International Research Award on Civil and Environmental Engineering

  A recent study has revealed alarming statistics about air pollution from landscape fires, conducted by Australian researchers, it marks the severe health impacts worldwide. Over 1.5 million deaths occur annually due to this pollution, which emphasizes the urgent need for action, especially in vulnerable regions. Key Findings The study indicates that 1.53 million deaths per year are linked to air pollution from wildfires. This data covers the period from 2000 to 2019. The majority of these deaths, over 90%, are in low and middle-income countries. Regions most affected include sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, South Asia, and East Asia. Health Impacts The research identifies specific health issues caused by wildfire-related air pollution. Heart disease accounts for approximately 450,000 deaths. Respiratory diseases contribute to around 220,000 fatalities. Fine particulate matter from wildfires is responsible for 77.6% of these deaths. Surface ozone exposure contributes to 22.4% o...

  The Great Nicobar Island project has received approval, which follows extensive evaluations of its environmental impact. The project is deemed crucial for national security and development initiatives. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) The project underwent the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) process, which is mandatory for new developments. It evaluates potential environmental effects and outlines management plans. Several prominent institutions conducted environmental studies. The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) played a key role. The Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) also contributed. Additionally, IITs and the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) participated in the assessment. Expert Review Process A panel of experts scrutinised the environmental and management plans. This review was part of the project approval process. It ensured that all potential impacts were carefully considered. The project was approved with...

Recent discoveries reveal critical brain functions, including the identification of new brain regions aiding social interactions. These regions consistently communicate with the ancient amygdala, and this could transform treatments for anxiety and depression. Study Overview The study was conducted by Northwestern Medicine in Chicago, and published in Science Advances. Researchers explored how humans understand others’ thoughts and feelings. Senior author Rodrigo Braga brought into light common social queries. These include wondering about others’ feelings or potential misunderstandings. Brain Regions Involved The newly discovered regions are part of the social cognitive network. This network is essential for social interaction skills. The amygdala, known as the “lizard brain,” plays a very important role. It processes fear and detects threats but also influences social behaviours. The study reveals continuous communication between the amygdala and social cognitive network. Previous res...

  Astronomers have recently made discovery in the field of astrophysics and used the MeerKAT radio telescope to study giant radio galaxies in the COSMOS field. A new giant radio galaxy was identified, expanding our understanding of these cosmic phenomena. This finding was published on November 11 in a research paper on arXiv. What are Giant Radio Galaxies? Giant radio galaxies (GRGs) emit radio waves across vast distances, which typically extend over 2.3 million light years. GRGs are rare and often found in low-density regions of space. Their structure includes jets and lobes composed of plasma. GRGs help scientists learn about radio source formation and evolution. The MeerKAT Radio Telescope The MeerKAT telescope is located in South Africa and is particularly effective for studying GRGs at high frequencies, around 1.0 GHz. The telescope’s capabilities enhance the analysis of these galaxies. It is part of the MeerKAT International GHz Tiered Extragalactic Exploration (MIGHTEE) surv...

  Researchers have discovered unique mineral chimneys on the Dead Sea floor, which are a result of highly salty groundwater. The findings were published in Science of the Total Environment. This discovery may help predict dangerous sinkholes in the region. Characteristics of the Chimneys The chimneys can reach heights of up to 7 meters, that can grow several centimeters daily. Their widths range from 2 to 3 meters. The structures resemble ocean floor smokers, but they emit salty fluids instead of hot water. Formation Process Chimneys form when salty groundwater rises from below. This water mixes with the Dead Sea’s brine. The dissolved salts, mainly halite, crystallize rapidly. The process creates the chimney-like structures observed. Environmental Context The Dead Sea has been shrinking for over 50 years. It loses approximately 1 meter of water annually. Reduced river inflow and high evaporation rates contribute to this decline. The current surface level is about 438 meters below...

  Pollinators are vital for agriculture and food security as they contribute to over 75% of food crops and flowering plants but these small insects face numerous threats including pesticides, pollution, climate change, and habitat loss which exacerbates these challenges. Importance of Diverse Pollinator Habitats Diverse habitats with ample flowers can reduce disease spread among pollinators. When pollinators share habitats, they risk transmitting pathogens. A study in Switzerland revealed elevated pathogen levels in wild bees sharing flowers with managed honey bees. Pathogen Spillover and Spillback Pathogen spillover occurs when diseases transfer from managed to wild pollinators. This can lead to increased virus prevalence in wild species. Managed honey bees can carry viruses that infect wild populations, worsening their health. Research indicates that this phenomenon is important in regions with overlapping habitats. Bees in India India hosts over 700 bee species, including four n...

  Recent research marks that over 68 percent of these ecosystems could vanish by 2100 if current greenhouse gas emissions continue, which is termed ‘business-as-usual.’ Temperate rainforests are unique and vital, yet they occupy less than one percent of the Earth’s land surface . Importance of Temperate Rainforests These forests support diverse species and store substantial carbon, which is crucial for mitigating climate change impacts. Their unique ecosystems are found in specific regions, including parts of Canada, the US, Chile, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK . Current Threats and Projections The study indicates potential losses of up to 90 percent in some areas. Without intervention, these ecosystems may face catastrophic decline. Limiting global warming to below two degrees Celsius could reduce losses to 9 percent. Historical Context and Current Status Approximately 43 percent of temperate rainforests have already been lost due to deforestation. Only 37 percent of p...

  Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL) has recently commissioned an important floating solar project in India. The Omkareshwar floating solar installation has a capacity of 126 megawatts (MW) and is located in Madhya Pradesh, strategically positioned between two hydroelectric reservoirs. This project marks a substantial advancement in renewable energy technology. Project Overview The Omkareshwar project is one of India’s largest floating solar installations. It has been developed under an engineering procurement and construction (EPC) contract worth ₹596 crore, awarded by NHPC. The project aims to supply sustainable power to the Madhya Pradesh Power Transmission Company Limited (MPPTCL). Technical Specifications The installation features 213,460 bifacial glass-to-glass solar modules. It generates approximately 204,580 megawatt-hours (MWh) of energy annually. This project also contributes to important carbon offsetting, reducing CO₂ emissions by 173,893 tonnes each year. Envi...

  The H5N1 strain of avian influenza has caused important mortality among elephant seals. Over 17,000 seals have died within a year. The outbreak has severely impacted breeding populations, particularly in Patagonia, Argentina. Research published in Nature Communications outlines the virus’s spread and its consequences. Virus Transmission and Spread The H5N1 virus transmitted primarily through marine mammals, including porpoises and dolphins. It spread along the coasts of Peru and Chile between 2022 and 2023. By June 2023, the virus had moved southwards in Chile. It eventually reached other South American shores, causing widespread mortality. Impact on Elephant Seals The outbreak has led to the deaths of 95 percent of elephant seal pups born in 2023. The peak mortality occurred between September and October. At least 35 adult and subadult seal carcasses were recorded at Península Valdés. This UNESCO World Heritage site is crucial for marine wildlife conservation. The mortality even...

  Recent research has revealed a remarkable phenomenon in marine biology. A newly identified species of comb jelly, known scientifically as Mnemiopsis leidyi, possesses the extraordinary ability to reverse its aging process. This challenges long-standing beliefs about the life cycles of animals. The Discovery Process Joan J Soto-Angel, a co-author of the study, encountered an unexpected larval form of a comb jelly in his lab. This larva was an adult that had reverted to an earlier developmental stage. This surprising observation prompted further investigation into the conditions that triggered this de-ageing process. Experimental Findings Researchers subjected adult comb jellies to extreme stress. The results demonstrated that these jellies could regress to a larval stage. Over several weeks, they not only changed their physical characteristics but also altered their feeding behavior to that typical of larval forms. Implications for Biological Research This discovery raises importa...

  Recent studies reveal that microplastics in the atmosphere may influence weather and climate. Research from Penn State indicates these tiny particles can facilitate ice formation in clouds. This discovery adds to the understanding of microplastics’ pervasive presence on Earth. Their effects on precipitation and climate patterns remain largely unknown. What are Microplastics? Microplastics are plastic particles smaller than 5 millimeters. They are found in various environments, including remote locations like the Mariana Trench and Mount Everest. These particles have been detected in human tissues, marine life, and even plant roots. Their widespread presence raises concerns about environmental and health impacts. Microplastics as Ice Nucleating Particles Microplastics serve as ice-nucleating particles in the atmosphere. They facilitate the formation of ice crystals in clouds. This process is crucial for understanding how clouds form and influence weather. The presence of microplas...

  The Agriculture department is initiating a pilot project under the NAWO-DHAN scheme. This project aims to enhance horticulture agribusiness. It targets land owners and cultivators who have shown interest. An expression of interest (EoI) was released in October. So far, 22 land owners and 149 cultivators have responded. The response includes offers for 1,600 acres across 11 districts. Project Overview NAWO-DHAN stands for New Agriculture Wealth Opportunities Driving Horticulture Agribusiness Networking. The project focuses on increasing food crop production in Kerala. It aims to utilise land that is currently fallow or unused. The initiative will engage farmer groups through Service Level Agreements (SLA). This approach treats farming as a service, ensuring no transfer of land ownership. Selection Process The Agriculture department is currently shortlisting farmers. This selection is based on technical and financial criteria. The goal is to identify suitable candidates from the 14...

  Recent research has revealed a unique strain of cyanobacteria, known as Chonkus. This strain was discovered in the volcanic ocean vents near Vulcano, Italy. It thrives in high CO2 environments, making it important for carbon sequestration efforts. The findings were published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology. Background of the Discovery A team of researchers from the US and Italy conducted the study. The environment near Vulcano features abundant dissolved CO2 due to volcanic activity. The researchers aimed to explore how organisms adapt to high carbon levels. They hypothesized that some microbes could evolve to utilize this carbon effectively. Characteristics of Chonkus Chonkus exhibits rapid growth in CO2-rich waters. It has a natural tendency to sink, which aids in carbon capture. This strain’s dense growth makes it a promising candidate for biotechnological applications. Its potential for carbon sequestration could play a role in combating climate change. Research Met...

  Wave Life Sciences, a Massachusetts biotechnology firm, made headlines. They became the first company to treat a genetic condition using RNA editing in clinical trials. This milestone marks the growing significance of RNA in medicine, especially following the success of mRNA vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic. About RNA Editing RNA editing is a process that corrects mistakes in messenger RNA (mRNA) after its synthesis from DNA. Cells use mRNA to produce proteins. Errors in mRNA can lead to faulty proteins, causing various disorders. RNA editing fixes these errors before the mRNA is translated into proteins. How RNA Editing Works One key method involves adenosine deaminase acting on RNA (ADAR) enzymes. These enzymes convert adenosine, a building block of RNA, into inosine. Inosine behaves like guanosine, another RNA building block. This conversion tricks the cell into correcting the mRNA, allowing it to produce functional proteins. Guide RNA and Targeting Scientists pair ADAR...

  Researchers from the University of Georgia published an important study in the journal PLoS Genetics. They discovered a link between nickel exposure and sterol deficiency in mammalian and fungal cells. This connection was unexpected and has implications for understanding nickel toxicity and sterol biosynthesis. Nickel and Its Role Nickel is a heavy metal. It was once popular for jewelry but is now known as a common allergen. Nickel compounds can cause cancer. In nature, nickel is essential for certain enzymes, particularly urease, found in plants, bacteria, and fungi. For example, the fungus Cryptococcus neoformans uses urease to grow and spread. About Sterols Sterols are vital components of cell membranes in plants, animals, and fungi. In mammals, cholesterol is the main sterol. High cholesterol can lead to heart disease and stroke. Statins are often prescribed to lower cholesterol levels. In fungi, ergosterol serves a similar role. Drugs like fluconazole target ergosterol to co...

A groundbreaking study has revealed the existence of a “black hole triple” system. This discovery marks the first time scientists have identified such a configuration in space. The system is located approximately 8,000 light years from Earth, in the constellation Cygnus. It features a central black hole, a star spiraling closely around it, and a more distant star. About Black Holes A black hole is a region in space with an extremely strong gravitational pull. This force is so intense that nothing, not even light, can escape from it. Most black holes form from massive stars that explode at the end of their life cycle, a process called a supernova. However, the newly discovered black hole challenges this traditional view. The Black Hole Triple System The black hole triple system consists of three components:A central black hole, V404 Cygni, which is about nine times the mass of our Sun. A star that orbits the black hole every 6.5 days. A second, more distant star that takes around 70,000...

Japan’s iconic Mount Fuji has yet to receive its first snowfall of the season. This is unprecedented, marking the latest date without snow since records began in 1894. The previous record was October 26, noted in 1955 and 2016. This year, warm weather has delayed the formation of the snowcap. Historical Snow Patterns Mount Fuji typically sees its first snow around October 2. Last year, the snow appeared on October 5. The absence of snow this year marks an important shift in weather patterns. The snowcap is essential for the mountain’s ecosystem and is a key feature for climbers and tourists. Weather Influences Yutaka Katsuta, a forecaster, attributes the delay to persistently high temperatures. Summer 2024 was among the hottest on record, matching the extreme heat of 2023. This prolonged warmth has continued into September, preventing the cold air needed for snowfall. Climate Change Impact Experts suggest that climate change may be influencing these unusual weather patterns. The risin...