected into the soil medium, initiating germination. Sensors monitored carbon dioxide and oxygen levels, indicating plant growth. On the fourth day, sprouting was observed, and by the fifth day, two leaves had emerged.

Ideal Plants for Space

Plants selected for space cultivation are fast-growing and nutrient-rich. Leafy greens like lettuce and spinach are ideal, along with beans for their protein content. Root vegetables and grains like wheat and rice are also suitable for long-term sustenance.

Future Prospects

The next phase of the CROPS initiative will focus on extended growth periods, aiming for plant development beyond the two-leaf stage. This will involve active control systems to manage environmental factors, ensuring sustainable plant growth in space.

website: popularscientist.com

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Future of Jobs Report 2025

 

The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 marks changes in the global labour market. The report indicates that artificial intelligence (AI), big data, and security management specialists will dominate job growth over the next five years. It also forecasts a job disruption affecting 22% of the workforce by 2030, alongside the creation of 170 million new jobs. This transformation is driven by technological advancements, economic factors, and demographic shifts.

Key Findings from the Report

The Future of Jobs Report 2025 is based on data from over 1,000 global companies. These companies represent more than 14 million workers across 22 industries and 55 economies. The report identifies the rapid adoption of digital technologies as a transformative trend for businesses. Employers anticipate that 60% of their operations will be affected by increasing digital access.

Fastest Growing Job Roles

The report lists the top ten fastest-growing job roles expected by 2030: 1. Big data specialists 2. FinTech engineers 3. AI and machine learning specialists 4. Software and applications developers 5. Security management specialists 6. Data warehousing specialists 7. Autonomous and electric vehicle specialists 8. UI and UX designers 9. Light truck or delivery services drivers 10. Internet of Things specialists These roles reflect the ongoing digital transformation across various sectors.

Skills in Demand

The report marks several skills that will see increases in demand. AI and big data skills are expected to rise by 87%. Networks and cybersecurity skills will grow by 70%. Creative thinking and resilience will also be essential, both increasing by 66%. Conversely, skills such as dependability and attention to detail will see minimal growth or decline.

Job Market in India

India’s job market is influenced by increased digital access and geopolitical tensions. Companies in India are investing heavily in AI, robotics, and energy technologies. The report notes that Indian employers are likely to lead in adopting certain technologies, with 35% expecting advancements in semiconductors and computing.

Declining Job Roles

The report also outlines the fastest declining job roles. These include: 1. Postal service clerks 2. Bank tellers 3. Data entry clerks 4. Cashiers 5. Ticket clerks 6. Printing and trades workers 7. Legal secretaries These roles are likely to diminish due to automation and technological advancements.

Future Skills and Adaptation

As industries evolve, workers must adapt by acquiring new skills. Emphasis on upskilling will be crucial, as 77% of employees plan to enhance their capabilities in response to automation. Resilience, flexibility, and a creative mindset will be vital for navigating the changing job landscape. The Future of Jobs Report 2025 serves as a roadmap for understanding how the labour market will shift in the coming years. Adaptation to these changes will be essential for both individuals and organisations.

website: popularscientist.com

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World Economic Forum’s Global Cooperation Barometer 2025

Recent global dynamics reveal a concerning stagnation in international cooperation, primarily due to escalating geopolitical tensions. The World Economic Forum’s Global Cooperation Barometer 2025 indicates that while cooperation has ‘flatlined’, there are promising developments in climate finance, trade, and innovation. This report, created in partnership with McKinsey & Company, employs 41 indicators to assess the current state of global cooperation across five critical pillars.

Overview of the Global Cooperation Barometer

• The Global Cooperation Barometer is a comprehensive tool designed to help leaders understand the complexities of global cooperation.
• The Barometer examines trade and capital flows, innovation and technology, climate and natural capital, health and wellness, and peace and security.
• The second edition draws on new data, providing an updated view of the cooperation landscape, especially in light of technological advancements.




Current Global Instability




The Barometer’s release coincides with global instability. Børge Brende, President and CEO of the World Economic Forum, emphasised the necessity of cooperation to tackle pressing economic, environmental, and technological issues. The report marks that while cooperation is vital, it is also feasible amid current turbulence.




Trends in Global Cooperation




The analysis reveals that global cooperation has stagnated after a decade of positive trends. This stagnation is largely attributed to a decline in the peace and security pillar, driven by increasing geopolitical tensions. Notably, conflicts in regions such as the Middle East, Ukraine, and Sudan have exacerbated humanitarian crises.




Opportunities Amidst Challenges




Despite the decline in peace and security, the Barometer identifies emerging opportunities for cooperation in areas like vaccine distribution,  scientific research, and renewable energy. These collaborative efforts serve as models for future international partnerships, showcasing that cooperation can persist even in challenging circumstances.




Technological Advancements and Cooperation




The Barometer notes advancements in technology and innovation in 2023, largely due to the digitisation of the global economy. This shift has led to increased adoption of new technologies and a decrease in lithium battery prices. However, the rise of emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, poses new challenges and risks, potentially leading to an “AI arms race.”




Climate Cooperation Progress




Cooperation regarding climate goals has improved, with increased financial flows and trade in low-carbon technologies. Nevertheless, urgent actions are necessary to achieve net-zero targets, as global emissions continue to rise. The Barometer stresses that enhanced global cooperation is critical for scaling up technologies and securing the required financing to meet climate objectives by 2030.




Health Cooperation




Post-pandemic health outcomes have shown improvements in life expectancy, although overall progress is slowing compared to pre-2020 levels. While some health cooperation metrics have declined, others, such as child and maternal mortality rates, remain strong. Leaders are urged to invest in global cooperation to strengthen public health systems in light of rising health risks and ageing populations.




Trade and Economic Flows




The report indicates mixed results regarding the flow of goods and services. Goods trade declined by 5%, influenced by slower growth in China and other developing markets. However, foreign direct investment has surged, particularly in sectors like semiconductors and green energy. Labour migration and remittances have also rebounded, exceeding pre-pandemic levels.

website: popularscientist.com

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New Drone Incentives to Boost Domestic Manufacturing

 

The Government of India is set to unveil a new Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme aimed at encouraging a self-sustaining  drone ecosystem. This initiative is expected to feature an allocation of over ₹500 crore in the upcoming Budget. The scheme will succeed an earlier version that provided ₹120 crore for domestic drone manufacturing from 2021 to 2022. The new incentives aim to enhance local production and reduce dependency on imports, which currently account for 50-60% of drone parts used in India.

Overview of the New PLI Scheme

The new PLI scheme will offer incentives as a predetermined percentage of the total sale amount of drones and their components. It aims to promote local manufacturing while expanding the scope to include services like drone leasing and software development. The initiative is designed to stimulate innovation across the entire drone value chain.

Objectives of the PLI 2.0

The primary objective of PLI 2.0 is to increase localisation levels of drone components to approximately 30% of the total value. This initiative will encourage local manufacturers to develop and produce essential drone parts domestically. By doing so, the government seeks to reverse the trend of high import dependency in the drone sector.

Key Areas of Focus

The new scheme will focus on several critical areas, including:

• Drone Manufacturing – Incentives will be provided for the production of drones and their components.
• Drone Leasing – The scheme will promote services related to leasing drones, making them more accessible to various sectors.
• Software Development – It will support domestic coding and sale of software for operating Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS).
• Counter-Drone Systems – The inclusion of anti-drone technologies will enhance security measures.

  Impact on the Drone Ecosystem

  Industry experts believe that the new PLI scheme will boost the growth of India’s drone ecosystem. The government’s previous initiatives, such as the liberalised Drone Rules and initial PLI scheme, have already accelerated this growth. By encouraging innovation and enabling start-ups, India is positioning itself as an emerging leader in drone technology.

  Demand Across Various Sectors

  The demand for drones is projected to grow in sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure development, and surveillance. Industry insiders have brought into light the importance of a dedicated focus on the drone ecosystem in the upcoming Budget. This focus should encompass not only drones but also components and software to ensure comprehensive development.

  Future Prospects of Drone Technology

  The future of drone technology in India looks promising, with government support and growing industry interest. As the PLI 2.0 scheme rolls out, it is expected to catalyse further innovation and attract investments in high-value manufacturing. This will not only enhance self-reliance but also position India as a competitive player in the global drone market

    website: popularscientist.com

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Amendments to the Forest Conservation Act 2025

The recent passage of the Bill to amend the Forest (Conservation) Act marks change in India’s approach to forest regulation. This amendment comes after more than four decades since the original Act was enacted in 1980. The government aims to align the Act with contemporary ecological, strategic, and economic needs. The brief nature of the original Act, spanning only four pages, contrasts sharply with the complexities surrounding its interpretation and application. 

Historical Context of the FC Act

The Forest (Conservation) Act was established in 1980 to manage the diversion of forest land for construction and mining activities. Initially, the Act applied only to areas designated as forests under the Indian Forest Act of 1927. However, a 1996 Supreme Court ruling broadened its scope, making it applicable to all land classified as forest, restricting development activities.

Key Amendments Proposed

The proposed amendments aim to limit the applicability of the FC Act to notified forest land and areas recorded as forests in government documents. This change addresses concerns regarding plantations on private and non-forest land, which were previously uncertain under the Act. The amendments also clarify that the Act will continue to apply to unclassified forests and areas identified by expert committees.

Fast-Tracking Strategic Projects

A principal objective of the amendment is to expedite projects deemed strategically important, particularly those located within 100 km of international borders and in regions affected by Left Wing Extremism. Some states have expressed concerns about the broad definitions of “national importance” and “national security”, fearing that these could lead to excessive exemptions for various projects.

State-Specific Concerns

States like Himachal Pradesh and Chhattisgarh have called for clearer definitions regarding the types of projects that qualify for expedited approval. Meanwhile, Mizoram has raised fears that any project could be justified under the umbrella of national importance, potentially leading to environmental degradation. Sikkim has requested a reduction in the exemption zone from 100 km to 2 km to protect its forests.

Focus on Plantations and Compensatory Afforestation

The amendments encourage the establishment of plantations on private lands to enhance carbon sinks. Developers are required to conduct compensatory afforestation on non-forest land or degraded forest land, effectively ensuring that forest land remains protected. The Bill clarifies that land not subject to the FC Act can be used for plantations, promoting the creation of private land banks for afforestation.

Concerns Over Implementation and Interpretation

Despite assurances from the Environment Ministry, critics argue that the amendments leave too much to executive discretion. The reliance on guidelines rather than explicit provisions in the Bill raises concerns about potential misinterpretation and misuse. Observers warn that the lack of clarity could undermine the intended protections for India’s forests.

website: popularscientist.com

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